Homeowners are being encouraged to follow budget-friendly hacks to spruce up their shed ahead of sunnier months.
The garden building experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have shared ways for Britons to transform old, forgotten sheds into garden centrepieces.
Garden sheds are often overlooked but offer so much to homeowners. They can be used for essential garden storage, as a garden bar, a quiet den or a place for keen gardeners to pot plants.
Ahead of the warmer weather, homeowners are being encouraged to make the most of their shed.
A spokesperson at Garden Buildings Direct said: “Your garden building can really be used in any way to suit your needs. Make the most of the space by organising the inside, and give the outside a spruce up to make it an attractive centrepiece of your garden landscape.
“There are some really easy and cost-efficient ways to spruce up your shed – including giving it a fresh coat of paint, weatherproofing ahead of spring showers, cleaning up any debris from the cold winter months and installing a trellis for vines. The start of spring is also a great opportunity to declutter the shed, get rid of any old junk taking up the space, and make it all the more efficient to work with when you want to get on with the gardening.
“We wanted to share these ideas ahead of the sunnier months so homeowners can really make the most of their sheds and outbuildings this year, rather than leaving them neglected at the end of the garden.”
Here are Garden Buildings Direct’s tips for sprucing up your garden shed:
- Clean up
For a post-winter clean, sweep out any leaves or debris and use a mild detergent with a brush or pressure washer to clean the walls of your shed or outbuilding. If your shed needs it, applying a fresh layer of wood treatment can protect it from the elements and help bring it back to its best condition.
- Check for signs of winter rot
Following wet and cold winter weather, remember to check your shed for signs of rot. If you find soft, rotted patches, remove and fill with wood filler.
- Clear gutters
If your outdoor building has gutters, clear out any debris like mud and leaves. Backed up water in the gutters can lead to minor flooding, which could be made even worse by rain showers in the spring and summer months.
- A fresh coat of paint
Applying a fresh coat of paint to your shed can really help bring it back to life. A freshly painted outbuilding can not only brighten up your garden, but also provides an extra layer of weatherproofing so you can enjoy it for longer.
- Check your roof
The roof takes the brunt of the bad weather through the winter months, so it’s important to check it’s in good condition. Roofing felt or felt shingles can deteriorate over time so patch it if you can. Make sure you pay particular attention to the edges and ridge lines and where roofing material is nailed into place.
- Add a trellis
Make your shed more attractive and help diversify wildlife in your garden by adding a trellis to the side of your shed. Plant growers and vines up the side of your shed to encourage birds and other wildlife to shelter.
- Install a dehumidifier
If you use your shed or outbuilding as a workshop or spend a lot of time in there, why not install a dehumidifier ahead of the spring and summer months to help with ventilation and remove excess moisture from the air.
- Use leftover materials for storage
Do you have any leftover wood from home projects? Utilise them in the shed for additional storage in order to make the space as useful as possible.
- Add plants
Add raised planters, flower boxes and hanging baskets to add colour and life to your garden shed. This can instantly lift the outbuilding and help it feel brand new.
