Buying guide
The totally ultimate buying guide
Everything you need to choose a garden building you won't outgrow — types, sizes, specs and the groundwork.
What will you use it for?
Compare building types
Apex sheds
from £479.99Traditional ridged roof, maximum headroom, the all-rounder.
Perfect for: General storage & workshops
Pent sheds
from £479.99Modern single-slope roof, space-efficient, great drainage.
Perfect for: Compact gardens & side access
Summer houses
Stylish designs, double doors, full-length windows.
Perfect for: Relaxation & entertaining
Potting sheds
Glazing where you need it, workspace and storage.
Perfect for: Gardening & plant care
Dog kennels
Weather-proof, secure, easy access.
Perfect for: Pet comfort & safety
Choosing the right size
Sizes are footprints in feet. Every size page shows exact external dimensions.
Standard vs Heavy Duty
Standard spec
base price- 16mm nominal Tanalised Shiplap T&G cladding
- 24mm nominal (18mm finished) Tanalised square-edge floorboards
- 38×50mm treated timber framework
- 20-year anti-rot warranty
Heavy Duty spec
+20%- 22mm nominal Loglap T&G cladding
- Same treated framework and floor
- Same 20-year anti-rot warranty
Composite buildings are a different construction again — zero maintenance with a 30-year manufacturer warranty.
Base & preparation
- 1A level, solid foundation — concrete, paving slabs, or timber bearers
- 2At least 300mm working clearance around the base for assembly (600mm makes future maintenance easier)
- 3Door swing direction and opening space
- 4Overhanging branches or other obstacles
- 5Proper drainage around the site
Full detail in the shed base guide.
Common questions
Do I need planning permission?
Most garden buildings fall under permitted development and need no planning permission, subject to size and position rules — see our planning guide for the specifics, and check with your council if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
What base do I need?
A level, solid foundation: concrete, paving slabs on sand, or treated timber bearers. The base should match your building footprint or be slightly larger.
How long does delivery take?
Free UK mainland delivery on every order. Modular timber buildings ship in 2–3 working days and composite buildings in 3–5 working days; custom-configured buildings can take longer depending on the specification. You pick your delivery date at checkout.
Can I install it myself?
Yes — every building comes with detailed instructions and most are assembled by two people with basic DIY skills in a day. Prefer not to? Professional installation is a flat £500 within 185 miles of our West Midlands workshop (discounted whenever a sale is on).
What's the difference between Standard and Heavy Duty?
Heavy Duty upgrades the cladding (22mm nominal Loglap T&G vs 16mm nominal Shiplap); the 20-year anti-rot warranty is the same on both specs. Composite buildings carry a 30-year manufacturer warranty.
Ready to build your dream?
Configure the exact size, doors and windows with a live price — or browse the ready-made range.
