Garden tool sheds or outdoor storage sheds are usually a  single-storied structure made from either wood, metal of vinyl (plastic)  and are placed or located in your backyard, near the garden or tucked up beside the house or garage. Garden tool sheds or outdoor storage sheds can be used for many things other than storing garden tools, hobby-zones, workshops or potting sheds . Garden tool sheds can vary greatly in size, construction and how fancy there are inside with over head shelves, racks and loft spaces. Outdoor storage sheds come in all sizes from small open-sided lean-to structures that fit against the house or garage, to large wood-framed or metal sheds with solid roofs, windows and electrical outlets inside plus work benches and ramps for easier access with larger equipment like mowers and snow blowers.

Garden storage sheds are commonly  built using thin metal sheets like galvanized iron or aluminum, which have the advantage of providing long term strength and resistance to fire, rot or termite. However metal garden storage sheds do have to be well anchored where heavy winds occur, Vinyl garden sheds should also be well anchored.  Garden storage sheds can also be made of PVC or polyethylene which has a good resistance to denting and chipping.  As with both metal and PVC type garden storage sheds the overall look can be more utilitarian and not blend in well, though many do come with a more attractive look  but cost will play a factor here.  Wooden sheds have a natural look that can blend in well with your garden and tend to look more natural blending in with their surroundings.  They also have the advantage of being customized to fit your needs with greater ease and the exterior look can be changed with paint, stain or shingles to match the look and feel of your garden, whether it is formal or natural.  

All garden storage sheds can be found in kits that you assemble yourself or pre-built, but note that most pre-built garden tool sheds can only be bought at a local garden center and delivery charges might be extra, where as kits can be bought online or locally. Also the foundation in not usually included, as some gardens storage sheds require a concrete pad, and some need special ground anchors to insure safety from high winds.  Before purchasing a garden storage shed check to see what type of base or foundation in required - concrete  - plywood,  both have advantages and disadvantages.  Estimate size requirements and check your budget.

The primary functions of garden tool shed obliviously is to store garden equipments, tools, accessories and furniture.  However they can also store pool equipment and other things you use outdoors, like bar-b-qs, chairs, bikes and water sport equipment. If you will be using your garden storage shed for more than just garden tools allow for extra space and more storage shelves and hooks will be needed to keep everything neat, tidy and accessible.

Material pros and cons:

Wood:

- Despite the strength of quality wood(cedar,pine), over time it can rot, split, warp or become susceptible to mould, mildew, fire and termites (in some areas). However it is the easiest to repair, add extras on to and can adjust to your needs best over time.  You can paint and stain it as you see fit which will help maintain the structures integrity over the years. Relocating a large wooden garden tool shed can prove difficult.  Wood garden tool sheds offer the greatest diversity in look and function. They can be bought in kits, pre-assembled or you can buy plans and build it yourself.  If you choose to by plans or design it yourself having the basic tools and knowing how to work with wood is important as you will have to measure, cut and screw everything together.

Metal:

- Garden tool sheds made of metal are prone  to rust near the bottom if not on a proper base and around the hinges.  They also need proper anchorage to the ground to prevent high wind damage.  Most can be repainted with a good outdoor metal paint.  Over all they will last a long time with proper care and have the advantage that they can be moved or relocated if the need arises.  As most metal garden tool sheds come in kits a few basic tools will be need to assemble them and it's a good idea to set aside a day with a friend to help put it together.

Vinyl:

- PVC, plastic, polyethylene all have the advantage of being less expensive  then wood or metal garden tool sheds and are resistant to denting and chipping.  Changing the colour however is hard because painting plastic is never easy and flaking  of paint can be a problem, also over time the sun can cause the vinyl to become brittle and the  colour can fade (this does take several years to occur though)  Relocating or moving a Vinyl garden tool shed is easier due to less weight, but attention must be payed to anchoring it well to prevent wind damage. As with Metal garden tool sheds basic tools are needed to assemble and an extra hand is a good idea too. 

Flooring types: 

-Concrete slabs are the best option, they provide a solid base for heavy mowers and are resistant to oil and gas spills. Make sure it is constructed properly to prevent heaving in the winter in colder climates. If you are going to use concrete consider a drain hole in the center to help when you do any cleaning.  Cities may consider a concrete base as a permanent structure so check first.

-Plywood is less expensive but over time may need to be replaced is it rots or splits. Plywood floors need to be at least 6-7 inches of the ground to prevent water damage/dampness.  A level crushed stone base with special notched patio blocks for 2x4s or cinder blocks can be used. Wood planks can also be used following the same basic construction. Wood bases are usually looked at as a movable structure as they are not attached to the ground.

Tips:

- Things to look at when choosing a garden storage shed are: door hinges, floor type, ventilation, lighting, how selves and racks attach inside, roof pitch, warranties.

- Select the best location for your garden tool shed.  Take a look at your property, think about how often you will be using or needing access to the garden storage shed. Sticking the garden tool shed at the back of your property may be the first thing that comes to mind but is it practical?  Place your sheds with discretion and close to the garden is best.

- Pay attention to the placement of your garden tools shed so it doesn't eat up good growing soil or cast long shadows over your gardens. With the right placement of your garden tool shed you can add an extra plane to your garden with climbing vines be they vegetables or flowers. This method can also take care of an unsightly garden tool shed. 

- Water plays an important role in lots  gardening tasks. Locating your garden tool shed near an out door tap is something  to think about or are you able to install a tape near the garden tool shed.  Needing  electrical outlets in the garden tool shed should be considered before any construction is done ,or you will have to run new power lines to the tool shed.

- You may want to think about placing  your garden tool shed  near an existing path. If not, you’ll probably have to create a new one.

- The door to your garden tool shed should be  wide enough to move your equipment in and out easily. Bumping into the door-frame every time you move a wheel-barrow can be a real headache.  Installing a low ramp may also ease getting the mower/ tiller in and out.

- As stated above garden storage sheds come in of various types. Over all quality of material should be taken into account, you won't be saving any money with cheap material if you have to fix and repair the garden tool shed yearly.

- You’ll want a lock on the tool shed door to help prevent thefts. Garden equipments are expensive and a lock will deter thieves. More importantly, it will keep curious children out of harms way from sharp tools and garden chemicals.  

-A quick call to your insurance company is a good idea to see whether your new garden tool shed is covered under your household policy or not. Check local city by-laws before doing anything as some towns and cities have strict rules about height, size and placement of shed structures. A permit may be required to build a garden tool shed.

 Be sure to check out our selection of garden sheds  on our web site:

The Green Spiderweb  or StacksandStacks all your storage needs

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A Garden Storage Shed is usually a small storage shed constructed in or near the garden for storing shovels, lawnmowers and other gardening tools. A garden storage shed or cabin can be made out of several types of material (wood,metal.vinyl) Not all are very attractive but they can be fixed up to look quite nice and either stand out as a focal point in your garden or to blend and disappear. The main reason for a garden tool shed to keep all you garden tools organized, tidy and accessible.

There are some basic things to be kept in mind before buying a garden storage shed or garden storage shed plans.

First you must think about where you will locate the garden storage shed and the size required. Not everyone has the need or the room for a shed 10'x10' garden tool shed. Just like when looking for a garden tool rack you should lay out all of your garden equipment and measure to see how much space and what type of racking hooks and shelves will best suit your needs. You might find you only need a small cupboard type garden tool organizer that fits on a porch, gallery or tucks in beside the house.

Second is to decide how the shed look. Caution!!! In some cities/towns have strict rules regarding the design, size, location of your new garden shed. It is a good idea to visit the local government offices or city hall to see if they have any special by-laws concerning building permanent shed structures, and if a permit is needed. Your house insurance company might be another place to call to see if the garden storage shed and it's content will be covered.

Wood is the most common materials that is used to construct garden tool sheds from plans or your own design. Basic wood working skills are need to build a shed as are the tools, saw, hammer, drill, level, etc. Most pre-built or garden storage shed kits are made from Metal or Vinyl both are weather resistant, and low maintenance. Where wooden garden tool sheds may need to be re-painted, stained over the years.

Price is a very important factor to be taken into account. Paying a bit more for a quality garden shed is a good idea. Cheap sheds will drive you crazy and you will have ot replace it because it won't last to the wear and tear that garden storage sheds endure year after year.

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