Visit our ShowsiteShire Bespoke Wooden Garden Sheds
Since 1981, Shire has been at the forefront of crafting bespoke wooden garden sheds in Britain. Its strategic location near Wisbech Port facilitates the direct importation of premium Scandinavian timber, ensuring each made-to-measure shed is constructed from the finest materials.
At its expansive 23-acre production facility, Shire combines advanced timber processing with modern joinery workshops. This integration lets skilled craftsmen transform high-quality spruce into made-to-measure garden sheds tailored to your specifications. Each shed embodies British manufacturing excellence, merging traditional woodworking techniques with contemporary precision to create unique storage solutions that seamlessly complement your garden and lifestyle.
Bespoke Wooden Shed Features
Bespoke Wooden Shed Features
Why settle for a generic, mass-produced shed when you can tailor every aspect to your precise requirements? Our bespoke wooden sheds offer unparalleled flexibility, ensuring a perfect fit for your garden and lifestyle.
- Tailored to Your Space: Customise the dimensions, shape, and style to seamlessly integrate with your garden's layout and aesthetic.
- Personalised Details: Choose from various cladding materials, roof styles, window designs, and door configurations to create a shed that reflects your taste and complements your property.
- Enhanced Functionality: Incorporate features such as built-in workbenches for gardening tasks, storage lofts to maximise space or ramps for easy access with equipment like wheelbarrows and lawnmowers.
- Optimised for Your Needs: Design your wooden shed for multiple purposes-a dedicated workspace, a creative studio, or a secure storage area for tools and equipment-ensuring year-round usability tailored to your activities.
Design Your Ideal Wooden Garden Shed
Craft a garden shed that aligns seamlessly with your vision, selecting each component to suit your preferences and requirements.
- Roof Styles: Choose an Apex, Reverse Apex, or pent roof to achieve your desired aesthetic and optimise natural light entry.
- Overhangs: Incorporate overhangs to create sheltered outdoor areas, offering protection from the elements and enhancing the shed's functionality.
- Windows and Doors: Select from options like toughened glass for durability and security. Customise the number and placement of windows and doors to balance privacy, accessibility, and style.
- Floor & Roof Finishes: Choose from various materials and finishes to ensure strength and aesthetic harmony with your garden's ambience.
Customisation Process: How It Works
We're here to help you shape your ideal wooden garden shed. Whether you know exactly what you want or need guidance, our team can walk you through the many possibilities in the Shire made-to-measure range.
Step 1: Consultation
Contact us via phone or email or visit our Nottingham show site to start the conversation. We'll discuss your requirements, answer questions, and guide you through the design journey.
Step 2: Quote
We'll provide a no-obligation quote outlining the full made-to-measure process and details about construction, delivery, and installation from elbec's trusted team.
Step 3: Design Proposal
We can supply technical drawings for Shire Premium and Professional sheds to help finalise your bespoke design (a small fee applies). A written quote is always free of charge.
Pricing and Payment Plans
We know a wooden garden shed is an investment, so we offer several payment options to help you confidently move forward. Choose the method that works best for you.
Payment Options
- Pay securely by credit or debit card
- Use BACS transfer for direct payments
- Apply for finance through our trusted partner, Novuna
- Prefer instalments? PayPal lets you split the cost into three interest-free payments
Your Choices in Bespoke Models
Choose from our Unique Ranges
- Apex Roof Wooden Sheds: The Shire Wroxham, Suffolk, Atlas, Lewis and Orkney have a traditional peaked roof with plenty of headroom.
- Pent Roof (Lean-To) Wooden Sheds: The Shire Caldey and Sun Pent Potting Shed have a modern single-slope roof that suits smaller gardens and sits neatly against fences and walls.
- Security Sheds: The Shire Security Apex and Security Pent have heavy-duty 44mm framing, high-level fixed windows and a tamper-proof piano hinge on the door.
- Wooden Workshops: The Shire Bison, Mammoth and Norfolk are spacious, high-headroom garden workshops.
FAQ and Next Steps
How long does the process take?
The entire process typically takes 10 to 14 weeks, from initial consultation to delivery and installation.
Is planning permission required?
In the UK, many garden sheds are considered “permitted development,†meaning they don't require formal planning permission if they meet specific criteria. Key considerations include:
Height:
- If the shed is within 2 metres of a boundary, its maximum height should not exceed 2.5 metres.
- For sheds positioned more than 2 metres from a boundary, the height can be up to 4 metres for dual-pitched roofs or 3 metres for other roof types.
Location:
- The shed should be situated in the rear garden and not forward of the principal elevation of your house.
Footprint:
- The total area covered by outbuildings must not exceed 50% of the land surrounding the original house.
Use:
- The shed should serve purposes incidental to the main dwelling, such as storage, a workshop, or a hobby space, and not be used as a separate living accommodation.
Consulting Your Local Planning Authority:
- It's important to note that these guidelines can vary, especially in designated areas like conservation zones or for listed buildings. Therefore, we strongly recommend consulting your Local Planning Authority (LPA) before commencing your project to ensure compliance with all local regulations.
What Size Shed Do I Need?
Consider your current and future storage needs when selecting a shed size. It is advisable to choose the largest shed that comfortably fits your available space and budget, as additional room often proves beneficial over time. Reflect on the shed's intended use-whether for storing tools, gardening equipment, bicycles, or serving as a workshop or hobby area-to ensure ample space for all purposes. Planning ahead can prevent costly expansions or replacements as your storage requirements evolve.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Location for My Shed?
Selecting the optimal location involves several key factors:
- Accessibility: Ensure at least 18 inches of clearance around all sides of the shed for assembly, maintenance, and ventilation.
- Environmental Factors: Account for roof overhangs and trim back nearby shrubs or trees, considering their potential growth to prevent future interference.
- Drainage and Shelter: Choose a site with good drainage to avoid water accumulation and, if possible, a sheltered spot to enhance the shed's longevity by reducing exposure to harsh weather conditions.
How Should I Prepare a Base for My Shed?
A solid, level foundation is crucial for the stability and durability of your shed. A concrete base is often recommended for its strength and longevity. Ensure the base is slightly larger than the shed's footprint to provide adequate support and prevent water ingress. While some opt for alternatives like gravel or paver bases, ensuring they are properly levelled and compacted is essential to prevent settling over time. Detailed base preparation guidelines are available upon request, and we also offer a Ground Screw option as an alternative foundation solution.
What Tools Do I Need to Build My Shed?
Assembling a shed requires a selection of tools to ensure a smooth construction process. Essential tools include:
- Measuring and Alignment: Tape measure, spirit level, and string for precise measurements and alignment.
- Assembly: Hammer, drill with various bits, electric screwdriver, clamps, and a socket set.
- Finishing: Sandpaper, silicone sealant with a caulking gun, and roofing materials as needed.
- Safety Equipment: Safety goggles, gloves, and hearing protection.
Additionally, having a step ladder can facilitate the building process. For those seeking efficiency, power tools like a framing nailer (with an appropriate air compressor) can expedite construction.
Does the Shed Need to Be Treated?
Shire Professional and Shire Premium Sheds are supplied with a base coat treatment. To enhance durability and protect against weathering, we recommend applying a high-quality wood preservative to the exterior after assembly. Regular maintenance, including annual re-treatment and periodic oiling of hinges, will help prolong the life of your shed. For added convenience, we offer a professional pre-painted service, delivering your bespoke shed with a flawless, weather-resistant finish in your chosen colour from day one.
Do You Offer an Installation Service?
Yes, we provide installation services across most of the UK through Shire's experienced assembly teams. This service is available for all our sheds, ensuring professional and efficient construction. Please note that opting for installation may extend your lead time by up to 15 working days.
How Is the Delivery of My Shed Arranged?
Elbec and Shire will keep you informed throughout your bespoke shed journey at every stage. After placing your order, Shire will contact you within 20 working days via text message to confirm your delivery date. Our customer service team is available by phone or email to assist with any questions or concerns.
How Is Delivery and Installation of My Shed Arranged?
If you've opted for our installation service, the process is streamlined for convenience. After confirming your order, you'll receive a text message to schedule the assembly terms. The delivery team will then coordinate with you to set an installation date, ensuring a seamless experience from delivery to completion.
How Easy Are Sheds to Assemble?
Our sheds are designed for straightforward assembly, accompanied by comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions. Basic tools are required, and the process can be a satisfying project for DIY enthusiasts. If you encounter any challenges or have questions during assembly, elbec's customer care team is here to provide prompt assistance.
Can I Have Electricity in My Shed?
Yes, incorporating electricity into your shed is possible and can enhance its functionality. However, we strongly recommend hiring a qualified electrician to ensure safe and compliant installation. If you plan to include electrical installations alongside Shire's assembly service, please inform elbec in advance. This coordination allows us to integrate the electrical work into the assembly schedule, ensuring that your electrician can complete their installation efficiently and safely. Early communication is key to a seamless process for your bespoke shed.
Please note: If you are using Shire's assembly service and intend to install electrics in your building, it is essential to notify elbec beforehand. This planning ensures that the assembly process accommodates the necessary steps for your electrician to carry out their work at the appropriate time.
Customised Shed Costs
Our partnerships with leading UK and European manufacturers allow us to keep costs competitive without sacrificing quality.
Get Your Bespoke Shed Quote