Get into gardening

For many people, their shed is not just a place to put tools, it’s a sanctuary to relax in and think about what to tackle next in the garden. What you use your shed for is up to you, but the make sure it’s built well (and safely), here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Plan your shed’s base

The first thing to do when your shed is delivered, is to check all the bits are included (like screws, hinges, locks and wood).

The next job is to plan what it’s going to be built on. Sheds need to sit on a hard level surface – otherwise the frame might distort. There are several options to choose from:

• Treated wooden beams laid over paving or shingle. • An interlocking shed base (available with most sheds) laid onto firm ground. • Concrete laid on flattened hardcore (rumble).

2. Make the shed weather proof

Before you start building your shed, you should treat all of the wooden parts with a preservative – to help it survive the elements.

Most shed are applied a base coat in the factory, but this won’t last forever, so it’s good idea to top it up. Two extra coats of good quality preservative in your preferred colour should protect all your hard work.

3. Find a helper

Although the individual parts of a shed are not very heavy, they can be awkward for one person to handle. So call on a friend or neighbour to help.

4. Build the shed floor

Some sheds are come with the floor panel already attached to the joists (which is great). Others will need a bit more work on your part. To assemble the base, the joists need to be laid out under the floor sheet and nailed in. For the exact spacing follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

5. Attach the walls

To make this easier, mark the exact centre point of each wall on its bottom edge. Do the same on the shed floor. Then marry these up and they’ll be in the right position on all four side.

While one person supports a panel, use a spirit level to check it’s vertical. Then use a scrap of wood to hold it in place. Then position the next panel next to it and fix together with screws.

NOTE: Don’t fix the wall panels to the floor until the roof is fitted.

6. Fit the roof

Some sheds come with a roof support bar – which needs to be fitted before you try and attach the roof panels. Once this is done, nail the panels in place as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Next roll out the roofing felt from front to back, leaving a 50mm overlap on all sides. Using felt tacks gently hammer this on. You’re then able to add the fascias. To stop them splitting pre drill them with 2mm holes.

7. Put in the windows (if you have some)

This is usually pretty straight forward as most sheds come with grooves for you to slide the plastic or glass frames in. For the exact method follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

When putting in the windows, take your time, handle the frames carefully and don’t forget to remove the plastic film (otherwise the world will always look a little hazy from your shed).

8. Attach the shed to the base

Use the centre marks you made earlier to line the shed and base up. Once you’re happy with its position, simply screw it together.

No all that’s left to do, is make a brew and admire your handy work.