Measuring your garden for the perfect shed fit is essential for a seamless build. Our guide helps you choose the right tools and spot for ideal placement.
Tools You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin measuring your garden for your new shed, it’s important to gather a few essential tools. First, you’ll need a reliable tape measure to accurately record distances. A long measuring tape of at least 10 metres is ideal.
Additionally, having some wooden stakes and string or marking spray paint will help you clearly outline your planned shed area. Using a spirit level ensures your chosen spot is flat enough for installation. Don't forget a notebook and pencil for jotting down measurements and making simple sketches. Lastly, it’s useful to have someone help you hold the tape measure, ensuring accurate and straightforward measurement.
Choosing the Best Spot for Your Shed
Selecting the best location for your garden shed is vital. Firstly, think about how often you’ll use the shed and for what purpose. If you’ll access it daily, placing it closer to your home might be ideal. Consider the shed’s purpose: gardening tools and mowers require easy outdoor access, while storage items used less frequently can be positioned further away.
Sunlight exposure is also crucial. Avoid placing the shed under trees, as falling branches or sap can damage it. Instead, choose a spot with good sunlight exposure to prevent damp and mould. Additionally, ensure the chosen area drains well to avoid water pooling and potential rot.
Check local guidelines or regulations about how close sheds can be to boundaries, fences, or neighbouring properties. Respect these guidelines to prevent any disputes. Also, think about the aesthetics—your shed should complement your garden layout without dominating the view or blocking existing features.
Finally, ensure your selected spot has clear access routes. This includes considering future growth of plants or trees, as well as paths needed for transporting large items or machinery to and from the shed.
How to Measure the Space Accurately
Accurate measuring ensures your shed fits perfectly. Start by using wooden stakes or spray paint to outline the planned footprint of your shed clearly. Measure the length and width carefully using your tape measure, recording each dimension clearly in your notebook. Double-check measurements for accuracy.
Don’t forget height clearance. Consider overhead branches, washing lines, or other obstructions. Check if the shed doors and windows have enough space to open fully without interference. Having these clear measurements will simplify the ordering process and installation, helping you avoid costly mistakes or adjustments later on.
Leave Space for Easy Access Around the Shed
When planning the location and size of your garden shed, always factor in extra space around its perimeter. Ideally, leave at least 60 centimetres around all sides. This ensures easy maintenance such as painting, repairs, and cleaning. Without enough room, these tasks can become challenging or even impossible, reducing your shed’s lifespan and overall practicality.
Additionally, adequate spacing ensures proper airflow around your shed, helping to prevent dampness, mould growth, and insect infestations.
Good air circulation keeps the materials in better condition for longer periods. If your shed is close to a fence or wall, consider leaving slightly more space to allow for comfortable movement and ventilation.
Easy access is also essential for placing large items inside your shed or removing them later. Ensure pathways around your shed are clear and wide enough to accommodate wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, or other bulky items.
Consider creating permanent pathways or paving slabs around the shed to facilitate movement, particularly during wet or muddy conditions.
Lastly, maintaining enough clearance around your shed can comply with local regulations or property boundary guidelines.
Check these guidelines carefully, as they can influence your choice of shed size and placement, preventing potential issues with neighbours or local authorities.
Plan for a Solid, Level Base
A sturdy, level base is crucial for your shed’s stability and durability. Uneven ground can cause structural issues, making your shed unsafe and vulnerable to damage over time. First, remove grass, weeds, and debris from your chosen site. Compact the soil firmly to create a stable surface.
Consider a concrete slab, paving stones, or a wooden framework filled with gravel as reliable foundation options. Use your spirit level throughout the process to ensure accuracy. This base helps distribute weight evenly, preventing future issues such as warped walls or jammed doors, ensuring your shed remains robust and functional for years to come.
We offer high-quality shed supplies, perfect for any garden space. Our timber products are available for purchase to suit your needs, whether you're in Darwen, Blackburn, Bolton, Preston or the surrounding areas. Contact us today!
