Timber garden sheds are just one part of the bespoke joinery range available now from BK Timber.
We often get questions from first-time buyers about sheds, which is why we have put together this comprehensive list of frequently asked questions with answers from our team of specialists.
What is the best position for my Garden Shed?
We would recommend having your garden shed 18 inches wide on all sides of clear space, if available, to ensure easy access for installation plus any future maintenance. While this may not be practical on all sides, having reduced clearance on one or two sides is beneficial. If space around your shed is restricted, don’t forget to allow for any roof overhang and cut back or remove any nearby shrubs and trees.
Can I insulate my Shed?
Summer sheds can be easily insulated with polystyrene or fibreglass and easily fitted between the framing members. The insulation is retained by cross battens which supports the lining boards. Wood-effect veneered wallboard is popular but plywood and tongued and grooved cladding can also be used.
What is the best base for my shed?
Every shed needs a substantial base that should be solid, square, flat and level to ensure its stability. Paving slabs or concrete are ideal, with a solid concrete base being more permanent and more expensive but are ideal for larger sheds. Alternatively, paving slabs are more practical and cost-effective for smaller sheds situated at the far end of gardens. The base should be no smaller than the floor size of your new shed and no more than a few inches larger.
Can Garden Sheds have Electricity?
Adding electricity to a garden shed is quite an easy task for an approved electrician who will take into account any safety concerns. Since 1st January 2005, any electrical work needs to be completed in accordance with IEE wiring regulations and BS 7671. Notifiable work needs to be directed to the local building control department or completed by an operator that is approved under the Part P Electrical Competent Person Scheme.
What is Pressure Treatment?
Pressure treatment is a lifetime preservative treatment that is forced into the timber under pressure and penetrates below the surface. All other treatments will only apply a coat of stain to the surface of the timber. Pressure treatment is almost colourless except for a slight green tint that is caused by the preservatives copper content. No further treatment is ever required but if you want a coloured finish, you can paint over the pressure-treated timber with a normal wood preservative in any colour.
Do I need building regulations approval for a new shed?
Most garden sheds do not need approval under building regulations, however, approval is required for any shed with an internal floor area of more than 30 square metres. Remember building regulations apply to any building in excess of 30 square metres whether this is temporary or permanent; including garden sheds.
Do Sheds Need Planning Permission?
Most garden sheds need any planning permission. Having said this, permission is required for any shed that covers over half the garden, which is not for domestic use or which is over three metres high with a pent roof or 4 metres high with an apex roof. Planning permission is needed for larger sheds that are within 2 metres of a boundary and over 2.5 metres high. Larger apex roofs may be over 2.5 metres high.
Any shed which is based near to a public highway may also require planning permission. For planning purposes, a public highway includes any road or footpath with a public right of way.
If you live in a Conservation Area or Listed Building permission may be needed for any shed over 10 cubic metres.
If you are unsure, please contact your local planning department.
If you have any more questions about garden sheds, please get in touch with BK Timber now.
We also offer other bespoke joinery products such as wooden garage doors, fencing, sawn timber plus our renowned range of driveway and garden gates.
