what type of shed to build

gorgo

Mods feel free to move to better forum if need be!

I'm looking to build a shed at the side of the house. It will be for storage, drier and general diy workshop. Will put a concrete base in to support shed. It would be 6m long x 3m wide and 3m high.

I just can't decide on whether to go with metal frame structure and cladding walls and roof or 4" solid wall structure with cladding or felt or slate roof. I would have to hire someone to lay the bricks and slates in latter case.

What is the main draw backs or advantages of each. I'm looking to draw on experience of hind sight from people who have been through this.

Thanks for your time.

gutteruu

Depends on what spec's you want. I built a 6x4m shed last year. cavity block, steel/clear roof, plastered, double steel doors, facia's/soffits, gutters, RSJ's all in about 4.5k (building it myself). The equivalent steel shed was 3300 installed + base so almost identical cost. I didn't look into wooden sheds too much.

Block is a hell of a lot more work. Steel shed lads arrive in morning and its up by evening, but you still need to supply a concrete base. Condensation was an issue with everyone I talked to about steel sheds, whereas my blocked shed has none this whole winter. I prefer the look of a nicely plastered block shed instead of steel cladding but that's just opinion. Steel sheds can be removed and moved if changing house which you won't do with a blocked shed. Hanging stuff and storage is better in blocked shed. If it gets too cold some cozyboard or insulation can be added to make it more habitable. Noise and security are other things that you might have to think about.

Boiled-egg

I have a 18 x30 conc block shed. It's muts nutz. The mother in law recently got a 10 x 12 shanette shed and it too is the muts nutz. It all depends on size, budget, speed of requirement, amongst. After seeing her shed, if I needed a small robust shed in. a hurry I'd definitely go for it.
p.s. I love my shed :-)

Kevin McCloud

Concrete built is better built.

sky6

There's no contest concrete all the way. Done right you won't have any issues. It can also add value to a property.
Where wood and steel are unlikely to add any value.

monseiur

Hi,

If your budget allows, go for a block built shed, with slate/tile to match house.
3m wide is a bit on the narrow side, consider making it 4.8m. that way you'll have a passage way in the centre and plenty of storage space each side.
Also consider a dividing wall one third/two thirds with door access between both, also this wall will carry the centre purlin for roof.
The smaller area reserved for say washing machine, drier, chest freezer etc.
consider putting a ceiling in this area, plastering walls, floor tiles etc.
When laying slab/raft foundation leave a 50mm duct for underground electric supply from house - a few metres of 50mm standard water hose pipe will do. If you power float slab you'll have a finished floor, make sure to specify smaller chippings when ordering ready mixed concrete
Keep an eye on the likes of Done Deal etc. for suitable PVC windows and doors, also check with window/door manufacturers in your area for surplus stock that were made the wrong size, design etc.- you can make a big saving here and not compromise on quality. No need to fit a garage door, they can be very expensive and hardly ever used ! One standard door will do fitted on side wall, near partition wall.
Leave a small ope./ hatch in the back gable to access the attic, very handy to slide in long lengths of timber etc.
One thing is guaranteed - no matter how big you build it ......within 6 months it will be full !!

M.

sky6

I'd also build double leaf Walls with a cavity. This will ensure stuff not rusting too easily. You can even get the cavity filled at a later date if needed. This is what I done with mine and it turned out great.