Planning Our DIY Garden Shed on a Budget

Although we are still a long long (LONG) way from having a functioning back garden (aside from a well-used washing line, that is), I’ve started prepping and planning for our DIY garden shed on a budget. This, much like the extension, has been a long time coming. If you’re new to the blog, or would like a wee reminder, you’ll find the extension plans here. Trust me, the build will happen. Eventually.

For the past two years our (current) dining room has been used as a storage/workshop space. Over time the wood, paint, and tools piled up… to the point of there being only a narrow ‘pathway’ through to the kitchen. For the past year, since I demolished the original shed, it has piled up even higher. It’s like an episode of hoarders.

As this room is to be our future kitchen, something has to be done to clear it, so that we can finally move forward with the extension. I had always planned to build a new shed, but the build up of crap means it has to happen sooner, rather than later. Although I have a lot of tools and equipment, the reality is that a lot of the stuff in this space really is just junk. So a big sort-out and a few visits to the recycling centre should see us downsize quite a bit. We don’t want to have a huge shed as our priority is garden space; which is small enough as is.

Why Not Buy Ready Made?

The answer is simple. Quality and Cost. To buy a shed that would be as solid (and pretty. Tee Hee!) as we would like, would cost way more than we could afford. To buy a shed within our budget, we would really have to compromise on quality and style. A quick pricing estimate showed that I could build what we want, for around £500… give or take. Also, I don’t want it to look so ‘shed-‘like’. I wanna be fancy.

For those of you wondering, the old shed was attached to the extension that is to be torn down. It was riddled with woodworm and rotten in many places so it had to go. That being said, there were a few elements from which I plan to take inspiration.

DIY Garden Shed on a budget.

One of the best things about the old shed, was the layout. The door, situated to the far left, allowed for maximum use of the long narrow space with a double window to the right, allowing in lots of light. This also looked really nice from the outside, making it less ‘shed-like’. The lean-to style (known as ‘pent’) is also a look that I favour, though I would rather have the high wall to the front, and create a taller door. That way I can get tall crap in easily too!

Although a bit bigger than I am looking to build, this is essentially the layout I will be aiming for. A long, narrow, pent roof shed, high at the front, with a horizontal run of windows.

Having considered many variations, we still haven’t settled on a final plan for the finish of our DIY garden shed. We are leaning more to the horizontal run of planks, rather than the vertical, as it would work well with the proportions. As we plan on cladding the outside of the extension in dark wood, we would like to do similar with the shed… but for as little money as possible. Perhaps even free? If we can.

Here’s where the new shed will go..

So, with everything in mind, I’ve drawn up a ‘visualisation’ of our plan for the shed (and garden) thus far. I’ll let you know when we find our final finish.

Plant colours are subject to change. 😀 xx