Dave contacted us recently, and he’s looking for a shed to fit in his tight space, against the boundaries, in his garden. Dave wants to maximise as much space as possible out of his shed. NO WASTED SPACE ALLOWED.
It seems like a simple solution right?
Build right up against the boundary = more storage space.
It’s something we get asked about more often than not and on the surface it makes perfect sense. Especially if you are already tight on garden space.
It might be as simple as replacing what was already there back into the same space – just because that’s the way it was.
The challenge here is what looks like unused space can become a bigger problem a few years down the line.
In this blog, I’m going to share exactly why that is and what the solution is to ensure you enjoy a shed for years longer and minimise maintenance. Good to know is that this is relevant for any timber building – Sheds, Workshops, Garages and Garden Rooms.
The temptation to maximise space.
When you are investing in any timber building, it’s natural to want to go as large as possible. In fact, we especially recommend this as a consideration for Garden rooms, for example. The number of times I’ve heard – “I wish I went bigger!” Hurts my soul. But you don’t know what you don’t know until you do. The love for the space grows over time.
If a building can be squeezed an extra foot wider, it feels like a big win. We love a win!
And I’m completely contradicting myself here – hold off and hear me out – it will all make sense.
In Dave’s situation, another shed company was able to offer a shed to fit tightly in his space.
We couldn’t.
Not because we didn’t want to build it.
Not because we didn’t want a new customer.
But because we couldn’t confidently guarantee the long-term performance of his building – and that’s in our integrity.
Why does space around a Shed matter?
At Gillies and Mackay we ask and recommend that you have a 400mm gap around your building AT MINIMUM.
Timber is a natural material. it expands, it contracts and it needs to be able to breathe. A bit like us.
When a building is positioned too close to the boundary – several challenges can arise:
1. Reduced airflow around the building – which causes trapped moisture and a much longer time to dry out. Sometimes not at all. This then leads to mould forming and then rotting boards.
2. Restricted access for maintenance and inspection – painting is a key protective factor for your timber that needs to be done every 3-5 years. Keeping on top of painting (with the right paint) will slow down the deterioration. You’ll need the space to get in and do that as well as check the boards.
3. Restricted access for repairs. If boards do need replaced or you require a repair down the line – it is much harder to access the building. Repairs may be able to take place from the internals but it might take longer = higher cost. Or, it may not be possible at all.
4. You may not get a completed shed – this is based on our experience and how we build. There are certain intricate parts that are included on your shed. It might be a corner strip or getting the protective foam into your steel. If we cannot get around your building, we cannot put the vital parts in place. This scenario comes up usually if we’re told there’s a gap and we turn up, and there is not. DO NOT RISK IT. We can help with checking and getting measurements right.
The majority of these issues you won’t experience immediately – it’s what you don’t see until it’s too late that is the biggest risk here.
We’re not building sheds to last a few years – we’re building them to last decades.
The difference between building a shed and guaranteeing one.
Anyone can build a shed – and anyone can choose to pick the solution best for them.
Here’s the thing: How long do you truly want yours to last based on what you have invested in it? How much work are you willing to put in?
We can guarantee our sheds for 30 years which is based around our construction methods, the materials we use and the aftercare advice we offer based on building them for the last 37 years across Scotland. We’ve learned a lot in the process and we’re continually innovating and sharing our advice for longevity.
Learn more: How to tell you’re buying a solid shed
If we believe those standards cannot be met, we have to make a choice.
Compromise the installation and hope for the best or be honest and live within our values.
Sometimes that doesn’t make us the right fit, and we’re ok with that.
In this case, Dave chose a different shed company because getting his shed into the space was the most important factor to him.
And we’d rather accept that than make a promise we cannot keep.
Planning Permission and Boundaries
You might also be asking yourself – what about planning permission and being near boundaries – and you are right to. In short – a 400mm gap is a safe space. As long as your building doesn’t hit 2.5m in height within a 1m boundary. In the majority of cases, this is fine.
Learn more: Does a shed need planning permission?
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In the long-term…
When comparing sheds, it is easy to focus on price vs size. Those things matter.
It’s also entirely worth considering specifications and care when it comes to a shed. That’s the difference between something that lasts 10-15 years with high maintenance vs something that lasts 30 years with low maintenance.
Sometimes the best decision isn’t what will fit in the space today, but a shed that still stands decades from now that you are proud of and a core part of your home.
I’m always happy to hear customers from years ago popping by or sending us an email to tell us how their shed is still standing or still looks as good as the day they bought it years later. Because they followed the advice and cared for it. It’s those moments that make it totally worth it.
And hey – if you’re totally curious about what a 37 year old G&M shed looks like – we have one in our show area we took back for you to look at. It may EVEN be the very first shed museum!
Remember – 400mm gap around your shed at minimum.
Shed Love.
