Collaborative post
Even though wooden sheds are such a handy thing to have, many fail to live up to expectations. Often, they start to fall apart or rot away after just a few years of use, leaving you with an eyesore in your garden. So, how do you stop this happening? Well, it’s a combination of getting the planning, construction and maintenance right. Here’s how to build a wooden shed that lasts.
Choose a suitable location
Firstly, to help keep your shed durable, it’s important to pick a suitable location. Ideally, you want a position with a mix of shelter and sunshine.
While you don’t want your shed exposed to the worst of the weather such as high winds and lashing rain, you also want to avoid too much shade as this may mean your shed ends up damp. A shady spot under trees may be sheltered but it may also be prone to moss and algae growth and your shed could be damaged by falling branches. So, a sunny space near the house or a fence would work.
Another important aspect to consider is the ground. You want a spot where the ground is solid and level. This will reduce the likelihood of structural issues developing.
To determine whether a location is suitable, it’s also worth considering drainage. It’s best to avoid anywhere in the garden that’s boggy or where rainwater tends to pool as this may result in the shed rotting away too quickly and the ground is unlikely to be solid enough to create a strong, stable structure.
Put it on a solid base
A solid base is one of the key things that’s going to make your timber shed durable. When you’ve found the right location, you need to make sure you prep the ground properly by clearing away vegetation and tamping the ground to compact it. You may also decide to use a weed membrane to stop determined plants from interfering with the stability of the base.
A hard base will help to strengthen your shed’s structure and should stop it from moving or tilting over time. It should also help with construction as working on a flat surface makes it easier to fix panels tightly together.
A plastic, grid-style base that’s filled with gravel can work for sheds that are small and light. Paving can also be used for a base but for bigger and heavier structures, a concrete shed base is best. Not only will this be sturdier, but it will give you something to anchor your shed to. So, it’s more stormproof. Plus, raising a wooden shed off the ground, will reduce moisture and stop it from rotting away.
A suitable sub-base and the correct concrete mix are crucial to achieving a strong concrete shed base. So, unless you’ve done this kind of job before, a professional installation may be the best route to take.
Once your base is ready, you can place your shed on top. However, it’s important to make sure there’s some ventilation incorporated into the shed floor, so air can circulate. This will further reduce dampness and condensation.
Pick good-quality materials
For your shed to last a long time, it needs to be well-built but the type of timber also plays a large part in its strength and durability.
Although pine is one of the most affordable materials for sheds, it’s not going to be the best for standing up to harsh weather. Red cedar, Douglas Fir and European oak are all woods that tend to be tough and resistant to rot. It’s also important that the wood is treated. So, look for sheds that have been tanalised or pressure-treated.
The cladding style and thickness of the timber also make a difference. Thin, flimsy panels aren’t necessarily going to stand up to storms, so aim for cladding that’s at least 12mm thick rather than just 7mm to 8mm. And if you want a really strong and durable shed, you might consider a log cabin style of shed as the panels tend to be 45mm to 75mm thick. Similarly, the use of overlapping wood cladding might not be as resistant to rain as those built with a tighter fitting or interlocking design such as shiplap or tongue and groove.
Consider the roof
The roof is one of the most important elements of the shed in terms of durability. Roofs with a gable or sloping design as going to be better at channelling rainwater away. However, choosing a roof with a slight overhang and adding guttering to it, will also help to direct water away from the sides.
Although roof felt is a popular choice for sheds, you may wish to consider other options such as EPDM rubber roofing or metal sheets are they are known to be durable in harsh conditions.
Maintain it
Finally, no shed will last a long time unless it’s properly maintained. You should remember to check periodically for leaks and regularly clean out the gutters.
Plus, you will need to make sure the shed is painted or treated every five years or so. It should state on the tin of preservative or exterior paint you use how long it’s likely to last. But if you see signs of fading or flaking before then, it’s worth getting your brush out.