In several Australian regions, the garden shed is considered a man’s home. Not only does his garden shed provide a secure, weatherproof place to keep his man-toys, but for many Aussie blokes it’s a hallowed place of sanctuary and solitude, where he can reconnect with his chi, and top up his life-force energy (Not to mention, disconnect from bad karma and hide from chores like washing up and garbage duty).

There are loads of different garden shed options for the Aussie bloke, depending on his needs. Let’s face it, garden sheds come in a practically limitless number of shapes, sizes, construction materials and of course prices. You can find some kind of double-garage sized home-away-from home garden shed or you can find a smaller, tool-box sized receptacle.

You have to be happy with the garden shed situation in order to be happy with life on the whole. Get the shed of your choice by using these essential garden shed tips.

When Your Shed is too Small

Maybe a good clean out is all you need for your garden shed. If you can accomplish this, it will make your spouse happy as well.

If you spend upwards of 20 hours per week ‘pottering’ in your shed, (i.e. ‘occupying oneself in a desultory but pleasant manner, while doing a number of small tasks’) then you need to be comfortable.

Ensure that your garden shed has enough room to swing a cat, however if you don’t own a cat, simply twirl around a few times with your arms fully outstretched and if you bump into anything, you need a bigger shed.

Rip the old one down if you realize that you need a bigger shed or you can even bolt the two together or place it alongside the old one.

When your Garden Shed is Not Weather-Adjustable

You will need a heater for winter and fan in the summer. Run an extension cord from the main house if you have to, or if you already have power then problem solved.

Installing insulation is another idea for those who are serious about the shed.

You could also install ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning, but you’ll have to check your frequent brownie points on that one.

Using your shed as a brewery

Having beer is just part of the effort of creating a man’s sanctuary with a garden shed. Brewing can be accomplished if your garden shed maintains a temperature of 18 and 25 degrees Celsius.

When your shed is in dire need of decoration

Furnish it

Most minimalist blokes don’t need much in the way of furnishing and decoration in their garden shed.

An old lounge thrown out by a mate or picked up from the council clean up should satisfy your need to sit.

Alternatively, scour the local wrecking yard and pick yourself up a seat from your favourite deceased motor vehicle and fashion it into a trendy sofa.

You need an old coffee table, a shelf to hold vessels for beverages, a fridge to store beverages and a TV would be more than enough.

Creative

If your shed is where you do your best creative thinking, you could make the whole place into a really cosy pad. If you can fit in a day bed with a nice throw, you’re all set for the next no-talkie session with your significant other.

Hiring a Decorator

You might be better off by involving your significant other into this process. Your pad can be decorated by someone who is good at it. Just make sure it doesn’t backfire and become a hassle.

Getting a space of your own is something only a garden shed can do without spending a lot of money on it. When you enjoy the garden shed you will love spending time in it.

Before building or buying a shed there are many things you should be taking into consideration. Size, location, purpose. One of the most important factors to consider when building or buying your shed is the building material you’re going to choose. Two common options around the world are timber and steel but, in recent years and especially here in Australia, by far and away the best choice is steel. Whether you’re building a garden shed, a storage shed or garage, steel should be top of your list of options for a number of reasons.

Why Steel?

You will pay a huge amount for enough timber to build a shed of decent size and, in Australia’s sometimes unforgivingly harsh climate, the cost does not offer as much security and permanency as you would hope. Wood is heavy and sometimes hard to work with as well as being vulnerable to the devastating effects of white ants, the heat and moisture. Steel, on the other hand, is much more cost effective and also offers a degree of durability that is unmatched by any other material. You will pay a fraction of the price for a more lightweight, easily transported material. Many shed manufacturers offer warranties for upwards of ten years due to this durability and reliability.

Safe Option

Steel sheds are sturdy, dependable and uniquely designed to stand strong in the face of the Australian climate. It is incredibly difficult to damage steel, even deliberately, and this leaves you with a structure that will stand the test of time. Steel sheds require little, if any, maintenance and the modifications to most varieties of steel available prevents untimely wear and tear as well as the damaging effects of rust. Repainting every few years may be necessary to keep them looking pristine but otherwise they require next to nothing from you to serve their purpose.