The Hand-Built Log Store Shed, West Sussex

Shed Features

Solid design, elegantly built. What began as a simple shed for garden equipment and firewood quickly evolved into something far more ambitious. With no solid plan, every new idea brought fresh challenges — researching regulations, sourcing materials, learning new processes, battling self-doubt and occasionally questioning my sanity, all while balancing a tight budget.

From January to June 2026, working in my spare time, I measured, dug, mixed, poured, sawed, screwed, wired, painted and even used a flamethrower for the Japanese yakisugi burnt finish on the corner posts. I came away with a bucketful of new skills and a shed-load of pride in what I achieved. Fully insulated and powered, it will be used to store garden equipment and tools but can be easily adapted into a garden office or a soundproof kids’ den when they’re a bit older.

The frame appears to float on a metal-clad concrete slab surrounded by porcelain tiles, with drainage to soak-away crates below. The back is maintenance-free sheet metal, the sides use cost-saving feather-edge boards, and the door and windows were bargain ‘mis-measures’ I picked up from a local warehouse. I even had to hand-cut the metal roof edges after ordering the wrong trims and couldn’t justify the return delivery cost.

Motion sensors light the exterior, while the integrated log store has its own power, shelving, and LEDs. Inside, I fitted downlighting, rock-wool insulation clad with OSB so I can hang anything anywhere, black edging to echo the exterior, and oak-effect vinyl flooring. Hanging our initials on the side was the finishing touch — a thank you to my wife for her endless patience.

Other Shed info

This was a true labour of love. The joy of building and completing it far outweighed the obstacles it threw at me, and I’d encourage anyone to give shed building a go. You might surprise yourself as to what is possible with some creativity and a never-say-die attitude.

I now need to fill the space, stock the log store before winter, and perhaps add a chair, radio and kettle to remind myself it’s still, despite all the posturing, just a shed. Full build video coming soon on my YouTube channel — Jimmy Winning! @WinningJimmy