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Narrow sheds are gaining traction among UK homeowners thanks to their space-saving design. If you’re looking for a storage solution, this might be the best fit for your needs. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what they are and the benefits they offer to help you decide if they’re worth it.
What Are Narrow Sheds?
The name says it all—narrow sheds are garden storage with a slim construction. Their design is no wider than four feet, with a length that can extend up to eight feet or more. This maximises storage without overwhelming a small area in return.
A narrow shed offers just enough room for outdoor essentials when you’re short on space. This can include long gardening tools, such as rakes and spades, cleaning supplies, or even kid’s bikes. The shed can fit into a corner or down the side of the garden, keeping the area tidy and clutter-free.
Narrow sheds are available in wooden, metal, and plastic materials. Pressure treatment often comes as a standard for timber models. Here at Garden Buildings Direct, we offer this for most of our wooden garden buildings with a 15-year BillyOh guarantee against rot, decay, and insect infestations, either by default or as an upgrade.
A powder-coating finish or galvanised steel coating is also offered for narrow metal sheds. Plastic designs feature aluminium or steel frames and thick polypropylene panels.
Narrow Sheds Roofing Designs
Different roof designs can be used for narrow sheds. A pent roof ensures efficient water run-off and helps maintain a compact profile. It slopes in one direction, usually towards the back of the shed. It doesn’t add the necessary height or bulk to the shed, keeping the structure space-saving, to add.
The low-profile roof fits under trees or overhangs without obstructing the view. You can also position it against a wall or fence within this minimum distance between shed and fence.
An apex roof forms a triangular shape with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge. It may increase the shed’s profile but offers more headroom inside, which can be a real benefit. You might just need to allocate a bit more space for this design. A corner with clearance works well, or you could place it along a path, positioning it centrally.
Then there are lean-to sheds. These are designed specifically for placing against a wall or a fence, with the roof tipping away from the other structure for effective rainwater runoff. If you’re looking for a shed that can go right at the edge of your space, these are the ideal choice.
The Advantages of Narrow Sheds
Here, we explain in detail the benefits of a narrow shed, focusing on its compact design:
It maximises your available space for storage
Every inch counts when it comes to space optimisation, and a narrow shed is a game-changer. Think about that awkward gap between your house and the fence. A narrow shed could easily fit in, turning it into handy storage. Or that narrow strip next to your garage? It’s the perfect spot for storage you didn’t think you had room for!
Take this BillyOh Master Tall Storage, for instance. It offers vertical storage in compact sizes of 2×3 and 3×3. Corner shelves come as standard, plus there’s extra headroom. Made from pre-assembled tongue and groove panels, it comes with a 10-year guarantee. Easy to assemble yourself once delivered and ready to use straight away!
It’s narrow but efficient
The slim design of narrow sheds makes it easy to organise items in a way that maximises access, so nothing gets buried or forgotten. Arrange things vertically or along the sides to access everything without having to dig through piles. For instance, tall tools like rakes and spades can be stored upright along the walls, while hooks can hold hoses or extension cords. Wall shelves are perfect for plant pots, fertiliser bags, or toolboxes.
If you’re thinking of adding more shelves, this guide can help with installation: How to Install Shelving in Your Garden Shed. You’d be surprised how much you can store with a bit of smart organisation!
The right design can boost your garden’s look
Narrow sheds stay in line with the trends thanks to their modern construction and appearance. This BillyOh York model from one of our collections makes a great example. At first glance, you wouldn’t guess it’s a plastic unit. It’s actually made from a custom-built aluminium frame (1.0 to 1.2mm aluminium columns and a 0.4-0.8mm metal frame) and thick polypropylene panels. Its white finish gives it a simple and sleek look, and the skylights add to its modern touch.
Another brilliant case in point is this Globel Lean-To Metal Shed. It comes in a timeless heritage green finish that suits any garden. Its space-saving lean-to design fits down the side of your house, and it offers plenty of headroom.
If you wish to stick with a narrow wooden shed, a coat of paint can amp up its rustic look. Here are the ‘The Best Paint Colours for a Garden Shed’ to consider.
Narrow sheds are more cost-effective
Narrow sheds not only make the most of smaller garden spaces but are also a great option for those on a budget. Their smaller size usually means fewer materials are needed for construction, which helps keep the cost down. Moreover, maintenance is less demanding. There’s less to clean, treat, or inspect with less surface to cover. Fewer spots for damage are less likely to occur, too, saving you more money on repairs.
That said, upkeep is still necessary, but it’s simpler and quicker. Here are a few maintenance tips to add to your routine, whether you have a timber, metal, or plastic shed:
- For timber: Shed Maintenance: Treatments and Refurbishing
- For metal: How to Stop a Metal Shed from Rusting
- For plastic: Plastic Shed Maintenance Tips
Note: Narrow sheds shouldn’t require planning permission due to their smaller footprint. This means you save on the application fee and enjoy a smoother installation process without any additional costs.
Quick and easy installation
Narrow sheds make setup easier thanks to their simple, compact structure. There are fewer materials and smaller components to assemble than regular or larger sheds. Their lightweight design also makes them easier to move, so you won’t need an extra pair of hands to get started.
Even better, many come with pre-assembled panels or easy-to-follow instructions. You can get yours up and running in no time, saving you effort and time.
If the narrow shed you’ve recently bought doesn’t come with floor bearers, like the BillyOh Master Tall Store, don’t worry—you won’t need to deal with extensive foundation work either. A level and sturdy shed base, such as concrete blocks or a gravel bed, works wonders.
For a gravel bed, clear the area and spread the gravel evenly. Concrete blocks can be laid in a grid pattern to create a solid foundation. Both options are affordable and won’t take much of your time either.
Round-up
A narrow shed might be exactly what you need if you’re after something that’s not too small, not too big, but just right, and can offer plenty of height or headroom. The BillyOh models we’ve mentioned above are great references and worthwhile, so make sure to check them out. Pay attention to the roofing, as this can make a difference in where you can place your shed. As for the benefits? Well, they’re brilliant!
While you’re here, why not take a look at our range of corner sheds for more options? These are slightly bigger and, as the name suggests, designed to fit those awkward corners of your garden.
Up next on your reading list: When Is the Best Time to Buy a Shed in the UK?
