How You Can Transform Your Garden with Sheds, Fences and Outdoor Spaces

Improving outdoor spaces has become increasingly popular across the UK in recent years. With more time spent at home, people are looking to maximise their outdoor living areas and enhance their gardens. Garden sheds, fences, garden offices and patios can transform an outdoor space into a functional yet relaxing private oasis.

Gone are the days of rickety old sheds and basic grassy patches. Now sheds are customised into fully-furnished spaces for hobbies, relaxation or home offices. Fences range from classic wood picket to contemporary sleek metal. Patios span from Mediterranean-inspired tiles to modern composite decking. The possibilities are endless when it comes to enhancing your garden.

There are many options to suit both contemporary and traditional home exteriors. Sheds can provide much-needed storage or become garden retreats. Fences outline spaces and add privacy. Patios create zones for dining alfresco, while fire pits bring warmth during cooler evenings. Whether starting from scratch or renovating an existing garden, there are endless options to upgrade outdoor areas.

This article will explore popular garden buildings like sheds, fences and garden offices. We’ll also look at outdoor living spaces like patios, decking and outdoor kitchens.

Read on for an overview of key structures and design elements to help transform your outdoor oasis.

What the article covers

• Sheds – Maximise Storage and Create a Retreat:
• Fences – Define Boundaries and Add Privacy:
• Garden Offices – A Productive Outdoor Workspace:
• Outdoor Living – Relax and Entertain Outside:
• Conclusion:

Garden Sheds – Maximise Storage and Create a Retreat:

Sheds are popular additions to UK gardens and can serve many purposes. Key types of sheds include:

• Wooden sheds – The most traditional option, made from timber. Customisable with paint, windows, doors and size. Require maintenance to treat and protect the wood.
• Metal sheds – Prefabricated and easy to assemble. Very durable but can dent. Come in a range of sizes. Need treating to prevent rust.
• Plastic sheds – Low-maintenance and weather-resistant. Customisable like wooden sheds. Provide good storage solutions. Can fade over time.

The main shed material options each have their pros and cons:

Wooden garden sheds

Pros: Natural appearance, easily customisable, variety of styles.

Cons: Need regular treatment and maintenance, less durable than metal or plastic

Plastic sheds

Pros: Low maintenance, long-lasting, cheaper than wood.

Cons: Can fade over time, less authentic look than wood

Metal sheds

Pros: Very durable, low maintenance, good security.

Cons: Can dent, more industrial appearance.

The main uses for garden sheds include:

• Storage – A place to tidy away garden tools, furniture, kids toys. Sheds create space in the main house.
• Hobbies – Sheds make great spaces for hobbies like art, woodwork, model building. Add lighting, shelves and workbenches.
• Home offices – Shed offices allow working from home in a separate space. Add insulation, wifi, power and furnishings.

Customising sheds helps create useful, comfortable spaces. Consider:

• Lighting – Add electric lighting and switches for use day or night. Skylights also add natural light.
• Furniture – Tables, chairs, storage units tailored to the shed’s purpose. Make it cosy for a garden retreat.
• Power – Electrics allow you to safely add lighting, heating and other powered items.

Garden shed costs

In terms of costs, basic wooden sheds start from £200-500 depending on size. Mid-range plastic sheds cost £500-1,000, while basic metal sheds are £800-1,500.

For customized sheds with electrics, insulation, fittings and furnishings expect to pay £1,500-£5,000 or more. Multi-room garden offices with plumbing can cost over £10,000.

If you’re looking for quality UK-made sheds, we recommend checking out Buy Sheds Direct. They offer a wide range of shed styles, sizes, materials and customization options to suit any garden. Their team can also provide guidance on planning permission needs.

By weighing up the pros, cons and costs, you can decide on the best shed type, size and degree of customization for your needs and budget. Careful research will help get your perfect shed solution.

Garden shed size	Wooden shed cost	Metal shed cost	Plastic shed cost
6×4 ft	£200-£400	£150-£300	£250-£450
8×6 ft	£350-£600	£250-£500	£400-£650
10×8 ft	£450-£800	£400-£700	£550-£850
12×10 ft	£650-£1200	£600-£900	£750£1100

Fences – Define Boundaries and Add Privacy:

Installing a fence is a great way to define your garden’s boundaries and add privacy. Popular fencing materials include:

• Wood – Classic and natural-looking. Options like lap panel, picket, lattice. Need occasional treating and painting.
• Metal – Wrought iron, aluminium. Contemporary, long-lasting, low maintenance. Panels or slatted designs available.
• PVC/Vinyl – No painting or treatment required. Cost-effective. Many styles replicate wood fences.

Fence height and style options include:

• Slatted/panelled – Simple solid panels or slatted for a semi-private look. Varying heights up to 2m.
• Trellis – Intricate crisscrossed lattice pattern. Lower heights up to 1.5m. Adds interest and allows in light.
• Screening – Solid fences up to 1.8m for maximum privacy from neighbours or roads.
• Boundary/garden – Short front boundaries or rear garden panels from 0.5-1.2m.

Popular Fence Styles:

• Picket fences – Traditional pointed wooden planks. Pros: Classic aesthetic. Cons: Low privacy.
• Panel fences – Smooth wooden panels. Pros: Simple, affordable, high privacy. Cons: Prone to damage.
• Slatted fences – Partially overlapping wooden slats. Pros: Stylish, semi-private. Cons: More expensive.
• Trellis – Crisscrossed diagonal lattice. Pros: Garden interest, airflow. Cons: Less privacy, needs more care.
• Wire mesh – Welded wire grid pattern. Pros: Sturdy, transparent boundary. Cons: Industrial appearance.
• Living fences – Hedging plants. Pros: Natural and green. Cons: Needs more maintenance and pruning.

Cost of a garden fence:

• Simple garden panel fencing starts from around £20-£30 per panel, so around £200-£300 for materials to fence a small garden.
• More elaborate wooden picket or slatted fences cost £40-£60 per panel, so expect to pay £400-£800.
• Professionally installed fences range from £1000 for basic panels to £3000 or more for ornamental wooden designs.

For quality fencing supplies in the UK, we recommend Buy Sheds Direct. They provide panels, posts, gates and accessories for all project sizes. Their experts can advise on materials, styles and installation.

Fence type	Fence Height	Cost per Linear foot
Wooden Panel	6 ft	£20-£40
Metal Panel	6 ft	£15-£30
Picket Fence	4 ft	£10-£25
Ranch Rail Fence	4 ft	£15-£35
Chain Link	6 ft	£10-£20
Concrete/Brick	6 ft	£30-£60

Garden Offices – A Productive Outdoor Workspace:

Garden offices have become popular as outdoor workspaces separate from the main house. Key benefits over a regular outbuilding include:

• Workspace – Designed for working from home with appropriate lighting, fittings, storage and furnishings.
• Insulation – Insulated roof, walls and glazing allow use year-round. Control temperature with heaters.
• Power – Electrics and often WiFi/phone lines allow for office equipment to be installed safely.

Key considerations for garden offices include:

• Permissions – Planning permission is usually needed for offices. Must meet size and height development rules.
• Regulations – Must meet building regulations for insulation, electrics, fire safety.
• Furnishings – Add office furniture like desks, shelving, cabinets. Essentials like lighting and power outlets.
• Facilities – Options like running water, toilets, kitchenettes make an office more usable.

Garden office types:

• Shed office – Basic wooden Garden shed converted into an office. Minimal insulation. Budget option from £1,500.
• Studio office – Purpose-built simple office space. Some insulation, windows and power. Around £5,000.
• Cabin office – More robust wooden building with insulation and electrics. From £8,000.
• Insulated building – Bespoke, fully insulated structure with utilities. High-end option from £15,000+.

Cost examples for a Garden Office:

• Basic 8x6ft Garden shed office – Roughly £1,500-£2,000 including desk, shelving, electrics.
• Mid-range 10x8ft cabin office – Approximately £8,000-£10,000 with insulation, furnishing.
• High spec 12x10ft garden studio – Around £15,000-£20,000 for a fully equipped, insulated studio.
• Large customized office – £20,000+ for a fully plumbed, converted outbuilding with kitchenette and bathroom.

The possibilities range from converting a basic shed on a budget to installing a fully customised garden office suite. Prioritise insulation, power, furnishings and facilities to create a productive workspace.

Building a fully-equipped garden office allows you to work productively from home, while giving space away from busy household environments. Staying within permissions, regulations and budget is essential to create a practical outdoor workspace. Proper insulation, power supplies and furnishings transform an outbuilding into a garden office retreat.

Outdoor Living – Relax and Entertain Outside:

Creating an outdoor living space allows you to relax, dine and entertain guests outside. Popular options include:

• Patios – Stone, concrete and composite decking are durable patio materials. Allow for dining sets, loungers, plants.
• Outdoor kitchens – Fully equipped with BBQ, sink, fridge, storage. Entertain and cook alfresco.
• Fire pits – Create a focal point for warmth and ambiance during cooler evenings.
• Hot tubs – Relax sore muscles while gazing at the stars. Requires safety precautions.

Zoning your patio creates designated areas for:

• Dining – A patio table and chairs by the kitchen/BBQ. Nearby plant pots add fresh herbs.
• Lounging – Comfortable chairs, sun loungers and coffee tables for relaxation.
• Play – Section for kids playhouse, toys, playsets – away from dining/relaxation areas.
• Planting – Built-in beds, pots and climbers help green the space.

Careful planning allows you to design a multifunctional outdoor living space catered to entertaining, hobbies and relaxation. The options are endless for creating your ideal garden paradise.

Conclusion:

This article has covered popular options for enhancing your outdoor space through sheds, fencing, garden offices and outdoor living zones.

Key points include choosing suitable styles and materials whether building a shed, fence, office or patio. Carefully measure the space and get any necessary permissions before starting work. Customise sheds and outdoor areas to suit your hobbies and needs. Zone patios for dining, play and relaxation.

The possibilities for improving your garden are endless. With good planning and quality materials, you can create a multifunctional outdoor paradise. The extra space and separation from the house provides the perfect backyard getaway.

If you’re inspired to upgrade your garden, a good first step is deciding on your priorities. Do you need more storage, an office, entertainment area? This will guide you towards the ideal structures and features. You can handle projects gradually over time as budget allows. Even a simple patio or new garden shed can go a long way in enhancing your outdoor enjoyment.

With some creativity and careful thought, your ideal garden is within reach. The investment will provide an invaluable outdoor living space to enjoy for years to come.

Garden Shed FAQ’s