Peter's shed journey started early in 2025. Having lived in his home for over 23 years, it was well and truly time for a replacement of his old tool shed.
Made of galvanised steel, it had been second-hand when the previous owner built it on a patch of dirt they hadn't even levelled. It arrived as a flat pack, complete with 340 selftapping metal screws to hold the many panels together. After levelling the ground and building a proper base, it turned out well - but it took a full week to assemble.
A small Colourbond shed from Bunnings followed not long after, picked up to store his wooden garden furniture through the winter. Most of the panels came pre-assembled, and it made the trip home in the ute with ease.
By this stage, Peter's wife had taken notice of the growing collection. She decided her life in the garden would be greatly improved with a potting shed. A nice one.
Finding the Right Fit
They had a space between their cherry tree and a conifer hedge - just big enough for a 3m x 2m structure. Budget was important, but so was how it looked. After a quick search of what was available in their area, Peter's wife settled on the Stilla Hazel 9x6 timber shed.
It ticked every box. Looks, functionality and price. Delivery was included and assembly wasn't going to be complicated.
With Christmas approaching, Peter got the order in just in time for a pre-Christmas delivery - important, as he had a few weeks off and the build was firmly on his project list.
Preparing the Base
Their garden sits on a slope, which meant some retaining work was needed before anything could go up. Peter went with concrete pavers for the base. Garden access isn't straightforward, and moving materials to the right spot is a very manual process.
Delivery and Getting It Up the Drive
The selection and ordering process was simple and easy to follow, with clear delivery notifications throughout.
The driveway, however, presented its own challenge. Steep enough that the delivery truck couldn't safely make it up, the well-secured package arrived at the bottom. Six trips with the ute later, all the parts were at the top.
Just a few days before Christmas. Timing - and the weather - was perfect.
The Build
The build went very smoothly. Instructions were clear and easy to follow. In just two days, and with a little help from his wife, the shed was complete.
Finished with a light oak Ultra Deck timber stain, it fitted into the garden just nicely.
A Space Worth Having
Being summer, the shed quickly became a great escape from the sun for Peter's wife while she works in the garden. There's a chair inside, and a table for coffee - a place to sit and think about what needs to be done next.
A practical space that became something a little more than that.
What's Next?
Planning is already underway for Peter's next purchase. The laundry - currently housed in a slightly larger cedar shed that's showing its age - is due for a replacement. It will, he says, undoubtedly be a Stilla.
