New shed - Steel or brick?

OU812 · 10-11-2019 04:02PM #1

My current shed is very much on the way out. About 15 years old, can see the sky through the roof & a lot of the wood is rotten.

I want to get a new one & am trying to decide between steel or brick.

Looking to move up from 6x8 to 12 x10 (possibly slightly larger). It would be going in the back corner of the garden. I *suppose* I could use the two sides of the existing garden walls to be part of it with a little negotiation with the side & rere neighbours, failing that, the option is to build inside our boundary & there's nothing they can do about objecting.

If I go brick, I'm considering the doorway wall to be an up & over garage door for ease of access etc. which would also reduce the cost of building it, but also reduce the amount of walls stuff can be put against. If I go brick, I might be interested in plumbing & electrifying it in order to move the washer & dryer out there. this cost would probably be partially offset, by reduced building cost.

The other option is a steel shed, I'm assuming I'd still need to put in a concrete base for this (current one is sitting up on bricks which never really felt that secure). Probably wouldn't be as big as I'd like. But would possibly be less expensive.

Any advice people could give?

Car99 · 10-11-2019 04:07PM

Have a look on steeltech website, videos about preparing the base for concrete even . I'd say for what you want it go down that route.

SmartinMartin · 10-11-2019 04:14PM

I have a steel shed from O'Riordans, 10m x 8m, roll up front door and a side door, have it 3 years. I love it and never had any problem with it. I couldn't have afforded a block build that size.
The only thing I'd advise is to make sure the roof is lined so you don't get any condensation.

OU812 · 10-11-2019 04:21PM

Thanks both.

@smartinMartin - is there a seal between the base & the shed to stop water or does it just sit on the base?

SmartinMartin · 10-11-2019 04:26PM

From memory they laid a seal with some form of mastic.

SmartinMartin · 10-11-2019 05:22PM

Dunno what part of the country you're in OP, but if you're down south I'd highly recommend O'Riordans in Charleville. I had a lot of hassle trying to order from steel tech and wouldn't recommend them to anybody.

Purgative · 10-11-2019 08:42PM

SmartinMartin wrote: »

Dunno what part of the country you're in OP, but if you're down south I'd highly recommend O'Riordans in Charleville. I had a lot of hassle trying to order from steel tech and wouldn't recommend them to anybody.

Hi SmartMartin which branch of Steeltech did you try?

I ask because I've just had one. I'm really pleased with it. The guys that put it up were great The people in the office fine but their sales guy was a complete Merchant Banker.

SmartinMartin · 10-11-2019 08:47PM

I ended up trying several because I didn't believe the first guy, but it turns out he was telling the truth. Not one of them could give me a delivery date within 6 months because of some problem with production apparently. I have no problem with their product because I've never experienced it, but I wouldn't deal with the company.

Purgative · 10-11-2019 09:37PM

Thanks just wondered if it was a pattern or one off.

s7ryf3925pivug · 10-11-2019 10:07PM

I've a block-built garage and a metal shed. The garage has electricity. It is vastly more useful than the shed. You can build up to 25 sq m without planning permission. You can make it into a nice room so long as it's supplemental rather than part of your living space. It has a low gable roof and some attic storage. I have electronic items out there without issue so far. I run a dehumidifier in cold weather and a coldwatcher heater to be on the safe side.

I assume you can use outdoor lift up boxes and cupboards for additional storage of garden tools without it contributing to the 25 sq m cap. My shed is basically a big cupboard, though harder to break into quietly than an actual cupboard.

Obviously block built is going to be more expensive but it's more valuable and is a better utilisation of the space you have available.

SmartinMartin · 10-11-2019 10:25PM

I've electricity and water in my steely. I have work benches and presses on the wall. I keep a couple of motorbikes and a 135 in it. I have a huge stereo system in it. My well tank, pump and filters are in it. I've never had a problem and I've never had to use a dehumidifier .

Up Donegal · 10-11-2019 11:16PM

OU812 wrote: »

Looking to move up from 6x8 to 12 x10 (possibly slightly larger). It would be going in the back corner of the garden. I *suppose* I could use the two sides of the existing garden walls to be part of it with a little negotiation with the side & rere neighbours, failing that, the option is to build inside our boundary & there's nothing they can do about objecting.

If you're going to negotiate with the neighbours, I suggest you get any arrangements with them in writing so that there won't be any complications later on say, if any of the properties were sold and a new owner mightn't be as understanding.

s7ryf3925pivug · 11-11-2019 03:53AM

SmartinMartin wrote: »

I have a steel shed from O'Riordans, 10m x 8m, roll up front door and a side door, have it 3 years. I love it and never had any problem with it. I couldn't have afforded a block build that size.
The only thing I'd advise is to make sure the roof is lined so you don't get any condensation.

80 sq metres is huge.

SmartinMartin · 11-11-2019 11:13AM

If I could've got double the size at the time, I would've!

Krombopulos Michael · 11-11-2019 11:24AM

Got a SteelShed with Wooden Frame from Watters Sheds based in Ardee. Great shed, made offsite and assembled in a few hours on site.

Went 20x16ft with roller door, side metal door and window.

banie01 · 11-11-2019 11:31AM

SmartinMartin wrote: »

I've electricity and water in my steely. I have work benches and presses on the wall. I keep a couple of motorbikes and a 135 in it. I have a huge stereo system in it. My well tank, pump and filters are in it. I've never had a problem and I've never had to use a dehumidifier .

Ditto.
Mine is an 8mtr X 5mtr steeltech, installed on an insulated slab, and I insulated, drylined and subdivided into 3 rooms with 2 separate entrances/divisions. 1 with French doors other with steel shed door.

Ran an industrial dehumidifier in there for a few weeks after shed was put up, and before electrical, plumbing and internal works were done.
Never an issue since.

Have a shed, utility room and a lovely Mancave down there with a loo

For what I wanted, block built would have been cavity wall construction and coastwise the shed fully finished came in at @40% of the best builders quote I'd gotten.

SmartinMartin · 11-11-2019 11:42AM

A fridge for beer and you could live in that!

banie01 · 11-11-2019 12:37PM

SmartinMartin wrote: »

A fridge for beer and you could live in that!

Oh that's out there

TV, internet and a lovely IKEA couch

Tis a great spot to watch the footie!

The_Scary_Man · 11-11-2019 01:07PM

I'm heading in to O'Riordans in Charleville this afternoon to have a look at their sheds. I'm looking to get a 5m x 3m or a 6m x 3m shed in before Christmas.

Anyone have any experience with C&S sheds in Offaly? A buddy of mine recommended them.

New shed - Steel or brick?

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