🖼️
The project:
As a keen gardener, I’d always dreamed of having a potting shed. With a set of French doors waiting for the perfect project, this was it. My dear friend Ian (81), the finest handyman I know, enthusiastically joined the adventure. After dismantling an old gazebo, the little shed began to take shape. What started as a simple potting and wood-storage space evolved into something much more special. I’ve filled it with treasured finds, creating my own little shop - though nothing is for sale! It’s now my favourite place to create, dream, and plan what’s next for the garden.
- Materials:
Treated pine for the walls - 90 x 45mm Framing MGP10 H2 Blue Pine 3.0m - Bunnings Australia
Trimdek polycarbonate roofing panels in bronze x 2 - Suntuf 1.8m Bronze Trimdek Polycarbonate Roofing Sheet - 1800mm - Bunnings Australia
Trimdek polycarbonate roofing panels in clear x 4 - https://www.bunnings.com.au/suntuf-trimdeck-2-4m-clear-polycarbonate-roofing_p1010585
Roofing screws - Buildex 12G x 50mm Class 4 Roofing Screws with Seal - 100 Pack - Bunnings Australia
Wooden roof battens - inBuilt 2700 x 42 x 18mm Batten White Standard Pine - Bunnings Australia
Galvanised nail gun nails - Titan 75 x 3.06 mm Hot Dipped Galvanised Collated Framing Nails - Box of 3000 - Bunnings Australia
Aldamp for a protection layer between the existing deck and walls - Consolidated Alloys 230mm x 10m x 03.mm Standard Aldamp Dampcourse - Bunnings Australia
Zinc corner flashing x 3, for tidy corners and waterproofing - Angle Flashing 50 x 50 x 1000mm 0.55mm Colorbond Steel Surfmist - Bunnings Australia
Sikkens paint stain in Mahogany (Bunnings doesn’t stock this anymore but I had some from a previous job 😊 and want it all to match)
- Tools:
Drill, circular saw, grinder, nail gun, pin gun, sander, level, clamps, saw horses
- Step 1:
Step 1 – I had pretty gazebo covered in jasmine however it really wasn't a functional space so I dismantled it and the little shed could begin. I re-used the 2 pots of Jasmine at the front of the shed at the end of the project, they will look beautiful come spring.
- Step 2:
Step 2 – I purchased the required treated timber, roofing screws, nail gun nails and Ian had all the tools and expertise. Putting the first wall up was really satisfying and the little shed just got better and better.
- Step 3:
Step 3 – continuing the walls and measuring the spaces for the two French doors I had and two jarrah windows that Ian had salvaged. We also reinforced the base of the window frames as I had two perfect french window boxes to install and wanted to be sure these would be strong enough for the pots and plants.
- Step 4:
Step 4 – I loved learning how to use the circular saw, although the nail gun was a little intimidating at first! Once we had the frame up, we moved on to constructing the roof, where I learned all about rafters and battens. Ian then installed salvaged corrugated roofing sheets, while I added clear polycarbonate panels in a Trimdek profile to the front and side of the shed to bring in plenty of natural light. With each step, the shed really started to come to life and was looking absolutely adorable.
- Step 5:
Step 5 – Setting up the space, Ian had some salvaged shelves which we installed on the back wall and we clad the top section in clear polycarbonate for more light and so I can see the back yard & keep an eye on my chickens. I found some great wooden doors on my local buy nothing page & used one of them as a hinged bench that I could raise and lower when not required, it’s been invaluable. I purchased a simple chain, some hooks and 2 carabiner clips, it works so well and really fits the space.
- Step 6:
Step 6 – The first item I moved in was the potting bench I made years ago, perfectly fitting under the window space, completely unplanned but it was made for it. I had an existing metal shelf unit that was perfect for storage & I couldn’t wait to plant my first round seedlings.
- Step 7:
Step 7 – Highlighting the two bronze polycarbonate sheets in the same Trimdek profile as the middle roof panels to let in more light and it gave a really cool view of the tree outside.
- Step 8:
Step 8 – I made a feature of the truss with some fairy lights, looks so pretty at night.
- Step 9:
Step 9 – The woodstore, the little shed was too cool to store firewood, so we added a lean-to on the left as well, super practical. This was made easily from 2 (very nice) pallets, more treated timber for the frame, a couple of hinges and some salvaged Colourbond for the roof. (yes, the wood still needs to be stacked the correct way, I was in a hurry due to pending rain 😊)
- Step 10:
Step 10 – As at today, the shed is fully fitted out and settling into its place in the garden beautifully. It has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever undertaken. There is still some painting and a few finishing touches to complete, but I couldn’t be happier with the result. The project took many Saturdays, and I’m endlessly grateful for Ian’s expertise, creativity, and custom touches. I just love it more everyday. Thank you, hope you love it too 😎
