What distinguishes Gardensheds’ products from other similar products?
We think it’s important to state upfront that all sheds are not created equal, even those that might appear “similar”. Our products are readily distinguished from others for four primary reasons:
- ORIGINAL, COPYRIGHTED DESIGNS
All of our products are exclusive to Gardensheds, Inc. and designed by a talented group of architects and designers. You won’t find our products anywhere except Gardensheds.com. We look to history and architecture as our source of design inspiration. Others have referred to our designs as ‘timeless’ and ‘classic’.
- MATERIALS
While our world is increasingly becoming a synthetic world of vinyl and plastic derivatives, we continue to use genuine, premium building materials like cypress, oak, mahogany, pine, copper, iron and cedar that endure for authenticity, integrity and durability. We mill and dimension much of our own material. Our iron hardware is hand forged with hammered edges. Because many of the materials we do use are natural we feel an obligation to use these materials wisely and responsibly.
- CRAFTSMANSHIP
Our dedicated production facility is staffed by a consummate group of talented Amish craftsmen, carpenters and artisans who embrace our mission and philosophy that form, function and beauty can enhance the quality of our lives.
- EXPERIENCE
There’s no substitute for experience. We’ve been in the construction trade since 1983 and have set the industry standard of quality for garden buildings and related products. Our products are often poorly imitated, but never equaled, which is why demand for our products continues to grow each year. There’s a reason why we’re the preferred source of design professionals for landscape products.
Can your buildings be purchased in kit form?
No. One of the hallmarks of our company, and why our clients like to work with us, is that we deliver a fully assembled and finished building constructed to your specifications, that is ready to use the day it is delivered! Moreover, a fully finished building and a kit building are fundamentally not the same. We can better control the craft and carpentry process with our own assembly and finish. For those who are in the process of researching buildings, we caution you to consider that a building kit, when fully assembled and finished by skilled tradespersons, will often result in a finished price that is, at a minimum, double the kit price itself.
I’m interested in one of your standard building designs, but would like to change the size and substitute different windows and door. Is this OK?
Yes, all of our standard building designs can be changed in size. Likewise, we offer a menu of window and door configurations, any of which can be used on any building design.
Can my order be changed after you’ve received it?
We make every effort to accommodate change order requests, if possible. If construction has already commenced on your building a change order is often more difficult to implement and will typically result in a change order fee. The most important thing is that in the end we want you to be happy with your order.
Can my order be cancelled?
While we discourage any thought of order cancellation once an order has been confirmed by us, we allow for cancellation prior to commencement of construction only, subject to a cancellation fee of 10% of the order total. Because your building is made to order, once construction has commenced cancellation is not an option and is subject to loss of deposit.
Can I order a custom building from Gardensheds?
Yes, although in many instances what a customer considers “custom” is merely a reconfiguration of one of our standard designs. However, we do have the capability to produce a completely original and custom design for you. We charge a $250 design fee that is credited to your building order. After an initial design consultation we will produce a drawing for your approval. It is important that you establish a budget at the outset of the design process. Also, any photographs and/or sketches that you can provide to further illustrate your idea/concept are helpful during the design phase. Our only rule is that we will not copy another company’s design.
Is it possible to estimate the cost of a custom building?
Buildings can range in price from $5,000 to $50,000. Because there are so many variables that affect pricing it’s difficult to estimate prices. However, as a general guideline, a custom building, without a finished interior, will range from $50-$60 per square foot. Please keep in mind, however, that even this range is variable and will depend on the selection of materials and features. In the end, there is a building for every budget.
Can details on my Gardenshed building match those of my house?
Yes. Obviously it’s helpful for us to have photographs and sketches of your house. Often, details such as windows, doors, shutters, roof finials, and paint/stain finish can be closely matched in style. We caution though against the inclination to have a “mini-me” house. A garden building looks best when it complements, but does not duplicate a main house. A building looks best when it stands on its own architectural merit.
Do you offer a finished interior?
Yes. The degree to which your building interior is finished depends on both personal preference and intended use. Typically, a pool house or cottage building will have a more finished interior than a utility building. With pool buildings it’s common for us to build out an interior changing room that might include a storage bench, closet, clothes rack and towel shelving. Interiors on all buildings can be partially or fully finished. Our standard flooring is tongue and grove fir. Alternate flooring can range from white oak, wide plank pine, parquet, linoleum, tile, cork and stone. We offer a variety of finished wall options including, cedar, bead board, reclaimed barn siding, wainscoting and panel walls. A variety of electrical and wood trim options are also available. Because there are so many options, it’s best to call us to review your ideas.
Do you recommend that the interior of my building be painted?
Any wood left untreated is more prone to develop mildew. At the very least, we recommend that all doors and windows be primed or treated on the inside. If painting, we recommend Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer. It is mold and mildew resistant and ideal for high-humidity areas that garden buildings are prone to be. For a more natural wood finish we recommend a clear urethane finish or an application of Thompson’s Water Seal.
Can I select my own paint/stain colors?
Yes, within the range of colors offered by either Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, or Cabot’s. For more information about finishing, paint and stain, please refer to our paint/stain web page.
How long will it take for my building to be delivered?
Lead-time varies according to time of year, backlog of orders, availability of specialty materials and whether a product is standard or customized. In general, most of our products ship in a 5-6 week time frame. If time is of the essence, we do offer rush delivery at a premium price.
Are any buildings in stock for quick delivery?
Yes, During peak season of May-September we will inventory some building models for quick-ship delivery. Although building size, window and doors can not be changed on these in-stock buildings, the buildings are intentionally left unfinished so that they can be painted/stained to your color preference.
Where can Gardenshed products be seen in person?
We’ve made a decision to sell our products direct in an effort to keep our cost structure as economical as possible. You won’t find our products anywhere but Gardensheds.com. We do, however, maintain a detailed customer database, and can often arrange for you to see one of our products in your area. Alternatively, we welcome customers to call ahead and schedule an appointment to see a selection of Gardenshed products at either our Lambertville, New Jersey or Honey Brook, Pennsylvania locations.
Do you offer a catalogue?
Yes, we do have printed information that we send out upon request. All of the information in our literature, however, is the same as that found on our website. We have found the Internet to be the most effective, economical, and environmentally responsible means to market our products.
Do you offer blueprints for your products?
No. All Gardenshed building/product information is proprietary. However, if there are critical dimensions or construction questions that you would like additional information about please let us know.
Can I purchase replacement parts for my building?
Yes, if you have purchased a building and would like to purchase replacement doors, windows, screens, shutters, cupola, hardware or other items. Otherwise, if you have not purchased a building we do not sell building parts separately.
