A weekend project to re-felt the roof, treat the timber, fix the door, and add security and storage to a garden shed.
AB-01Plan the job and get everything readyCheck the weather forecast. You need at least two dry days in a row for the felt and preservative to go on and cure properly, so don't start if rain is due. Empty the shed completely and store contents under a tarpaulin or in the house. If brambles or a hedge are blocking access, check for nesting birds (roughly March to August) and for a Tree Preservation Order or conservation area before cutting anything back.
5 each · Heavy-duty bin bags AB-02Re-felt the roof firstFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Re-felt a shed roof' before anything else. The roof has to be sound and waterproof before you treat the timber, because a leak will ruin fresh preservative. Do this on a dry day with no rain forecast for 24 hours afterwards.
1 roll · Shed roofing felt 1 pack · Galvanised clout nails AB-03Treat the whole shed with preservativeFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Treat a shed with wood preservative' on the walls, door and any exposed roof battens. Do this once the roof is felted so you're not treating timber that then gets wet. Let it dry fully, usually 24 to 48 hours, before moving on to work on the door.
5 litres · Shed and fence preservative AB-04Sort out a sticking or misaligned doorFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Fix a shed door that won't close' once the preservative has dried. Treating the timber can swell it slightly, so it's worth checking the door again even if it closed fine before. Sorting this now means the lock and hasp in the next phase line up properly.
1 tub · Wood filler (exterior grade) 1 pair · Replacement hinges AB-05Fit a new lock and haspFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Fit a shed lock and hasp' now that the door closes and aligns properly. Before drilling, check the area for any hidden wiring with a detector if the shed has mains power run to it; expect something to be there even if you don't think it does. Use coach bolts through to backing plates inside for a stronger fixing than screws alone.
1 each · Hasp and staple set (heavy duty) 1 each · Closed-shackle padlock 1 set · Coach bolts and backing plate AB-06Add wider security measuresFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Secure a shed against break-ins' for ground anchors, window film and any extra security bars. Check for cables or pipes before drilling into the floor or walls for a ground anchor, and still expect something to be there. If you want security lighting or an alarm wired to the mains, don't DIY the wiring: a new circuit to an outbuilding is notifiable work, and this needs a registered electrician.
RULES1 each · Ground anchor kit 1 roll · Security window film 1 each · Steel security bar KNOW THE RULES
A new electrical circuit, including one run out to a shed or outbuilding, is notifiable under Part P and must be done or certified by a registered electrician.
AB-07Fit shelving for storageFinish with the HomeGraft guide 'Put up shelving in a shed'. Do this last so the shelves don't get splashed with preservative or knocked about while you're working on the roof and door. Check for cables or pipes before drilling, and screw into the timber frame rather than just the thin wall boards for a shelf that will actually hold weight.
4 each · Shelving brackets 2 each · Timber shelf boards Travis Perkins and Tooled Up links are affiliate links: if you buy after clicking, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. B&Q and Amazon links are plain searches and earn us nothing.
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