Advice & Guides

Buying a garden building is something most people do once. These are the questions we get asked on the phone, answered properly — including the ones where the honest answer costs us a sale.

Nothing here is a sales pitch. If you'd rather just talk it through, call us.

Before you choose

• What should my shed stand on? — the single most common cause of a building that fails early
• Can I put a building straight onto grass? — short answer, no, and here's what happens if you do
• Is a 6x4 shed actually 6ft by 4ft? — why trade sizes and real measurements differ
• Overlap, shiplap or log — what's the difference? — what you're actually paying for
• How thick should the walls be to use it in winter? — when thicker is worth it and when it isn't
• Do I need planning permission? — the limits, in plain numbers

Timber and treatment

• Dip-treated or pressure-treated? — what each one actually commits you to
• Why has my new building gone grey? — it's almost certainly fine
• When should I re-treat it? — and what voids your guarantee

Delivery and installation

• What happens on delivery day? — what to have ready, what to check before you sign
• Will they put it up for me? — which ranges include it, which can't have it

After it's up

• Which stores are secure enough for bikes? — and why your insurance may not pay out

Still not sure? Use Help me choose and we'll narrow the range down to three, or call us and we'll do it in five minutes.