How to build a brick garden shed

Every garden should have a perfect pool, and even better, a garden shed. Some people could use several such sheds, but for tools or children’s things or barbecuing one is enough. It does, however, need to be well and practically organised. Would you like a shed like this in your garden? You can choose one made of sheet metal, which you can put up in an hour, or one made of wood. For capable and handy gardeners there is a third option: a brick one.

Will you use a garden shed?

That is a good question. A shed like this is typically used to store tools or garden furniture. It can also be used to store firewood or pallets. Children will love it too as a place to play. DIY enthusiasts also build a brick garden shed simply because a wooden tool shed is not enough for them. Such a building can also be used for evening parties or overnight stays, while wooden garden sheds blend in better with the garden setting.

Do you need planning permission?

There is no need to fear paperwork or the authorities. For most garden sheds you do not need special planning permission. If you follow a few rules, you can build your garden shed without planning permission. So how do you do it?

Follow the law. Put very simply, the rule for a garden shed is that your building must not be larger than 25 square metres, measured by the outer perimeter of the walls. If you want a basement, you can go no deeper than three metres, and the shed must not be taller than 5 metres. If you have decided to build a wooden shed or a metal or plastic shed, it is even simpler. The shed only has to stand two metres from the boundary of the plot.

Keep the things you use most often as close to hand as possible. Things you only use a few times a year can be stored away in cupboards.

How to organise a garden shed

Before you start building, think about what the shed should look like. It is not as simple as organising a desk practically.  

• What you will use it for: will it be just for tools, or will bikes and a trampoline go in too? All of this matters when deciding on the size of the shed.

• Shelves and hooks: they will help you keep everything organised. Remember that everything should have its own place to return it to.
• Get boxes for smaller tools and other small items, and store things with a similar use together.

Building a brick shed

We have covered the theory, now it is time to get practical. First lay the corner bricks and then stretch out a mason’s line. Then lay the whole course. Do not forget a suitable opening for the window. Ideally it should be 75 cm high. Nor must you forget the concrete ring beam together with the lintels above the door and window. You can bend the stirrups for the reinforcement right on site, and this usually uses up leftover reinforcing steel from building the house. Prepare reinforcement cages for all four long walls, and once they are laid on the masonry we tie the corners and raise the reinforcement on spacers so that the concrete also gets underneath it. On the inner side of the ring beam, fit formwork boards and screw them to the masonry. We brace the tops of the formwork boards against each other using offcuts of roofing battens. Anyone can help you with the concreting, whether a friend or family.

Three days after the ring beam has been shuttered, leave the propped formwork in place on the underside above the door and window. At the same time, however, you can start laying one course of masonry on the front of the garden shed.

Garden shed decorations

Once it is built, it is time to decorate your garden shed. You can smarten it up in any way you like. At the very least, decorate the outside and paint it in your favourite colour to brighten up the whole garden. Do not be afraid to go for sky blue, white or a soft green.

• An outdoor rug you will not have to worry about 
• Tableware made of wood and plastic that will not break 
• Metal signs and other wall decorations  
• Flowers in pots, inside and on the windows 
• Blankets, throws and cushions for a cosy feel 
• Lanterns and candle holders 
• Fireplace  

In recent years, turning garden sheds into libraries has been a big hit in the USA. Simply a warm place with somewhere to sit and books everywhere. Try this idea too if you have the space in your garden. Last but not least, a garden shed is an ideal idea for a date.