Where Should I Put My Shed?

Looking for a new shed but unsure where to place it on your property? It’s a common query, and although a simple question, it can certainly be hard to know where to start and how to find the exact space. Even if you have a rough idea, there may be other factors and considerations you didn’t even realise that may sway your mind to the perfect spot. 

Most importantly, your shed size and design should be tailored to your backyard and land. That’s where The Shed Company steps in! We offer friendly support and reliable expertise. We’ve put together this guide so you can learn exactly what to consider when picking the perfect spot for your new shed, whatever style you're in the market for.

How far away should my shed be from my home?

When it comes to positioning a new shed on your property, the distance you install it from your house is important. To choose the right spot, our reliable expertise suggests keeping these four key elements in mind for a truly practical solution:

• Accessibility: It might seem tempting to place your shed right against the wall of your house, but remember that it eliminates easy access to the exterior of both structures. Give yourself room to move!
• Security: Your shed will likely house expensive tools and assets. Placing it somewhere you can keep an eye on it from inside your home offers added peace of mind. 
• Safety: While steel is a non-combustible material, the location of your shed matters. To minimise risk, ensure the area is clear of dry debris. We recommend viewing our blog regarding this for a full guide on fireproofing your shed.
• Convenience: Consider how you will use the shed. If you’ll be moving heavy items or bulky garden tools in and out a lot, a good location might be closer to your driveway or existing garage. A good rule of thumb is thinking about how easily you want to pull out the lawnmower on the weekend!

Our tips and recommendations for each backyard size

When deciding where your shed will be located, you must first check your local council's boundary setbacks and easements, as these legal requirements dictate exactly how close to the fence your shed can be positioned.

Residential properties (small to medium backyards):

• Corners or side access: Placing your shed beside the house or in a back corner keeps your lawn open and less cluttered.

• Non-combustible zones: To protect your investment, try to maintain a gap between your shed and wooden fences or overhanging trees.

Rural properties (large backyards and land):

• Strategic access: Position machinery sheds near existing tracks to ensure all-weather vehicle access without tearing up the paddock.

• Natural protection: Use the landscape to your advantage by placing sheds in areas shielded from high-wind corridors to reduce structural wear.

Potential hazards and common mistakes to be aware of

When finalising your location, our reliable expertise encourages you to grab a notepad and survey the area for potential hazards. Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your shed lasts for years to come:

• Overcrowding your yard: Placing your shed too close to entertaining areas or in the middle of your garden can make your whole yard feel cramped. Instead, aim for a placement that balances open space with usability, improving your community's visual appeal.
• Fire hazards: By removing dry vegetation, fallen leaves, and debris, you minimise the risk of stray embers igniting a fire. For the best protection, avoid placing your shed directly under overhanging trees or right against wooden fences.
• Poor drainage issues: Nothing will shorten your new shed’s lifespan faster than constant water damage. Proper drainage is fundamental for all steel sheds. Always avoid low-lying areas where rainwater collects, and ensure your shed’s base is raised and level.
• Surveying high and low hazards: Don’t just think about ground-level issues like sloping terrain! Think high and low: Are there any overhead power lines, or underground reticulation or utility lines, such as sewer or water mains?
• Weather hazards: You need to weigh the pros and cons of factors such as natural light versus temperature control, and wind patterns versus your shed's openings. For instance, a spot that gets great sunlight but is prone to flooding after heavy rain might not be the best location for your solution. Consider exposure across different seasons to help you determine the best direction for your shed.
• Thinking about trees and plants: Setting up your shed beneath a tree that drops its leaves can cause roof damage over time. There's also the added risk of a branch falling when a storm rolls around. Additionally, the roots of some tree species can cause actual cracking to the concrete slab that forms the shed's foundation. 

Why is Site Specific Engineering important for your new shed?

The ultimate goal of choosing the right location is the peace of mind that none of the above hazards becomes an issue for your new shed. A properly designed shed ensures your property, assets, and those you value are safe and secure. At The Shed Company, we can design a steel structure that is tailored to your own backyard and no one else’s.

Our team and advanced structural design software review the local conditions of your site to ensure your shed is engineered for your unique location. This process provides you with certified plans ready for council submission, ensuring you have reliable expertise and the necessary documentation to begin the approval process with confidence.

The most important thing is to ensure you are putting your shed in a location where it’s safe, long-lasting, and makes you want to use it! If you take the time to follow these planning steps, you will make the most of your new shed for years to come.

Should you have any questions about site-specific engineering or any aspect of shed design, please do not hesitate to speak with our local store team by calling 1800 821 033.