Do you want an outdoor storage solution that will help you make the most of your garden? Imagine the convenience of buying a shed that provides the perfect combination of value and quality! Investing in a shed is an important decision for homeowners, so make sure you get the best for your money.
Our shed buying guide explains why a garden shed is an essential part of any garden! Not only will it provide invaluable storage for garden equipment and furniture, but it can also make a great garden workshop - perfect for DIY and other projects. Plus, knowing all the steps you need to take when choosing a shed can help ensure it's a long-term investment that will last for decades!
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Just click one of the topics below and let us guide you through it - easy-peasy!
Consider what you are using your shed for – do you want to buy a shed purely for storage or as a garden room with space for furniture? What will you be storing in there, and is this likely to change with a growing family?
Keep in mind that not all companies quote shed sizes in the same way. For example, an 8x6 shed could be referring to the internal or external dimensions and may or may not include the roof overhang. Be sure to check the dimensions of a building if you have area restrictions or wish to store something of a particular size. Exact dimensions can usually be found in the technical section.
If your building will have a ridge height over 2.5 metres and is within 2 metres of a boundary, planning permission may be required. Always check with the local council if you are unsure.
Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out what style and size shed you need? Don't worry - we've got you covered! From traditional timber garden sheds, tool sheds and corner sheds to workshops, there are so many different styles to choose from.
With a larger shed such as a workshop you'll have plenty of room to store all your tools plus space to work and move around. With just a few simple steps, you can design and build a fantastic home space that meets your needs. Consider these features: access, lighting, electrics, ventilation, roof height, and security. From double doors that are big enough to move large items in and out, to a choice of window styles and specification... with these fine details, you can create your perfect workshop in no time!
Have you been wondering what to do with all that dead space in the corner of your garden? A corner garden shed is perfect for adding some extra storage to your outdoor space, whist maximising the most out of your garden area.
If garden space is tight, don't worry! It’s easy to boost your garden storage with a wooden garden tool chest, tall tool tower, or tool shed. Whether you need to store lawnmowers or gardening equipment, these versatile solutions are perfect for any yard, side of the house or even the bottom of the garden.
What are the reasons that make timber the best choice for your garden shed?
Wood is the traditional material for a garden shed, and by far the most popular. Many sizes and styles of timber shed are available, and they can easily be painted to your chosen colour. Wood’s natural beauty and relative durability makes it a great choice for garden buildings.
Wooden sheds require annual treatment with a suitable timber preserver for maximum longevity. Most sheds will come pre-treated with a temporary preserver to protect it through storage and transport. It is recommended to re-treat the floor before installation, as the underside will be inaccessible once the shed is assembled. As wood is a natural product, you will often find some knots, minor splits or areas of sap – these are characteristic of timber and will not affect the strength of a building.
Pressure-treated (often called tanalised) sheds do not require as much maintenance as standard wooden sheds due to the treatment process. These are more expensive but tend to last a bit longer.
They’re relatively low-maintenance and provide a modern, industrial look. Galvanised steel sheds are durable and more resistant to rust and rot, though they do come with a significant price tag. They do not require treating and they usually will not need to be painted, other than for the occasional patch job. Metal sheds are particularly secure, and typically available in a variety of colours. Cheaper metal sheds tend to come without a floor, but it is advised to check before purchasing.
However, metal sheds tend to be less attractive than timber or even plastic sheds. They lack the natural appeal of timber, and don't always compensate for style deficiencies with substance – where a thin gauge metal sheet is used to line a shed, it can feel rather flimsy. Add to these drawbacks the difficulty of modifying metal sheds and their proneness to rust and corrosion, and it becomes clearer why they tend to be the cheaper option.
The major selling point of plastic sheds is that they require little to no maintenance. They are also easy to assemble and tend to be quicker to source and deliver than their wooden and metal equivalents.
But there are drawbacks. Resin and vinyl sheds have come a long way, trying to look better, but they still can't match the natural beauty of timber sheds. They tend to lose their colour under the sun and can't be customised easily. Unlike timber, it is hard to paint them or make small fixes like adding shelves. Plastic sheds may try to imitate wood, but they have these drawbacks, making you question why not choose real wood.
When people compare plastic and wood sheds, safety is often a concern. Timber sheds, being heavier, are usually sturdier than plastic ones, providing better security for what's stored inside. Additionally, plastic sheds are not eco-friendly, are light, and they don't stand as strong during storms compared to sturdy timber sheds. The choice between plastic and wood sheds often leans towards the durability and aesthetics of real timber.
Introducing the 3 key types of wooden cladding for your shed walls! Overlap, shiplap and loglap cladding, will give your shed a unique look and feel - all with different advantages. Which one would you choose?
Choosing the best quality timber for your garden building is crucial. Timber is the main material, affecting how it looks, its strength, and how long it lasts. At Tiger, we prioritise using top-quality timber. We believe you should too when buying one. Of course, the appearance and size of your garden building matter, and so does the price. But the timber's quality is key, determining how easy it is to use, maintain, and how long it will last—making it a smart investment.
Why settle for a cheap garden building that might look good in pictures but arrives with many defects? It can be covered in knotholes, splits, be hard to assemble, and suffer from warping and water problems within just a couple of years.
We source top-grade European Softwood timber, mainly Scandinavian Timber, in higher grades. All the timber we use is 'kiln dried', maintaining consistent moisture levels, preventing warping or deformities.
Our competitors often source timber from other Baltic regions, where their factories are based. Timber from these regions is harvested too quickly, resulting in weaker, split, knotty, lower-grade timber. Some aren't even properly dried (kiln dried). This leads to problems and a poor-quality end product.
Because TIger controls the entire process from importing raw timber to shipping products from our UK-based workshops. We choose and check the timber upon arrival - if it does not meet our high standards, it won't even enter our timber mill, let alone make it into a building. We machine the timber ourselves to ensure high standards.
When considering cheap or poor-quality garden buildings, watch out for severe warping, splitting, large knotholes, discoloration, blue-stain, and dry rot. These are signs of lower-grade timber. Slow-grown timber, which is what we use at Tiger, is denser, has a tight grain, and is less prone to severe warping and other issues. We only use high-grade timber, which is fresh, clean, and defect-free.
The quality of timber used in your garden building matters. It affects how it looks, how long it lasts, and how well it serves its purpose. Opting for the best quality timber ensures you get a durable, dependable, and aesthetically pleasing garden building. Do not compromise on the quality of timber for your garden building. Choose Tiger for top-grade timber and a garden building that stands the test of time
Treatment is important to maintain the appearance and structural integrity of a wooden shed.
Dip-treated timber is submerged in a bath of a protective preservative before being left to dry. It is strongly recommended to re-treat the wood before or shortly after installation, and annually thereafter to ensure the longest possible life. The underside of the floor should be treated before installation. Preservatives may be clear, tinted or paint-based – allowing you to change the colour of your building while also protecting it. Most sheds are dip-treated.
Pressure-treated timber is submerged in a preservative under high pressure, causing it to penetrate deeply into the wood before being left to dry. Pressure-treated timber is more expensive, but the wood will last longer.
Tiger buildings are backed with a market-leading 20 Year Guarantee. Be sure to check with other shed manufacturers if there is a guarantee and its conditions, as many guarantees may be invalidated if the shed has not been treated properly.
Welcome to the wonderful world of shed roofing! Though this can be mostly personal preference, there are a few things to consider when choosing your shed roof.
An Apex roof features two slopes, meeting in the centre. This provides additional headroom in the middle that is ideal for moving around in the shed. The Apex style of roof is more traditional and also more popular. Apex sheds tend to have doors on the shorter end, but some retailers will allow you to move the position of the door.
A Pent roof features one slope, usually angled downwards from the door. They offer a modern style with a more gradual change in internal height, allowing additional headroom for entry. A Pent roof is more suited to locations next to walls or fences. The door is typically on the longer side, but some retailers will allow you to move the position of the door.
The definition of a Hip roof is a roof that slopes upward from all sides of a building. The hip is the outside angle where the adjacent sloping sides of the roof meet. A Hip roof differs from gable roofs because they typically have four sides rather than two. A Hip roof is one of the strongest types of roofing structures simply because of the way they are designed. Their four sloping sides make them more stable and durable than standard gable roof building, because they’re more resistant to high winds and heavy rain/snow.
The Gambrel roof is sometimes called a “Barn roof” or a “Dutch roof”, and there are many examples of this style, mainly in larger sheds. This type of roof is a two-sided roof, where each side of the roof has two slopes. Its steeper pitch withstands rain, snow and wind very well so it's ideal for areas with high snow fall. The Gambrel or “Barn” style roof has a unique look to it with its steeper pitch and slope.
Whatever your roof style, it’s important to consider its construction. Tongue and groove boarded roofs are far superior in terms of strength, durability and longevity. Roof panels made from OSB or other chipboard types will make the shed cheaper (certainly to make – it’s often a cheeky way for manufacturers to make more money because an OSB roof is hidden under felt or EPDM), but in general they are a good indicator of lower quality standards. The roof is one of the most exposed parts of the building – it takes the brunt of the wind and rain – so choosing a shed with chip, strand or shredded-woodboard would not be the best choice.
Windows provide natural light, and these can often be upgraded to opening windows to allow more air into the shed. Most shed companies offer windows that are made of Styrene glazing as standard, but at Tiger Sheds we offer 3mm thick glazed windows as standard. We do provide a Styrene glazing option on many models if that is what you require, though experience tends to show that Styrene glazing can go brittle and mist over time. Our quality playhouses come with styrene windows to comply with child safety regulations.
You may wish to check the position of the windows in relation to your garden to take advantage of brighter areas, or for a better view. Some people prefer to keep the contents of their shed hidden, and so a windowless building would be a better option: many also choose narrower security windows (available across the Tiger Security range) as a good compromise between privacy and accessing natural light.
Most sheds have a single door, and this is usually sufficient for most storage. However, a double door provides better access – perfect for those storing large objects, bulky equipment or bicycles. Stable doors are also often available as an upgrade.
Due to our years of experience and expertise, Tiger also offers a wider single door option on many of our shed designs, which is a popular way to improve access. There are also Tiger models with other popular door styles which are harder to find anywhere else – such as stable doors, and 2-door sheds if different access points are needed.
How the door is braced on the inside is important, to rigidity and durability – all Tiger sheds have Z- bracing styles for reinforcement. Another option to consider is what side you want the door to be hinged, which may be an access issue. Tiger is one of the very few shed retailers who will give you this option when buying the shed.
All garden sheds must sit on a firm and level base of adequate size. Unlike Tiger, many retailers will not offer any kind of base, and this will need to be in place before the shed can be installed. Bases are typically built from eco-friendly recycled plastic lattices, concrete, paving slabs or timber bearers, and a correctly assembled base will prolong the life of your garden building.
When deciding where to build your base, be sure to take the roof overhang into account – you don’t want to run water into a neighbouring garden if your shed is too close to a boundary fence. Also, consider a location which would provide an easy route through your garden if you plan on moving heavy objects in and out of your shed. Think about spaces to take advantage of natural light, nice views, or proximity to electricity or water supplies if you plan on wiring or plumbing your building.
Be sure to check if your shed comes with a floor, as this is often not offered as standard by some companies. (We know!!) Rest assured, all Tiger garden buildings come with fully boarded tongue and groove floors. Beware of sheds with OSB flooring or a chip-board finish: they tend to deteriorate over time as they are more prone to water-ingress, which affects the glue that holds the wooden scraps together causing flaking and rot.
In general, where floors are provided these will come with pre-attached joists on the underside of the floor to lift the shed off the ground – but this does not eliminate the need for a base.
If you are planning to build a timber base, the timber bearers must run in the opposite direction to the floor joists of the shed. Confirm this with the shed supplier and do not rely on online photographs, as this may vary depending on the size of the building.
It is advised to build a base that is slightly larger than the shed’s dimensions. However, if your garden has a slope, an overly large base could allow water to pool around the building.
Read our helpful guide if you would like more information on how to build a shed base.
Are you looking of the best type of shed, but unsure how much to spend? We can help you simplify the decision-making process and get the most out of your budget. Whether you're looking for a value-packed shed or something a bit more premium, it's important to consider all the factors and prioritise what matters the most to you. With so many factors to consider, it's important to be realistic with your budget and make smart compromises. Check out our guide to point you in the right direction – we've highlighted the key differences between value sheds and premium sheds, so you'll be sure to get the most for your money!
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A premium shed is ideal if you need improved storage or if you intend to spend a lot of time there. They are expertly constructed with high-quality materials, including high grade solid timber cladding and attractive tongue and groove timber roof and floorboards. There are also pressure treated 'tanalised' sheds that offer guaranteed protection from the elements with their extra thick 16mm shiplap cladding. They hold up well in harsh weather and don't require as much maintenance. A premium shed is perfect for storing bigger, heavier objects, making it a great workshop or garage that will last for many years to come. |
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| Cladding | Shiplap tongue and groove, loglap and logboard |
| Treatment | Dip treated or pressured treated |
| Windows |
Styrene glazing is the norm elsewhere Tiger offers 3mm thick toughened glass as standard |
| Roof Covering |
High-grade mineral TigerFelt®® as standard EPDM also available Moulded plastic |
| Roof & Floor | Tongue and groove timber boards |
| Modular options available? | TigerFlex® is available on dip-treated sheds |
| Average Industry Guarantee | 10 Years |
| Tiger Guarantee | 20 Years |
| Bespoke Option | Yes |
| Price | £650 - £1,200 |
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For those seeking the highest calibre shed available, log cabin shelters are perfect. This shed is a preferable option due to its thick timber walls and heavy-duty tongue and groove roof and floor boards. Ideal for year-round usage as a workshop, hobby room, or luxury storage area. |
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| Cladding | High grade interlocking logs, tongue and groove link |
| Treatment | Untreated |
| Windows | Glazed, 4mm toughened glass, joiner made frames, opening windows Glazing styles available |
| Roof Covering | High-grade mineral TigerFelt®® as standard EPDM also available |
| Roof & Floor | Tongue and groove timber boards |
| Modular options available? | Yes – TigerFlex® cabins available |
| Average Industry Guarantee | 10 Years |
| Tiger Guarantee | 20 Years |
| Bespoke Option | Yes |
| Price | £850 - £4,000 |
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For those who need a sturdy and reliable garden store, a standard shed is fantastic. It will typically be made of shiplap cladding, which provides greater weatherproofing than a value shed. Look for sheds that are constructed from superior grade 12mm shiplap tongue and groove cladding and with strong rounded 4 corner framing, making it ideal for storing garden basics like furniture, tools, and equipment. |
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| Cladding | Shiplap tongue and groove |
| Treatment | Dip treated |
| Windows | Styrene glazing is the norm elsewhere Tiger offers 3mm thick toughened glass as standard |
| Roof Covering | High-grade mineral TigerFelt®® as standard EPDM also available |
| Roof & Floor | Tongue and groove timber boards |
| Modular options available? | Yes – TigerFlex® is available |
| Average Industry Guarantee | 10 Years |
| Tiger Guarantee | 20 Years |
| Bespoke Option | Yes |
| Price | £400 - £800 |
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Value sheds are the most affordable sheds on the market; they are often made with roughly finished, thinner 9mm overlap timber cladding and constructed with a thinner shed frame and styrene (plastic) windows. Tiger do not offer inferior styrene windows. The flooring on cheaper sheds quite often is OSB (orientated strand board) to keep the price down. The cons of OSB is that the sheets swell up when exposed to water and damp conditions making the shed more vulnerable to rot and decay. A value shed is good for storing general garden equipment, but it wouldn't be the best option if you wanted it to last for many years, store expensive tools or spend a lot of time in the shed. |
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| Cladding | Overlap |
| Treatment | Dip treated |
| Windows | Styrene glazing is the norm elsewhere Tiger offers 3mm thick toughened glass as standard |
| Roof Covering | High-grade mineral TigerFelt®® as standard EPDM |
| Roof & Floor | Tongue and groove timber boards |
| Modular options available? | No – TigerFlex® does not come in overlap cladding. |
| Average Industry Guarantee | 10 Years |
| Tiger Guarantee | 20 Years |
| Bespoke Option | Yes |
| Price | £300 - £475 |
The other aspect of your building budget is of course affordability. Investing in your perfect space can be made a lot easier with a flexible retailer with a range of payment options, so be sure to weigh up your options there too. Tiger has a wide selection of finance choices to pick from, including several Interest-Free options, through Klarna and others. There is also a deposit facility if you want to mix card and credit payments. While credit applications are completely at the discretion of Tiger’s finance providers, it does also mean payments only start when the order has been delivered.
Experience ultimate freedom and flexibility with TigerFlex® modular shed designs! Position your doors and windows exactly where you need them for light, access, security, the view, and the sun - all with the peace of mind that comes with the Tiger 20 Year Guarantee. Plus, you can now choose how many windows and doors you want – and mix and match too – with the new TigerFlex® Configurator!
For more conventional shed designs, check if a retailer can offer a bespoke shed design service (which Tiger can). Bespoke sheds are increasingly popular and surprisingly affordable, especially if the manufacturer has its own mill and an experienced team of craftsmen like Tiger. With our innovative designs and high-quality sustainable materials, plus the 20-year guarantee and great service - you can trust Tiger to bring your vision to life.
Before you make an investment, it is important to consider a few more things to make sure you get the best value and a great fit for your space...
Adding a shed to your garden space is a fantastic way to increase your storage space. Garden sheds are classed as permitted developments and considered to be outbuildings for non-residential use - no planning permission is required if the shed specification and garden location meet specific criteria. In general, Tiger sheds are planning-friendly, but it’s always sensible to check against these points…
For example, the area of land around the original property cannot be taken up by more than 50% with your chosen building. Stay within your boundaries by keeping the shed eaves no taller than 2.5 metres, and the max height of a pitched roof to 4 metres and that of a flat roof to 3 metres. If your shed is within 2 metres of any boundary, the overall height including the top of the roof must be less than 2.5 metres, but if it's over 2 metres away, only the eaves height should not exceed 2.5 metres. This is just a snapshot, so don't forget to check in with your local Council before you start any shed building plans, and you can also read our Shed Planning Permission Guide for more details.
We provide hassle-free kerbside delivery for all our standard Tiger Sheds, either on a Pick A Day or Pick A Week service.
Unless otherwise agreed prior to delivery, of course. Our conventional garden sheds are delivered in single panels and should be unloaded by hand on arrival by your driver. Make sure to carefully inspect your order before assembly to ensure all parts, components and fixings are present and correct. Not sure if something is missing? No problem - just shoot us an email at customersupport@tigersheds.com
Our innovative range of TigerFlex® modular sheds and other Pick A Day products are delivered kerbside on a standard 4’x4’ pallet, which is wrapped and packed for convenient storage. So now all you need to do is unpack and build it when you need it (there’s even a helpful video to show you how to do that if you need it).
You shed will need to be installed on a solid, even base. The most popular materials for this base are environmentally friendly Fastfit plastic grids, paving flags or concrete, and it should be no smaller than the base of your shed. A spirit level is recommended to make sure the base is as even as possible. Get it right from the start to make sure you get the most out of your shed. Don’t forget to check out our Build a Base Guide.
While sheds are quite straight-forward to erect, it can seem a daunting task for those of us with little or no DIY knowledge. Some companies require all sheds to be self-assembled, while some will offer installation as an additional extra (Tiger can also offer this service depending on your postcode). If you purchase installation, please note you would usually still need to supply a firm and level base, and you may have to take the shed from where it has been delivered to where it is being installed. Ensure access is clear around the base, allowing adequate space to erect the building and for ongoing shed maintenance.
To get the most out of your shed, careful planning and choosing the right spot is key. Get your shed built in the ideal spot and you will have the perfect outdoor setup! It's crucial to be mindful of the placement of your shed, taking into consideration legal requirements such as planning permission.
Be sure to think about the size of your garden, any nearby fences or walls, what position you want the door and windows to be in, and whether any overhanging branches could come into contact with the shed and cause potential damage. Some companies can change the door position of a shed if required, so be sure to check this if you need the door re-positioned to provide better access. You should also consider if you want the door hinged on the left or the right. Some shed retailers offer a pre-hung door, while some will provide the door separately to be hung on assembly.
Moving a garden shed after installation can be a tricky task, so before you order make sure you plan and determine the best spot in your garden. That way, you can avoid any uncomfortable surprises and use your new shed to its fullest potential. And don't forget you can always customise your wooden Tiger Shed to make sure it fits perfectly in your garden, for your needs.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind for finding your perfect shed spot:
Garden size - Having the right spot for your shed is important - it could make all the difference in how it looks and works. Make sure you have enough space around the perimeter for a path to the shed and for easy maintenance.
Proximity to boundaries - Make sure you don't get on your neighbour's nerves – and keep in mind that legally, a shed should not be placed within two metres of a dwelling (house) boundary if it is over 2.5m tall.
Room to move around – It is recommended that there be an air corridor around the building of at least 18 inches, so that air can circulate without releasing humidity. Having space around the shed also makes it a lot easier to maintain and decorate and keeps foliage and branches from touching and passing moisture.
Proximity to house - It's not a good idea to place your shed too close to shrubs. The same holds true for installing it up to close against the house. This will have impact on both the accessibility and your capacity to make repairs.
Exposure to the elements - It’s important to take care of your shed in the great British weather - try and avoid positioning it in an open space where turbulent winds and rain could affect its condition! For added protection from the elements, why not place it in a more sheltered area like the corner of your garden. Keep in mind that over-exposure to intense direct sunlight for longer periods can make the interior less comfortable and potentially cause the exterior paint and roof to age a bit quicker than normal. On the contrary, a spot in a shady location may not be ideal in the winter, as it could lead to your shed being extra cold.
Security - If you’re using your shed to store valuables such as motorcycles or expensive equipment, you may wish to consider security upgrades. These could be items such as anti-vandal screws, a security bar across the door, an internal security bike post, and additional locks and padlocks. Check what items the shed comes with as standard – does the shed come with a lock?
View and aesthetics – With quality design and installation, adding a shed can be the perfect way to spruce up your garden or backyard and raise your home's value. Blending it with the surroundings or making it an eye-catching centrepiece - the choice is yours.
Do you feel like your garden could use a shed? Not only can it provide great outdoor storage for garden items, but it can also double as a great workshop for DIY projects and more! Regardless, of which shed you choose, all Tiger Sheds come with a 20-year guarantee as standard.
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At Tiger Sheds we have a massive range of repayment options, we are sure there will be one to suit you.
Find out more about the repayment options using our handy finance calculator.
A 10% deposit will be required as standard (exc. Pay In Three).
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| 3 Payments | Interest Free 0% APR | Classic 9.9% APR | |||||
Choose Klarna in checkout to apply for a finance option. 10% deposit required as standard (excluding Pay In Three). Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit.
REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE
Cash/purchase price: £1200. Deposit: £120. Total amount of credit: £1080.
Rate of interest: 9.9% p.a. (fixed). Duration of the agreement: 24 months.
Monthly repayments: £49.58. Interest: £109.91. Total amount payable: £1309.91.
The Representative APR: 9.9% APR Representative.
Tiger Sheds is a trading name of Woodlands Home And Garden Group Limited (reg. address: Calverley Lane, Leeds, LS13 1NP) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 914564) and acts as a credit intermediary and not a lender, offering credit products provided exclusively by Klarna Financial Services UK Limited. Please note that Pay in 3 instalments agreements are not regulated by the FCA. Finance is only available to permanent UK residents aged 18+, subject to status, T&Cs and late fees apply. Klarna.com/uk/terms-and-conditions
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