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A new shed is a sizeable investment and one that should serve you well for many years. For these reasons, choosing a shed is an important task that should never be rushed. If you make the wrong choice and end up with a shed that’s either too small, too big, poorly laid out or made from unsuitable materials, it could turn out to be a very costly mistake. To help you learn how to choose a shed that’s perfect for your requirements, we have put together this comprehensive, easy-to-follow shed selection guide, covering everything you need to consider when making a new purchase.

Assessing Your Storage Requirements

If you know what you want to store in your new outbuilding, it will be easier to focus on shed styles that are suitable for your needs when browsing brochures and online catalogues. However, if you are planning to store a large number of expensive power tools or several pieces of high-end garden equipment in your new shed, we recommend choosing a larger shed constructed from sturdy metal panels.

Exploring Popular Shed Styles

There are many different shed styles to choose from in Australia today. Some of the most popular styles include:

• Skillion Roof Sheds

  Many people end up choosing a shed with a skillion roof because they are inexpensive, easy to install and don’t suffer from the same drainage issues as standard flat-roof buildings.

• Single Garages

  If you’d like a relatively small shed that can store a single vehicle or a variety of items in a dry, secure environment, a single garage construction is an excellent choice.

• Double Garages

  Designed to accommodate two domestic vehicles side by side, double garages are also the perfect shape and size for a shed as far as many people are concerned.

• Triple Garages

  Whether you want to store three vehicles in your shed or you have other plans that require a very wide building with three independently operated roller doors, you won’t be alone if you choose a triple garage design for your shed. Quite a few homeowners in Australia have already done the same.

• American Barns

  When you install an American barn, it’s like having three sheds in one, without the cost and inconvenience of buying, installing and maintaining three separate structures. Choosing a shed of this size will necessitate a much larger investment than most conventional garden sheds.

• Farm Sheds

  For those with very large storage needs, farm sheds are an excellent solution. In addition to providing plenty of dry, secure storage space, they can be configured for a wide variety of use cases.

• Industrial Sheds

  Durable, economical and eminently practical, industrial sheds can make great workshops, storage units and DIY vehicle maintenance bays.

• Open Bay Sheds

  If you need somewhere to store a large ride-on mower or tractor, an open bay shed could be the perfect choice.

In addition to these popular shed styles, you may wish to consider custom sheds. Having a shed built to meet your specific needs will, of course, negate the need to consider standard shed styles and features any further.

Essential Factors in Choosing a Shed

If you are not sure which shed style is right for you, or you’re worried you might overlook something important, be sure to consider the following essential factors carefully:

• Size 

  The size of the shed you purchase should be determined not just by your storage requirements but by the available space as well.

• Intended Use

  What you wish to do with your new shed should be your guide when evaluating shed styles and specific features.

By considering these essential factors carefully, you should be able to avoid buying an unsuitable shed.

Budgeting for Your Shed Purchase

When budgeting for a new shed, you need to include costs for the following in your calculations:

• Concrete Base
• Installation
• Site Preparation

All of the above costs are in addition to the obvious ones, such as the cost of the shed itself.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Some homeowners are tempted to try and handle the installation of a new shed themselves in an effort to save money. Unless you are an experienced installer, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Most importantly, you might void the warranty on your new shed if you make a mistake.

Final Thoughts

If you choose a well-built shed from a reputable manufacturer such as Best Sheds, you can avoid most of the problems that less fortunate homeowners encounter with their new outbuildings. If you’re also prepared to spend some time considering all the factors mentioned in this guide and take accurate measurements of the proposed installation site, you can ensure that your new shed meets all your needs at the right price. If you would like to discuss your requirements with a member of our team, we invite you to contact us by phone or email.