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Seatza

Category: Guides

Practical buying guides for garden storage and outdoor living.

  • Where to put a garden shed: a planning checklist

    Where to put a garden shed: a planning checklist

    Choosing the right spot makes a shed easier to use and helps it last. Run through this checklist before you order.

    Access

    • Leave enough room for the doors to open fully and for you to get a mower or bike in and out.
    • Think about the route from the shed to the house, the gate and the lawn.
    • Allow working space around the base for assembly, and a small gap behind it for air to circulate and for maintenance.

    Ground and drainage

    • Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
    • Plan a firm, level base, such as paving slabs, concrete or a purpose-made shed base.
    • Keep it clear of overhanging branches that drip and drop leaves.

    Planning rules in England

    Most garden sheds count as “permitted development” in England and do not need planning permission, as long as they meet certain conditions. Among them: the shed should not be in front of the house, should be single storey, and should be no more than 2.5 metres high if it is within 2 metres of a boundary. Different rules apply to listed buildings, conservation areas and flats, and the rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    Always check the current guidance on the Planning Portal or with your local council before you build. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

    Neighbours and boundaries

    Check your property deeds for any restrictions, and talk to neighbours if the shed will be close to a shared fence. It saves disagreements later.

    Once you know your space, browse our garden sheds and check the external dimensions on each product page.

  • Plastic, metal or wooden shed: which suits you?

    Sheds are made from three main materials. Each has strengths, and the best choice depends on how much maintenance you want to do, how it should look and what you will keep inside.

    Plastic (resin) sheds

    • Usually need little maintenance beyond an occasional wash.
    • Do not rot and do not need painting or treating.
    • Often quicker to assemble, as panels slot together.
    • Check the floor, ventilation and wall thickness listed on the product page.

    Metal sheds

    • Often galvanised or coated steel, with a slim profile that saves space.
    • Do not rot, but scratches in the coating should be touched up to prevent rust.
    • Can get condensation inside, so look for ventilation and keep it on a dry base.
    • Usually have more parts and fixings, so allow time for assembly.

    Wooden sheds

    • A traditional look that suits many UK gardens.
    • Easy to add shelves, hooks and fittings.
    • Need treating with a preservative regularly to protect them from the weather, unless the timber is pressure treated. Check the product page.
    • Felt roofs may need replacing over the years.

    Questions to ask before you buy

    • How much time do I want to spend on maintenance each year?
    • Will it be close to a fence or boundary? Check the height.
    • Does it need to be lockable?
    • Where will it sit, and is the base level?

    Every product page lists the materials and dimensions supplied by the manufacturer. If something is not clear, ask us before you order.

  • How to choose the right garden storage

    Garden storage comes in three main shapes: sheds you can walk into, storage boxes you open from the top, and upright cabinets with shelves. The right one depends on what you need to store, how much space you have and how often you need to get things out.

    Start with a list of what you are storing

    Write down the bulky items first: lawnmower, bikes, wheelie bins, barbecue, garden furniture cushions. Then the smaller things: hand tools, hoses, toys, pots and compost. Bulky items usually decide the size, so measure them.

    Match the type to the job

    • Storage boxes suit cushions, hoses, toys and small tools. They fit on a patio or balcony and some double as a bench, so check the maximum seat load on the product page if you want to sit on one.
    • Outdoor cabinets suit small gardens and side returns. Shelves keep tools, paint and pots organised in a small footprint.
    • Sheds suit mowers, bikes and larger collections of tools, or anything you want to lock away. They need a level base and more space around them for doors and assembly.

    Measure the space, then measure again

    Check the external footprint, the height and the space needed for doors or lids to open. Leave a gap behind and around the unit for air to circulate and for assembly. On product pages, check whether dimensions are internal or external.

    Think about the base

    Most storage needs a firm, level surface such as paving slabs, a concrete pad or a purpose-made base. An uneven base can stop doors closing properly and may affect the manufacturer’s warranty, so read the installation guidance before you order.

    Check materials and features

    • Look for the material listed on the product page, for example plastic resin, metal or timber, and the care it needs.
    • Check whether the unit is lockable if you are storing tools or bikes.
    • Look at the assembly information and how many people it needs.
    • Check the delivery details for large items, as some arrive by pallet.

    If you are unsure which size or type suits your garden, contact us with what you want to store and the space you have, and we will help.