New, energy efficient windows are all the craze right now, and often we’re left wondering about what to do with the old windows and storm doors after replacing them. Here’s an idea; why not go green and recycle the stuff? If you have empty space adjacent to you house, the old wooden frame windows can be used to build a perfectly good garden shed. Within a week or so, you can have a brand new 100% recycled garden shed in your garden, built with your own hands.
Seems like a tough job? Not at all. Here’s how you can go about it:
First you’ll have to collect and sort the old windows/ storm doors and find a couple roughly the same size (the heights must match to make the two pairs of ‘walls’). Now you’ll need to create a frame. With the first set of windows as a reference, you can build a frame for each wall. You should use good quality wood for this purpose, so that they can bear the load that they’ll have to support eventually.
Once ready, place the walls in place and brace them well so that they don’t topple over (it’ll be quite a mess if that happens, I can assure you). Check that the level matches, and you’re done for this phase.
Now you have to work on the foundation to ensure that it’s secure. I’d suggest you use buried cinder blocks instead of pouring regular foundation (helps to avoid nosey councilors and planning permission related problems). Buried blocks are sturdy enough to support and stabilize the structure. For the windows, you can use some deck screws to fix them to the frame; this allows for very easy removal and replacement in case of breakage (and where there’s so much glass, you can bet there will be some breakage once in a while).
Now that the four sides are almost ready. It’s time to build the floor. The best material for floors, I believe, is rocks or stones. If some neighbors need stones removed from their garden or you live near the coast, you’re in luck. Stone flooring allows for excellent drainage and heat storage (although I’m sure some may question the wisdom of keeping glasses and stones in such close proximity).
That done... time to build the roof. Use something that’s made of waterproof material and is lightweight. Put in a bench, add some shelves and a fan, and your garden shed is almost ready. All it now needs is some good outdoor caulk to seal the cracks and holes between the windows, and some paint to give it a brand new look (also helps to protect the wood from the elements).
Phew... if you need more information on building a shed click here.
Active You built one ourselves a couple of months ago. It was back-breaking work for a few days, but the result was worth it. Of course, if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s always a simpler solution (at an attractive discount, to boot). Simply enter our competition for an Extend-A-Room conservatory and make your house bigger in just a couple of days!
