Garden Buildings Direct

Garden Buildings Direct announces exclusive sponsorship of National Shed of the Week 2008

2008-05-20T08:53:34Z

There is no time like the present in the garden buildings industry

Garden Buildings Direct is proud to announce its exclusive sponsorship of the 2008 National Shed Week, taking place from 7th July to 13th July. Predominantly an online event fronted by shed enthusiast Uncle Wilco National Shed Week returns after the success of last year’s event.

Hosted on Uncle Wilco’s very own websites Readersheds and Shedblog the event takes a retrospective look back at those sheds and other garden buildings built by fellow fanatics whom like to think they’ve created something a little bit unique. The prize, a £500 voucher to spend across Garden Buildings Direct, Simply Garden Furniture, Flaming Barbecues, Outdoor Toys Direct and Simply Fitness Equipment lifestyle websites. Entries must be submitted to Readersheds no later than the end of June.

Their efforts will be judged by a keen group of shed enthusiasts alike, some more famous than others. They are famed Channel 4 Property Ladder presenter Sarah Beeny, wind-up radio inventor Trevor Baylis, professor of beach huts Katherine Ferry, shed aficionado Alex Johnson, eco-architect Lloyd Alter and last years winner 5Tony Rogers who has kindly agreed to lend his watchful eye to proceedings. With such esteemed judges it is expected that competition to impress will be fierce.

Year on year growth for shed manufacturers and retailers such as Garden Buildings Direct is testament to the popularity of garden sheds whether they are a necessity or built for pleasure. The latter has led to many a weird and wonderful concept behind what you may say is a shed. Last years winner Tony Rogers built a Roman Temple shed, for example.

If you would like more information about this topic or about any of the businesses mentioned please call Ian Aslett on 01636 822949 or email ian.aslett@kybotech.co.uk

Sheds fit for purpose

2008-05-09T15:38:27Z

Sheds have been a cornerstone of the Great British garden for many years now. Love them or hate them they have their uses, some more appropriate than others and some quite simply ingenious. To some sheds are a second home and others a necessity for storing things that would otherwise clutter up the garage.

With Britain enjoying rather indifferent summers over the last couple of years times are changing and many of us are looking at starting the arduous yearly clean-out. Top of the list is usually the garden and with that comes your shed. Aside from mowing the lawn and cutting the hedges your shed is often in need of repair having been subjected to all that rain sodden winter weather. Whether you see fit to repair or replace it altogether your shed often takes pride of place in your garden.

Choice is a given for anything these days and sheds are no different. So depending on your budget and need you can find what you want by simply searching on the internet. So what is the general rule of thumb for those of us who have or want a shed? Choosing a shed in relation to the size of your garden, well most of us anyway, sheds are bought on a proviso of what we intend to use them for. As alluded to the enthusiasts among us spend a rather considerable amount of time either occupying or modifying the sheds structure so that it feels like a home from home. Naturally then, you would think a spacious and well built shed would fit the bill for the rest of us, allowing room to move around without bumping your head on a truss support as well as keeping out the winter weather.

Ah but there is so much choice and everyone has different tastes. Something like a tongue and groove apex wooden shed with double doors is a good place to start looking then as this typifies most people’s image of a shed with its pointed roofing. Traditionally tongue and groove apex sheds are more structurally secure and better finished than the equally established overlap style shed. Tongue and groove apex sheds are rigid structures, include extra roof trusses if necessary, offer spatial interior especially in the height, allow easy run off for rain and can bought invariably with a breadth long window feature to filter in the light demonstrating that these wooden sheds have stood the test of time. All needed then is the addition of a few personal touches like a workbench if you’re into DIY and furniture making or a comfy sofa if all you want to do is chill-out in your own space.

If your interest in sheds goes no further than using it as a storage space then security is likely to be one of your most important requirements. And as long as it can store all that is needed, whether it’s the tools and supplies for your allotment, somewhere to store the kid’s toys as the colder months set in or as a temporary storage space until the extension to your house is made. In this case a basic looking shed such as a pent shed (flat roofed) or storage unit that could be used to store bikes. Pent sheds and storage units are available in metal, wood and plastic so it really depends on your outdoor setting and which suits best. Some people are of the view that one material is more secure than another but that is questionable with many established methods of shed construction these days.

With sheds as popular as ever due to their varied use, materials used and construction methods there really is an overwhelming choice. So as a rule of thumb, take a step back, and say to yourself what do I need it for and does it fit into the garden adequately?

Creating a Shed Base

2008-04-16T14:04:58Z

Building a shed may seem like a daunting task to a DIY novice. Provide a level, sound, sturdy base and the rest should be simple. Building the base for a garden building is an easy task for a single person to complete. However we recommend an extra person is on site during the construction of the shed to help with lifting and placing roof and wall panels.

Planning permission is normally not required for a prefabricated garden building, however, if you live in a conservation area or the building could intrude on a neighbours garden, you may wish to check with neighbours or local council prior to construction.

Introduction

Planning

Consider the optimum site for the your garden building in terms of:

General access (for delivery of garden building, access to all sides for maintenance and applying wood treatments etc.)
Surrounding area conditions (Foliage, young trees that may grow in future etc.)
Natural light (a light area is best of the building is to be used as a workshop for example)
View from the planned area (for summerhouses etc.)
Do you intend to run an electrical supply to the building and does it give any implications?

Methods

It is crucial to provide a level and dry foundation. It is unfeasible to assemble a shed on an unsound base, otherwise screw holes connecting the wall panels will not line up. For larger buildings especially where the shed is to be used as a workshop a full concrete base is best. However, generally there are two types of base suitable for a garden building, consider either:

A Concrete Base
A Paving Slab Base

Whichever method is more suitable, we recommend that you have a 2-inch (5 cm) lip around the base of your garden building. To calculate the size of base required for the particular building you wish to build, add 4 inch to the overall base dimensions to ensure an adequate base size.

Concrete Base Method

Tools Required:

Pegs and string
Building sand
Standard cement
Timber for base formwork
Tape measure
Spade Sweeping brush

Step 1

Decide where to position the shed in an optimal space, allow enough distance from hedges or fences for easy access to all sides. Using pegs and string to mark out the base 2 inch (5 cm) larger than the area of the building on each side. Finally, measure diagonals to ensure the area is square.

Step 2

A concrete base requires 3 inch (7.5 cm) of compacted hardcore underneath the 3 inch (7.5 cm) concrete layer. The base can be level with the ground or raised above it. If it is to be level excavate the top earth to 6 inch (15 cm) to allow for the hardcore layer and 3 inch (7.5 cm) thickness of concrete.

Level the area with a rake and spade and remove the pegs.

Step 3

Set up levelled formwork. This involves measuring, cutting and fitting timber, to the shape of the base in order to contain the concrete (as shown in the diagram).

Check diagonals to ensure the formwork is square. And also ensure the formwork is level, as this will determine whethery your base is 100% level.

Next, spread a layer of well compacted hardcore and cover with a liberal amount of sand.

Step 4

Next, mix concrete using one part cement to five parts ballast or use bags of dry-mixed concrete to which you just add water. Small amounts of water should be added at a time and mixed into the concrete mix to ensure excessive amounts are not added making the cement sloppy, as the concrete should be kept on the dry side.

Spread the concrete evenly and slightly proud of the formwork. This can be then levelled off with a long straight edge of timber resting on the formwork using a sawing motion slowly (as shown below) over the entire surface of the freshly laid concrete.

If wet weather is forecast, cover the concrete with polythene for 24-hours. In warm weather cover the base with damp sacks and sprinkle them with water over the 24-hour period, this will ensure the drying concrete will not shrink and crack.

The result is a smooth, sound, level base. The perfect foundation for the construction of a garden building.

Slab Base Method

Tools Required:

Pegs and string
Flat Face Paving Slabs
Building sand
Standard cement, Rake
Tape measure
Spade
Rubber mallet
Sweeping brush

Step 1

As mentioned decide where to position the shed in an optimal space, allow enough distance from hedges or fences for easy access to all sides. Using pegs and string to mark out the base 2 inch (5 cm) larger than the area of the building on each side. Finally, a measure diagonal to ensure the area is square.

Step 2

Strip the topsoil and dig out to a depth of approx. 2.5 inch (7 cm) to accommodate the base. Level the area and remove the pegs.

Step 3

Mix together one part cement to eight parts building sand for a dry sand and cement mix. Spread this evenly ensuring that the mix sits approx. 4 cm in depth. Now, rake this to a level.

Step 4

Starting from one corner and working outward, lay the slabs by tapping down on the centre of each slab with a rubber mallet. Using a spirit level, ensure all the slabs are square, level and firmly butted together for a solid base.

Step 5

The completed base should now be level and square. Do one final check with a long straight edge to check if the base is level from each corner, and also measure the diagonals to finally check the base is square. Brush off any excess dry sand/cement mix, which could hinder the levelling of the shed. The result is a smooth, sound, level base. The perfect foundation for the construction of a garden building.

Garden Shed Treatment

2008-04-14T14:47:37Z

Many garden sheds are supplied with a factory base coat, usually water based. The factory coat is generally only a primer, and you should apply a good quality wood treatment either prior to or during assembly, and then annually after.

Varnish is not recommended, but there’s a multitude of preservatives and treatments available in a choice of colours. We recommend using a good quality, preferably spirit based application, for longer lasting protection. Water based treatments can become less effective after a few months of being weathered away.

Treating your Garden Building

We advise that suitable old clothing is worn during timber treatment, as the treatment may splash. Gloves may be worn as spirit based treatment can irritate the skin, if not make sure that hands are washed straight after application.

Treatment should be considered at the construction stage of your building as some areas will be unaccessible to treat once the building has been constructed. When treating your building ensure all surfaces are covered liberally, as moisture can penetrate the smallest of openings and overtime your building will show signs of damp and rot.

You may also wish to paint your garden building with exterior timber paint.

Kybotech is one of the ‘Hot 100′ Fastest Growing Entrepreneurial Companies

2008-04-11T10:22:02Z

A handsome turnover last year has meant Kybotech Ltd, a leading online retailer in the home and leisure sector, is proud to announce its inclusion in Real Business Magazines accredited ‘Hot 100’ Fastest Growing Entrepreneurial Companies for 2008. This comes as Kybotech declared incremental 59% growth since 2004.

The report, conducted in association with LDC, a private equity company, and Lloyds TSB, identifies those companies excelling in the current UK economy providing a rather healthier outlook than the imminent credit crunch would have us believe. The report further outlines entrepreneur’s ability to capitalise on emerging markets, exploit new technologies and deliver low priced products to consumers. Kybotech stands a key exponent of these attributes; widely sourcing raw materials to find a price that appeases the consumer and business, demonstrating competent online capabilities including cutting edge image prototyping for an enhanced shopping experience and the exploration of multiple niche markets from garden furniture to fitness equipment.

These sentiments are echoed by founder and Managing Director, Charles Walton, who back in 2000, set the Kybotech success story in motion with what is fast becoming a franchise of over 10 websites. Championing the ideal of self-sufficiency he says:

“If you’re organised, having your processes in-house helps you retain control and keep costs down. If you make savings here, you can pass them on to your customer – which makes your offering more attractive to them.”

By 2004 the company was recording a turnover of £6.4 million as they embarked on launching new websites, acquiring new suppliers and delving into new markets. 2007 brought in revenue of £24.5 million as Kybotech, not ones to rest on their laurels, looks to invest heavily into expanding its production facilities.

Kybotech currently operate from offices and production facilities tucked away in the East Midlands country side. Although the company has been established as an online retailer since 2000 Charles Walton and family have a long standing tradition in the manufacture and sale of garden buildings nationwide. Kybotech is the proprietor of the following websites dedicated to providing affordable, well designed lifestyle solutions making life just that little bit more enjoyable for all the family:

If you would like more information about this topic or about any of the businesses mentioned please call Ian Aslett on 01636 822859 or email ian.aslett@kybotech.co.uk

Log Cabins – For the discerning garden connoisseur?

2008-04-09T11:15:39Z

Envisage a log cabin high up in an alpine region nestled amongst a wooded backdrop. Idyllic don’t you think well log cabins are steadily becoming a fixture to many people’s gardens these days. And no we are not talking exclusively to those in the Home Counties. As public interest has grown in log cabins so to have the number of styles and sizes available. And that also means log cabins, although relatively expensive, can now be considered a worthwhile investment above that of people’s perception that log cabins are an indication of affluence. Log cabins are in fact extremely practical.

Log cabins have been around for a long time, the 1600’s if to be believed, so they are not new. However they have developed from being the humble woodland dwelling to something that is desired. The successful concept of an interlocking structure has manifested into housing developments, particularly in North America. Log cabins are very much associated to the landscape and the use of natural materials, in this case pine. Surprisingly for softwood, pine is incredibly strong if milled in the right manner as well as possessing a distinctive grain and smooth finish. That said the role of a log cabin designer these days is to develop a building that is practical and that could be conceivably lived in.

As alluded to log cabins are practical in that they offer a free standing space for the occupant to personalise. Log cabins can be used typically as a garden office, home gym, sauna room, children’s playroom or simply as a place to relax. In other words log cabins can be compared to a spare room or house extension. They offer considerably better value than a house extension and less upheaval in constructing. Depending on the size of garden and log cabin some have internal walling allowing you to use your log cabin for more than one use.

In terms of style log cabins dominate an outdoor setting. Commonly sporting a shaded overhang and veranda feature, ideal for the summer time, or a front fascia filled with window glazing lighting up the interior. With log cabins sized as little as 2.5m x 2.5m even small to medium gardens can accommodate ensuring that log cabins are exclusive not only to those with expansive gardens and money to burn. And so to those aspiring garden connoisseur’s out there on a budget, log cabins can be affordable, stylish and practical.

Log Cabins – A waste of space or cornerstone of the British garden landscape?

Should garden buildings remain a cornerstone of the British garden or will they dwindle into the suburban landscape?

Wooden Garden Sheds vs Metal Garden Sheds

2008-04-09T11:03:24Z

The humble garden shed – a lifestyle choice or simply a necessity? Either way we look at it many of us recall the humble garden shed as either a place to store all that garden furniture sparingly used throughout another dreary British summer and a redundant lawnmower or as a welcome retreat away from the wife and kids. Whether that’s true today is open to debate however it is not beyond the realms of belief to think that the garden shed still has a prominent place in the Great British garden. Sheds have been around for a number of centuries but as time has gone on so too has the development of sheds, be it due to size, design or need. Running alongside this has been the discovery of new materials. Subsequently, as is often the case, the choice now is mind blowing.

Presently we have your tried and tested wooden shed and its comparably more recent metal cousin. So why change something that isn’t broke? And which really is better; wooden or metal sheds? Well each have their merits, so I guess it boils down to the personal judgement of the recipient, you the consumer. Here are a few pointers you may want to consider before choosing which type of garden shed to go for.

As alluded to earlier a wooden shed carries a greater sense of tradition. Whereas, metal sheds are suggested by some as having greater durability but is this merely a preconceived idea. It is too broad a topic to talk primarily about wood versus metal as there are many different forms of either. To narrow this down wooden sheds are primarily manufactured from the surprisingly resistant softwood, pine, or cedar. Metal garden sheds are made from galvanised steel, the somewhat old fashioned corrugated iron or emerging aluminium.

Firstly wooden sheds look more at home nestled in a shaded corner or at the bottom of your garden. However with the surge in suburban developments around the country these days garden space is becoming increasingly trivialised in preference of interior space, indicative of a society drawn to the sofa and a TV dinner. That said metal sheds do not look out of place in a suburban environment. And what about shed size? Whatever size shed be it 8 x 6, 10 x 8, 12 x 8 you can get a metal or wooden shed. The primary consideration usually revolves around durability. Wooden sheds require more frequent maintenance with an annually begrudging slap of that sticky staining residue we call treatment to prevent premature rot. Then you have the metal shed that is pre-treated or painted at the factory but does not counter the flimsy panelling often found. Metal sheds are susceptible to denting from a stray cricket ball clattering the side. Unexpected peeling or bubbling can happen depending on the price of shed you pay for though this is far less of a problem theses days with many respectable manufacturers around. In defence of the metal shed they are ideal as a storage solution for garden furniture, the lawnmower as well as any clutter from the house in view of the fact that they are considered more secure. Despite the somewhat fiddly task of assembling a metal shed with all its nuts ’n’ bolts security is something consumer’s value. Wooden sheds although not as secure for the same reason uncannily offer greater opportunity for modification be it an extra window or internal shelving. The natural qualities of wood also enable wooden sheds to have better ventilation making them ideal as backyard workshops still to this day.

So whether you decide to buy a wooden shed or a metal shed take into account your use for it and the quality of finish. The choice is out there so it’s just up to you to decide.