Best Garden Sheds for Small Spaces
As a suburban homeowner, you understand the value of making the most out of every inch of your garden. Whether you need extra storage for garden tools and equipment or a small workspace, a well-designed garden shed can be a fantastic solution.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best garden sheds for small spaces and share practical tips to help you choose and optimise your new outdoor space.
Key Considerations Before Choosing a Shed
A garden shed can be a fun and beautiful addition to your space, but there are a few things to consider before buying one.
Assessing Your Needs
Before diving into the world of garden buildings, it’s important to determine the shed’s intended use. Are you storing gardening tools, bikes, or outdoor toys and furniture? Perhaps you need a small workshop for your DIY projects. Knowing your primary use will help you choose the right shed size, roof style, and overall design.
Measure Your Space
Make sure to measure the available space in your garden accurately. Allow extra height accommodations for doors, windows and other added extras you might want to include.
For example, do you want a pent or apex roof? Single or double doors? Sliding or swinging windows? These are all things to consider before buying your shed. Can your available space accommodate these design features? For example, you may not have enough space for a swing door and may need to opt for sliding doors instead.
Consider Local Regulations
Log cabins under 2.5m usually don’t need planning permission if they are placed within 2m of your boundary, but it’s always a good idea to check to confirm. Have a look at the UK government planning permission portal for more information and detailed guides.
Make every inch of your garden work for you. Explore our collection of small garden cabins.
Types of Small Garden Sheds
Garden sheds come in various materials and styles, each with its own pros and cons.
Materials
Your choice of materials will greatly depend on your local weather conditions and your intended use.
Wooden Sheds:
- Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, customisable and often blends well with garden environments.
- Cons: Prone to rot and insect damage, though good-quality treatment can extend longevity.
Metal Sheds:
- Pros: Durable, fire-resistant and often more secure for protecting and storing your equipment.
- Cons: Can rust if not properly treated, and may not be as visually appealing.
Plastic Sheds:
- Pros: Low maintenance, resistant to rot and insects, lightweight and easy to assemble.
- Cons: Less sturdy, may not look as attractive as traditional wood or metal options.
Roof Styles
Compare these roofing styles to determine the ideal option for your needs.
Traditional (Apex roofs):
- Pros: Extra height for storage, classic look with wooden finishes
- Cons: Can be taller than needed for smaller spaces, may limit placement under trees or near fences
Modern (Pent roofs):
- Pros: Sleek designs with clean lines, often using metal.
- Cons: Less internal headroom than apex roofs, can require careful drainage and is less common in traditional gardens
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Features to Look For In Small Sheds
When choosing a garden shed for a small space, prioritise features that enhance functionality without taking up too much room.
Space-Efficient Design
Opt for sheds with built-in shelves, hooks and even fold-out workbenches. Vertical storage, such as pegboards and overhead shelving, is especially useful for maximising limited space.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Ensure the shed is made from durable materials that can withstand local weather conditions. Metal sheds should be treated for rust prevention, and wooden sheds should be sealed to prevent rot.
Easy Assembly and Installation
Look for sheds that come with clear instructions and require minimal tools for assembly. DIY log cabin installations can be a great option if you’re handy and want to save on installation costs.
Security Features
Choose sheds with robust locks and reinforced doors to keep your belongings safe. Consider installing a motion sensor light outside his shed to deter potential thieves – simple yet effective!
Top Recommendations for Garden Buildings
Here are some of the best garden sheds for small spaces, each with unique features to meet different needs:
- Barbados 3 Log Cabin:
- Features: Customisable, strong, robust cabins crafted from sustainably-sourced spruce, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Price Range: £2,500-£6,000
- Kensington Log Cabin:
- Features: Durable, requires minima upkeep, and includes built-in ventilation.
- Price Range: £3,190-£3,775
- Sussex1 Log Cabin:
- Features: Classic design, pressure-treated wood, and pre-assembled panels for easy installation.
- Price Range: £3890-£4578
- Zambezi3 Log Cabin:
- Features: Compact, versatile and perfect for small spaces.
- Price Range: £1,790-£2,062
- Oban Log Cabin:
- Features: Premium finish, tongue and groove construction for added strength, and customisable options.
- Price Range: £2,490-£2,858
Tips for Maximising Space
Maximising the space inside your shed is crucial, especially in smaller gardens.
Organising the Interior
- Vertical Storage: Use shelves and hooks to store items off the floor. A pegboard can be particularly handy for hanging tools.
- Multi-Functional Furniture: Consider fold-out workbenches or stackable storage bins.
- Sliding Double Doors: Opt for sliding double doors instead of swinging doors to save space in your small shed.
Keeping it Decluttered
Regularly clean out your garden shed to avoid clutter. Only keep what you truly need to make the best use of your storage space. Make it a habit to do a shed clean-out every spring and autumn – it’s amazing how much space you can free up with a bit of decluttering!
Keep your log cabin looking good inside and out. Explore our guide to maintaining the exterior of your garden shed.
Installation and Maintenance
Explore the best way to prepare for the installation of your garden shed.
Installation Guide
- Prepare the Ground: Ensure the ground is level and firm. A concrete base or paving slabs are ideal.
- Organise the components: Lay all the components out on the ground, ideally in the order you’ll be using them. This will ensure you have everything you need and keep you organised.
- Assemble the Shed: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. It’s helpful to have an extra pair of hands.
- Secure the Shed: Anchor your shed to the base to prevent it from tipping over in strong winds.
Maintenance Tips
- Wooden Sheds: Repaint or re-stain every three to five years to protect against the elements and maintain their appearance.
- Metal Sheds: Check for rust spots and treat them immediately to ensure durability and longevity.
- Plastic Sheds: Simply wash with a mild detergent and water to keep your small shed looking fresh. If you spot any cracks, seal them quickly and easily with a fast-setting epoxy solution.
Customisation Ideas
Personalising your garden building can make it feel like an extension of your home.
Paint and Decor
Choose colours that complement your garden or match your home. Add some decorative elements like outdoor lighting or window boxes. Consider adding a colourful climbing frame for your planters for character and charm.
Green Features
Consider adding a green roof with sedum plants or installing wall planters to maximise green space. Not only do these features look great, but they also help add insulation to your shed. We recommend that you check the load-bearing capacity of the roof structure before considering this option.
Make your cabin your own with custom features. Check out our optional upgrades for options to choose from.
Case Studies
Emma’s Craft Shed: Emma transformed her shed for small gardens into a cosy craft space. She installed shelves for her supplies and painted the interior white to make it feel larger. “It’s my little escape,” she says.
John’s Tool Shed: John needed a place for his gardening tools. He opted for a compact metal shed with built-in hooks and shelves. “It’s incredibly organised now, and everything is within reach,” he shares.
Log Cabin Kits: Bringing You The Best Small Garden Sheds
At Log Cabin Kits, we make it easy to find the perfect garden shed small spaces [“for small”] We supply a vast selection of customisable garden sheds, allowing you to create an extension of your house that truly feels like home.
By considering your needs, you’ll be able to choose the best options from the various sizes, construction types, windows and roof styles available. By selecting the best quality materials and optimising the interior, you can make the most of your small shed for years to come.
Ready to experience the best small garden sheds for your outdoor space? Contact our team for expert advice on finding the perfect fit from our wide collection.
Disclaimer: This information is subject to change and, as such, is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Readers are encouraged to verify the details independently.