What to Do With Your Old Shed When Installing a Garden Room

If you're planning to install a garden room, chances are you already have a shed in your garden—and possibly one that's taking up valuable space where your new luxury garden building will go. Sheds are often the default storage solution for everything from garden tools to bikes and seasonal items, but they’re not always the most efficient or attractive structures. So, when the time comes to make room for a sleek new garden room, what should you do with your old shed?

In this guide, we explore the most practical, creative, and eco-friendly options for dealing with your old garden shed. Whether you want to repurpose, relocate, recycle, or remove it entirely, we’ll walk you through all your options to ensure your garden transformation is smooth, sensible, and sustainable.

Why Garden Rooms Often Replace Sheds

Garden rooms are becoming increasingly popular because they offer so much more than a basic outbuilding. Unlike traditional sheds, a garden room is fully insulated, wired, and finished to a high standard, making it suitable for year-round use as a home office, gym, studio, guest room, or entertainment space.

Many homeowners choose to install their garden room in the same area where a shed currently stands. This is often the flattest, most accessible, or most private spot in the garden—making it a logical location. But this raises the question: what happens to the old shed?

Let’s break down your options.

Option 1: Repurpose the Shed Elsewhere in the Garden

If your shed is still in decent condition, relocating it to another part of the garden could be a great solution. This keeps your existing storage capacity while freeing up space for your new garden room.

Here’s what you need to consider:

Structural integrity: Make sure the shed is stable enough to be moved without falling apart.
Size and accessibility: Choose a new location that’s both accessible and doesn't overshadow your garden room.
Foundation: The shed will need a new base—paving slabs or a simple timber frame may suffice.
Planning permission: Usually not required for sheds, but check your local guidelines if you're repositioning it near boundaries.

Repurposing is a great way to maximise your garden space without waste.

Option 2: Convert the Shed Into a Secondary Use Space

If the shed’s location isn’t interfering with the garden room installation, consider giving it a new purpose. Instead of a basic storage unit, transform your shed into something more useful or fun.

Creative ideas include:

Mini greenhouse or potting shed: Add windows and staging to create a space for nurturing plants.
Children’s playhouse: Repaint and refit the interior with safe, child-friendly materials.
Tool workshop: If you enjoy DIY, your shed could become a focused workspace.
Outdoor bar or chill-out area: Especially if you’re turning your garden room into a gym or office.

With a little imagination, a tired old shed can be revitalised and incorporated into your overall garden design.

Option 3: Dismantle and Donate

If you don’t need your shed anymore and it’s in usable condition, someone else might be glad to take it off your hands. There are several ways to donate or resell your shed locally.

Try the following platforms:

Facebook Marketplace
Freecycle or Freegle
Gumtree
Local community noticeboards

Tips for donating:

Include clear photos and accurate measurements.
Note if the shed needs dismantling or is already taken apart.
Specify whether the recipient needs to collect or if you’re offering delivery (which can help it go faster).

Not only does this option help someone else, but it also keeps materials out of landfills and reduces waste.

Option 4: Sell the Shed Privately

Selling your old shed is another smart move—particularly if it’s in good condition and made from durable materials like pressure-treated timber or metal. Some older sheds even have vintage appeal, especially if they feature quality craftsmanship or classic designs.

To get the best price:

Clean it out and take quality photos.
List it on platforms like eBay, Preloved, or Shed-specific selling groups.
Provide details on size, condition, and any quirks.
Offer assistance with dismantling or delivery if possible.

This option may take a bit more time and effort, but the financial return can be well worth it.

Option 5: Recycle or Dispose Responsibly

If your shed is beyond repair or unsuitable for reuse, dismantling and recycling is the next best option. Most sheds are made of wood, metal, or plastic—all of which can be recycled at appropriate facilities.

Steps for recycling:

Dismantle safely: Remove all contents, take off doors and windows, and break the structure down panel by panel.
Separate materials: Keep timber, metal, plastic, and any hazardous items (like old paint or roofing felt) in separate piles.
Transport to local recycling centre: Most UK recycling centres accept timber and metal, though you may need to book in advance.
Consider skip hire: For large or rotted sheds, hiring a skip may be more efficient—just be aware of what can and cannot go in it.

Remember to check with your local council or waste disposal centre for specific rules and fees.

Option 6: Use Shed Components for DIY Projects

Before tossing out your shed, consider salvaging parts for future use. Old sheds often contain high-quality timber, sturdy hinges, screws, or even glass panes that can be reused in creative or practical ways.

Ideas for repurposed parts:

Raised garden beds from old wall panels.
Firewood stores using shed frames and roofing.
Birdhouses, compost bins, or tool racks using salvaged timber.
Garden art or feature walls from weathered cladding or doors.

Not only does this reduce waste, but it can also add unique touches to your new garden layout.

Option 7: Let Your Garden Room Take Over Shed Duties

One reason people hesitate to remove their shed is because of storage needs. However, many modern garden rooms are designed with integrated or optional storage spaces.

At Oeco Garden Rooms, we offer:

Partitioned storage areas: Keep part of the garden room secure for storing tools, bikes, or seasonal items.
Hidden cupboards and built-in shelving: Maximise interior organisation.
Extended canopies or side storage sheds: Ideal for keeping items protected but separate from the main living space.

This approach keeps your garden tidy and efficient while allowing you to remove the old shed completely.

Planning Ahead: Before You Install the Garden Room

Before any ground is broken on your new garden room, it’s important to plan what will happen with the old shed. Discuss your preferences with your installer—some companies may help with removal or even incorporate shed repurposing into your project.

Key things to do:

Measure your current shed and garden layout.
Decide whether to keep, move, or remove the shed.
Clear out and declutter early to avoid last-minute stress.
If dismantling, consider doing it in advance to allow for easier access to the site.

Being proactive about your shed plans helps streamline your garden room installation and avoid delays.

A Fresh Start for Your Outdoor Space

Installing a garden room is the perfect opportunity to reimagine your entire outdoor area. Removing an old, weathered shed can instantly refresh your garden’s appearance and create more usable, attractive space. Even if your shed isn’t directly in the way, eliminating unnecessary clutter opens up the area and allows your new garden room to take centre stage.

Consider pairing your new garden room with thoughtful landscaping, composite decking, or a new storage solution like a bike shed or timber box that blends with the modern design. By thinking beyond just the structure and rethinking the entire layout, your garden becomes more functional, beautiful, and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Your old shed doesn't have to be a problem when installing a new garden room—it can be an opportunity. Whether you choose to repurpose it, sell it, recycle it, or replace its functionality with smarter storage solutions, dealing with your old shed thoughtfully ensures your garden room project goes smoothly.

At Oeco Garden Rooms, we work closely with homeowners to help design and install garden rooms that fit perfectly within your existing space—even if that means removing or working around a previous shed. With decades of experience and a passion for premium design, we’re here to ensure your transition from shed to stylish garden room is seamless and satisfying.