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Shed options have come a long way—there’s more variety, and modular sheds might be what you’re looking for. You decide the layout, the doors, and the windows, depending on the model, so you can make it work in your garden.
Here’s a quick guide to learn more about this type of garden storage, plus some layout ideas for you.
What Is a Modular Shed?
A modular shed, provided in a wooden shed kit, features walls that consist of evenly sized panels. There are panels of plain wall, panels containing windows, and a panel containing the doorframe. This design lets you decide where the walls go, where the door opens, and where the windows sit. The result is a more customisable building that can be shaped to the layout that you require.
One example is the BillyOh Pent Shed. As a modular shed, it allows you to position the doors and windows in any position around its frame at the point of installation. So it can look like the image above, or it can look like this one:
You can see the vertical framing along the walls of the shed, which are all equidistant from one another, as each panel is approximately 4 foot wide (the 12×8 size option is shown above). Where one wall is taller than another, that is where the fascia section joins the panel on that side.
In fact, the doors could take any position around any of the 4 sides of this building. You could even have them at the back, if you were so inclined.
Benefits of Modular Shed
These are the perks you mostly can’t get from a standard shed kit (and why you’ll love them):
Easy access, your way
A modular shed gives you the freedom to position the door exactly where it makes the most sense for your space. By aligning it with your garden path, you can create smooth, direct access without cutting across grass or gravel.
Picture each of these door locations:
- On the end of the shed (the short side)
- Offset near a corner
- Centred along the long side
Each of these options suit different garden layouts, depending on where your shed is positioned. A position near a corner, for example, might suit gardens with a path down its length, ending at the door to the shed. Or, if your shed is on your patio near the back door of your house, perhaps central access suits you better.
This flexibility lets you design a layout that fits how you actually move through your garden. The result is a shed that’s not only practical but feels purpose-built for your outdoor setup.
For more ideas, check out our guide to positioning your shed.
Light where you want it
You can place windows to line up with shelves, storage racks, or work benches. Natural light hitting these areas let you can work without extra lighting during the day.
For instance, a window above your potting bench for planting or repotting. Or a corner window to brighten the interior. Overall, you get brighter space, better airflow, and more control over how the shed fits your tasks.
Larger size options provide more windows, so on some versions it’s possible to have windows on multiple sides of the shed for additional exposure to sunlight.
Modular Shed Layout Ideas
Take a cue from these layout ideas if you’re unsure where to start:
Doors
Put it at the end if your garden is narrow or you want a straight path in. It can also work in the middle if the structure is wide or you want to split it into storage and work areas. Just see to it the door isn’t going to hit anything when it opens.
You should also consider what’s going on inside the shed. If you want things to be stored in corners (such as equipment in a gym shed), maybe don’t have a corner-positioned door. Equally, a door in the middle of a wall could interrupt some furniture you wanted to store along its length. Plan ahead for your intended usage.
Windows
Place the windows where you spend most time or often reach for items. Ensure that at least one is receiving sunlight. But also think ahead to the summer, and whether or not you’ll want direct sunlight to be blazing in. Sometimes it’s better for the window to be shaded.
Additionally, if you don’t want people to be able to see your expensive bike or other valuables, consider the viewing angles in regards to nosy neighbours or a passing footpath. (Though you can always cover the windows with curtains.)
Wall panels
The solid wall panels that contain no doors or windows make up the majority of your shed’s structure. There’s not a lot to think about with these except for whether you want there to be large sections of plain wall, and how that might look from some angles.
Extra tips:
- Narrow garden: End door and one side window opposite fence.
- Square garden: Middle door, 2 side windows, flexible panels for corner storage.
- L-shaped garden: Door on short end, panels wrap around obstacles, windows on sunny side.
Round-up
Modular sheds fit your garden and your needs, and they can grow with whatever projects you take on next. Experiment with the layout and see what works best for how you use the space. This could be the shed that meets your needs!
Browse our range of garden sheds for options. Our modular models are marked in their descriptions.
Still thinking about buying a new shed? Our shed buying guide has more useful advice.
