Shedding Some Light on Garden Sheds

Few yard additions are as convenient and versatile as garden sheds. They are useful for homeowners without garaging, provide protection for outdoor equipment, and don’t cost the earth.

But even if you know you could benefit from a garden shed, you might still have a few questions. We’ll attempt to answer some of the most common ones below so that you can be ready to make a garden shed purchase with complete confidence.

Why Do You Need a Garden Shed?

A common misconception is that you would only need a garden shed if you’re an avid gardener. After all, you need somewhere to store your hedge trimming equipment and potting supplies.

The truth is, due to the sheer number of options on the market, you can buy a garden shed for almost everything. Clear clutter out of the yard by buying one for the kids’ outdoor toys and bikes. You might even purchase a purpose-built motorbike shed if you want to keep your dirt bikes out of the elements.

Some homeowners like storing their lawn mowers in garden sheds, or even buying them to keep firewood dry, to protect swimming pool pumps, and to cook food on a grill without stinking the house out. You might even want one just because everyone has one, and that’s okay too.

Do Garden Sheds Need a Base?

As most garden sheds for sale don’t come with bases, you may be wondering if you need one. It’s easy to assume that you don’t since they aren’t included in the purchase price.

However, a base is necessary for a number of reasons. Your grass or soil may not be level, which means your shed may not sit straight or even stable on the ground. Without a base, you may also find that water seeps underneath, potentially damaging whatever you’re trying to protect inside.

Most kitset garden sheds in NZ won’t come with bases because all homeowners have different preferences. Some people would prefer something more permanent to sit their shed on, such as concrete, while others might be satisfied with cobblestones or pavers.  

You can also purchase timber flooring, which can be suitable for storing ride-on mowers, landscaping equipment, gardening tools, and more. If you want something easy to keep clean in case of fuel or oil leakage, you may opt for a smooth concrete pad that you can water blast.

What’s the Cheapest Type of Shed?

When you’re on a budget, being able to buy a cheap shed is a priority. If you’re only going to be housing a few bits and pieces in it, you may not see the need to purchase anything too fancy. 

You can generally find the most cost-effective options tend at hardware stores and large retailers. They keep costs low by buying in bulk quantities, then pass their savings onto customers. You may also find some incredible deals through small local businesses. 

It’s worth keeping in mind that some of the most affordable sheds may not be suitable for your area or needs. For example, a steel garden shed with no steel protection may succumb to the elements in a coastal area, while a thin steel shed may not withstand adverse weather conditions in high-wind regions. 

The cost of a garden shed can also depend on its size and locking mechanisms. The larger and more robust it is, the more you can expect to pay. Keep this in mind when you start shopping because, ultimately, you get what you pay for.

What Size Shed Am I Allowed?

Council rules and regulations have changed in recent years, which means you may not be sure how big your garden shed can be before you start to break the rules. Most councils in New Zealand will allow you to build basic structures like sheds and sleepouts of up to 30m2 without the need for a permit.

However, your garden shed or structure must still be compliant with New Zealand rules, such as having electricians and plumbers for specialist work. You must also make sure your structure complies with the NZ Building Code.

Fortunately, when you’re buying a kitset garden shed, you don’t often need to pore through pages and pages of building code rules. You simply need to follow the provided instructions and ensure where you’re placing the shed is in an appropriate place.  

Any shed, garage, or sleepout, must be its own height away from neighbouring properties. For example, if your shed is two metres tall, it must be two metres from your boundary.

Time to Go Shopping

Lawnmowers, garden tools, and even the kids’ toys all need a place to live once you’re finished using them outside. If you don’t have a garage or lack storage space, now might be the right time to measure out a place in your yard for a new garage shed and go shopping.