Most people think of buying a shed in spring, but autumn is quietly the better time. The garden is winding down, the furniture, mower and cushions all need somewhere dry to spend the winter, and the ground is still soft enough to get a proper base down before the frosts arrive. Order now and your shed is built, treated and full before the worst of the weather sets in. This guide covers why the timing works — and the five things that decide which shed is right for you.
Why autumn makes sense
- Everything needs a home. Garden furniture, cushions, the mower, bikes and tools all suffer if they sit out from October to March. A shed bought now earns its keep straight away.
- The ground is workable. Laying a level base is far easier before the ground freezes or waterlogs. Get it down in autumn and you're not waiting for spring.
- Lead times work in your favour. Our Shire timber sheds are made to order in the UK and typically ship within one to four weeks depending on the model, while our Mercia sheds ship within two — each product page shows its own lead time. Order in October and you're sorted well before Christmas.
- Time to treat it before winter. A shed built in autumn can be given its top coat of preserver on a dry day before the wet months, so it goes into winter properly protected.
1. Get the size right
The most common shed regret is buying too small. Lay out everything you plan to store, add a walkway, and then size up.
- Compact (up to 6x4) — for tools, a few garden chairs and the odd bag of compost. The Shetland Shiplap Apex comes in 4x4 and 6x4, and the Pent Shed is a neat 6x4 for tighter spots.
- Mid-size (6x6 to 8x6) — room for a mower, bikes and a winter's worth of furniture. The Arran DD 6x6, Oatland 6x6, Alderney 7x7, Abri 7x7 and Sherburn 8x6 all sit in this sweet spot.
- Large (10x6 and up) — for a workbench, a full furniture set or a combined store and hobby space. The Norfolk SD Shiplap runs from 8x6 up to 10x10, and the Norfolk DD Shiplap gives you a generous 12x8 with double doors.
2. Choose your cladding
Cladding is the timber on the outside of the shed, and it has the biggest say in how weatherproof and long-lasting it will be.
- Overlap — boards overlap one another for a traditional look at a great price. Ideal for general storage. The Overlap Apex Shed comes in a wide spread of sizes from a compact 3x4 upwards.
- Shiplap — interlocking tongue-and-groove boards that shed rainwater and resist warping. A real step up for a shed that has to cope with a British winter. The Woodsman Shiplap Apex and Shire's Norfolk and Sherburn ranges are all shiplap.
- Loglap — a rounded profile that gives the look of a log cabin with the toughness to match. The Caboose Loglap is a characterful option that works as storage or a cosy garden retreat.
3. Pick a roof style
- Apex — the classic pitched roof. Rain runs off both sides and you get extra headroom down the middle, which is handy for hanging tools.
- Pent — a single slope that sits neatly against a wall or fence, often where an apex won't fit. See the Pent DD and the Overlap Pent Shed.
- Reverse apex — the ridge runs front to back, putting the door on the wider side for easier access. The Overlap Reverse Apex is a good example.
4. Single or double doors?
If you're storing a ride-on mower, bikes, a wheelbarrow or bulky furniture, double doors are worth every penny — you'll thank yourself every time you wheel something in or out. The Alderney DD, Arran DD and Overlap Apex Double Door all open wide. For tools and smaller kit, a single door keeps the price down and leaves more wall space for shelving.
5. Plan the base before the weather turns
A shed is only as good as what it stands on. A firm, level base stops the floor bowing, keeps the doors closing properly and lifts the timber away from standing water. Concrete, paving slabs or a timber frame all work — and a layer of free-draining stone around the edges stops rain splashing back onto the cladding. Our Building & Drainage Aggregates range includes Drainage Gravel that's ideal for exactly this, delivered in bulk bags.
Winter-proofing your new shed
Once it's up, a few small jobs keep it in good shape through its first winter: give dip-treated timber a top coat of preserver on a dry day, check the roof felt is well fixed at the edges, and keep the base clear of leaves so water can drain away. Stack stored items off the floor and leave a little gap from the walls so air can circulate. If you've got firewood to store too, our guide on how to choose the right log store covers keeping it dry and seasoned.
Ready to choose?
Once you know your size, cladding, roof and door style, the choice narrows down quickly. Browse the full Garden Sheds collection or explore all our Garden Buildings at Oak & Outdoor — every shed lists its full dimensions and lead time to help you compare.