If this large outdoor cabinet is most often used to store gardening equipment, tools, games and garden equipment, some are completely reinventing it!
It then becomes a small greenhouse, a recycling and composting station with, for example, a bokashi, an animal shelter or even a relaxation area.
Small regulatory point concerning small garden sheds
Any new installation in the garden may require prior authorization and result in a change in taxation.
Good news, for a garden shed of less than 5 m², you will generally not have to do anything,
no need for building permits
, nor garden shed tax to pay.
However, the Local Urban Plan (PLU) sometimes provides for specific provisions linked to the residential area, so contacting the town hall is strongly recommended.
The last rule concerns compliance with the minimum installation distance in relation
to the dividing limits.
Indeed, in order not to impact the neighborhood in any way (and risk quarrels), the garden shed, however small it may be, must not be located less than 3 m from the line of joint ownership.
Also read: Do you need planning permission to install a garden shed?
The different materials for a small garden shed
Any new installation in the garden may require prior authorization and result in a change in taxation.
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No use without permission.
The garden cabinet, like larger sheds, is made of different materials.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages with very varied styles.
The wooden garden shed
Wood is undoubtedly the most common choice.
With its natural charm, it fits harmoniously into all spaces, especially since it can be personalized (paint, varnish, wax, etc.).
Wood is also an excellent thermal insulator.
However, the wooden garden cabinet requires
regular maintenance
to remain beautiful and in good condition.
This is to protect the material against humidity and insect attacks.
In terms of installation, the wooden shelter is set up quite easily with some basic DIY skills for assembly.
The metal garden shed
In steel or aluminum, the garden shed has a more modern (but colder) style while combining
robustness and ease of maintenance
.
However, a distinction must be made between the two materials because simple steel is much more subject to corrosion and will need to be treated regularly against rust.
On the other hand, steel is much cheaper than aluminum.
Although this type of shelter is very quick to assemble, its lightness makes it vulnerable to the elements.
It is essential to provide a solid anchor to avoid stability problems, at the risk of seeing it fly away dangerously in the first storm.
The plastic resin garden shed
Synthetic materials combine almost all the advantages.
They come in an infinite number of styles and colors, often imitating natural materials like wood.
The plastic garden shed is easy to install and requires no maintenance other than
standard cleaning.
The material is resistant to humidity and often has UV treatment to limit the impact of the sun on its structure.
Although the resin garden cabinet is less expensive, its resistance varies greatly, depending directly on the quality of the plastic used (type, thickness, treatment, etc.).
Where to install a small garden shed?
It is important to choose the location of the garden shed carefully!
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No use without permission.
It is important to choose the location of the garden shed carefully so that it is sufficiently protected, while remaining practical.
These few recommendations will be useful to you for an adequate implementation:
Avoid areas that tend to accumulate water at the risk of the soil lacking stability;
Prefer a place protected from strong winds, for example
next to the house or garage;
Make sure you have convenient access to your shed, for example with a small garden path;
Not constantly in the shade, cool and humid areas favor the proliferation of moss;
Neither in direct sunlight during the hottest hours, which could harm the material and cause excessive temperatures inside the shelter;
Keep your distance from trees to avoid
root
damage and dirt when leaves fall;
For installation, prepare a flat and level ground to ensure the structure holds perfectly.
The installation of foundations (slabs, wooden frame, concrete screed, etc.) and solid anchors at the four corners are strongly recommended.