A Complete Guide to Entering the Shed of the Year Competition with Yorkshire brand Tiger Sheds

Let's be honest, the garden shed is a proper British institution. For some, it's a quiet place to escape, a little sanctuary at the bottom of the garden. For others, it's a messy workshop filled with half-finished projects and the smell of sawdust. And for a growing number of people, it's been transformed into something truly special – a pub, a gym, an office, or even a tiny cinema. If your shed, summerhouse, or log cabin is your pride and joy, there's a competition that could see you pocketing a cool £1,000. It’s time to talk about the Shed Of The Year 2026.

So, what’s this Shed of the Year competition?

Basically, it’s the biggest celebration of garden buildings in all of Britain. Forget boring, dusty old sheds. This is about finding the most creative, clever, and cherished sheds across the country. And this year, the competition is officially sponsored by Tiger Sheds, a company that knows a thing or two about making quality garden buildings. The great thing is, it doesn't matter if your shed is a grand construction or a humble hideaway. The competition celebrates everything from elaborate summerhouses to beautifully organised storage sheds. It's all about the passion and personality that people pour into their little outdoor spaces. Whether it’s been turned into an art studio, a home for a prized lawnmower collection, or just a peaceful spot for a cuppa, every shed has a story. And this is the chance to tell it.

Prizes, prizes, and more prizes

Of course, a bit of friendly competition is always more fun when there are some brilliant prizes up for grabs. Entry is completely free, and there are multiple chances to win. Just have a look at what’s on offer:

• Overall Competition Winner: £1,000 cash plus some extra prizes.

• Category Winners: Each of the 10 category winners gets £250 and products from sponsors.

• Regional Winners: There are 7 regions, and each regional winner will nab £100.

• Best Tiger Shed Winner: Got a Tiger building? There’s a special, exclusive prize just for the best Tiger entry. That means Tiger owners have an extra chance to win!

It's a fantastic opportunity to get rewarded for all the hard work and creativity put into those beloved `garden sheds` and outdoor rooms.

Is my shed good enough to enter?

That's the question everyone asks, right? And the answer is almost certainly yes. The judges aren't just looking for the biggest or most expensive builds. They want to see character, clever ideas, and a good story. There are ten different categories, so there’s a place for almost every type of garden building you can imagine. Whether it's a traditional shed or one of those lovely `summerhouses`, there's a category for it.

Have a think about where your space might fit in:

• Eco Haven: For sustainable sheds using recycled materials, green roofs, or solar power

• Workshop/Studio: The perfect spot for artists, makers, and crafty people

• Most Colourful Shed: For sheds that are bright, bold, and beautifully painted

• Cabin/Summerhouse: Relaxing retreats, reading rooms, or guest spaces

• Pub/Entertainment: Garden bars, music rooms, and social hubs – the life and soul of the garden party

• Community Sheds: Spaces that bring local communities together

• Budget Champion: Amazing sheds created for less than £1,000 – proof you don’t need to spend a fortune

• Garden Sanctuary: Potting sheds, garden offices, and plant-focused spaces

• Unexpected/Unique: Wonderfully weird sheds that defy all other categories

• Simple But Effective: Beautifully made, traditional storage sheds and garden sheds

So you see, from a simple shed kept in perfect condition to a wild and wacky creation, there's room for everyone.

How to enter (it’s dead easy)

Getting your shed in the running is really straightforward. There are just a few simple steps. First, pick the category that best fits your building. Then, get your phone or camera out and take a few good photos of it, making sure to get pictures of both the inside and the outside. After that, write a few words explaining what makes your shed special to you. Finally, submit your entry online.

The whole thing is free and doesn't take long at all. But don't hang about! The deadline for all entries is the 31st of May 2026. After the deadline, public voting will take place throughout June, with the winners announced in July. In the past, winners have ended up in national newspapers and even on TV, becoming proper local celebrities!

A word from the head judge

The founder and chief judge of Shed Of The Year, Andrew Wilcox, is clearly chuffed about the partnership. He had this to say about it:

"What really excites me about this partnership is that Tiger are actual shed manufacturers – they understand the craft, the passion, and the community from the inside out. I'm looking forward to seeing incredible Tiger entries alongside all the creativity this competition attracts."

It’s clear that the people behind the competition really understand what makes a shed special. It’s not just about the four walls and a roof; it's about the love and care that goes into it. So, if you've got a brilliant garden building, no matter what it is, now is the time to show it off. Get it camera-ready, tell its story, and who knows? Your humble shed could be the next Shed of the Year.