The Philosophy of Sheds

An item of good news. It's been a while since I've written a book about sheds (Haynes Shed Manual, co-authored with John Coupe in 2019), and even longer than my first one on the subject (Shedworking: The Alternative Workplace Revolution, 2010), so I'm delighted to announced that in 2026 the trilogy will be complete with The Philosophy of Sheds.

It will be published by the British Library in spring next year as part of its Philosophy of... series, what it describes as "a thought-provoking range of books which take a deep dive into niche topics" and features subjects such as curry, puddings, cider, cheese, tatoos, beards, and Christmas. "With their gorgeous colourful covers," continues the British Library, "the titles are great for gifting, or those curious to learn more." I hope you'll enjoy it.  

Haynes Shed Manual: The perfect Christmas present

You know it makes sense. Also, if you buy direct from the publishers you can get this marvellous hardback for just £18.75 ather than the rrp of £25.

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World Book Day: Haynes Shed Manual

A practical, step-by-step guide with wide-covering advice on all aspects of planning and building sheds, written by two shed experts. As it's World Book Day today, why don't you treat yourself, ideally from your local independent bookshop but also available from the usual suspects online.

Sadly, Shedworking: The Alternative Workplace Revolution is no longer in print but can be easily found secondhand online. Happy reading!

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How to build a shed most Googled DIY question of 2021

According to a new survey by metal supplier metals4U, the most Googled DIY question of the year, using search data from January to December 2021, reveals that the list is topped by 'How to build a shed' with 164,400 searches, not very closely followed by 'How to paint a room' (58,500), and 'How to fix a dripping tap' (52,800) in 2nd and 3rd spots.

Managing Director of metals4U, Paul McFadyen said: “There was significant investment going into home improvements throughout 2021. Depending on your shed size, height and usage requirements there are different planning permissions around building a shed, so it’s worth checking this first. Some people prefer to build metal sheds as they are sturdier and more weather resistant. We would recommend using either galvanized aluminium or mild steel that is treated with a proprietary weatherproofing product if doing so."

Of course, there are books available on exactly this subject... (and currently on a pleasant festive discount if you buy directly from the publishers Haynes). 

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Free extract from the Haynes Shed Manual

The fine folk at Haynes who published the Shed Manual I co-wrote with John Coupe last year are doing all kinds of lockdown activities on social media including #TheDailyHaynes on Twitter. Today's episode is as follows:

#TheDailyHaynes: Take your first steps in designing a dream #shed, with the help of this #free extract from the Shed Manual by John Coupe & @shedworking Alex Johnson…

📚👉 https://t.co/maZxGHOnNN
(You can save 40% off the full book, too!)#dailyinspiration #lockdownlife pic.twitter.com/PCAF0b067Y

— Haynes Manuals (@HaynesManuals) April 11, 2020

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Replacing an old garden studio

My fellow co-author on the Haynes Shed Manual (click the link for a 25% discount if you still haven't bagged yourself a copy) John Coupe, has been busy this year, currently building a shed in his workshop (replacement parts loaded above and ready to be built on site). This will replace a 50-year-old 4x7m garden studio that he demolished last week which had come to the end of its life due to timber decay from a leaking roof. "It came down with a very satisfying 'whumpf'," says John. If you're thinking of a bespoke shed build, click the link above to go to his website. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master: garden offices and studios to fit any size garden. Top quality contemporary or traditional buildings.

Money off Haynes Shed Manual

You can currently save £6 off the price of the Haynes Shed Manual which I co-wrote with secrets-of-shedbuilding guru John Coupe. Described in the Centre for Alternative Technology's Christmas catalogue as "for the enthusiastic DIY-er and those considering taking on a project" and by, er, The Sunday Sport as "A thing of beauty". For details, click here. ---------------------------------------

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Christmas present idea: Haynes Shed Manual

You can currently save £6 off the rrp off the Haynes Shed Manual which I co-wrote with secrets-of-shedbuilding guru John Coupe. Described in the Centre for Alternative Technology's Christmas catalogue as "for the enthusiastic DIY-er and those considering taking on a project" and by, er, The Sunday Sport as "A thing of beauty". For details, click here. --------------------------------------

Wednesday’s posts are sponsored by Norwegian Log Buildings  - Log cabins and garden buildings for a better quality of life. Click here for more details.

Save 25% on the new Haynes Shed Manual

You can currently save 25% off the rrp of the Haynes' Practical Lifestyle Manuals which includes my Haynes Shed Manual (as well as fitness, space, etc) co-written with John Coupe. Let me remind you that it was described as "A thing of beauty" (and by implication, a joy forever) by none other than The Sunday Sport. For details, click here.  -------------------------------------------------
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EscapeSpace

Those of you interested in the tiny home movement may know of Wisconsin-based Escape because of their attractive tiny houses. Now, they've branched out into the garden office and studio market with their EscapeSpace range. There are three models, all of which come in a tongue and groove cedar design, LowE thermopane windows, clerestory windows, and and EPDM roof (see my recent Haynes Shed Manual for why we're fans of this approach) with additional options such as decking and solar panels. The whole thing is delivered fully built on site.

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Haynes Shed Manual: early Christmas shopping

I know it's a bit early to be pushing books for Christmas, but if there's a loved one or family member you know who would like a copy of my shed manual co-authored with John Coupe, you can  buy it direct from the publishers Haynes or your local bookshop, or even more direct from me if you'd like a copy signed by me and John. Email me if you'd like a copy. Sample spreads below:

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Goodbye to the Shed Manual shed

As part of producing the Shed Manual for Haynes earlier this year, we naturally had to produce several sheds. The one that was closest to my heart was the garden office and it has now finally gone to a good home where it is currently waiting for a new deck to be built for it overlooking its new owner's garden pond in an apple orchard.

If you'd like more information about how it was moved and transported (by road at 20-30mph), read John's account of it here - it's an excellent detailed post with plenty of images showing each step of the way. I rather like this one which makes it look like it is magically floating...

And of course the book in which it is featured is still very much for sale.

 

 

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Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master: garden offices and studios to fit any size garden. Top quality contemporary or traditional buildings.

Building a garden office: part 8

One garden office build we've been following all year is at the roofing stage. Web designer and developer Jack McConnell is now chronicling stage 8 of the build (you can see the others here) and the video below shows him adding fascias, completing the rubber roof (which readers of my recent Shed Manual from Haynes will know pleases the authors), installing the window and door (with help from his father-in-law), and getting the trench dug for his electrics.

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Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master: garden offices and studios to fit any size garden. Top quality contemporary or traditional buildings.

Haynes Shed Manual and 10 best garden sheds in the 'i' newspaper

The i newspaper asked me (and fellow shed folk John Coupe - my Haynes Shed Manual co-author - and Uncle Wilco from readersheds) for some thoughts about sheds and garden offices. You can read the whole piece online here but here's a snippet (no idea why they've used the word "vast"!):

If you’ve ever considered a shed as accommodation then Alex Johnson has picked out a few top recommendations. Folk with pots of cash might turn to the ethical approach of Rotunda Roundhouses or the vast, bespoke designs of Tiny House Cabins. Those with an eye for tradition might be tempted by Plankbridge’s shepherds' huts which has Alex purring: “I defy anybody to browse their website and not come away wanting one”.

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Writer's study with roof terrace

A thing of beauty from Tierney Haynes architects (more photos of the interior at the link), a library and garden office for two writers in Connemara, Ireland, with an untreated cedar clad exterior. Lovely inside, it's the breathtaking sea views that the Shedworking staff particularly enjoy - there are stairs up to it from the back of the building and the high parapet planted with lavender acts as a buffer against the wind. ---------------------------------------

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Shedworking and the Haynes Shed Manual on BBC Three Counties radio

Andy Collins was kind enough to invite me onto his BBC Three Counties radio breakfast show yesterday morning to chat about sheds, shedworking, and my new Haynes Shed Manual. If you'd like to listen to me discussing the world of sheds (including beach huts and cider-making) then you have 28 days until it gets wiped from the BBC's Sounds thingy via this link - I'm on from the 1.36.23 mark (if you start up a little earlier, you'll hear a remarkable story about what one non-league football goalkeeper does every time his team concedes a penalty). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Feature about Haynes Shed Manual in The Herts Advertiser

A jolly piece in which the paper's property editor Jane Howdle looks at my new Haynes Shed Manual and includes some of my shed back history. As she says: "The 8'x6' is still up for grabs, so if anyone would like to own a little piece of shed history the opportunity is there to “buy the shed of the book of the shed”, laughs Alex." I also threaten to write the first great shed novel. You can buy the book here and I also have a couple at home which I can sign and drop round to you if you live in the St Albans area or post if you live further afield. -------------------------------------------------------

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Shed Manual reviewed in KentLive

A nice interview with John Coupe (pictured above making the shingles for a shed roof) on KentLive by Mary Harris about our new Shed Manual for Haynes. Here's a snippet:

“Sheds are for everyone," he said. "There is a section in the book on ‘she-sheds’ - so that’s a thing. And there’s a Men’s Shed Movement and there is one in Tunbridge Wells. They’re all around the world. They are a place for people to do their stuff. That means it might be tinkering with car engines or woodwork or escaping from the family or gardening.”

Well worth a quick read. And you can buy the Haynes Shed Manual here.
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Haynes Shed Manual: Buy the garden office of the book

Just a reminder that the garden office made for and featured in the Haynes Shed Manual is available to buy. More details at John's site secrets-of-shed-building here. Pictured top is the exterior, now nicely weathered from its original appearance in the book, a close-up of the roof's handmade shakes/shingles, and the current interior. Contact either John via his site link above or me by email for more details. -------------------------------------------------------

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