Everyone deserves a personal sanctuary at home—a place to retreat, recharge, and escape the chaos of everyday life. In New Zealand, she sheds are fast-growing as the ultimate backyard sanctuary. She sheds offer additional space, flexibility for work, hobbies, or relaxation, and a natural alignment with outdoor living and wellness. At Keter, we’re dedicated to providing you with practical and stylish sheds to help you develop a more livable outdoor space. Here, we cover everything you need to know about installing a she shed to upgrade your lifestyle with an area tailored to you, boost productivity, or enjoy well-earned relaxation.
Defining your needs and vision
First, identify how you’ll use your she shed. Will its primary purpose be a hobby room, home office, DIY studio, or simply your own space to relax in? Understanding your vision early on will help you choose the best shed that offers the right amount of space. Knowing its purpose will also help inspire how you choose to decorate and personalise the inside of your shed.
Choosing the right location
Find stable and level ground in your garden, as this will offer the best foundation for your she shed. If your yard is sloped, mark the chosen area with stakes and string, then remove grass and topsoil. Next, use a shovel to cut into the higher side and fill the lower side with gravel or soil, levelling the base with a hand tamper. Choosing an area that receives about 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day will give you a lovely balance of light during work hours, and won't be too harsh on the shed materials. Consider what times of the day you'll use your shed the most. If you love the sunlight, for example, and your typical getaway time is in the afternoon, position your shed to have its windows in a good place to catch the late afternoon sun in your area. Pick an accessible location for easy flow in and out, as well as proximity to the house for connecting to utilities.
Setting a realistic budget
Naturally, your budget will play a large role when deciding on the type of she shed you want. If you’re building a shed yourself, the costs may include timber, roofing, windows, doors, and insulation. You will also need a shed foundation, as well as all the decorative finishing touches, such as paints and shelving, and window decor. A realistic budget will keep you on track, ensuring you don’t overspend or face any costly surprises.
Planning your perfect she shed
Planning is key! Sketch out your she shed layout in advance. This will help you visualise how the space will function and flow. The designs should include where the windows will be situated. Ensure they are well-ventilated and receive natural light, so your shed feels open, fresh, and comfortable all year round.
The convenience of a she-shed kit
Although building your own shed gives you more control over material and design costs, you may find that buying a shed and making enhancements to it is a better option. Keter offers large walk-in sheds in a range of styles, sizes, and prices that are a great base for your new hideout. With their pre-cut components and easy assembly instructions, our shed kits are truly convenient solutions that offer excellent value. Despite their streamlined design, they also offer plenty of room for personalisation with paint, interior decor, and surrounding landscape. Instead of spending time building a shed from scratch, you can focus on customising your she shed.
Preparing for your she-shed installation
Once you’ve marked out a section of flat, stable ground in the garden for your she shed, clear the area of any vegetation or debris ahead of installation and mark the outline of your shed accurately. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment for the build, including safety gear such as work gloves, steel-toe boots, and safety glasses. A hammer, tape measure, screwdriver, drill, saw, and impact drivers are some of the most common tools for the job, and you may find a caulking gun and workbench useful, too. If you need extra help, reach out to friends and family in advance and let them know your construction and installation plans.
Creating the perfect foundation
A good foundation and drainage system set the stage for a well-supported, moisture-free she shed that lasts for years. You can achieve this by sloping the ground away from the shed and building a French drain or gravel base underneath it to prevent water pooling. There are several types of shed foundations, including those built from concrete, gravel, and wooden materials. Keter’s shed kits suit any type of foundation, making it easy to choose one that suits your budget and personal preferences.
Weatherproofing and insulation
New Zealand weather can send out high winds and even snow in the colder months. Choosing materials that can withstand these conditions, especially for a she shed cabin you’ll spend a lot of time in, is crucial. At Keter, our resin shed range is highly durable against rain, wind, and snow, and features steel-reinforced roofs for added sturdiness. For a DIY shed or kit alike, ensure you correctly seal vulnerable areas, such as windows, doors, and roof edges, to keep moisture out.
Electrical and comfort considerations
To get the most out of your she shed, we recommend having a certified electrician install your power points, lighting, and electrical appliances. For year-round comfort, explore heating options like electric panel heaters or a small heat pump, and consider portable fans or insulation for cooling. Appropriate mood lighting, such as warm overhead lights, fairy lights, or desk lamps, can give your custom shed the perfect vibe. If you plan to work or stream from your shed, integrating internet access via Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks will keep you connected and productive.
Personalising your she shed
Finally, it’s time for the fun part! Your new dedicated space is now ready for you to decorate. The aesthetic of your personalised shed will depend on how you intend to use the space, whether for passion projects, as a yoga studio, or as a tranquil garden retreat. Comfortable seating, carpet or rugs, a bar fridge, a cosy desk, and your favourite types of plants and artwork are just some of the endless possibilities. Painting your shed with acrylic, water-based paint will give you durable results.
We also recommend painting it before assembling it, as it’s much easier when the panels are flat.
Create the ultimate shed with Keter
Invest positively in your mental health and take a break from your busy lifestyle with a she shed from Keter. Find the perfect resin shed to fit in your garden and enjoy more time for yourself, whatever that means to you. We have several sizes and styles available to choose from. Shop our sheds online now. Looking for more outdoor living inspiration? Check out our outdoor lounge furniture.
