Indispensable Factors to Consider When Planning the Perfect Garden Shed

Many homeowners want to get a garden shed for several good reasons. If you want a rustic appeal in your backyard, you can opt to build a wooden shed. You can turn this shed as a hobby space or a playroom for your kids. On the other hand, if you want something more practical and functional, you can have a steel shed that is easy to maintain and more long-lasting. You can keep all your gardening tools and supplies in this structure or use it for other applications.

A shed is an essential investment for your home. So, you must make sure that you will get the ideal shed that will bring you the best value for your money. That said, you have to consider some essential factors while planning for the project. In this article, we will give you the details you need to review to help you build a practical, durable and fully functional garden shed.

1) The Space Requirements

The primary reason why you are creating a garden shed is that you want a secure structure where you can keep your belongings. Perhaps, you’re the type of person who does not like seeing clutter lying around your garden. So, before you start shopping for building materials, the first thing you should do is make an inventory of all the things you want to keep in your shed. Doing this will give you an idea of the amount of space you need to contain your items.

You should also know that overestimating is better than building a shed that can’t accommodate all your belongings. On the other hand, you must still consider the amount of garden space you can use for your shed. You would not want your shed to fill the entire landscape!

2) Where You’ll Place your Shed

Functionality is not the only quality your shed should possess. It should also add beauty to your garden, So, it is crucial that you carefully plan the design of your shed and how it will look in your yard. You must work your shed in your garden. This way, the layout of the area is balanced, and there are a harmonious flow and feel.

Consider the logistics when you are deciding where to place your shed in your garden. Remember that you will always be going in and out of this room to get and keep your tools. So, you have to make it accessible. Do not place it in a location where you will be required to take so much time walking back and forth.

 

3) The Material for your Shed

The material you want for your shed determines the most significant chunk of your construction project. There are many types of garden sheds to choose from. Most people select wood because of the unique appeal it can give to a yard. However, you have to know that when exposed to water for a long time, wood can start to rot.

If you want a timber shed for your garden, you will be delighted to know that there are types of wood that react differently to water. For example, pine and cedar have resin which makes them less susceptible to rotting caused by water exposure. The best materials for timber garden sheds are whitewood and redwood.

It is undeniable how no other material can match the beauty and appeal of natural wooden garden sheds. However, you must know that you have to maintain timber religiously. Moreover, they do not tend to last for a lifetime. So, if you are after something that is strong enough to endure the harsh Australian conditions, we recommend opting for steel garden sheds.

For example, you can get colorbond sheds. They are perfect for gardens because they have been laboratory-tested across different experimental sites. You can ensure that they will stand strong despite exposure to various weather and terrain conditions. What’s more, they are easy to maintain, and they are available in a range of colours and styles.

 

4) Do you Need Permits?

Depending on the size and location of your garden shed, you might need to secure permits from your local council. Keep in mind that the building codes and laws vary from region to region. So, it would be best for you to contact the relevant government authorities before beginning your shed construction. Once you’ve acquired the right permits, only then can you erect your garden shed. Following local council laws is crucial in protecting the health and safety of your family and the other people in your neighbourhood.

 

5) What Can your Budget Cover?

Of course, the most critical question you have to ask yourself is, “How much am I willing to spend?” Remember that you will not be spending money on the structure alone. You must get the right materials to construct a solid foundation. Moreover, you must consider the amount you need to pay for council permits. As you plan your project, the expenses will start to rack up. So, it is essential that you determine exactly how much you are willing to spend. You must also include a contingency fund for unexpected costs.

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The 5 Shoes All Working Women Should Own

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Choosing the right pair of shoes is very important for working women. You need shoes that look professional enough for an office setting. However, those aren’t always going to be the most comfortable.

That’s why you should also look for shoes that still look “dressy” enough for work, without making your feet hurt all day long. A pair of supportive sandals or dressy sneakers are both good options when considering comfortable footwear for work.

The following are five popular style options to consider as you look for your next pair. Keep them in mind to find the perfect shoes for your needs!

Black Pumps

They’re a classic for a reason. This versatile shoe can be worn in many different professional situations. On top of that, they can make choosing an outfit for work much easier. Most fashion advice experts point out that black shoes match nearly anything, meaning you can pair them with any outfit choice.

Black Loafers

This style is a smart alternative to black pumps when you still want a shoe that can match a wide range of outfits, but don’t necessarily want to sacrifice comfort.

Black loafers are also popular because they suit various office dress codes. If you work in a casual office where jeans are allowed, they’re a perfect choice. However, they can also complement a pair of black dress pants if your office has more formal standards. Consider loafers if you tend to be on your feet throughout the day and don’t want to face daily discomfort.

High-Heel Sandals

Plenty of employees like to spend social time with their colleagues at the end of the week. With high-heel sandals, women don’t have to go home and change or bring an extra pair of shoes along with them. They’re formal enough for many office dress codes and casual though stylish enough to suit after-work fun.

Mary Janes

Vogue has declared this style as one of the most versatile around for a reason. They’re dressy enough that you can get away with wearing a pair in a variety of working environments, and comfortable enough to keep your feet pain-free throughout the day. Thanks to those two traits, the style is also perfect for social events.

Wedge Sandals

Heels may help you look more professional, but they’re certainly not comfortable. Even worse, they can harm your feet, legs, and overall posture over time.

That’s why some recommend making the switch to wedges or wedge sandals. They provide additional support while still giving you a few extra inches of height in professional situations.

Finding shoes that strike a balance between style, professionalism, and comfort doesn’t need to be a challenge. The five styles listed here are ideal for plenty of office dress codes. Look for them the next time you need a new pair of work shoes.

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The Three Most Popular Materials for Kitchen Worktops Today

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Are you thinking of replacing your old and worn out kitchen worktop with a new one? Are you having your home built and planning to install a new worktop for your kitchen? Whether you’re replacing an old worktop or installing one for a new kitchen, you must already know by now that you have a lot of choices. The choices are seemingly endless nowadays, what with the popularity of such materials as granite, quartz, wood, stainless steel, and more. But with these choices, it can be a bit more challenging to make your selection. How do you know, for instance, that you are making the right decision and the right choice? We're here to help you. Here are the three most popular materials for kitchen worktops today, including their pros and cons.

Granite

Granite is arguably the most popular and most beloved material for kitchen worktops. There are many reasons for this, but one reason is its elegance. You can’t deny it – if you walk into a kitchen with a granite worktop, you will be immediately drawn to the beauty of the worktop. It’s a beautiful focal point for any kitchen, lending an air of style and elegance to the room with hardly any effort. So why should you choose granite? Well, first of all, it can be heat-resistant. It also comes in almost 3,000 colours and hues, which makes it perfect for all types of designs. It’s also quite strong and sturdy and can last for decades. If properly sealed, a granite worktop is also easy to maintain and clean.

Granite can be expensive, however – but think about it this way: it's a definite investment. Having a granite worktop adds monetary value to your home as it's a unique selling point, as confirmed by specialists in kitchen worktops in Ireland. The stone can be porous, but with the proper sealant, you can prevent staining. Of course, granite, due to its strength, cannot be installed by an amateur – it has to be installed by professionals so that you can have the best workmanship.

Marble

As far as kitchen worktop materials go, marble is another strong contender. This material has been used as far back as anyone can remember, and no two slabs are the same, which makes it a unique material as well. It’s undoubtedly beautiful, and you can opt for slabs with truly unique and attractive veining, and it can be heat-proof, too. It is expensive, however, and it needs proper sealing since the stone is quite porous (it’s more porous than granite). Also, if your marble worktop becomes scratched, it can be difficult to repair it.

Quartz

Quartz, also known as engineered stone, has fast become another popular material for many a modern kitchen. Quartz is human-made, which means that it is made up of 93% quartz bits or particles combined with resins and minerals. In other words, quartz, while made from natural material, is not quarried as a solid slab – factories produce each slab. The significant aspect about quartz is that it is non-porous and can resist stains and scratches and it is easy to maintain, although it can be an expensive alternative to other materials such as granite.

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