Design and Build the Perfect Garden Shed

We asked John Hickey, senior designer at Summerwood Products, for his top five tips for designing and building the ideal shed.

Plan ahead. Treat the shed like a small house. List everything you’ll store and all roles it will serve: potting area, reading nook, display space for collections.

Consider a kit. Kits simplify design and offer customization. Summerwood Products, for example, creates unique sheds tailored to each owner, with an interactive 3D design tool online.

Visit Summerwood Products website

Choose the right size. “Get a feel for the size by standing in a room of similar dimensions,” says Hickey. If it feels adequate, you’ve likely chosen well.

Make the foundation a priority. “The shed is only as solid as its foundation.” Research the best foundation for your climate and shed size.

Find a carpenter. If you have building experience, DIY is fine. Otherwise, contact the Better Business Bureau for reputable contractors experienced in small projects.