How long do wood sheds last and how to increase their lifespan

Are you going back and forth on the idea of adding a wooden shed to your garden? It’s okay to do a little research before making a big investment. 

One of the most important things to consider before buying a wooden shed is how long they typically last. While wood is a popular material for many garden sheds, due to its sturdiness and natural beauty, it’s also prone to rot and warp over time. 

However, this will only occur if it’s left without regular maintenance and treatment. When we calculate the lifespan of a shed, we take several factors into consideration: the type of wood, the quality of construction, the extent of its weatherproofing, and its location.

Today, Atlas Sheds will run through how long a wooden shed usually lasts and what you should do to increase its lifespan. 

How long do wood sheds last?

On average, wooden sheds tend to last around 15-20 years with the right care and installation. 

Of course, the higher the quality, the longer your shed is more likely to stay in great condition. So basic softwood sheds, like untreated pine or spruce, tend to last 5–10 years before showing serious signs of rot or warping.

That’s why we provide pressure-treated timber sheds, which can last 15+ years when properly cared for. The preservatives are forced deep into the wood, providing much stronger resistance against rot and insect attack, which makes them a popular choice for many UK homeowners. 

If you do everything right, you might even be able to stretch 30+ years out of your timber shed, especially if it’s raised on a proper base and treated every few years.

Why buy cheap when you’ll have to spend more money replacing it in a couple of years anyway?

What affects a wooden shed’s lifespan?

Now, there are many reasons why your shed may be crumbling before it’s even reached half its expected lifespan. And we’re sorry to say that you may be the problem (it’s okay; we know how life can get in the way).

While poor maintenance is a big cause for a degrading shed, there are a lot of other factors that also go into it:

Type of timber

• Untreated softwood: Cheaper sheds, like spruce and pine, are more vulnerable to damp. Therefore, they tend to last 5-10 years.
• Dip-treated softwood: Preservatives are used to coat the timber, offering surface-level protection only. For this reason, it offers around 10 years of lifespan, less than pressure-treated timber. 
• Pressure-treated softwood: Sheds made from pressure-treated softwood are better for more permanent solutions, as they can last 15-20+ years with regular upkeep.
• Hardwood: Woods like cedar and redwood contain natural oils and tighter grain structures that resist moisture, making them less prone to rot. When maintained well, they can last 20-30 years or longer!

Treatment and finishes

If your shed isn’t treated, then the chance of it lasting long under UK weather conditions is slim. Without proper treatment, it’ll crumble under moisture, become more vulnerable to insect attacks, and fade quickly due to UV exposure. 

Luckily, most modern sheds come pre-painted, stained or varnished to preserve the wood. You can choose to buy a shed with a stronger colour from the wood preservative or one which supports the natural look of the wood!

Even if you decide to paint it, many preservatives allow the grain pattern to show through, offering a natural, rugged look.

It’s a good idea to check which water-resistant treatment a shed has already received before you buy it.

Tongue-and-groove cladding

The frame of the shed and the types of cladding used for the wall panels are integral factors contributing to the longevity of your wooden shed. 

To safeguard against draughts and leaks, opt for a model with tongue-and-groove cladding or shiplap cladding. All of our sheds at Atlas Sheds are designed with tongue-and-groove cladding for unwavering strength and protection from the elements.

These types of cladding offer great value, as they are less likely to warp and prevent water from seeping into the shed between the boards.

Roofing and wall design

The roof design should minimise the likelihood of rain running down the shed walls and causing rot. For this reason, it’s best to opt for a shed with either an apex roof or a pent roof, as the slope allows for natural runoff.

It’s even better if the roof overhangs the sides, as this guarantees that it will direct rainwater away from the walls, protecting your shed from leaks and damaged furniture. The roof design should also be sturdy and sealed securely so that water can’t get inside; felt offers excellent protection.

When it comes to the walls, thicker framing will provide extra stability so the shed holds its shape over time and withstands heavy winds. There should be no gaps in the walls, just as there should not be any unsealed gaps in the roof.

Foundation and location

Even if you use your shed for something other than storage, the floor needs to be able to withstand general wear and tear. 

For this reason, it’s crucial that you place your shed on a sturdy sub-base, away from uneven ground. It’s also important that you choose a ground that’s stable enough to support the raised shed base, such as concrete slabs or soil that isn’t waterlogged.

Floors

The floor of your shed needs to be as robust as the walls and roof, even if it is not exposed to the elements. After all, it needs to be able to support a range of furniture, garden tools, and human weight.

Even if you use your shed for something other than storage, the floor needs to be able to withstand general wear and tear. If you want it to last, we suggest choosing something sturdy, like wooden planks, and making sure the floor is completely level when installing.

Simple tips to extend your shed’s life

Stop buying sheds that won’t last long or underestimating how much maintenance affects the lifespan of a wooden shed. 

It matters more than you think! So, here’s what you can do to get the most out of your shed:

1. Sheltered location: Place your shed in an area with some shelter, such as near a fence or wall, without pressing it against it. An area that’s too shaded will encourage damp, but you also don’t want it constantly exposed to sunlight.
2. Regular maintenance: Refresh your shed with preservative every 12 months and check for signs of rot, pest issues, and leaks every few weeks to catch problems early. Keeping the inside of your shed clean and organised will prevent issues like moisture problems, dust, insects, and poor air circulation from taking root.
3. Pre-installation prep: Besides installing a solid sub-base, it’s important to make sure the ground is drained of water and is levelled out to prevent your shed tipping. Make sure the ground slopes slightly away from the shed so rainwater doesn’t pool underneath.
4. Keep the roof watertight: As we’ve discussed, your roof is constantly exposed to harsh weather, so check it regularly for tears, loose felt, or broken shingles. If you haven’t already, we suggest adding EPDM rubber roofing to your shed roof.
5. Improve drainage around the shed: Adding gravel around the perimeter stops splashback and prevents mud from building up against the walls. Install guttering for extra precaution with a water butt to keep the base dry.
6. Improve ventilation: a moist, humid shed is a breeding ground for bacteria, pests, and moisture. Avoid this by adding a vent or louvre on opposite walls of the shed to keep air moving.
7. Keep pests away: Pests are hard to completely eradicate, but installing bug repellents or adding fragrances to your shed that keep certain bugs away will do the trick. It’s also good to keep the grass short around the shed to eliminate hiding spots and prevent storing food in containers.

Purchase a long-lasting shed from Atlas Sheds

We know how to make a shed last at Atlas Sheds. 

All of our wooden timber sheds are tanalised and dip-treated for a beautiful, durable structure that will brighten up your garden long into the future. You get a choice of both modern and traditional styles, like our popular summerhouses or our contemporary garden rooms. 

Each one comes with tongue-and-groove cladding and EPDM roofing felt, offering excellent protection against UK weather. 

FAQs

How often should you re-treat a shed?

• Dip-treated sheds → every 12 months.
• Pressure-treated sheds → every 2–3 years (top coat of stain, oil, or sealant).
• Hardwood sheds → every 3–5 years, depending on the finish used.

Is a wooden shed a good choice for garden storage?

Absolutely! In fact, a wooden shed is often the number one choice over plastic or metal sheds, as it looks prettier in your garden (let's face it), blending perfectly with the natural backdrop.

Wooden sheds are also extremely sturdy and offer soundproofing against the rain, so it doesn’t sound like you’re inside a tin can when you’re working or reading in the garden.

Do wooden sheds last longer than plastic or metal sheds?

Wooden sheds require more regular care and maintenance, but when loved properly, they tend to last longer than plastic or metal sheds. 

Yes, plastic can outlast untreated wood, but a good-quality wooden shed will always beat a plastic one. Metal sheds, while durable against fire and pests, rust very quickly, leaving you with something that isn’t attractive and is even less durable.

How do I know if my shed is starting to rot?

If your shed is starting to rot, you’ll notice these signs pretty quickly:

• Dark or soft patches on the wood.
• Musty smells inside.
• Floor edges that feel spongy.
• Flaking or bubbling paint/finish.