If you’re looking to find out how to dismantle a shed, the chances are you’re either disposing of an old one and waiting for a new Power Shed, or that you’re moving an existing shed to a different area of the garden. Whatever reason you’re dismantling your shed for, there are some important points to remember. Here’s our guide to everything you need to know when it comes to how to take down a shed.
How to Take Down a Shed Safely
When it comes to assembling and dismantling a shed, safety is paramount. Any large structure, particularly one made using timber, can become incredibly precarious once you start to dismantle, so taking care and being methodical is one of the most important ways to ensure safety.
The first step in doing so is to remove all of the windows. Getting this glass out of the shed means that you don’t have to worry about any changes to the structure causing it to either smash or crack and causing a dangerous hazard in your working area. Simply slip the glass out of the frames, ideally wearing a pair of gloves to protect your hands in the event of an accident. Once the windows are removed, make sure you place them somewhere well away from the shed to prevent them from being broken as you continue to work.
After this, you can take off the doors, for which you’ll need a screwdriver or drill. It’s recommended that you have someone else present to help you throughout the dismantling process to help with lifting.
Once you’ve removed the doors and windows, the process can differ depending on whether you’re moving the shed or disposing of it.
How to Dismantle a Shed to Move It
The first thing to consider when dismantling a shed to move it is the base. You’ll need to work out whether your shed base can be dismantled and moved before you begin dismantling the shed. Otherwise, it’d be advised that you build a new shed base before you get started. If you have a wooden shed base, like one of our Power Sheds shed base kits, you should be able to dismantle and move this. Concrete shed bases however require a brand new base.
If you’re planning to rebuild your shed, it goes without saying that you’ll need to be extra careful about keeping all of the screws and bolts safe and in order so that you won’t have any issues putting it back together. Try placing any parts like that into small bags and attaching them to the areas of timber where they belong.
When it comes to removing the roof, you’ll need to take a huge amount of care removing the felt. Although roof felt can be replaced, if it’s still in good condition, there’s no reason to have to do so. Use a claw hammer to remove the nails, then roll the felt up and place it somewhere safe. If you do need to replace the felt, our Shed Felt Buyer’s Guide will offer some important advice.
Next, you’ll need to begin removing each of the roof boards. Again, you can use a claw hammer to remove each of the nails. If you have an apex shed, beware of removing the gable ends and use a drill to remove the screws. Remember to take a lot of care when dismantling the roof; use a secure ladder and make sure at least one other person is present.
How to Demolish a Shed to Dispose of It
If you’re looking to demolish a shed to dispose of it, you don’t need to worry quite as much about keeping things organised in order to put it together again. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need to take as much care in order to be safe. You should follow the same order as described above, starting with the windows and doors, followed by the roof and walls.
As there is likely to be a lot of rubbish to get rid of once the shed is down, it might be worth considering hiring a skip in advance. Alternatively, if you have a vehicle that’s big enough, check out your local recycling centre to see whether you can dispose of your shed there.
Although it may be tempting to demolish your shed by grabbing a sledgehammer and going at it, we really wouldn’t recommend this. Wood can easily splinter, and the likelihood of things like nails and screws flying around your garden makes this a particularly unsafe approach.
Important Tips When Taking Down an Old Shed
When it comes to how to dismantle a shed, there are a few tips that are worth keeping in mind in order to be safe and efficient:
- Wear gloves – wood can splinter, especially if you have an older shed, so breaking up your shed can easily lead to injury if you’re not prepared.
- Cover it up – if you’re dismantling a shed over the course of more than one day, make sure you use a plastic sheet to cover up any gaps.
- Secure it – Ensure any pieces of wood that have been removed are secured and can’t be blown over by high winds.
Dismantling a shed, whether to move it or simply get rid of it, is a relatively simple process but one that requires a lot of care. Ensure you’re taking your time and always put safety first and foremost.
To find out more about taking care of your shed, check out our Sheducation section.