How to maximise the space in my shed?

Afternoon all,

My shed is currently being built and I was wondering how I can maximise the space within it?

I was thinking of putting up shelves, making cardboards etc.

Any other ideas?

Many thanks,

Samuel

 

As above, benching and shelving is the way to maximise space. For example my smallest shed is 6 x4 feet (24 square feet) but I've put a 4 x 2.5 foot 'bench' across the end (empty underneath so I can push a mower and rotovator side by side right to the back) with two 4 x and 1 foot shelves over, and one 3.5 x 1 foot shelf & two 5 x 1 foot shelves on one long side, adding another 31.5 square feet (+ 131%) of storage space.

Don't forget to leave some full height space for upright hoes, rakes, etc., and if you're putting a freezer in there then plan everything else around that. Even if not intending to run electricity to it, plan the layout so it can be installed at a later date. A few horizontal timbers fixed above head height to raking roof timbers can be used as a rack for storing long lengths of stuff.

How big is it and what are you putting in there?

 

I have stacked pallets along one side of mine ( I'm no carpenter and they were free ) and I use the spaces for storage and have screwed hooks into them for hanging tools etc from. The top row forms my work bench.

 

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Its 6 x 4ft and I want it for the following uses:

- crop storage
- potting up/seed sowing area
- study area (hold gardening books etc)
- place to relax after some hard digging!
- seed storing area

I wish to utilise all walls and the roof (inside, maybe to store bamboo canes).

As its on my allotment I will not use it to store stuff that most likely will be a target for thieves.

I am going to get some free wood tonight from a fellow plot holder so I will see what I can make with it

That said, a hole in the base to act as a secret compartment may be of use to store/hide my gas stove for obvious reasons. Anyone tried it before?

Samuel

 

You could do what I do. Constantly lose the key, then you can't put anything in it. Loads of space

 

you will need to keep the books in airtight containers otherwise they will eventually go damp.

 

That's waaaayy too much to put in such a small shed. I own a 7x7 shed and am running out of room. You need to figure out what your shed is NEEDED for not what you WANT to do with it.

 

Crop storage will attract mice/rats who will also eat your seeds and chew up your gardening books.

Put a wide bench across the back and have a narrower 'drop down' one (hinges & chains) along the long side with a window in, assuming there is a window and that will need shuttering/grille.

Construct a porch so you can sit in the open doorway when it rains. Make a potting up bench outside, it's much nicer working there if the weather's fine.

Reinforce the door, nail it shut, padlock it and build another doorway round the back - that will outfox the two legged vermin.

 

@Samuel_1988

I have to agree with @Jungle Jane that the shed is too small for all your required activities plus have a comfortable chair to relax in.

How about making a collapsible section of the work surface which turns into the back of a chair?
Should save you a bit of space.

 

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Food for thought!