If you’re looking for a handy place to store your outdoor gardening tools, lawn furniture, lawn mower and potting soil, because your garage or basement couldn’t possibly hold another thing (or if you don’t have a garage or basement!), then an outdoor storage shed may be just what you need.
There are four decisions you’ll need to make when choosing a shed:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->How much money do you want to spend?
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2. <!--[endif]-->What material do you want your outbuilding to be constructed of?
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3. <!--[endif]-->How big would you like your shed to be?
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4. <!--[endif]-->In what area of the yard will you put the shed and is there enough room to accommodate it?
Shed Materials
Most sheds are either constructed of wood with cedar siding, vinyl or metal.
Cedar is a nice choice, as it weathers nicely (or can be stained) and is long-lasting and durable. Vinyl is also a good choice, as it is long-lasting, maintenance-free and easy to clean. Metal is an inexpensive choice, although it may rust over time. It also heats up very quickly in the summer months making it unacceptable for storing gas or other volatile liquids and/or fertilizer.
Shed Extras
Your outdoor storage building can be equipped with windows and skylights for natural light, benches for extra work space, a ramp for easy in and out of wheelbarrows and lawn mowers, and even a loft for additional storage.
How to Build It
You can order a pre-fabricated shed at your local home and garden center or go online. For those who are handy, the kit can be put together in a few weekends. For an easier, quicker option, you may want to hire a general contractor or handy man, who can effiently assemble your shed.
Thinking About Accessories
A backyard outbuilding should be more than just utilitarian. It should be incorporated into your home as part of your overall landscape. A smart choice is to match your shed with your home. You can order vinyl siding for your shed to coordinate with your home’s vinyl siding, or paint your wood shed to match the color of your shutters and trim.
Whatever you decide to do, know that your outdoor building is often visible not only to you, but to passers-by and neighbors, and making it an attractive object in your yard will add to the overall look of your home. With that said, consider landscaping around your outbuilding and adding colorful flowers and hanging baskets.
You can also choose attractive accessories which add to the shed’s overall appearance. Shed accessories may include cupolas, French doors, window boxes, shutters and weathervanes.
Other Ideas
If space is at a minimum, consider a lean-to shed. Or attach a lean-to shed to the side of your main shed and use it as a convenient spot in which to store firewood. Other shed designs which maximize your small, outdoor spaces include corner sheds, vertical sheds and horizontal sheds.
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