Shed of the Year is back — and this year marks its 20th anniversary. The UK's longest-running celebration of garden buildings returns for 2026, and we're proud to be on board as a category sponsor.
Sometimes all it takes is a tin of paint to completely transform a space. Whether you've got a workshop, a summerhouse, a potting shed, or something altogether more unexpected, this is your chance to show it off to the country.
What is Shed of the Year?
Founded by Andrew Wilcox through Readersheds.co.uk, Shed of the Year has spent two decades celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of Britain's shed owners. From handcrafted workshops and studios to garden pubs and eco retreats, the competition showcases the extraordinary spaces people create in their gardens.
It has featured on BBC Breakfast, in national newspapers, and across lifestyle media — and this milestone anniversary year, now proudly sponsored by Tiger Sheds, is expected to be the biggest yet.
Our sponsored categories
We're sponsoring two categories made for bold ideas and standout finishes — with £250 of Protek paint up for grabs for each category winner:
Most Colourful Shed
Bright, bold, and beautifully painted — this category celebrates sheds that make a real statement with colour. With over 160 colours across our range, from vibrant brights to sophisticated natural tones, we think there's a Protek shade for every shed. Whether you've gone all-out with a bold blue summerhouse or a sunshine-yellow potting shed, we want to see it.
Unexpected / Unique
Sheds that defy categorisation and push creativity further. If your garden building is something out of the ordinary — something that makes people stop and look twice — this is the category for you.
Photo by sixat21 - Yvonne Purcell
How to enter
Entering is straightforward and free:
- Choose the category that best fits your shed.
- Take at least six clear photos — both inside and outside.
- Write a short description of your space and the story behind it.
- Submit your entry at readersheds.co.uk.
When you enter, you'll be asked which Protek colours you've used — so have a look at our full colour range before you start, or order a 125ml sample for just £3.96 to try before you paint.
Key dates
- Entries close: 31 May 2026
- Public voting opens: 1 June 2026
- Voting closes: 30 June 2026
- Winner announced: 15 July 2026
Prizes
The overall Shed of the Year winner receives a £1,000 cash prize plus sponsor products. Winners of our two Protek-sponsored categories each receive £250, and there are additional regional prizes of £100 across the UK.
Planning your entry?
If your shed could do with a fresh coat before the 31 May deadline, there's still plenty of time. From subtle, calming tones to bright, statement finishes, our coatings are designed to protect and built to impress. Here are some of our most popular ranges for garden buildings:
- Royal Exterior — our premium finish and Ideal Home winner of Best Exterior Paint 2024. 78 colours with up to five years' protection. For a shed that deserves the best.
- Wood Stain & Protect — 40 colours with a high-build formula that soaks in and protects. A great all-rounder for garden buildings.
- Shed & Fence — our most economical option with excellent coverage, ideal for larger areas. 14 traditional stain colours.
- Timber Eco Shield —advanced technology formula in 10 classic wood tones. Ideal for a natural finish.
All our products are water-based and manufactured right here in Somerset. Free next-day delivery on orders over £35.
Enter now
Ready to show off your shed? Head over to readersheds.co.uk to submit your entry. However you imagine it, we've got the colour to bring it to life. Good luck — we can't wait to see what Britain's sheddies have been building.
Shed of the Year 2026 is run by Readersheds.co.uk and proudly sponsored by Tiger Sheds. Protek is a category sponsor for Most Colourful Shed and Unexpected / Unique. Full terms and conditions at readersheds.co.uk.
