Garden Shed Buying Guide: Give Your Backyard a Little TLC

· Garden

Are you looking for a shed? Whether you're purchasing one for the first time or replacing the old one out, you want to make the greatest decision and get the most bang for your buck. For the majority of homeowners, a shed is a significant and long-term investment, so selecting the appropriate size shed is critical, as it will ensure that the finished product does not interfere with the flow of your garden.

Why Does the Size of the Shed Matter?

small shed in garden

source: franceabris.com

Some folks are price-driven and don't pay much attention to the size of their shed. If you have a large enough backyard, you may build a shed and place it anywhere, and if not, you may settle for a tall narrow garden shed. Whatever the case may be, there are additional factors to consider regarding the size of your shed, such as whether or not it would require council approval from your local government.

Though it may appear vain, how will the finished garden shed appear in your space? If it is too tiny, it will throw off the balance of your garden, if it is too large, it will detract from the beauty of your house. Before choosing a size, you should measure the area where you intend to build the shed. If you want a shed that won’t dominate the space but will still offer ample storage space for your garden equipment, then a tall narrow garden shed is the right for you.

You'll also need to examine your yard to see whether there is a suitable location for a shed. Do you want the shed to be the focal point or to blend in? Is there anywhere you'd want to tuck it away out of sight? Here's a pro tip for your future project: most individuals build tall garden sheds along their house's outside walls or along their fence line to maximize the remaining backyard area.

Why Metal Is Better Than Wood:

man pushing a woman in a whellbarow from shed in garden

source: simplysheds.com.au

Durability

One of the most important reasons to choose a metal shed is its durability. Metal can withstand more abuse than wood and does not need the same level of maintenance that other materials would. Metal is more forgiving, and you may incorporate elements into your metal shed that you might not be able to incorporate into your wood design. Metal sheds are also available in a variety of colours, from the Classic Cream, Pale Eucalypt, Woodland Grey.

Less Maintenance

When you pick a metal garden structure, you will typically have considerably less upkeep time and budget, if any at all. The galvanised layer beneath protects the metal from the environment and prevents rust from forming. This protective coating also postpones the start of corrosion and mitigates its impact on steel sheds. You may want to repaint these every five years or so, but other than that, a good hosing down is all that is required!

Foundation Not Required

Another important benefit of steel shelters is that they rarely require foundations. This is critical because foundations are costly to build and install, and they take a long time to complete. These shelters may be placed on any level surface. All you have to do is find a flat spot of land with a spirit level and then build upwards. It's really that simple. Some bigger steel sheds may require foundations since they require a solid foundation for stability.

Lighter to Carry and Move Around

As a general rule, these storage structures are provided in lightweight containers that can fit through a regular door opening. Most vendors deliver metal goods flat-packed, allowing you to effortlessly maneuver them about the house or in small gardens. This also means you can handle relocating a whole shed on your own, which means less stress during building and reparations.

Which is Better: Colorbond or Zincalume?

white metal shed near lake

source: sears.com

One of the most significant considerations you'll make when opting to build a new shed is the material you'll choose. When it comes to building a metal shed, the two steel options accessible to you are Colorbond and Zincalume. Both items are not inherently "better" than the other, they just perform distinct functions and have different characteristics.

While Colorbond and Zincalume are both strong, durable materials that have been thoroughly tested to withstand corrosion in Australia's toughest conditions, there are a few distinctions to be aware of when selecting steel for your shed. It is critical to evaluate the similarities and contrasts of these two materials when deciding which product to employ for your shed. Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of each material can help you select the best option for your shed project.

Colorbond steel is a type of pre-painted steel. A corrugated roof was proven to be durable in 1843, but it required constant painting to maintain. Colorbond steel was developed to reduce the high costs and considerable labour associated with continual painting and maintenance. Colorbond steel is now manufactured with a strong Zincalume core, a baked-on corrosion inhibitor, and a robust painted surface. This exterior grade paint is additionally baked on to offer resistance to chipping, flaking, and blistering, as well as to guarantee the finish keeps its appearance for a longer period of time.

Zincalume steel is a strong metal composed of aluminium, zinc, and silicon. Zincalume steel has been created as a long-lasting product, with a lifespan nearly four times that of galvanized steel. This not only ensures lifelong savings for the property owner but also means fewer environmental issues connected with building material replacement. Zincalume steel is created using cutting-edge technology and has an active aluminium covering. This makes it considerably more durable and resistant to scratches during installation. It is a recyclable and ecologically beneficial product. Zincalume is less expensive than other steel products, therefore it is suitable for even the most limited budgets. If you want to create a low-cost shed, Zincalume is a good choice since it strikes a nice mix between price and durability. The only significant drawback of this material is that it has a shiny aluminium colour that tends to fade with time. Many property owners believe that it detracts from the appearance of their shed and has a negative influence on the aesthetics of their property.