Choosing Your Storage Shed Location

Deciding on the perfect spot to construct your storage shed is often the first concern. It's a decision that can be pondered endlessly. You'll receive a myriad of suggestions ranging from the hardware store salesperson to your long-lost uncle, each offering a unique perspective.

My primary piece of advice is to ensure that before you begin any planning, you should -

Selecting the right "Shed Placement" is crucial.

Here are some tips to guide you through your Shed Building endeavor.

Building Near the Property Line.

The primary question regarding Local Authority Bylaws is how close to a property line one can construct a shed. In the absence of specific restrictions, two considerations arise.

Building too close to a fence may lead to an unmanageable growth of weeds in inaccessible areas.

Conversely, maintaining a minimal distance, such as 3 to 5 feet (approximately 1 to 1.5 meters), could result in that space becoming cluttered with unwanted items.

You may be permitted to construct over an easement if necessary.

Most local authorities allow the building of a shed of a certain size over an easement, typically with the condition that if urgent major work is required, the shed must be removed at the owner's expense.

Deciding whether to view the shed from your house is a personal preference.

For those who value the visual appeal of their surroundings, or for meticulous gardeners, landscapers, or those with particular tastes, consider these options:

Paint the shed in colors that harmonize with the environment.
Design the shed with a distinct facade that complements its visibility.
Surround the shed with small trees or shrubs that are in keeping with the local area.

Will my neighbor see my shed?

This question might not concern many, but I firmly believe that good neighbors are invaluable.

It's wise to consult with anyone who might be impacted by your construction project.

Here are a few considerations:

Will my shed be an eyesore from their outdoor entertainment area?
Will my shed be too tall above the fence?
If I install plain metal on the walls, will it reflect sunlight into the next yard?

Is the ground suitable to lay a concrete slab on?

I've always believed that a shed, be it a garden or storage shed, should be placed on a concrete slab.

Others suggest building the shed first and then pouring the slab inside for waterproofing.

However, the issue with this approach is that the metal siding that extends down beside the slab, typically about 4 inches (100mm), often ends up buried in the ground, leading to rapid rust and corrosion.

Consider three additional factors:

Ensure the ground is free from underlying water issues.
Anticipate potential challenges with rocks when preparing the slab.
Verify that the ground, which appears level, is indeed level.

Concrete Slabs Over Tree Roots.

Pouring concrete over tree roots can lead to many issues, such as roots breaking through concrete and disrupting driveways.

It's commonly understood that the extent of tree roots is roughly equivalent to the tree's canopy, which is an important consideration when selecting a location for your storage shed.

While there are no absolute rules, conducting some investigation is advisable.

Not knowing what lies beneath could result in significant damage to your garden shed slab in a relatively short period.

Landscape gardeners and arborists advise that if tree roots must be removed, it is better to saw them rather than chop with an axe, as this can be less harmful to the tree.

Thank you to HD Foundations for providing the image.

Convenient access to my Storage/Garden Shed.

When planning the best access for your new shed, consider that it's a significant investment, and relocating the shed isn't a simple task.

Here are some considerations for the planning phase:

Do I require vehicle access to my shed?
Will I traverse rough terrain to reach my shed?
Can I construct a pathway to my shed without disrupting other elements?
Will I need to navigate around trees and shrubs to access my shed?
Is a ramp necessary for entry into my shed?

For instance, if your concrete slab is raised, you might construct a basic DIY ramp for easier access to your garden shed.

The design can vary in width, height, and materials, but this is a feasible solution for smooth access to your shed.

Thank you to Do It Yourself for the use of this image.

If I need to order a concrete truck, can it gain access?

Considering bringing one of these large trucks into your backyard?

Here are a few factors to keep in mind due to their size and weight:

Remember, truck sizes vary from 2 cubic yards/metres to a substantial 8 cubic yards/metres, which is likely more than you'll need for just a shed.
Verify the truck's dimensions with the concrete suppliers.
Consider whether the truck might damage any prized trees or orchids.
Be aware of any overhanging branches that could be snagged.
Look out for any low-hanging power lines.
And if it's the winter season, think about whether the truck could become bogged and stuck.

How to drain water away from your Storage / Garden Shed.

The answer to this question hinges on a single factor: whether the ground is porous, like sandy soil, or if it's clay, because in the latter case, water tends to linger.

If you're worried about water issues, they can be easily addressed by installing a French Drain, also known as an Agricultural Drain in some regions, around the entire base of the shed or merely in the problematic area.

Before you begin digging, determine where you can run a drain, either connecting to a Storm Water Drain or leading to a Storm Water Pit.
Dig a trench about 8 inches (200mm) away from the shed, approximately 6 inches (150mm) wide and 8 inches (200mm) deep.
Although some may not consider it necessary, I always ensure my trenches have a slope towards the discharge point to prevent stagnant water.
Place Slotted Pipe in lengths or Slotted Pipe in Coils into the trench, making sure the slope is directed towards the discharge point.
After positioning the pipe correctly in the trench, fill it with 3/4 inch (20mm) gravel/screenings, leaving about 1 inch (25mm) from the ground level. This ensures that any water or flooding near your shed will be blocked by the gravel/screenings.

Slotted Pipe in Lengths

Slotted pipes, typically 20 feet or 6 meters in length, are quite user-friendly for maintaining slopes in piping.

However, each directional change requires a bend to be attached with adhesive.

Slotted Pipe in Coils

Slotted pipes in coils are easy and quick to install, and the included "Sock" is designed to prevent fine dirt from entering the pipe.

Connecting to a Storm Water Drain

For the French/Agricultural Drain to function effectively, the outlet must be connected to a Storm Water Drain or a Pit to quickly divert water away from your Garden Shed area.

The simplest method to connect your drain is to find the closest Storm Water Drain and insert a Tee Piece.

In this instance, the Down Pipe from the roof has been detached, and the Tee has been cut at the necessary height to link the French Drain.

At the front of the Tee, adapters of various sizes are available for purchase to accommodate the different diameters of Slotted Pipe, whether in lengths or coiled.

Thank you to Home Construction Improvement for the use of this image.

If you're looking to supply power to your garden shed, it's important to consider the proximity to your main power source.

Any electrical work intended for your garden storage shed must be carried out by a licensed electrician.

In my view, unless your shed is adjacent to your house, it's imperative to run power cables underground.

Running cables along fences or through trees is a recipe for disaster over time.

The required depth for the trench can vary according to local regulations in different states and countries, and it also depends on whether you're using plastic or metal conduit.

If you're not planning to dig the trench yourself, you'll incur costs for manual digging or the use of a trench digger.

The key point is to "do it right the first time" and avoid risking anyone's safety with an improper electrical installation.

Thank you to WorkShopShed for the use of this image provided.

During the summer, your shed could become extremely hot, resembling a sauna, if it's not properly shaded, ventilated, or insulated.

The location of your shed, workshop, or garage can greatly affect its temperature, especially during the summer months when they can become as hot as saunas.

Here are some straightforward measures to help keep the temperature down.

While there is a cost associated with these methods, they prove beneficial in the long term.

Building your shed in an area surrounded by trees with large canopies providing ample shade is a simple yet effective solution, although it may not always be feasible.

Roof Insulation

Installing roof insulation directly under the roof sheets is much easier during the construction phase.

This insulation, typically in rolls attached to foil paper, not only helps to reduce heat but also serves as a barrier in the winter.

Wall Insulation

Wall insulation is another effective method to keep your shed cool.

The simplest approach is to insert Insulation Batts between the studs once the exterior walls are erected, ensuring they are cut slightly wider than the studs to stay in place.

Roof Vents

Whirlybird or Turbine Vents are also beneficial for cooling your shed in the summer.

These vents operate without electricity, drawing warm air that rises to the top of your shed and releasing it outside.

They offer a straightforward and cost-effective solution to lower the temperature inside.

Choosing the right location for your storage shed is crucial to avoid future headaches and ensure long-term satisfaction.

By carefully considering factors like accessibility, sunlight, and ground stability, you can prevent issues such as water damage, poor ventilation, or inconvenient access.

Placing your shed in the correct spot from the start not only saves you time and money but also enhances the overall functionality and appearance of your outdoor space.

Make the smart choice now to enjoy a hassle-free and well-placed shed for years to come.

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