8 ways to insulate your shed on a budget
Insulating your shed doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’ve just spent a lot of money on a garden shed and you’re running low on cash, then we’ve created a list of low-budget ways to do so.
If you’re thinking, ‘Does my shed actually need insulating?’ then the answer is yes. We’re afraid it’s not a step you can skip on if you want your shed to stay in great condition, protect items in storage, and be comfortable to sit in.
But, with our cost-friendly ways to insulate your shed on a budget, that won’t be an issue! Stick with us as we run you through all of your best options.
Are you looking to replace your old shed or upgrade your backyard in time for summer? If so, it’s no accident you’ve stumbled across us today; your dream garden shed is awaiting you within our large and beautiful selection.
Why is shed insulation necessary?
After you've priced up how much it would cost to insulate your shed, it’s only natural to wonder if it’s actually necessary when it’s more than you can afford.
While yes, insulating your shed is essential if you want it to last, we’re here to show you that it doesn’t have to put a dent in your wallet.
But first, let’s run through the reasons why you don’t want to skip this step:
- Indoor comfort: If you plan to convert your shed into a lounge space or entertainment area, insulation will help regulate the temperature. It’ll trap heat in and keep draughts out.
- Reduce condensation: Are you tired of your windows bubbling up and moisture build-up ruining your items? Proper insulation and ventilation will prevent rot, damp, and damage to your shed.
- Protect stored items: If you’re using your shed to store electronics, power tools, or furniture, insulation helps to keep damp, mould, and rot out. This is essential for storage sheds.
- Energy savings: Are you connecting electricity to your shed? By investing in good insulation, you’ll keep heat in, reducing energy waste and lowering your bills for heating and cooling systems.
Read our blog on how to insulate your shed for all the installation tips and tricks.
8 cost-friendly shed insulation ideas
Now that we’ve covered why shed insulation is important, let’s move on to the how with some budget tips and tricks.
1. Repurpose old blankets or rugs
Do you have a pile of old blankets or rugs that you no longer need?
Placing a few blankets and rugs on your shed floor not only adds a cosy touch, but it also helps to limit heat loss through your shed floor. A great makeshift hack, it also provides a soft, underfoot feel, perfect if you’re using your shed as a lounge area.
We suggest choosing thicker blankets or rugs that will have a more noticeable effect. Lay them out in a neat, overlapping pattern that won’t cause any tripping hazards, and choose blankets that look similar to avoid a chaotic display. If not, opt for a large rug that covers the entire floor of your shed.
While this is an easy and effective way to insulate your shed, we recommend insulating the floors last, as the walls and roof cause the most heat loss.
2. Make the most of bubble wrap
Bubble wrap serves as a great insulator when attached to the frames of your shed walls.
The air-filled pockets in the bubble wrap create a simple but effective barrier against heat loss and draughts, keeping hot air in and cold air out. We suggest ordering large sheets of foil-backed bubble wrap online and attaching it to the walls and ceilings.
You can use a staple gun, tack, or glue to secure the bubble wrap in place. Double up on bubble wrap by layering it for a more effective result. However, you’ll need to leave a small gap between the cladding to prevent damp.
3. Add pallet wood cladding
Pallet wood cladding is an ideal long-term solution that won’t break the bank.
When placed as an insulator in your shed, pallet wood cladding acts as an extra barrier, trapping air between the cladding and the outer wall to prevent heat loss and draughts.
However, this shouldn’t be used as insulation on its own – it’s best paired with bubble wrap, polystyrene sheets, rockwool insulation, or insulation boards. Look for heat-treated (HT stamped) pallets that are safe for indoor use. Attach the boards horizontally or vertically to your shed walls using nails or screws.
Always leave a small gap behind the cladding for moisture control!
4. Inexpensive insulated plasterboard
Insulated plasterboard is one of the best options for your shed if you're happy to spend a little more for a solution that will last.
While it doesn’t cost a lot to insulate a small shed with plasterboard, it’s more expensive than bubble wrap or using old rugs. Insulated plasterboard features a sheet of plasterboard bonded to a layer of insulation (such as polystyrene or PIR foam), creating an effective thermal barrier.
Plasterboard can be purchased from most builders' merchants and is quick and easy to install. Just fix timber battens to the interior walls of your shed and cut the insulated plasterboard to size with a utility knife or fine-tooth saw.
You can secure the plasterboard to the battens with drywall screws. We suggest sealing any gaps between the boards with insulation foam or tape.
5. Re-use old carpet off-cuts
If you have any spare carpet off-cuts lying around, big enough for your shed, then why not make the most of them?
Carpets are thick and padded, which helps prevent heat from emanating from your shed's floors. It’s also great for soundproofing your shed, making steps sound lighter and keeping your feet toasty during winter.
Alternatively, you could purchase a low-cost carpet online and add it to your shed for a decorative and effective finish. For extra insulation, add a layer of underlay underneath your carpet!
6. Add polystyrene or PIR boards
Polystyrene or PIR boards are a happy medium between affordability and offering better performance than other budget options.
Thanks to their dense, closed-cell structure, both polystyrene and PIR boards effectively trap heat. Polystyrene is typically cheaper than PIR, simple to cut, and can be applied to floors, walls, and ceilings.
However, PIR boards provide significantly better insulation, often featuring a foil-backed design for an extra thermal barrier. Both are great for smaller sheds, where space-saving is a priority.
Both boards can be added between the shed’s wall studs or roof beams, securing them in place with battens or adhesive. Cover the boards with plasterboard or timber cladding for extra insulation.
Make sure your shed is watertight before installing these boards to prevent moisture from being trapped.
7. Use fibreglass or rockwool Insulation
Again, if you’re willing to spend a little more on good insulation, then fibreglass and rockwool are excellent, long-lasting choices.
Both fibreglass (glass wool) and rockwool (mineral wool) trap air within their fibres, slowing down heat transfer to keep your shed thermally regulated. Better yet, they also provide excellent soundproofing, making them perfect for garden offices and workshops.
Rockwool, made from volcanic rock and recycled slag, is denser than fibreglass and offers better moisture resistance. It works as a great heat and noise insulator, protecting your stored items and creating a peaceful environment.
Made from spun glass fibres, fibreglass is cheaper than rockwool. It contains air pockets that prevent it from shrinking over time; however, it loses its insulating ability when wet. One or two layers of this will suffice for a small shed, placing it on walls, floors, and roofs.
8. Install foil insulation rolls
Lastly, foil insulation rolls are quick and easy to install, providing a cost-effective way to insulate your shed.
Their reflective surface helps to trap heat inside your shed in the winter while keeping it cool in the summer, as it reflects radiant heat. Many foil insulation rolls come with built-in bubble or foam cores to slow down heat transfer.
You can staple or tack these to the timber battens on your shed walls, roof, and around doors and windows. Simply cut them to size and ensure a small air gap (approximately 20mm) is left between the foil and the shed wall.
Does your shed need replacing?
No amount of insulation will save a decrepit and weathered shed; sometimes, there’s no avoiding a replacement.
If your shed has long passed its prime, why not replace it with a brand new garden shed? All of our products are designed from tanalised timber that’s sourced from sustainable forests in Europe.
With a range of styles and sizes, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. It’s a great way to open up your garden, making the most of the space.