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You’ve got a shed, but it has no windows. Whether it’s been like that for years or you suddenly want it bright and airy, this guide is for you. Read on, and we’ll walk you through the easiest way to DIY a window into your shed.
Disclaimer: This is a structural modification, so you do it at your own risk. It can also void your manufacturer’s warranty. Check the instructions and make sure you understand each step before cutting anything.
DIYing Your Shed with Windows
If you’ve been staring at your plain walls and thinking it’s time for an upgrade, take note of the following:
Pick your shed window style
One of the perks of adding a window is you get to pick what you want. There are plenty of styles to match how you plan to use your garden storage, including:
- Fixed windows are the easiest and cheapest option. No moving parts and straightforward to install. If you want some light in the shed and don’t need it to open, this is the way to go. Many sheds use styrene (plastic) rather than glass, as it’s shatterproof and less expensive.
- Opening windows let air in and stop the shed from getting stuffy. You can control how much ventilation you get. This makes a big difference if you spend a lot of time in there or need to combat condensation.
- Service windows are built for passing things through, like drinks and tools—you name it. This can be useful for a bar shed setup, kiosk, or workspace.
- Double glazed shed windows are more expensive, but a good option if you’re serious about insulating your shed for year-round use.
Swap the shed wall panel instead of cutting it
This is the simplest route: replace a full wall panel with one that already has a window. This takes the guesswork out of sizing and framing. Remove the old panel, fit the new one, and your shed has a window or two – or as many as you like.
Unfortunately, removing a panel does mean taking the roof off your shed first, and then putting it back on afterwards. This can make the task more time-consuming, and you also need to avoid damaging any parts as you dismantle it.
If you’ve bought a modular shed from us, you can get in touch with our team about switching to a windowed wall panel.
How to Fit Shed Windows Yourself
There are a couple of ways this can go:
- Completely remove the cladding boards from your wall panel, and replace with a window that perfectly fits the hole.
- Or cut through the cladding boards to make a space to fit your new window. This would be much more difficult if you have overlap cladding.
The former approach is neater, easier, and more likely to be structurally sound.
You should never cut through the shed’s framing.
Here’s a general step-by-step guide for the cutting method, but feel free to make adjustments based on your needs:
- Mark the spot where you want the window. Choose a wall that gets good light and won’t interfere with the shed’s framing. Use a pencil and keep it parallel with the frame.
- If your shed design makes it awkward to reach the panel, you should remove it first. That can mean taking off part of the roof, so check how your shed is built before you start.
- Check whether any of the wall’s boards will become loose once you cut through them. After all, they will no longer reach all the way across the frame. They may need extra screws or nails to stay put. This will be less of an issue if your new window perfectly fills the width of the frame.
- Cut the opening with a jigsaw. Follow your straight pencil lines and go slow to keep it steady.
- Lightly sand or file the freshly cut edges of your new window opening. Raw, rough timber edges absorb moisture easily, so this step helps protect it and makes it ready to be sealed or treated. This step will also help your new window to fit well.
- Brush on a wood preservative or end-grain treatment to the exposed cut edges before fitting the window. This protects the raw timber from moisture and helps prevent rot. Let it dry fully according to the product instructions before moving on. (If it’s going to rain, cover with waterproof fabric to protect your shed in the meantime.)
- Fit the frame and ensure it’s level. Even a slight lean can cause gaps around the glazing. If good to go, secure the windowpane and seal around the edges.
- Spray a bit of water around the window to test for leaks. If any water seeps through, reseal those areas.
Sealing and Finishing
Seal around the edges with a weatherproof sealant after fitting the windows. Take your time, slow and steady, to avoid gaps. You can add trim too if you want it to look tidy. It neatens the frame and gives better protection against damp.
Check the window from time to time. Wind and rain can wear the seal, so deal with any gaps or damp patches as soon as you spot them.
Round-up
Adding windows to your shed can be a game-changer. It might take time and effort, but you get more light and better air inside. You can go the easy route and fit a ready-made wall panel, or take on a full DIY job if you’re confident with tools. Whichever way you go, take your time with measurements, sealing, and upkeep.
When it’s time for a new shed, take a look at our best options here: Garden Sheds Buying Guide
