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Who doesn’t love a backyard shed? It’s not only the perfect place to store garden equipment, lawn mowers and power tools, but it can also be an overflow zone for seasonal items, outdoor toys and the like, freeing up space inside your home. When selecting a shed, pick one to suit your available outdoor space, and for what items you need to store. As for construction, ensure it’s built and anchored according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then follow these expert tips to kit it out and maximise your storage options.
Placement is important, says stylist Tilly Roberts (@tillroberts). “Consider putting the shed towards the back of the garden, ideally in a corner,” she says. “And choose one in a similar colour to your fence or surrounds so it blends in.” Dark shades like grey and black are a great foil for greenery, which can help signal the shed’s purpose and place in the garden. And if you’re short on space in your backyard, consider vertical planting systems outside the shed – D.I.Y. or otherwise. Some raised planters also come with a shelf for bonus storage.
A sturdy shelf unit stocked with containers and plastic tubs is the ideal storage solution. Always put heavy items on lower shelves, and pick box sizes and types according to what you want to store, like lidded plastic tubs for seasonal items or those that need some protection from dust or damp. Clear plastic boxes and wire baskets let you see their contents at a glance, as do timber crates, which also have an appealing organic look. Think outside the box, too, such as adding a dustbin for storing sports balls.
Keeping similar items together is the usual practice when organising your shed storage. But it’s also handy to have an easily accessible area for frequently used tools or equipment such as a hammer, garden shears or drill, says Tilly. “Wall-mounted tool boards are great.” Pop in a workbench for projects like potting up seedlings; it also gives you another area to keep small or frequently used items on hand.
Utilising hooks in a garden shed is a good space-saver, keeping the floor free for heavier items such as lawn mowers, says Sean Musu of Pinnacle Hardware. “If you don’t want to screw into your walls, try a storage solution with a freestanding bracket system, like Pinnacle’s Pro Series,” he suggests. Ideal for storing tall items like brooms or rakes, wall hooks can often be squeezed into under-utilised areas, or fixed to the back of the shed door.
Drawers typically hold more items than cabinets, plus their contents are easy to see and access. Pick a unit with drawers of varying heights for different-sized items, and consider adding a drawer insert for small things like nails, screws and other small accessories. A lockable cabinet is essential. “Apart from obviously keeping items safe and secure from theft, another important feature is keeping dangerous items out of reach of children, whether that be chemicals, power tools or sharp objects,” says Sean.
Power tools and machinery are valuable, so make sure your shed can be secured when not in use; an imposing lock could be enough to deter an opportunistic thief. For extra toughness, select a padlock with a boron-carbide shackle – it’s 50 per cent harder than hardened steel.
Check out our top tips for transforming your garage.
Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Photo Credit: Alex Reinders
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.
