Deciding whether to buy a shed or build one yourself is a common question for homeowners looking to expand their outdoor storage or create a dedicated workspace.
With the rising popularity of wooden garden sheds, metal sheds, and garden offices, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
1. Assessing Your Skills and Tools
Many people shy away from DIY projects, fearing they lack the required expertise.
However, if you've ever assembled a flat-pack shed, then you likely already have the basic skills needed to build your own.
This section will outline the tools required and tips to help you save money.
Building a shed involves more than just hammering nails. You’ll need a few specific tools, but the good news is that they are easy to acquire, either by renting or purchasing. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Essential Tools:
- Cement mixer: Helpful for creating a sturdy base. Consider buying second-hand or renting to save costs.
- Wheelbarrow, shovel, and trowel: Basic tools for mixing and laying concrete or leveling soil.
- Spirit level and tape measure: Ensures your shed is level and accurately measured.
- Rubber mallet and string: For setting up base materials and keeping lines straight.
- Wooden pegs: Useful for marking out the shed area and maintaining alignment.
Renting vs. Buying Tools:
- Renting: Renting tools like a cement mixer can be budget-friendly, especially if you only need them for a short period. Expect to pay around £15 per day for rentals.
- Buying and Reselling: Alternatively, buying tools and reselling them after use can be cost-effective. For instance, buying a cement mixer at £280 and selling it later can significantly reduce your overall costs.
Key Takeaway: 💡 Building your own shed doesn’t require expert skills; with the right tools and some basic knowledge, most DIY enthusiasts can tackle this project. Renting or buying and reselling tools can also help manage costs efficiently.
2. Choosing the Right Shed Base
A solid shed foundation is the cornerstone of any shed, whether you’re setting up wooden garden sheds, metal sheds, or even a garden office.
The base not only supports the structure but also protects it from water damage, rot, and uneven settling.
There are several types of shed bases to consider, each with its pros, cons, and associated costs.
When constructing a shed, the base you choose plays a critical role in its stability and longevity.
A well-built base ensures your shed remains level, prevents moisture buildup, and minimizes the risk of structural damage.
Here are the main types of bases you can choose:
Solid Patio Slab Base:
- Description: This base involves laying patio slabs on a solid, leveled sub-base made from hardcore material.
- Cost: Typically around £280 for materials, including slabs, sand, and cement.
- Pros: Provides a strong, durable foundation; excellent for wooden garden sheds that need protection from ground moisture.
- Cons: More labour-intensive; requires levelling, which can be time-consuming.
Timber Frame Base on Reclaimed Slabs:
- Description: A cost-effective alternative where a timber frame is set on individual reclaimed patio slabs.
- Cost: Approximately £80, significantly cheaper than a solid patio slab base.
- Pros: Provides good drainage; cheaper and quicker to install; ideal for lightweight structures like plastic garden sheds.
- Cons: Slightly less stable compared to solid slab bases; requires maintenance to prevent wood rot.
Alternative Base Options:
- Eco Plastic Grids: Easy to install on level ground; great for garden offices or smaller wooden sheds.
- Fastfit Systems: A quick setup solution, ideal for those who want to minimize groundwork.
Key Takeaway: 💡 The right base can protect your shed from damage and enhance its lifespan. Choose a base that suits your budget and ground conditions for a stable and lasting structure.
3. Flat-Pack Shed vs. DIY Custom Shed: Cost Analysis
Both sheds in the following comparison are 10ft x 12ft in size, featuring a dual apex roof and standard green shed felt.
Despite the similarities, the construction costs varied significantly due to differences in the materials used and the type of base.
Flat-Pack Shed Costs:
- Materials and Tools: £1886.19
- Breakdown: The flat-pack shed comes as a complete package, including walls, roof, flooring, and fixings.
- Pros: Quick and easy assembly; ideal for those who prefer minimal construction work.
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Cons: Often less durable, especially for heavier loads or frequent use.
DIY Custom Shed Costs:
- Materials and Tools: £1675.15
- Breakdown: Custom shed built using shiplap cladding, wooden frames, and a timber frame base.
- Pros: Allows for customisation; can use more durable materials like apex metal sheds or garden fencing for added strength.
- Cons: Requires time and effort; may involve more planning and sourcing of materials.
Key Takeaway: 💡 Building your own shed is often cheaper than purchasing a flat-pack, especially when using budget-friendly materials. Custom sheds also offer greater durability, making them a better long-term investment.
4. Exploring Alternative Shed Base Options
While solid slab and timber frame bases are popular choices, there are other innovative options that might suit your needs better, especially if you’re working with specific types of sheds like apex metal sheds or plastic garden sheds.
Exploring these alternatives can provide both cost savings and unique advantages.
Alternative shed bases offer various benefits, such as quick installation, improved drainage, or reduced maintenance.
These options can be particularly useful if you’re looking to avoid intensive groundwork or if your ground conditions aren’t ideal for traditional bases.
Eco Plastic Grids:
- Overview: These grids are laid over leveled ground and filled with gravel or soil to create a stable base.
- Cost: Around £140 for a 12ft x 10ft grid system.
- Pros: Lightweight, easy to install; excellent for garden fencing or sheds in areas prone to damp.
- Cons: Requires level ground; not suitable for very heavy structures.
Fastfit System Bases:
- Overview: Pre-formed base systems that can be quickly assembled and installed.
- Cost: Varies based on size and brand.
- Pros: Fast setup; ideal for small projects or temporary sheds.
- Cons: Less customizable compared to traditional methods.
Material Choices: How They Affect Costs
The type of materials you use for your shed can significantly impact the overall cost and durability.
From cladding options to roof coverings, selecting the right materials is crucial for building a shed that meets your budget and requirements.
Choosing the right materials is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make when building a shed.
Not only do materials affect the cost, but they also determine the shed’s durability, appearance, and maintenance needs. Here’s a closer look at some common material choices:
Cladding Options:
- Shiplap Cladding: Offers a neat, professional appearance; excellent for wooden garden sheds.
- Loglap Cladding: Slightly more expensive; provides extra thickness and insulation.
- Metal Sheds Cladding: Ideal for apex metal sheds; offers added protection against weather elements.
Roof Covering:
- Felt Roofing: Standard for most sheds; cost-effective and easy to install.
- Corrugated Sheets: Used in metal sheds; provides excellent water runoff and durability.
Other Material Considerations:
- Flooring: Wooden floors for warmth and comfort; metal flooring for heavy-duty use.
- Garden Fencing: Can double as shed walls; great for creating an integrated garden look.
Key Takeaway: 💡 Material choices can drastically affect both the upfront costs and long-term maintenance of your shed. Consider durable materials like shiplap cladding and corrugated sheets to balance cost with quality.
Final Thoughts: Is Building Your Own Shed Worth It?
Building your own shed offers not only cost savings but also the satisfaction of customising a space that perfectly fits your needs.
Ultimately, the decision to build or buy depends on your budget, skills, and the time you’re willing to invest.
For those who enjoy hands-on projects, building a custom shed can be a fulfilling and cost-effective choice. However, if time or skill is a constraint, flat-pack options like the ones supplied by Trade Warehouse are still a convenient solution, though they may not match the durability of a custom build.
Key Takeaway: 💡 Building your own shed can be a rewarding and cost-effective project, offering more customization and durability than flat-pack options. With the right tools, materials, and a little bit of effort, you can create a shed that serves as a functional and attractive addition to your garden space.