The Best Types Of Wood For Sheds In The UK
The key to a happy home is a beautiful garden, and what upgrades a typical garden into a stunning outdoor space? A wooden shed. At Atlas Sheds, we believe that our customers deserve the best. That is why we offer high-quality sheds made from the most durable wood.
So, what is the best type of wood for a garden shed? To determine this, we must consider factors that add to the overall worth of a shed purchase.
Read on to discover the best types of wood for your garden shed. This will help you decide what sheds to search for and how to build your own durable shed.
Factors to consider when choosing your shed wood
Weather resistance
This is a critical factor when choosing the wood for your shed. No one wants a shed that can’t tackle the ever-changing UK weather.
Wood is a porous material that can absorb moisture, leading to swelling, warping, and eventually rotting. A weather-resistant wood can reduce these risks, improving the durability of your structure. Not only will you be able to enjoy your shed for longer, but you will save time and money on repairs and replacements.
Aside from harsh weather, wood that isn’t weather resistant may lose its colour in the sun, draining the life from your shed. Pests such as termites like to snack and burrow into wood that isn’t weather resistant, destroying the integrity of your shed.
Durability
While durable wood may have a higher upfront cost, its longevity often means lower long-term expenses, making it a good financial investment.
Durable wood is less likely to warp, crack, or rot, maintaining the structural integrity of the shed. This is vital for safety, especially if you plan to store heavy items or use the shed for activities that require a stable structure. This is important to consider if you wish to use the space for a workshop or outdoor office.
Cost
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it's crucial to consider the long-term costs. The ongoing costs of repairs should be applied to the initial price, such as wood that requires frequent painting or sealing.
A durable, well-maintained shed can add value to your property. Potential buyers will likely see it as an asset rather than a liability, making it the perfect home improvement project.
Common types of wood for sheds in the UK
Pine
Pine wood is less expensive than other types of wood like cedar or oak, making it a cost-effective choice for shed construction. It is also easy to get your hands on as it’s available at many stores.
Softwood is easy to cut, nail, and screw, making it the perfect option for DIY projects. Its light colour makes it an aesthetically pleasing choice, and with an easy surface to paint, you can customise your shed to complete your dream garden.
While not as strong as some hardwoods, pine still offers a good strength-to-weight ratio and can be treated for weather and pest resistance. However, Pine is less resistant to wear and tear compared to hardwoods like oak; therefore, It may not last as long if it’s not properly maintained.
Cedar
Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect infestations, making it a durable choice for outdoor structures. With a rich and warm grain pattern, this option will make your shed look expensive and sophisticated, and its pleasant natural aroma adds a nice touch to your garden.
It has good insulative properties, is perfect for a cosy outdoor space for the winter, and requires less maintenance than other options. An easy surface to cut, nail, and screw makes it perfect for DIY shed projects, although pre-drilling holes are advisable to avoid splitting.
Cedar is generally more expensive than other types of wood, like pine, which can be a significant factor depending on your budget.
Oak
Oak is a hardwood, making it extremely durable and long-lasting. It's resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for sheds that will be used to store heavy or sentimental items. Natural resistance to fungal and insect attacks adds to its durability.
With a beautiful grain effect, this will add elegance and sophistication to any garden, and its excellent insulative properties make it a suitable choice for winter use.
However, the initial cost of Oak can be quite high, making it less of an option if you’re on a budget.
Plywood
This is generally less expensive than solid wood options like pine, cedar, or oak, making it cost-effective for shed construction. This is perfect for DIY projects as this wood is easy to work with and requires less specialised equipment.
Plywood is engineered to be stable, so it is less likely to warp or split compared to solid wood, and with a variety of grade and thickness options, you can design a shed that fits your every need.
However, Plywood lacks the natural grain and texture of solid wood, which some people may find less appealing than the previous options.
Choose Atlas Sheds for your garden shed!
Save time and energy on constructing a shed from scratch and browse our options of wooden playhouses and summer houses, perfect for any type of garden.
Made from the best quality at an affordable price, contact us today to upgrade your home!