Malvern Sheds - Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Who are Malvern?
• Q: What type of sheds do Malvern offer?
• Q: What size Malvern shed do I need?
• Q: Where should I locate my Malvern shed?
• Q: What type of base is suitable for my Malvern shed?
• Q: How can I get rid of my old shed?
• Q: What access is required to deliver my Malvern shed?
• Q: Is my Malvern shed suitable for DIY assembly?
• Q: How should I maintain my Malvern shed?
• Q: Can I insulate my Malvern shed?
• Q: Can I have electricity in my Malvern shed?
• Q: Is planning permission required for my Malvern shed?
• Q: Is building regulations approval required for my Malvern shed?
• Q: What is Western Red Cedar?
• Q: What is pressure treatment?
• Q: What is shiplap cladding?
• Q: What is loglap cladding?
• Q: What about shed security?

Who are Malvern?

• Malvern is a trading name of MPB or Midland Portable Buildings, one of the largest and longest established manufacturers of garden buildings in the UK. The range includes the Malvern Collection and the premium quality Malvern Cottage range. In addition to their range of garden sheds, the Malvern range also includes a huge range of other garden buildings. Malvern manufacture summerhouses and garden rooms, garden offices, gazebos, timber garages and children's playhouses. We deliver the Malvern Collection throughout the UK. All buildings are available with installation as an option and some include free installation.

What type of sheds do Malvern offer?

• The Malvern Bewdley Pent and the Bewdley Apex are affordable storage sheds. The Malvern Heavy Duty Apex and Heavy Duty Pent are high specification sheds or workshops with a choice of cedar or pressure treated timber. Distinctive sheds include the Malvern Worcester corner shed, the cabin style Malvern Ludlow and the rustic Malvern Barnstyle shed. Potting sheds include the Malvern Solar and the Malvern Retreat. The comprehensive range of small store sheds include the Malvern Toolstore, the Malvern Tidy Store and the Malvern Bunker.

What size Malvern shed do I need?

• The space will always be used, so buy the biggest shed you can afford provided that it fits comfortably in the space available. There are no precise guidelines regarding the size. Often the size of the shed is dictated by the space available. At Summer Garden Sheds we offer a wide range of sizes to suit every space. If you are replacing an existing shed, you should consider whether to have the same size again or perhaps larger. You should also consider whether your shed will be used for storage only or for workshop use. If you need workshop space you may consider increased headroom or an opening window. A popular size for a small garden shed is 6'x4' and the most popular size for a storage shed is 8'x6'. Two popular workshop sizes are 8'x10' and 10' x 12'. Malvern offer sheds in all popular sizes.

Where should I locate my Malvern shed?

• Ideally your Malvern shed should have a clear space at least 18" wide on all sides, if possible. This ensures easy access for both installation and future maintenance. In reality this is often not practical and at many sites it is not needed. A reduced clearance is often possible on one or two sides. If the space around your shed is restricted remember to allow for any roof overhang. You should also cut back or remove any nearby shrubs and trees. Remember to allow for future growth. We recommend a sheltered position which is not exposed.

What type of base is suitable for my Malvern shed?

• All Malvern sheds need a substantial base. The base should be solid, square, flat and level to ensure the stability of your shed. Paving slabs or concrete are ideal. A solid concrete base is more permanent and normally more expensive but it provides an excellent base especially for a larger shed. Paving slabs are more practical and cost effective, especially for a smaller shed at the far end of the garden. The base should be no smaller than the floor size of the new shed and no more than a few inches larger.

How can I get rid of my old shed?

• The easiest way to remove your existing shed is to sell it. There's a very healthy trade in old second hand sheds. You probably won't earn much money from the sale, but you'll get rid of it for nothing! The usual arrangement is to sell the old shed for the buyer to dismantle at a time which is convenient for you. Ideally you should insist on full payment and immediate removal. If you settle for a deposit, perhaps with removal at a later date, make sure it's a significant deposit. You need to be confident that the buyer will return when agreed! You can normally place a classified advertisement in the local newspaper for a few pounds by phone or online, with payment by credit card. Typical draft advertisement: "Shed 8' x 6' good condition, buyer to dismantle, £50 for quick sale. Phone 01234 567890"

What access is required to deliver my Malvern shed?

• If your order includes installation your Malvern shed will be delivered and installed on the same day by prior appointment with you. A clear access route is required from the lorry to the prepared base, with no access restrictions. The sections are often large flat panels which may be as long as the building. Possible restrictions include archways, narrow passages, sharp corners and flights of steps. It is not normally possible to lift large panels over fences and walls. Access through the house may be possible with advance notice. If required larger panels can be made in smaller sections for a small surcharge. Please advise us if there are any access restrictions at the site.

Is my Malvern shed suitable for DIY assembly?

• Malvern sheds are suitable for DIY assembly. Assembly is a straightforward and satisfying project for any DIY enthusiast. Even large sheds can be installed with only basic tools, such as a hammer, a screwdriver, a power drill, a spirit level, an adjustable spanner, a knife, a stepladder and safety goggles. Particular care is required when handling glass and good quality gloves should be worn at all times. You should not attempt to lift heavy sections without a helping pair of hands. Remember that extra time spent preparing a good base is normally repaid with time saved later on during the installation. Our low cost installation service is available in all areas so if you have any concerns we recommend that you have your Malvern shed professionally installed.

How should I maintain my Malvern shed?

• Unless your Malvern shed is made from cedar or pressure treated timber it will require regular treatment. The external timber should be treated with a good quality wood stain every year. This will prolong the life of your shed. All major wood stain manufacturers offer suitable products in a choice of colours, available from good hardware shops. At Summer Garden Sheds we offer a range of microporous wood preservatives in a choice of colours. Although normally offered with a new building only we are always happy to supply any of our microporous preservatives separately at any time to an existing customer who purchased one of our sheds. It is not essential to treat cedar which is a naturally resilient timber and does not deteriorate appreciably even under severe climatic changes. If untreated cedar will gradually fade to a silvery grey. It is also not essential to treat pressure treated timber which if untreated will gradually fade to a silvery grey. We also recommend that you regularly oil the door and window hinges as required to ensure continued smooth operation.

Can I insulate my Malvern shed?

• Malvern sheds can be insulated if required. Inexpensive polystyrene or fibreglass insulation can be easily fitted between the framing members. The insulation is retained by cross battens which also support the lining boards. Wood effect veneered wallboard is a popular lining but plywood and tongued and grooved cladding are also suitable.

Can I have electricity in my Malvern shed?

• Although providing an electricity supply to a Malvern shed is normally a straightforward task, for safety reasons we recommend that you consult an approved electrician first. Since January 1st 2005 all electrical work must be completed in accordance with IEE wiring regulations and BS 7671. Notifiable work must be either notified directly to the local building control department or completed by an operator who is approved under the Part P Electrical Competent Person Scheme.

Is planning permission required for my Malvern shed?

• The majority of Malvern sheds do not require planning permission. However, permission is required for any shed which covers over half the garden, which is not for domestic use or which is over 3 metres high with a pent roof or 4 metres high with an apex roof. Larger sheds which are within 2 metres of a boundary and over 2.5m high (8'2") require planning permission. Some larger apex roof sheds may be over 2.5m high. Planning permission may also be required for any shed which is nearer to a public highway than the original dwelling. For planning purposes a public highway includes any road or footpath with a public right of way. If you live in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building permission may be required for any shed over 10 cubic metres. This brief summary is not intended to be a comprehensive guide. Contact us for further advice or contact your local planning department. Please note that planning regulations apply to any building whether temporary or permanent including garden sheds.

Is building regulations approval required for my Malvern shed?

• The majority of Malvern sheds do not require approval under the building regulations. However, approval is required for any shed with an internal floor area of more than 30 square metres. Please note that the building regulations apply to any building in excess of 30 square metres whether temporary or permanent including garden sheds.

What is Western Red Cedar?

• Many Malvern sheds feature Western Red Cedar, which is the best quality timber used in the manufacture of garden sheds. Over many years cedar has earned an unrivalled reputation for lasting longer than other types of wood. It is a naturally oily timber, saturated with a natural preservative oil which protects the wood from moisture and insects. It also imparts a distinctive and pleasant smell. Unlike softwood, cedar does not require frequent treatment and it is also virtually free from knots. If untreated cedar fades to a a silvery grey colour.

What is pressure treatment?

• Many Malvern sheds feature pressure treated or tanalised timber. Pressure treatment is a lifetime preservative treatment. We offer many pressure treated sheds and other garden buildings. The preservative is forced into the timber under pressure and penetrates below the surface, whereas all other treatments apply a coat of stain to the surface of the timber only. Tanalith is a popular type of preservative used in pressure treatment, so pressure treated timber is also described as tanalised timber. Pressure treatment is almost colourless except for a slight green tint caused by the copper content in the preservative. No further treatment is ever needed but if you want a coloured finish you can paint over pressure treated timber with normal wood preservative in any colour.

What is shiplap cladding?

• Most Malvern sheds include shiplap cladding. Shiplap is the traditional and ever popular cladding profile for use in sheds and other garden buildings. Shiplap features smooth planed and fully interlocking tongued and grooved boarding. The design ensures that rainwater drains quickly and the timber dries quickly. This helps to ensure a longer life for your shed. Our sheds feature properly tongued and grooved boarding which is stronger than the half lap shiplap or rebated shiplap used by many others.

What is loglap cladding?

• Many Malvern sheds are available with loglap cladding as an option. Loglap is an increasingly popular cladding profile for use in sheds and other garden buildings. Loglap features smooth planed and fully interlocking tongued and grooved boarding with a rounded external log effect profile. The design ensures that rainwater drains quickly and the timber dries quickly. This helps to ensure a longer life for your shed. Our sheds feature properly tongued and grooved boarding which is stronger than the half lap loglap or rebated loglap used by many others.

What about shed security?

• Most Malvern sheds feature a good quality key operated lock and strong hinges as standard. We also offer many other security features. Wireless burglar alarms are easy to fit and battery operated. They emit a loud noise if the door is opened. Combination bolts provide additional fixing points with no need for keys. We also offer ground anchors with security screws, cables and padlocks to fix valuable items to the shed floor. You can also replace two screws from each hinge with one way non return security screws. For each hinge you will need to replace one screw from the door and one from the frame. Another measure is to bolt the door hinges through the door frame. You can make the windows more secure if you fit mesh over the inside or you can fit a curtain or screen so that burglars cannot see inside. It is worth taking shed security seriously. Even if your shed contains little of value, burglars often use tools they find in your shed to break into your house or neighbouring properties.

Summer Garden Sheds is a leading UK retailer of garden sheds including Malvern Sheds and other top brands, established in Norwich, Norfolk since 1981.