A Guide to Choosing a Garden Storage Shed

A garden storage shed can be the perfect addition to any type of backyard or outdoor space, and most are used for a wide variety of purposes beside the usual place to keep tools and lawn equipment. If you're in the market for a new storage shed, there are a few important things you should first consider before you head to the stores or the internet to begin your search.

Material Choices for Storage Barns and Garden Sheds

The majority of storage barns and garden sheds will be made from one of these three materials:

Wood Storage Sheds

For the most traditional type of garden storage shed, wood is the material of choice. With solid frames made from treated lumber, a large number of designs to choose from, and a variety of accessories and stylish options available, wooden sheds are timeless in their appeal and blend in well with any type of home or landscaping design. Many are made to resemble tiny houses and can be painted or decorated in any fashion, and sheds made from wood are usually the most expensive option.

Metal Storage Sheds

For durability and maintenance-free care, choose a shed made from either aluminum or galvanized steel, most of which will be pre-coated with an enamel finish to stand up to the elements. Sheds made from metal are generally the least expensive of the three choices, and many feel they're more than suitable for simple uses such as storing tools and lawn equipment, if not the most visually pleasing.

Vinyl Storage Sheds

Sturdy vinyl is used along with double wall panels for making sheds that are able to resist dents and withstand all types of weather and frequent usage. Some vinyl storage sheds also have steel doors that can be painted to either match or complement the rest of the shed. Vinyl storage sheds can be found in a variety of price ranges, depending on the shed's overall size and features.

Storage and So Much More

We already know that a garden storage shed can be used for keeping lawn equipment organized, or for storing holiday decorations neatly in one place, but there are several other creative uses you may not have considered:

1. For Hobbies: A garden shed can easily be turned into just the right sized area for just about any type of hobby or craft. Instead of taking up more room in the house, a shed could be used for keeping materials in one location, and also provide you with a private area to toil the hours away.

2: As a Playhouse: With some imagination and creativity, some types of garden sheds, usually made from wood, can be turned into a delightful child's playhouse or clubhouse. Little girls will love their very own life-size dollhouse, and a shed makes a great alternative to a tree house perfect for any child.

3: For a Private Getaway: For backyards that serve as a private oasis, continue on with the theme by turning a shed into a "room" all of your own.

What to Consider Before You Buy a New Shed

Before you actually buy a new garden shed or barn, please be sure to at least consider the following:

1. Why do you need or want a garden storage shed? - What do you plan on using the shed for? For gardening or other hobbies, a place to keep tools, yard equipment, and the lawnmower? Do you plan on keeping the shed for several years, or is it meant to be a temporary storage area?

2. How much space will you need? - Accurately assess the size of the items you'll be keeping in the shed, allowing for ample room to move about if you plan on working inside often. Sheds come in a wide variety of sizes to fit any type of space or serve any purpose imaginable, some of the most common sizes, in feet, include: 10 x 12, 10 x 8, 8 x 6, 7 x 2, 3 x 7, and a host of others sizes. Remember height considerations too, especially if you wish to store tall items, or you are very tall yourself.

3. Does your shed need to be portable? - Will your shed need to be moved at all? If so, you'll want to choose a lightweight model with a built-in floor for easy portability.

4. What type of flooring are you interested in? - Besides integrated floors, the more durable sheds actually have no floor at all but instead use concrete slabs for their base. Floor plan kits are available for every size and type of shed.

5. Do you plan on adding any extras to the storage shed? - If you plan on adding extras to your shed, such as shelving, windows, or ramps for moving equipment in and out, make sure you keep that in mind before you buy. Also, consider some type of ventilation system if you plan on working inside the shed during the summer months.

6. Would you rather have a pre-assembled shed, or one you build yourself from start to finish? - Many retailers sell just the plans for building your own sheds that will require you to purchase all of the materials separately, and then assemble. Another choice is buying a kit that includes both the plans and the materials, or for the simplest of all choices, you have the option of purchasing a garden shed that's already preassembled, or for the smaller type, completely put together for you.

Accessories for Your Garden Storage Shed

The accessories you choose for your shed will of course depend on what you plan on using it for, how large it is, and how much free space you're going to have.

1. Lofts: Lofts are an easy way to make use of free space inside the storage shed. For seasonal items or things that are only used on an occasional basis, a loft allows you to keep them all in one place, but conveniently out of the way.

2. Shelving: Shelves are essential for keeping things organized inside the shed, and also for keeping tools or frequently used items handy. Some sheds already have matching shelves designed specifically for use them, while others will need to be built and installed separately.

3. Windows: Both windows and skylights add not only aesthetic appeal to a garden shed, but natural light increases visibility without the need for adding electricity, unless of course you'll be using the area after sundown, or if you will need to use power tools. For even more visual appeal, both window boxes for flowers and window shutters can easily be added to wooden garden shed.

4. Work Benches: A work bench is a must have for any garden or storage shed if you also plan on using the space as a workshop. A work bench can be bought preassembled, or crafted yourself from cut pieces of wood, and then painted or stained to your liking.