A shed is typically a simple, single-storey roofed structure in a back garden or on an allotment that is used for storage, hobbies, or as a workshop.* They are super useful but like everything else, they can’t be taken for granted and need maintenance on a regular basis, as we just found out…

For years we wanted a shed. I even tried to win some a few years back, with no luck, so when we bought our new house, which comes with a shed I was over the moon… Finally, a place to store all my gardening equipment, tools and pots… perfect. Well, as it ended up, not so perfect… We took it for granted, and now, just after a year later, our shed is in serious troubles… We have a leaking roof and a warped door… lesson learned. I guess sheds do need regular maintenance like everything else… unfortunately, they will not look after themselves 🙁

So, how do you look after your shed? Well, I needed to find out so I put together a short checklist, which hopefully will allow me, and maybe you for the future, keep our sheds in a perfect condition for many years to come.

Buy a quality shed. You get what you paid for. With some things, the quality really doesn’t matter so much but a shed isn’t one of them. Sheds aren’t disposable so buy the best one you can afford, then look after it properly.

Check the structure regularly. When you are out in your garden mowing or tidying up the flower beds, it is a good idea to walk around your property and inspect the perimeter, the shed, and other structures or amenities that you own. Doing so will only take a moment of your time, but it could save you a great deal of money in the long run. Checking the structure and foundations of your shed on a regular basis will help you spot potential problems early on. For example, if you check your shed one week and it looks great, but the next week a powerful storm blew through, you can easily spot any water damage that occurred. Spotting a problem early could potentially save you a lot of money.

Waterproof the roof. If you have not done so already, waterproofing your roof is a great idea. By waterproofing your roof, you can prevent the roof of your shed from rotting and needing to be replaced every few years. In addition, waterproofing your roof will prevent any liquid from seeping into the shed itself. Keeping your shed dry and moisture free on the inside will prolong its longevity and in turn, it will keep the belonging you have stored inside in perfect condition.

Keep the floor tidy. This may seem trivial, but keeping the inside tidy as well as the floor can go a long way in helping maintain its life. By keeping the shed organized, tidy, and the floor clean, you have the ability to quickly spot any potential problems, which you will never see under a pile of clutter, so keep it clean, keep it tidy and don’t forget to sweep the floors 🙂

Repaint. After a year or two, your shiny new shed will lose its luster. You may also find that your shutters, doors or even the shed walls, in general, are not as vibrant as they once were. The elements took its beauty away but not to worry… simply invest in a tin of paint, retouch the surface and your shed will be as new.

Do you own a garden shed?

If so, how do you maintain it?