A garden shed or store unit begins with the proper timber pack. Jan Sok does not supply ready log cabins from stock. We do supply the frame timber, wall boards and roof sheets you need. You or your builder can then put up a solid lasting outdoor shed.
Basic frame of the shed
Use posts and rails in Douglas or in treated timber. Plan the floor and under frame so they can handle lasting outdoor damp. For the walls select rabat boards from the Douglas cladding line. Or review our front board range for extra lasting outdoor styles.
Garden room with a lean-to roof
You can join the shed to a lean-to roof on one side. Keep the same Douglas line and add matching roof sheets for a lasting join. Read lean-to on the house for that junction. Also see our garden shed project for a working outdoor build.
Barn and open shed
An open barn-style shed follows the same outdoor building rules as a closed store. A closed store shed still needs sturdy posts, a solid base and a lasting rain-tight roof. Finish that roof with wave sheets or clear roof sheets.
Plan your garden shed materials
Start with a simple drawing of the floor plan, the height of the walls and the slope of the roof. From that drawing you can count the posts, beams, studs, wall boards and roof sheets you need. Add some extra for saw cuts and mistakes. A clear list saves you a second trip and makes it easier for us to advise you.
Foundation and frame
A shed is only as good as its base. Keep the timber off the ground with concrete tiles, a strip foundation or post bases, so the bottom beams do not stand in wet soil. Douglas is a good choice for the frame above ground. It is strong and fairly light, and it cuts with ordinary tools. Use a damp-proof layer between the foundation and the bottom beam, and check that the frame is square before you fix the walls.
Walls and cladding
For the walls you can choose between overlapping profiles such as rabat or potdeksel, and tongue-and-groove boards. Overlapping boards shed water well and give a classic look. Fit the boards with stainless or coated screws or nails, and leave a little room for the wood to move. Treat saw cuts at the bottom of the boards, because end grain takes up water fastest.
Roof and finishing
A flat or slightly sloping roof is often finished with EPDM on roof boarding. A steeper roof can carry roof sheets. Make sure the roof overhangs the walls a little, so rain does not run straight down the cladding. Fit a gutter if you want to keep water away from the foundation. Finally, decide whether you want the timber to turn grey or keep its colour with oil or stain.
Garden shed materials: summary
Draw your plan, keep the frame off the ground, choose Douglas for the structure, and finish with good cladding and a proper roof. Send us your drawing and we will help you make the materials list.
Frequently asked questions
Do you supply full garden sheds?
We supply timber and custom packs cut to your outdoor project sizes. We do not supply ready-made log cabin kits.
Which roof should I choose?
For a flat roof you select EPDM as the lasting skin. For a pitched roof you select wave sheets or clear sheets. Request a quote if you want help with the outdoor pack.