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How to personalise your shed

A finished backyard shed, painted black and with a wooden stained deck

Overview

Transform your ordinary garden shed from drab to fab in a few steps. Use it as a private office, yoga studio, reading nook or stylish storage area. 

Safety Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Apply primer

    For this project, we’re working with a timber shed. Start by applying a layer of masking tape to the edges of any windows or handles – this is to protect the glass and hardware from splatter. Now it’s time to apply your primer. Use a paint roller and brushes to add two coats to the entire shed, leaving to dry in between each application.

    A Bunnings team member applying primer to the side of a wooden shed
  2. 2

    Apply paint

    Once your primer is dry, it’s time to apply your paint. You can choose whichever colour you like; we’ve chosen to go with a darker shade. The key is to make sure it’s all-weather exterior paint.

    Use the same paint roller and brushes to apply at least two coats of paint, using even brush strokes to ensure a clean finish. If you’d like your shed to be quite dark, it’s best to add a third or even a fourth coat. Leave to dry.

    A Bunnings team member painting the exterior of a shed after having applied an undercoat
  3. 3

    Lay decking

    Depending on your space, consider laying decking in front of your shed. We’ve put in modular decking and have support footings underneath to keep it sturdy. From there, we’ve laid decking boards on top along with screening at the front.

    A Bunnings team member assembling decking outside a wooden shed
  4. 4

    Attach lighting

    Lights are essential for improving visibility, and they also create atmosphere. Secure solar lighting to the side of the shed and hang some solar festoon lights along the fence.

    A Bunnings team member affixing a light to the outside of a shed
  5. 5

    Add plants

    Add a splash of greenery with a range of potted plants at the front of your shed, inside the space, or to either side.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Talk to our Team Members in-store about choosing the right plants for your space.
    A Bunnings team member putting a small pot plant on a shelf attached to a white pegboard
  6. 6

    Furnish

    Add the final touches. Furnish the space with a rug, throws, desk (if using as an office), chair or side table. This is a great opportunity to let your creativity shine and design it to your personal style. Regardless of how you use the space, storage is always a good idea. Install shelves or a storage unit to ensure there’s space for what you need. 

    A Bunnings team member positioning a chair underneath a wooden desk with copies of Bunnings Magazine
  7. 7

    Style surrounding areas

    You can also style the area surrounding your shed, with a range of plants and trees in planters, screen panels or battery-operated flameless candles. 

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Bring battery-operated candles inside when not in use.
    A Bunnings team member positioning a large white planter on a wooden deck
  8. 8

    Sit back and relax

    Now it’s time to enjoy your brand-new shed!

    Interior shot of a backyard shed with wooden table, rug and clever cube storage rack
  9. 9

    Ready to get started?

    Check out our range of all-weather exterior paints.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.