The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Perfect Garden Shed

Ready to reclaim your backyard and clear the clutter? A quality garden shed creates a safe, weatherproof space where everything has a place. From tools and pool gear to the mower and the bin, the right shed makes outdoor living easier and your property tidier. This guide walks you through planning, choosing, and buying a shed that will last for years so that you can shop with confidence.

Plan before you buy

Measure your space and set a budget

The smartest shed purchase starts with a tape measure. Whether you’ve got a tight garden corner or a wide-open lawn, knowing your dimensions up front avoids frustrating surprises and inconvenient setbacks. Think about clearance for doors, paths around the shed, and how you’ll get larger items like a mower or wheelbarrow in and out.

Next, set a budget. Garden sheds range from compact storage units to workshop-style sheds with windows and dividing walls. Having a price in mind helps you quickly narrow the range of sheds that will suit both your space and your wallet.

Do you need planning permission?

In NZ, most kitset garden sheds under 10 square metres do not require a building consent. If you’re considering a larger shed size, placing one near a boundary, or planning to add power or plumbing, check with your local council before you buy.

The importance of a solid base

A shed is only as strong as the foundation it sits on. Choose a level site and prepare a base before you build. Options include:

Concrete slabs for a permanent, low-maintenance base.

Timber floor kits made in NZ from FSC-certified pine, cut to size and treated for durability.

Steel raised foundations for a budget-friendly platform you can cover with plywood or timber.

All Trade Tested garden sheds include a free anchor kit to secure your structure to timber or concrete foundations, ensuring stability in all weather.

How to find the right garden shed

Shed materials: Wood, steel, or resin?

Each material has its benefits. Your choice comes down to how you’ll use the shed and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do.

Steel sheds: Strong, weather-resistant, and pest-proof. All Trade Tested sheds use galvanised steel and are backed by a 12-year no-rust warranty. Steel sheds are designed for NZ conditions, resist corrosion, and require little maintenance.

Wooden sheds: Classic appeal with natural insulation. Made from Nordic kiln-dried spruce, wooden garden sheds can be painted or stained to suit your backyard. Wooden sheds come with a 5-year warranty and require occasional upkeep to keep them looking great.

Resin sheds: Lightweight, rigid, and low-maintenance. Our Keter resin range handles NZ’s weather without warping, cracking, or peeling, and has the added benefit of reduced condensation compared to steel. Resin sheds come with a 10-year warranty.

Shed size: What suits your garden?

Trade Tested’s kitset garden sheds come in multiple sizes, from compact lockers to multi-purpose units. Floor areas range from 0.8m² to 14.8m².

Small (1–4m²): Tool lockers, narrow resin sheds, or compact steel units. Perfect for hand tools, firewood, or potting gear.

Medium (5–9m²): Fits lawnmowers, bikes, shelving, and sports gear. A practical choice for most Kiwi households.

Large (10–14m²): Plenty of space for ride-on mowers, multiple bikes, or a small workshop. Check council consent if you’re near the 10m² mark.

Think about how your needs may grow over time. Buying a larger garden shed now can save you from running out of space later.

Style and features: Roofs, doors & extras

Looks and usability matter too. Pitched roof sheds are great for taller items and give comfortable standing height, while flat roof sheds are perfect for tight spaces or a modern profile.

Hinged doors (standard on all Trade Tested sheds) are more reliable than sliding options, with lockable latches for security.

Other features that can make your garden shed work harder:

Windows or vents for light and airflow.

Shelving, wall & ceiling racks, and pegboards to organise your gear.

Reinforced floors if you’re storing heavy equipment.

A wide range of colours: steel sheds in Ironsand, Sandstone Grey, Rivergum, or timber-look; resin sheds in Grey, Green, or Anthracite; wooden sheds in a natural finish ready to stain or paint.

Internal heights of up to 2.1m in larger sheds, giving you comfortable room to work.

Delivery & installation

Buying online is simple. With Trade Tested, you can order your garden shed today and enjoy nationwide delivery direct to your door, often within three working days. Or, pick up your shed from our Auckland warehouse.

All kitset garden sheds come flat-packed with clear instructions, allowing you to build it yourself with basic tools. Smaller sheds usually take about four hours to assemble, while larger garden sheds take six to eight hours. Prefer to leave it to the pros? Trade Tested partners with Kitset Assembly Services to provide professional installation nationwide. Just ask for a free quote.

Why choose Trade Tested garden sheds?

With a huge selection of high-quality kitset garden sheds, Trade Tested makes it easy to find the right shed for your home. Every shed is designed for NZ conditions, backed by long warranties, and supported by a trusted brand that delivers excellent value.

Durability you can count on: Engineered for NZ weather, with warranties of 5–12 years depending on the material.

Smart kitset design: Easy to put together, fewer pieces, and everything included.

Style and choice: A wide range of styles and colours to suit your backyard.

Nationwide delivery: Order online and get your shed delivered directly to your door.

Buy your garden shed online today

A garden shed is the simplest way to keep your backyard organised and your gear protected from the elements. By choosing the right garden shed size and material, and assembling it on a solid base, you’ll enjoy years of use and peace of mind. Browse Trade Tested’s high-quality steel, wood, and resin garden sheds online today.