Garden Sheds Guides & Resources

Garden shed installation cost

Installing garden sheds can be relatively easy, or it can turn into a complicated nightmare if not done properly. Always make sure that the ground is levelled and solid before you begin to lay down the foundation for your garden shed. There are no set guidelines as to how deep or wide to dig the hole in order to support the garden sheds, so just dig it until it feels sturdy, with room underneath for adequate drainage. Digging around 6" below and 3" on each side should suffice. To attach the walls you'll need a level and some strong people. Put together one piece of wall framing at a time and nail them into place. Nails should be placed every few inches or so along each join, as well as on each corner to keep it sturdy. The roof must be assembled in a similar manner as the walls. Build it off the ground and make sure that everything is level, then nail or screw each section into place on both ends. Use a level to double-check before you start nailing. Add any insulation you might have purchased with your shed to the roof of the shed, so that water won't work its way down and rust out your garden tools or equipment that will be housed in your new garden shed. Any vents you choose to put in will need some form of sealing otherwise rain and snow will get them wet and create puddles inside as well as prevent proper air circulation around your stored items. ## How long does it take to install a garden shed? It can take anywhere from a few hours to all day, depending on the size of your shed - and this is for one person. Two or even three-person teams may be able to get it done quicker than that. If you're installing it yourself then make sure you leave time for proper alignment and levelling before closing up the roof panels. If you've got a little DIY experience under your belt then the time it takes to install a garden shed will likely depend on how many interruptions you have. A handyman with more than enough skill and confidence could easily get it done in 3-4 hours, but not everyone is so lucky. A number of factors affecting the shed install time depend on the shed installer, complexity of the job, type of shed, (action sheds, storage sheds), the quality of installation services, location and more. ## Is it cheaper to buy a shed kit or build from scratch? Shed kits will cost less and are easier to build (thanks to the assembly instructions) than building a shed from scratch. You'll need to buy at least some of the items separately, including screws, nails, hinges, locks and roofing materials and pouring a concrete slab which will add to the cost. Zincalume kit will cost more, but a zincalume kit is more durable. You can save even more money when buying a pre-made shed kit by doing your own labour. A prefabricated shed will take less time to install and require far less work overall. However, if you want something with more character or style then building one yourself may be the way to go since there are no limitations as to what can be included in the design - just make sure you know how difficult things will get when working alone. ## What type of garden shed is right for me? Different garden sheds have very different styles, size, and features. Some don't even look like a typical shed. Any of these types may be right for you depending on your needs in terms of size and price. Have you got a lot of tools to store outside? If so then it might be best to opt for one with ample shelving or wall space inside - maybe even both. Many sheds come complete with their own workbenches. Sheds typically come in one of two styles: A-frame or rectangular. Many people tend to prefer an A-frame because they're easier for people to get into while rectangular sheds take up more space since their length often exceeds their width. ## Do I need council approval to build a garden shed? All councils in Australia are different. Some don't even require you to declare a property as having 'additions' such as sheds, others have very strict policies when it comes to building any new structures on your land and if you fail to follow the rules then fines can often be issued. The only way to know for sure is to contact your local council to get more information. If you're planning on selling the property at any point then you should check with them anyway, as many buyers will be turned off by a shed that wasn't built to 'code'. ## Do I need foundations for a garden shed? You will need to either build a solid foundation in the area or put your shed on something that is. This may be easier said than done, depending on the yard you want to put the shed in and your equipment. If you're planning on placing the shed directly onto dirt then you'll still need a proper foundation made of concrete or bricks. If you're placing it on grass then the frame will be attached to stakes and the floor of your shed will rest atop this. This is probably the easiest option since there are no real tools required, but it can also sink unevenly if not done properly.