FAQS
As long as you have a level surface made of concrete or slabs you are able to put your shed strait onto this. If you are wanting to put your shed onto soil or gravel we would recommend that you buy a manufacturers base as this lifts the shed up off the ground and stops damps and water ingress from the underneath of the shed. Other things to consider are, if your shed is being placed at the bottom of a slope it would be beneficial to also use a manufactures base to stop water pooling at the base of the shed. All of our shed base kits can be found in our accessories section and are easy to assemble. Please choose the base size that you would like and the correct brand that matches your shed. Any questions do not hesitate to call our helpful team on 03330503612.
In most cases the answer is yes.
Traditionally greenhouses were designed to fit onto a brick surround but this can be expensive so the manufacturer offers a base which does this job for you.
The manufacturers base is best described as a 5" metal upstand which has been made to the exact dimensions needed for the greenhouse to sit on (the greenhouse has a lip all around), this has been fabricated to withstand the greenhouses weight and is manufactured to last as long as the greenhouse.
This also has the added benefit of bringing the greenhouse to an acceptable height.
Essential purchase if not building your own surround. (contact us for exact dimensions)
As long as your site is firm and level yes, manufacturers base essential. If you feel the need for extra support/anchoring such as in an exposed area we recommend concreting in at various points.
The greenhouses and sheds come with all fixings necessary and a comprehensive instruction guide with drawings.
Care and attention is a must when handling glass , and as long as you don't try to rush and skip anything installation can be a rewarding project.
Our tip is to allow enough time, most people with a helper will build a 6x8 in a weekend, never part glaze and leave a greenhouse if you are not sure you have enough time, leave it until the next day.
If this seems a daunting task our Managed Installation service is second to none!
Horticultural is the standard glass supplied with greenhouses, usually the panes are 2ft x 2ft with different shapes cut from these. The major disadvantage with Horticultural is that if broken the panes can leave large dangerous shards.
Toughened safety glass is becoming more and more popular... and more affordable.
Toughened Glass is much stronger than Horticultural, a rough guide is that it will take a hit by a football.
Toughened glass does not break into large shards or crack, it will either take the hit or the whole pane will disintegrate into hundreds of small pieces and greatly minimize injury.
All the manufacturers we sell use Long Pane Toughened Glass which is superior to small panes as there are no overlaps.
It is normal for a greenhouse to have some water ingress, as far as we are aware there is not a mainstream greenhouse on the market that is 100% leakproof.
Payment can be made via card, Amazon Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay or Buy now pay later with Klarna. Either pay in 3 monthly installments or pay 30 days later.
What are the advantages of pressure treated sheds.
Sheds that are untreated tend to decay at a much faster rate than that of a shed that has been treated with preservatives. As we all know, garden sheds play a vital role in keeping our garden items safe (such as tools, mulch, compost and everything else needed to take care of your garden). With so many valuable items stored away, you shouldn't have to worry about the state of your shed as the years sail by. Don't misunderstand, there are plenty of quality untreated wooden sheds out there, but the chemicals used in the process of pressure treatment creates a shield that will allow your shed to last for years to come. Untreated sheds are more susceptible to damage as time goes on. You'll need a shed that will fulfill all of your garden storage needs without the fear of exposing the contents within to the ravages of nature. For this reason, amongst others, pressure treatment is the way to go.
One of the primary advantages of pressure treated sheds is that they're weatherproof. No matter what type of beating mother nature throws at it, pressure treated wood will last for many years. This especially comes in handy if the shed is making direct contact with the ground, where it can be susceptible to damp. The preservatives will once again act as a shield against the ravages of rot and decay associated with damp places.
To save money in the beginning, people look for temporary fixes to protect their sheds from the elements. Let's take temporary surface protection for example. It's a cheaper alternative to purchasing a pressure treated shed and it's fantastic for providing a temporary solution. However, as the name implies, the effects are temporary. As time goes on you'll have to continuously treat your shed with more and more surface protection. Over time the expenses begin to pile up and you'll suddenly wonder how you ended up throwing away so much money. When it comes to pressure treated sheds however, you'll only have to spend money one time (at the cash register). Every aspect of pressure treated sheds have been infused with quality wood preservatives, both inside and out, thus continuous treatment is not necessary. It's no secret that pressure treated sheds are more expensive up front. If you're looking to save a bit of money, there are multiple varieties of pressure treated timber that's easier on the pocketbook. Even if you have a preference for higher quality pressure treated timber, you'll still save money in the long run because of its longevity and low maintenance. Compare that to the cost of replacing untreated wood due to decay and rot, and you'll find that pressure treated timber is the more cost-effective choice.
Pressure treated wood is much stronger than wood that has not been treated. In fact, pressure treated wood can withstand a significantly stronger physical impact then it's non-treated counterpart and is more difficult to damage overall. When pressure treated timber board is used as construction material for a shed, you can rest assured that you'll have an amazingly solid structure with a smooth wood finish. If you're looking to add further durability to your shed, you should consider purchasing a base. Base laying keeps your shed from making direct contact with the ground, keeping it safe from bugs, moisture and thus making it more durable overall.
On top of everything else, pressure treated sheds are low maintenance. Essentially, all of your maintenance needs were taken care of during the pressure treatment process. With the preservatives firmly ingrained into the very core of the wood itself the structure will be impervious to water, pests, termites, etc. Pressure treated sheds can withstand all types of weather conditions, dampness from the ground, and various other conditions that would cause you worry if you had an untreated shed. Once your pressure treated shed has been installed in your backyard, you can basically forget about it for a long time without issue.
In most cases, the terms "environmentally friendly" and "chemicals" stand opposite to each other, not side by side. In this case, the chemicals used to preserve pressure treated timber have a number of qualities that make it beneficial to the environment. For one, due to the increased lifespan of pressure treated wood, fewer trees are harvested to produce more pressure treated sheds. Sure, the effect on the environment may seem minimal from the surface (other industries will continue their deforestation practices), but every tree saved makes a difference. Furthermore, preserving wood uses less energy than other methods of producing the supplies that we use to construct buildings (a number of which can be considered non-friendly to the environment). Finally, the primary chemical used in the pressure treating process is copper. Copper is a byproduct of recycling and would be otherwise discarded if it weren't used for pressure treating timber.
This last benefit is purely aesthetical. Pressure treated timber takes on a natural green tinge that gives it an "all-natural" look. However, if natural green isn't exactly your thing, you can paint over the smooth matte surface with any color that you like. From overlap sheds to pent sheds, the design choice is completely up to you. Pressure treated sheds are the superior choice Pressure treated sheds are a great investment due to their many advantages. They're environmentally friendly, they save you money in the long term, they have great aesthetical appeal, and they're low-maintenance. What more could you want from your shed? Keep these factors in mind when you're shopping for your next shed, and you might just save yourself years of frustration and upkeep costs by making a smart and well-informed purchase. Questions you should ask yourself before picking a pressure treated shed Pressure treatment is only one part of the equation when it comes to picking out the perfect shed. Here are a few important questions that you should ask yourself before making a purchase: Does it have a shed base? What is the roof style? Is it heavy duty? Does it have a single door? Double doors? Do the doors use a hasp and staple latch? What type of cladding does it have? Is it tongue and groove? What about shiplap sheds? Shopping for a shed can be a daunting task.
When buying a shed, there are many things to consider such as aesthetics, the price and its quality; but is also very important to look at the build and cladding.
The cladding of the shed can affect the strength, price and even its purpose for usage. Therefore, it’s paramount to know the difference between the different types of shed to help you find the perfect shed for you.
Overlap, shiplap and tongue and groove are different building styles, with the wooden panels all locking together differently. Each type offers positives and negatives, so read on to find out what build is best for you…
Overlap is the most basic and easy to manufacture cladding for a wooden shed. The overlap style contains horizontal panels overlapping each other, with the bottom of each slat going over the top of the next.
The overlapping style enables rainwater to run off with ease, so whilst it is watertight, the overlap design is not airtight and will, therefore, be vulnerable to draughts and damp air can enter the shed. For that reason, this type of construction is recommended for sheds that are used for storage only. If you intend to spend a lot of time in there, then you should consider a tongue and groove or a shiplap construction.
As overlap sheds are the fastest and easiest to produce, this method of construction is most commonly used on entry-level models. The overlap construction technique is tried and tested as it has been used for hundreds of years and overlap sheds are a common sight in many domestic gardens. They tend to come in at a lower price point due to the simple construction method. This makes them excellent for those on on low budget who are looking to store their garden tools.
Advantages
+ Low construction cost
+ Ideal for storage
Disadvantages
- Susceptible to draughts
- Cannot attach shelving to the walls
Shiplap cladding consists of wooden panels that overlap in such a way that they create a flat surface that is much more weather resistant than the overlap construction method described above. Each wooden board has overlapping lips that interlock, allowing water to run off whilst also providing better protection against draughts.
Shiplap cladding comes at a greater cost to produce than overlap, therefore, sheds with this cladding do have a higher price tag, however they do provide increased protection from the elements, extra security and have a pleasant visual appearance. Due to this they have become the most popular construction method for modern garden sheds. The construction is stronger, more weather resistant and creates a more visually appealing shed that is less susceptible to rot and warping.
The shiplap cladding is a great option for those who will regularly be using their garden shed as a workshop, however, if you just need storage space, the overlap is more than sufficient.
Advantages
+ Good weather resistance
+ Neat appearance
Disadvantages
- More expensive than overlap
Tongue and groove is the most premium type of cladding used in the construction of a wooden shed. The tongue and groove construction technique is likely to be used for larger sheds and other large wooden garden buildings. The cladding boards are created from planks of wood that slot into each, interlocking and leaving no gaps. Due to this, the structure is extremely strong and durable and creates a shed with flat walls and an attractive appearance.
It is the most secure and weather resistant of the three constructions types, as the interlocking design means that there is no concern for moisture and draughts getting into the shed, as the tight seal will protect your shed from the elements.
Factoring in the strength, durability, weather resistant properties and it being the most time-consuming to manufacture, you can expect this construction type to be at a higher price due to the quality of the product.
Advantages
+ Excellent weather resistance
+ Neat appearance
+ Strong construction
Disadvantages
- High construction cost
When it comes to choosing the perfect garden shed for you, not only do you need to be aware of the pros and cons of the cladding, it’s also vital to be aware of the treatment that your wood has had, so you can look after it accordingly. The two different types of treatment are dip treatment and pressure treated.
Dip treatment is known to be one of the most common ways of applying preservatives and is exactly what it sounds like. With this technique, wood panels are dipped into a bath of treatment for a period of time. They are then taken out and left to dry.
Dip treated sheds are typically the cheaper option, due to the process taking less time and being simpler.
The problem with the dip treatment process is that it will only cover the exterior of the panels and it will not soak through into the centre. As it’s only a surface treatment, it will wear off over time, leaving your garden shed vulnerable to the elements and open to damage and rotting. Due to this, the treatment needs to be reapplied regularly and it needs more maintenance than pressure-treated structures to ensure it is protected.
Another factor that you should be aware of when purchasing a dip treated garden shed is that the structure must be raised off the ground at all times. A base is required, as this prevents unwanted damp and moisture getting into the wood and causing decay and damage to your garden shed.
Pressure treatment is a preservative process that enhances the timber’s protection. The process includes placing the timber in a vacuum chamber, which removes all the air from the cells in the timber. Once this has been completed, the vacuum will force chemical preservatives into the wood. Unlike drip treatment, this process will treat every inch of the wood and not just the surface layers.
After the initial pressure-treatment process, your garden shed will have a natural greenish tint to it, which is residue from the treatment. After a time, this will gradually fade and you will be left with a natural finish that blends into your garden.
The powerful preservatives used in the pressure treating process have anti-fungal and anti-insect properties that penetrate deep into the wood to protect it from environmental decay. It also creates a shield around your garden shed, strongly protecting it from the elements and ensuring it has a long life span.
Pressure treatment is known to be a more effective treatment and it needs little maintenance after the first process. Although it may be the most expensive option out of the two, it’s also the most cost-effective, as you don’t have to worry about damage, rotting or having to spend time and money on maintaining it.
Our sheds are modular, and this allows you to decide on the layout when you assemble the building as opposed to when you place your order.
However, it’s important to understand the restrictions determined by the panel sizes, such as on our 7×5 model.
The 7×5 features a single door on a 3ft Panel, as opposed to a 4ft panel, to allow it to be placed on either the 7′ or 5′ sides. This means a 2ft blank panel is supplied to make up the rest of the 5′ end, as we do not supply a 2ft window panel.
As a result, you cannot have the 4ft window panel on the 5' end, or the door and window panel together on the 5' end.
You are also unable to upgrade to double doors on the 7×5 models, as they would not fit on a 3′ panel.