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How to build the best allotment garden shed.
In today’s post, I’ll discuss how to build the best allotment garden shed. I will go through how I designed it, what materials we used and how we built it.
The allotment garden shed is probably the most important structure you will build on your Allotment. Because it will store your most valuable tools and equipment along with providing a place of shelter in any inclement weather.
The first thing we did was make a rough design using Sketchup. This is an easy-to-use, free program that takes some time to learn but there are plenty of videos on Youtube teaching you how it works so don’t worry! You can even do this project with just pen and paper.
How to build the best allotment garden shed
The Base
Firstly, we built the base from 4×2 treated timbers. We started by making a basic frame fitting the joists at 400mm centres and 3 rows of noggings to help with stability. Then to level the base, we dropped timber supports down onto small concrete slabs in every corner and at various other points. We then used 18OSB plywood as flooring and painted it with a good quality fence paint to protect it from water damage.
Walls
The walls were constructed of 3×2 treated timbers. We built each wall on the ground then lifted it into place and fixed plumb and level. We fixed the timber studs at 600mm centres. A 4″ decking screw was used to secure the walls to the floor. As an additional layer of protection from the weather, we wrapped the walls in a breathable roofing membrane.
Roof
The roof is made up of 4×3 rafters that were fitted at 400mm centres. We utilized a central purling in order to raise the height for rainwater runoff. Then covered it with 11 mm OSB plywood followed by shed felt nailed every 100 mm along its length so as not to have any part torn away during high winds.
Windows and Door
Then we used recycled Upvc windows and doors. We found these locally by asking people who were getting work on their houses if we could take away their old windows etc.
External finishing
Before we fitted the 150x25mm fence boards as cladding we covered the exterior with 11mm OSB plywood. We then had a lot of fun installing the 150x25mm fence boards as cladding. We started by covering all four sides with 11 mm OSB plywood. Then we installed 100mm gaps between each piece and covered them up again in order to give this photo below!
How to build the best allotment garden shed
Conclusion
We could have bought a cheaper off the shelf shed from any DIY store but what we built is far superior and will outlast any of the shelf sheds. A good amount of DIY experience would be helpful but if you take your time it should still be manageable for a novice.