Best Shed Brands for Devon Weather

Devon's combination of rain, humidity, and occasionally brutal winds makes it a testing ground for garden sheds. After assembling dozens and watching how they age, here's what actually holds up.

What Devon Weather Does to Sheds

The Enemies

Constant damp: Unlike other regions with dry spells, Devon sheds rarely fully dry out in winter. Moisture sits in joints and end grain.

Driving rain: South-westerly storms push water into every gap. Sheds need to resist horizontal rain, not just vertical.

Wind: Exposed sites get battered. Flimsy construction gets damaged or blown over.

Moss and algae: High humidity means green growth on anything that stays damp.

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Shed Construction Quality

What to Look For

Feature	Good Sign	Bad Sign
Timber thickness	12mm+ walls	8mm or under
Roofing	Felt-covered OSB or tongue & groove	Basic OSB, stapled felt
Floor	Pressure-treated bearers, 12mm+	Thin, untreated
Framing	28x28mm+ internal frame	Thinner or no frame
Windows	Proper glazing, sealed	Thin styrene, gaps
Treatment	Pressure-treated (tanalised)	Dip-treated only

Pressure-Treated vs Dip-Treated

Pressure-treated: Preservative forced into the wood under pressure. Protection throughout the timber. 15-year rot protection.

Dip-treated: Timber dipped in preservative. Surface protection only. Needs annual treatment.

For Devon: Pressure-treated is essential unless you're committed to annual treatment.

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Brand Reviews

Best Premium: Forest Garden

Pros:

• Pressure-treated as standard
• Solid construction
• Good range of styles
• Well-fitting doors and windows

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Delivery can be slow

Devon verdict: Excellent for exposed sites. Worth the extra.

Best Mid-Range: Rowlinson

Pros:

• Good quality for price
• Most ranges pressure-treated
• Well-established brand
• Reasonable delivery

Cons:

• Some economy ranges cut corners
• Can need adjustment during assembly

Devon verdict: Solid choice. Stick to their better ranges.

Best Budget: Keter (Plastic)

Pros:

• No rot, ever
• No treatment needed
• Easy assembly
• Weatherproof

Cons:

• Looks like plastic (because it is)
• Can blow over if not anchored
• Gets hot inside in summer
• Some find them ugly

Devon verdict: If you don't care about aesthetics, genuinely practical.

Avoid: Generic "Value" Sheds

The really cheap sheds from general retailers:

• 8mm walls
• Dip-treated only
• No floor bearers
• Felt just stapled on
• Flimsy door and catches

Devon verdict: Rotting within 3-5 years. False economy.

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Shed Types for Devon

Apex vs Pent Roof

Apex (pointed):

• Better for rain runoff
• More headroom
• Traditional look

Pent (sloped one way):

• Can go against fence/wall
• Lower profile
• Check slope faces away from wind

For Devon: Either works, but ensure adequate roof pitch (15° minimum).

Overlap vs Tongue & Groove vs Shiplap

Overlap:

• Cheapest
• Gaps let in draughts
• Can catch rain

Tongue & groove:

• Interlocking boards
• Better weather resistance
• Mid-price

Shiplap:

• Boards overlap with rebate
• Best weather protection
• Higher cost

For Devon: Tongue & groove minimum. Shiplap ideal.

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Essential Features for Devon

Good Roof Overhang

Keeps rain away from walls. At least 50mm overhang all round.

Elevated Floor

Bearers that lift the floor off the ground. Stops moisture wicking up.

Quality Felt or Better

Roof felt should be:

• Heavy-duty mineral felt (not basic polyester)
• Overlapped properly
• Fixed with tacks (not just staples)
• Or consider onduline/metal roof

Secure Fixings

Hinges and locks should be:

• Galvanised or zinc-plated minimum
• Stainless steel for coastal areas
• Substantial (not flimsy pressed metal)

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Siting Your Shed

Location Matters

Good positions:

• Sheltered from prevailing SW wind
• Away from trees (falling branches, leaf debris)
• On level ground
• Accessible for maintenance

Bad positions:

• Lowest point of garden (collects water)
• Hard against walls/fences (can't maintain rear)
• Under trees (damp, debris, sap)

Base Options

Base Type	Pros	Cons
Concrete slab	Permanent, solid	Expensive, hard to DIY
Paving slabs	DIY-friendly, solid	Need proper levelling
Plastic grid	Easy install, drainage	Suits lighter sheds
Timber bearers	Quick, works on slopes	Can rot if on soil

For Devon: Ensure drainage. Standing water = rot.

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Maintenance for Longevity

Pressure-Treated Sheds

Annually:

• Check for damage
• Clear debris from roof
• Ensure gutters (if fitted) are clear
• Check door operation
• Oil hinges and locks

Every 3-5 years:

• Apply clear preservative (enhances protection)

Dip-Treated Sheds

Annually:

• All the above, plus:
• Apply wood treatment (Cuprinol, Ronseal etc)

Felt Roof

Check annually for:

• Lifting at edges
• Cracks or splits
• Moss buildup
• Pooling water (sign of sagging)

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What I Recommend

For Most Devon Gardens

Forest Garden Overlap Apex or Waltons Tongue & Groove - pressure-treated, well-made, reasonable price.

For Exposed/Coastal Sites

Heavy-duty tongue & groove or shiplap with:

• Minimum 12mm walls
• Full pressure treatment
• Consider metal or onduline roof
• Stainless steel fixings

For Low Maintenance

Keter or Lifetime plastic sheds - not pretty but genuinely practical.

For Premium Results

Buy quality and install properly - concrete base, heavy-duty shed, proper anchoring. Should last 20+ years.

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Shed arriving that needs assembly? I build sheds across Exeter - properly levelled, correctly assembled, and weatherproofed. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.