If there's not enough room in your garage for storing garden tools and equipment, the best solution is a garden shed. A wide range of ready-made sheds is available, from small patio storage cupboards to larger walk-in buildings.

The traditional image of the shed is one made from wood, but sheds made from plastic (PVC) and metal are also available, or you could opt for a sturdy brick-built store. The type you choose will depend not only on the number and size of your garden tools but also on how much space is available, as well as your budget. When making your decision, take into account the following requirements:

The shed door and interior should be high enough for you to be able to enter without banging your head. The walls should be solid enough to allow you to hang up long-handled tools. Ideally, there should also be room for shelving, the storage of large containers and any garden equipment such as a lawn mower, string trimmer or shredder.

The door or doors should be wide enough for a lawnmower to pass through comfortably. The door sill can be an obstacle when rolling equipment in and out, but installing low ramps will take care of this. The doors should open outwards and, if possible, should be lockable. Natural lighting is ideal but you may want to include a light and perhaps a powerpoint. A workbench is useful for small jobs such as cleaning or repairing garden tools in a dry area. A water tap on the outside wall of a brick-built shed is also very useful.

Garden shed
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Garden sheds range from small patio cupboards to large walk-in buildings.