Tag Archives: garden buildings

The Taylors Journey May 2012 – May 2015.

Posted on by

It is now just over three years since we took over the running of this company.

The previous owners of the business had changed their focus, wishing to explore new avenues and made the heart wrenching decision to sell Taylors Garden Buildings on. We purchased the website in May 2012 and immediately set about catching up on deliveries which had unfortunately been set back by a few days due to the handover.

The early days were very fraught to say the least, the phones were literally ringing off of the hook with customers chasing orders (news of the change over had spread very quickly and many people were now panicking that they had lost their money and would not be getting the items they ordered). The first thing we had to do was to contact all of our customers to inform them of the situation and give them some peace of mind. Some people requested to have their money refunded while a vast majority were happy to continue with the order they had made and wait just a little longer for the delivery to take place.

It was a stressful time for all in the Taylors office, starting a brand new job is never easy but to literally hit the ground running is even less so. Gradually we began to make progress and get ourselves caught up. We are pleased to say that all orders got sorted out  and, thanks to all of the patience and support from our customer base, we were soon able to move forward and begin doing what we had aimed at doing in the first place – selling garden buildings.

This was where it started getting exciting, with the old orders sorted and completed we could now focus on moving the business forward and start to repair the Taylors name in the marketplace.

Ready Built Shed Range

Ready Built Shed Range

One of the first big moves we made was securing a contract with a very large shed manufacturer who would deliver and install their garden buildings all for one price. This is of course UK Garden Buildings, they are the suppliers of our Ready Built range which has gone from strength to strength and is now one of our biggest selling lines.

Woodmeadow Garden Centre

Woodmeadow Garden Centre

The second major step we took was to purchase a local garden centre. Woodmeadow had been trading since the early 1970s and the previous owner had decided to move on to a new chapter in life. This came at a perfect time for us, it was obviously meant to be! With the purchase of Woodmeadow we now had a display site to showcase some of the buildings, this not only made us a more physical presence but it also enabled us to offer a more personal service by allowing us to meet our customers face to face.

Since those early days Taylors has continued to grow and now, three years later, we have revived the Taylors name and once again become a more prominent force on the internet.  We have a much bigger team  now too, some people have come and gone down the years, some have moved to different areas of the business while others have decided on a different career path, but we now have a team that is bigger and better than it has ever been!

Due to the increase in staff we re-located our sales office to bigger premises, this was our third big step in the growth of our business and happened in July 2013.

Thanks to our social media platforms (Facebook in particular) we have had a lot of positive feedback from our customers – some of those customers by the way were with us in the beginning and have stuck by us since then.

A huge thank you to them for giving us the chance to grow and standing by us!

In the past three years we have managed successfully to breathe fresh new life in to an ailing business and restore it to former glories, we have done the same to a local garden centre which has seen a dramatic increase in sales and now has a solid loyal customer base.

Movember 2012

Movember 2012

We even managed to do our bit for charity too, long term followers of our blog will remember that we did Movember in 2012 and raised over £1600.00!!

We have many plans for the future which will be mentioned on here as and when they happen – there are still exciting times ahead so watch this space!!

Ready Built Range

Posted on by

One of the most popular ranges on the Taylors website is our Ready Built Shed Range. With 34 categories and over 530 individual items available, this is also our largest with buildings ranging in sizes right up to 24’x14′.

All of the buildings in this range, which also includes Summerhouses and  Pet Houses are manufactured to the highest standard using redwood pine and can be painted a colour of your choice to suit your environment and personality.

Security Apex

Security Apex 6×4

There is a variety of optional extras available to help you personalise your building and make it more secure if need be. If security may be an issue where your shed is to be located, toughened glass is a definite must as it can help deter criminals and other undesirables.

There are also padlocks available with this range to increase security even more.

 

Heavy Duty Wooden Garage

Heavy Duty Wooden Garage

If you intend using your building for storage of heavier items such as ride on mowers or other such machinery then how about a heavy duty floor? The standard floor that is supplied with these buildings is 12mm which is upgradable to the heavy duty version of 18mm.  Heavy duty felt is another option if your shed / garage is to be located in a position where the elements can be extreme (i.e. windy areas).

Other extras to this range are different door positions and styles (you can go for double doors or stable doors on many models) and also windows that can either be fixed or opened. These doors and windows can also be supplied with decorative antique styled hinges.

Floor Bearers

Floor bearers are highly recommended

A very handy extra with all of these buildings are floor bearers. Floor bearers are basically a framework of wood which go under the building and physically lift it up off of the ground. This allows air to circulate underneath and prevent damp coming up through the floor of your building.  All of the extras are down to the choice of the buyer but we do heartily recommend these bearers as they protect the most vulnerable part of your building – the floor.

Ready Built Shed Range

Ready Built Delivery Zones

 

The Ready Built range are delivered and built for you on the same day, this is included in the price and applies to anyone living in the green area on the map which appears at the bottom of each listing. There will be an extra charge for anyone in the blue zone but this still represents great value for money.

 

 

We have a selection of these buildings on display at our garden centre so the next time you are in the area why not pop in and take a look?

 

 

 

Our final vote……

Posted on by

In keeping with the election which has dominated the news over the past few weeks we have been casting votes of our own and electing the top three garden sheds and summerhouses that we sell on our website. Although meant as some light hearted fun, we have come up with three examples of each which have earned their place through factors such as value for money, customer feedback and our experience with the actual manufacturers /suppliers themselves. You can see the results for the summerhouses here and results for the sheds here.

We have now reached our third and final stage of our ballot and are now looking at our top three log cabins.

The three candidates are;

The Daniel Corner Log Cabin

The Wolfgang Log cabin

The BBQ Cabin

The Daniel Log Cabin has been a consistently popular model for us for a few years now. The quality of this cabin is of a very high standard and the feedback we have had from our customers regarding it has been very positive. One of the most striking danielfeatures of this model is the shape, the pentagonal design of the building is topped off with a very attractive pyramid roof  which includes an overhang on all sides. This is most prominent over the doorway where the corner has been cutaway allowing for a mini porch area over the door itself.  The cladding on the Daniel is 28mm thick conical tongue and groove topped off with 18mm tongue and groove roof boards. There are two opening windows on this cabin which are glazed with real glass, there is also real glass in the door itself. The Daniel is a firm favourite with the staff at Taylors too – we actually have one of these in our garden centre which we use as an office.

The Wolfgang is a striking cabin due to its immense size and the additional side annexe which could be used as a storage shed. The inside of the building is divided by an Wolfgang cabininternal wall and there is a separate single entrance to the storage area, this separate area also features its own window to let in the light. The main part of this cabin is accessible via double doors on the front which is also sheltered via a large integral canopy over the front. The 45mm thick wall logs are manufactured with Norwegian Pine and the roof is 18mm tongue and groove roof boards. We think the separate annexe section on this building is a real selling point which makes this building not only suitable for storage but also as a guest house if relatives come to stay!

The Barbeque Cabin is an outstanding building which, as the name suggests, features a barbeque in its centre. This ingenious idea means that you can have a barbeque all year round whatever the weather in comfort and style. The Scandinavian design of this cabin has a traditional feel to it and the quality timber cladding allows the occupants to remain cool in the summer months and warm in the winter. The extras that come with barbecue cabinthis building are also worthy of a mention,  everything that is pictured inside the cabin on our site is in the price. That includes, but is not limited to, the deerskins, cutlery, cups, clock and of course the barbeque itself. We even include the matches!  The cabin is raised slightly to allow for ventilation which sucks up air from underneath while blowing any smoke from cooking out through the chimney on top. This cabin is also suitable to sleep in as the benches fold out to create sleeping spaces for guests, yet another great idea by the manufacturers. We have always liked the design and look of this building which has always reminded us of a hobbit house and if any of us  decide that we might need extra space in our gardens then this building would be a very strong contender.

The voting goes on….

Posted on by

As we said the other day, it has been near enough impossible to avoid the general election and the constant stream of party political broadcasts these past few weeks. We decided to do our own fun vote as to which were our best garden buildings.

We picked our favourite 3 sheds based on factors such as features and benefits, supplier support, price value and lead time for delivery.

Now the ballot continues with our three favourite summerhouses.

Our choice for the three best summerhouses in our range are as follows;

1.Popular Summerhouse

2.Prima Fifth Avenue

3.Denby Summerhouse

Popular Summerhouse

This has been a real hit with our customers, the classic design  suits most english gardens and it is available with or popular summerhopusewithout a verandah. There are 6 sizes available in this model from the smaller 5×7 up to the largest at 8×10. The manufacturer of this range of summerhouses deliver and install their buildings to a majority of england and this is all included in the price. This is not only excellent value for money but eliminates the stress and hassle of having to arrange an independent party to assemble the building. It is also delivered and installed on the same day. The cladding on these summerhouses is whitewood tongue and groove boarding with a sturdy rounded and planed frame, this framing is also incorporated in to the roof which is finished off with barge boards and green mineral felt.  The many optional extras (including a generous selection of paint finishes) means that you can create a building to suit your garden decor and reflect your personality in its design.

Prima Fifth Avenue

One of the best features of this model is the pentagonal shape which means it can be placed in any part of your garden including the corner. If you prefer a more non-classic design of building for your garden this one is a real contender and its modern style can be adapted to suit your tastes, primathere is a selection of roof colours to choose from and a choice of chrome or brass fittings. Other options include different colour stains and a choice of three finials (a ball or one of two stylish weather vanes – a witch or cockerel). I have always been a fan of these buildings and the feedback we have received from our customers means that they are all fans too! If you come to our garden centre one of the first buildings you will see is a Prima, that proves just how highly we regard this model.

Denby Summerhouse

Another modern styled building, the Denby has a sturdy shiplap tongue and groove construction over a rounded and planed framework. The interior of this summerhouse is very spacious and the abundance of toughened SONY DSCglass to the front means that it will get a lot of light all through the daylight hours. This building is an outstanding garden feature and comes inclusive of joinery made doors and windows and redwood cladding. The manufacturers of this remarkable building offer a delivery and installation service which is included in the price for many parts of mainland england. This means that you can get the whole package at the click of a button – delivered and built all in one go!

Next time we will take a look at our three top Log Cabins – see you then!

Have you voted yet? We have…

Posted on by

So it might be difficult to avoid the general election and party political broadcasts and if you’re like us and still not sure which way to go with your vote, we thought we would change the subject completely and do our own vote (just for fun), so as we sell garden buildings we each decided which was our favourite.

The buildings were chosen on an all around best building so when making my choices I considered the shed quality, the standard features and benefits, the supplier support and aftersales, price, value and delivery lead time.

Sheds

Voted best sheds 2015

These are my choice of garden sheds.
1. Supreme Apex Shed
2. Rowlinson Potting Shed
3. Supreme Workshop

The Supreme Apex Shed – is a good quality shed which also includes assembly within the price so keep that in mind when comparing the prices. The shed comes as standard with two diagonal cross supports on each wall built into the frame work helping maintain the rigidity of the shed with a 3ft opening door fully framed, ledge and Supreme Apexbraced this will help prevent the door from twisting, warping and over time dropping out of shape. this range of garden buildings is made with shiplap tongue and grooved timber and has a tongue and grooved roof and floor so no chip board, sterling or OSB. I like this range of sheds as they are not just good quality and include assembly but they have a slightly larger than average eaves height as I am 6ft it is nice to be able to stand up straight all through the building.

Potting Shed

The Rowlinson Potting Shed – a nice alternative to the traditional looking shed with the integral wooden growing space it makes not only for an attractive feature but a completely functional space, why not grow your own and not everyone wants both a greenhouse and a shed or summerhouse so why not get all three in one with this stylish design potting shed.

                               The Supreme Workshop –  Supreme Workshop      This was an easy choice a larger and superior version of the supreme apex so all of the above but available in larger sizes and has a double door as standard so for those who need the larger garden storage space or a decent workshop even a place to store the ride on mower or garden machines.

One man and his shed: Why the humble garden retreat could help men live longer

Posted on by

It’s long been cherished by men as a refuge to get on with some DIY, tackle a crossword, or even just for some peace and quiet away from the family. But now it would seem the humble garden shed has an even more valuable role – it could actually help men live longer, according to a health expert.

The therapeutic effects of pottering around doing odd jobs relieves stress, which lowers blood pressure, and even boosts self-esteem.

Haven: For many men it’s a welcome retreat, but a health expert believes the garden shed could be a life-saver

Leeds Metropolitan University’s Alan White – the first professor of men’s health – believes the effects could add years to a man’s life. He told the Telegraph: ‘Men find doing things relaxing and that in itself is good for their health. ‘There’s a sense of achievement that men get from starting a task and seeing it through to completion. It’s good for self-esteem.’

Professor White’s research is due to be published in the British Medical Journal .

Health experts are so convinced of the benefits that ‘men’s shed’ groups have sprung up in the UK – a place where men can meet and get on with some DIY. There are already 20 such groups – focusing mainly on the retired – up and down the country.

Pottering about: Men find completing tasks relaxing, which is good for their health, it has been claimed

Professor White believes because men feel so at ease in sheds that they are more likely to listen to home truths about their health. The concept of the sheds scheme came from Australia and it is being backed in this country by the Men’s Health Forum, as well as other voluntary organisations.

Peter Baker, chief executive of the charity, told the Telegraph: ‘I think they’ve caught the men’s imagination. Men like to potter. These are from a generation who, on a Sunday afternoon, like to pull apart a car and put it back together with a Haynes manual. ‘It is hoped the scheme will offer a comfortable environment for men to talk about any health issues they might be having.

Blog provided by dailymail.co.uk 2011

Brand New To Taylors Garden Buildings……

Posted on by

Our Lotus metal shed range is growing! 

Our ever popular Lotus metal shed range has been a runaway success for Taylors, since we introduced this model last year we have seen sales of the building continue to grow and have had a steady stream of positive feedback from our customers.

We are now very happy to announce that these sheds are now available in a stylish pent model.

This robust range of metal sheds is manufactured using high tensile, hot dipped galvanised steel throughout and is the perfect storage solution for your garden or outdoor space.

All of the usual features are included on this shed including rigid profiled panels, side ventilated gables and a large opening door which is ideal for storage of larger items such as bicycles and lawn mowers. This door is also lockable with a padlock (this is not supplied).

There are 5 sizes available (5×3, 6×3, 6×4, 8×3 and 8×4) and two colour schemes to choose from heritage green or slate grey). 
 

The Lotus Metal Shed Range

Posted on by

Our popular Lotus Metal Shed Range is enjoying healthy sales and continual positive feedback from our customers, both new and returning. With Spring now finally on our doorsteps and the likelihood of better weather on it’s way we have decided to give more of our customers the opportunity to own one of these magnificent buildings by introducing our new “pre-easter” special offer.
These buildings are perfect for storage of garden machinery and implements as well as deck chairs and cushions, maybe even bicycles – the list is endless!

Features of this fantastic range include the following;

  • Ventilated gables
  • .3mm hot dipped galvanised steel
  • Straight forward assembly
  • Solid heavy gauge galvanised steel frame and base rails

Solid heavy gauge galvanised steel frame and base rails

d_34453


 Padlockable Steel Door Handles

This special price is running until April 1st 2015, get yours while you can!

Lifetime Dual Entrance Storage Shed

Posted on by

Introducing the brand new all singing all dancing Lifetime 10x8ft dual entrance storage shed!

This fabulous new 10-foot wide Outdoor Storage Shed has several innovative features, including skylights to maximize natural lighting. They also include single-hinged double doors that open nearly 180 degrees, a slip-resistant polyethylene floor and low-maintenance, steel-reinforced construction.

Dimensions
  • Nominal size 10×8
  • Roof size 305x243cm
  • Base size 295x234cm
  • Overall height 244cm
  • Wall height 180cm
  • Weight 232kg
Standard features
  • 2 large skylights
  • 4 small skylights
  • 2 windows
  • HDPE floor

Log cabins? Don’t you mean a man cave?

Posted on by

Five years ago, down at the bottom of the garden, among the birds and the bees, in the shade of the trees, we built our log cabin.

Having lived in our house for seven years and with the family getting bigger we decided a log Cabin would be a cost effective way of expanding our living space. A much more attractive and unique alternative to a conservatory or extension and something we could comfortably build ourselves.

Our garden is not the biggest so we selected a reasonable 10ft x 8ft log cabin made with 28mm tongue and grooved logs.

Our chosen log cabin has an apex roof covered with green shingles, a single door in the gable end and a window in the side.

We also made the wise decision to insulate the floor cavity which really helps in the winter. With a small oil filled radiator its cosy place to spend time.

Over the last five years our log cabin has been used mostly by the kids and their friends as a play room and on occasion they have camped out in it without complaint. As the kids have grown up, our log cabin has developed into a games room for the Xbox.

The cabin is in great condition even after this time with an annual wood treatment and hopefully one day when the kids have grown up it will become my hobby room or office. I always fancied my own man cave.

I live in hope. I can see it now, a fridge, dart board, flat screen, lazy boy (that’s me) and a soft recliner…….

The great thing about a log cabin is the versatility of the construction.

You can use a log cabin for practically whatever you want. Looking for a studio, gym, utility room?

At Taylors Garden Buildings we have many log cabins in all shapes and sizes to cater for any requirement and if there is not a standard model then we can bespoke to whatever size you require.

Adam