If you are thinking about buying a wooden shed, you will find that there are a wide variety of different styles on the market to choose from. When comparing sheds from different suppliers, take the following features into account:

Roofing Felt

Felt should be of a decent quality otherwise it will let in rain and moisture, damaging the wood after three or four years. Choose a thick felt with a stone-chip finish.

Roof

Push one of the roof panels to make sure that it does not sag or flex.

Eaves

Make sure that eaves overhang all sides of the shed by at least 5 cm (2 in).

Gutters

Gutters are usually an optional feature, although they are also very easy to fit yourself. They can prolong the life of the shed by keeping the cladding dry.

Cladding

There are a number of different styles of cladding available; tongue-and-groove and rebate ship-lap usually offer the best protection from the weather. Go inside the shed to make sure that no daylight is visible through the boards.

Headroom

Always make sure that you can stand comfortably without stooping, and that you not have to keep ducking to avoid any cross-braces.

Windows

Make sure that windows fit securely, with no gaps. There should be a sloping sill with a drip groove underneath so that water will not damage the cladding. It is often best to choose a window that hinges from the top, as if they are left open in a sudden shower it will reduce the risk of it raining in.

Door

Doors should be sturdy with good cross-bracing and a strong lock. All metal fittings should be made from galvanized metal or aluminium so that they will be resistant to rust.

Floor

The floor should be strong and solid - jump up and down on it to make sure.