How to convert a garden shed into a room?

Question

Hi All

I am a novice and probably this would be my first major project. I have a corrugated metal garden shed in my backyard that I wanted to convert into a prayer / meditation room. It would need insulation, a small window and an electricity point (that can come from a connection nearby). The metal shed is about 6.2 feet horizontally and 6.5 feet vertically.  How do I go about it?  What could it cost me to convert it ? Or rather it'll be easier to dismantle it altogether and go for some of the new wooden ones that are there in bunnings ?

Thanks for looking in.

EricL · Answer

Hello @npmarket

If you are referring to the Panelspan 2400 x 1200 x 50mm White Insulated Sandwich Panel 3 Pack it can technically be used on walls, but it becomes expensive as it only comes in 3 panel packs. Whereas an Earthwool R2.0 90 x 430 x 1160mm 16.0m² Insulation Wall Batt - 32 Pack - 90 x 430 x 1160 will cover 16sq/m at 1/6th the cost. It therefore would make more sense to use the standard wall batts. To maximize your insulation, I suggest combining it with the Ametalin Foil Sark and choosing the wall batts with the highest R rating.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

npmarket · Answer

Thanks for the detailed response Mitchell !

I was told by someone that "Sandwich Panels" could be an option to insulate the shed. I was told that they are cost effective and do the job.  Appreciate if you could provide your inputs on these too.

I am leaning towards getting this done from a professional or at least get a quote from one to compare whether timber shed will make more sense. Thanks again.

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @npmarket. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about converting a shed.

Converting a metal garden shed into a prayer or meditation room is definitely possible, but it comes with a few challenges you'll need to tackle.

First, steel sheds tend to get extremely hot in summer, so insulation is important for comfort. Many members of our community have successfully insulated their sheds, which can make the space more tolerable. You’ll want to add insulation to both the walls and the roof, but you’ll need to build a timber frame inside the shed to support this insulation. Something like Earthwool or foam board could work well, though ensuring that it fits snugly and is properly sealed will help maximise its effectiveness.

Waterproofing is another consideration, as metal sheds aren’t always great at keeping out the elements. Make sure the shed is fully weather-sealed, especially around the base, windows, and door. You might need to apply some silicone sealant around the edges or look into installing a waterproof membrane.

Adding a window means cutting into the steel, which will require building a frame to support the window securely. You’ll also need to ensure that it's watertight around the edges to prevent leaks. For the electricity point, running power from a nearby source is doable but should be handled by a licensed electrician to make sure it's safe and compliant.

Given the work involved, you might also want to explore the timber sheds we have available. These sheds are often easier to modify, better insulated naturally, and more suited to being converted into a comfortable indoor space. Depending on your budget and skills, it might actually be simpler in the long run to dismantle the metal shed and go for a wooden one instead.

Cost-wise, it’s hard to give an exact figure, but you’ll need to account for insulation materials, window installation, potential wiring, and weatherproofing. If you opt for a new timber shed, they start around a few thousand dollars depending on size and design.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell