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So you’re in the market or just purchased a shed, and now you’re concerned about how it will arrive. Does it turn up already built? Does it get carried into your garden, or will you need tools ready on the day? Here’s what you can expect.
Are Sheds Delivered Fully Built?
Almost never. Around 99% of sheds are delivered in parts, including wooden, metal, and plastic models. They’re often referred to as shed kits, made up of pre-cut panels and fixings.
Many prefer this setup as fully built ones can be tricky to move through side access or into back gardens. Instead, you get panels that are easier to carry through narrow areas, less likely to be damaged during transport, and can be assembled in stages.
Some companies may offer installation services for an extra fee, either when you buy or after delivery. A team will come and put your shed together in your garden, but this isn’t standard with every supplier and isn’t always available everywhere.
Always check the product page or ask the retailer what’s included and what costs extra before you buy.
How Are Sheds Delivered?
We can’t speak for every retail stores and suppliers, but how the shed is packed can depend on the material.
Wooden sheds come as individual panels and loose boards, bundled and wrapped. Sometimes these are mounted on pallets, depending on the exact configuration of parts. You’ll likely need a drill, hammer, saw, safety gloves and eye protection, and a ladder for the roof sections. They take a bit longer to put together, but the panels keep it manageable.
Here’s one example from one of our customers installing her wooden shed on her own!
Meanwhile, metal and plastic sheds are usually flat-packed and arrive in boxes, with pre-drilled panels. Assembly is fairly straightforward, and you’ll also need a few tools like a screwdriver, socket wrench, and Allen keys.
Everything bolts together, so there’s no cutting or sawing involved. These sheds are lighter to move, though the boxes can still be awkward depending on size.
How to Prepare for Shed Delivery
Try to leave a space for the delivery van to park. These are typically long vehicles so can have difficulty finding a parking space in dense neighborhoods. It may help to inform your neighbours that you’re expecting a large delivery, so they might leave their cars elsewhere until the delivery is complete.
Plan the route from the drop-off point to the final spot in the garden. Clear an open path so you can carry the parts around the house and into the back garden. Move bins, garden furniture, pots, or anything else that could get in the way.
It is usually possible to carry the parts through the house from the front door to the back door, as long as there are not any tight corners that the panels and boards could be too long to be manoeuvred around.
If you’re going to be carrying the wooden parts, we’d recommend wearing some gloves to protect against splinters.
If you’re hiring a labourer or installer, avoid booking them for the same day as delivery. Deliveries can arrive later in the day, and unloading may take longer than expected. Book installation for the following day instead.
Once delivered, wooden shed parts should not be left unassembled for too long. Timber needs airflow and some protection. Leaving panels out in heavy rain or stacked for weeks can cause problems. If you’re not assembling it right away, store the parts somewhere dry and raised off the ground.
Where Do the Shed Parts Get Dropped Off?
This, again, can vary by supplier. Some delivery companies offer crane placement, though this is usually limited to certain products (such as the rare pre-assembled sheds) and locations (within eyesight of the driver’s parking spot). Most sheds, however, arrive on a van or lorry and are unloaded by hand.
Keep in mind that not all delivery teams are insured to carry heavy items onto private property. Delivery of heavy items involves a likelihood of injury, so there can be difficult liability issues if this were to happen on a customer’s property. That means they might only drop the shed at the kerbside or driveway and won’t move it any further. This is standard practice, so double-check with the supplier to be sure.
Sheds and garden rooms purchased from us are kerbside delivery only. The parts are dropped off at the front of your property: on the driveway, front garden, or pavement outside your home.
You’ll need to be home to receive the delivery and make sure there’s space for the drop-off. From there, moving the parts into position is up to you or your installer.
We hope this answers your questions! If you haven’t found the right garden storage for you yet, we have excellent selections below:
