When it comes to choosing a garden shed for your home in Cornwall, Devon or Somerset, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is the roof style. While size, material, and layout all play their part, the roof design has a big impact on how your shed looks, how it performs in our unpredictable South West weather, and how much usable space it gives you.
Two of the most popular styles are pent roof sheds and apex roof sheds, but which is right for you? In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed choice that suits both your garden and your needs.
What is a Pent Roof Garden Shed?
A pent roof shed has a single sloping roof panel, with one side higher than the other so rainwater naturally runs off towards the back or side. It’s a neat, modern design that sits well in contemporary gardens and is particularly handy in spaces where you don’t want a tall, imposing structure.
Because of its lower profile, a pent roof can work beautifully alongside fences or walls, and the higher side is usually where the door is positioned. This means you can step straight into the tallest part of the shed, which makes loading in bikes, tools, or a lawnmower much easier. In our wetter months, the slope keeps rain flowing away from the entrance, helping you avoid puddles right where you need to stand.
Our pent roof sheds are built from robust, treated timber so they look good and last for years, even in the face of the West Country’s rain and sea air.
What is an Apex Roof Garden Shed?
The apex roof is the one most people picture when they think of a traditional garden shed. With two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, it forms that familiar triangular profile. It’s a timeless design that works just as well alongside a traditional stone cottage as it does in a modern suburban garden.
One of its main advantages is the headroom. The central peak gives you extra standing space in the middle of the shed, which is great if you’re planning to move around inside, install shelving, or store taller items. The symmetrical slope also sheds water evenly on both sides, so it’s a reliable choice in heavy downpours.
Our apex roof sheds combine this classic look with the strength and weather protection you’d expect from a quality timber build.
How Cornwall, Devon and Somerset Weather Influences Your Choice
Living in Cornwall, Devon or Somerset means dealing with a bit of everything: long spells of rain, salty coastal winds, and the occasional summer heatwave. Both pent and apex sheds can stand up to these conditions, but they behave slightly differently in the elements.
If your garden is in a more exposed area, such as along the North Devon coast or on higher ground in Somerset, a pent roof’s lower profile can help it resist strong winds. On the other hand, if you get heavy rainfall from all directions, an apex roof’s even water run-off on both sides can be a real advantage. Snow isn’t common here, but when it does fall, the steeper pitch of an apex roof helps it slide off before it can cause any weight-related issues.
For a closer look at our local weather patterns, the Met Office climate guide is a useful resource when planning your garden structures.
Considering Your Space and How You’ll Use It
Think about what you want your shed to do for you. If it’s purely for storing tools, garden furniture, or the kids’ bikes, a pent shed might be perfect thanks to its straightforward layout and accessible height. If you’re creating a workshop, potting space, or somewhere to spend time tinkering, the extra headroom of an apex shed can make it feel roomier and more comfortable to work in.
Also consider where it’s going. A pent shed can tuck neatly against a fence or wall without blocking views or creating too much shade. An apex shed, with its taller central ridge, might work best if you have more open space to give it breathing room.
Why Timber Still Leads the Way
While you can buy metal or plastic sheds, timber remains the most popular choice for Cornwall, Devon and Somerset gardens – and for good reason. Wooden sheds look natural in outdoor spaces, can be painted or stained to match your garden’s style, and are easy to adapt with shelves, hooks, or extra windows.
The timber we use at Blackdown Buildings is sustainably sourced and treated to protect it from rot, insects, and the damp conditions we’re all too familiar with in the South West. As part of the Brookridge Timber Group, we benefit from a fully integrated supply chain, ensuring quality and consistency from start to finish. It means your shed isn’t just a purchase for today — it’s something that will serve you well for many years.
Why Professional Help Matters
Whichever style you choose, proper installation is key to making sure your shed lasts. A shed that’s assembled on an uneven base or without the right fixings can suffer from water leaks, warping, or even structural issues over time.
Our team offers professional shed installation across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, so you don’t have to wrestle with panels, roofing felt, and instructions. We’ll make sure everything is square, level, and weatherproof, giving you a shed that’s ready to use from day one.
Thinking About Cost
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing between a pent roof shed and an apex roof shed, but the difference isn’t usually dramatic. Pent sheds can sometimes be a little less expensive because of their simpler design, but it’s worth thinking beyond the initial cost.
What really matters is the overall value. A well-built timber shed will give you decades of use if it’s maintained properly, so investing a little more upfront can save you money in the long run. The size of the shed, the quality of the timber, any extra features like windows or shelving, and whether you opt for professional installation will all influence the final price.
If you’re working to a budget, we can help you compare options so you get the right balance between cost, quality, and function. You can always get in touch via our Contact page for a personalised quote.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
If you love clean lines, need a shed that won’t dominate your garden, or have a narrow spot to fill, a pent roof shed could be the ideal choice. If you prefer a more traditional look, want that extra headroom, or need versatile storage space, an apex roof shed might be a better option.
The good news is that you can’t go far wrong with either, as long as you choose a quality timber shed designed to handle the local climate.
Get in touch today to discuss your needs and find out how we can help you with your garden shed.