Is the garage too crowded to fit your car inside? Do you require easily accessible storage for your lawnmower or additional space for all of your family heirlooms, automobile parts, pool supplies, outdoor furniture, or gardening tools but are unsure how to go about it? An outdoor shed is everything you might be looking for!
These single-story compartments are a worthwhile investment, therefore purchasing one necessitates extensive research and careful consideration. In that regard, we’ve put together this helpful guide that covers every possible query about all things shed-based, to help you choose the right.
Size
When it comes to size, the most popular shed dimension is 10×12. Of course, this size won’t be ideal for everyone, so you’ll need to select the one that best suits your requirements. You can learn more about your ideal size from the broad description provided below.
Large
With an incredible storage capacity between 110 to 180 square feet, premium quality large outdoor storage sheds will allow you to keep everything that’s making your garage or attic overstuffed for years to come! From extremely huge machinery and tractors to recreational vehicles, ATVs, and much more, your large shed can fit them all!
Moreover, their large size is ideal for all of your extra storage needs that don’t fit inside your house. You can also convert your large shed into a workshop, greenhouse, or hobby room if you’re feeling inventive. Make sure your yard has enough room, both for the shed itself and for moving equipment in and out without difficulty.
Also, always check that the largest piece of equipment, car, or object you intend to keep can fit through the shed’s door opening. Make sure you add at least 25% more space than you require. This gives you the space you need to access anything in the shed and could be useful in the future.
It’s important to know that not all large outdoor storage sheds come with flooring. However, you can design your floor in some sheds because they accept floor kits. Additionally, certain large sheds allow you to upgrade them using expansion kits. This enables you to purchase additional storage space if your current capacity is insufficient. If you anticipate that your storage requirements may grow over time, invest in a shed that can be enlarged.
Medium
These types of storage containers typically range in size from 70 to 100 square feet. These sizes range from approximately 8×10 to as large as 10×12. A medium might be the ideal shed size for you if you want a place to keep bulkier garden equipment like snow blowers, riding mowers, and other large tools.
Small
Small sheds are under 36 square feet. These outdoor structures make excellent garden shelters for the backyard. They work well for storing and hanging tools as well as lawn and garden equipment like fertilizer bags and push mowers. Because of its smaller footprint, it gives you tons of options in the garden.
Material Choices
The most crucial choice you’ll likely make when purchasing a garden shed is the type of material that best suits your needs. The materials will affect some other important factors including cost, strength, upkeep, longevity, and quality.
Metal
Steel sheds are affordable storage structures. They come in a range of colours and have steel that has been vinyl-coated or galvanized and has an enamel finish to withstand rust and scratches and provide years of maintenance-free use.
Vinyl/Resin
Composed of various types of plastic, these are the easiest sheds to put up! Vinyl and resin sheds are also simple to clean and resistant to decay, rust, insects, and mould. Panels with two walls make a sturdy structure. They come with steel reinforced which adds to their security and durability. Additionally, variants with skylights and windows for interior lighting are available. These structures are almost maintenance-free, easy to clean, and can withstand almost any weather conditions.
Wood
Storage sheds made of wood are sturdy and stylish. The wooden structure is strong enough to withstand snow and wind loads and can hold numerous shelves and hangers. Termites and rot can’t get inside engineered wood siding. These shelters can be painted to match your house or to blend in with your surroundings, and you can personalize them to make an eye-catching structure.
Some models come with windows. DIY kits might not contain roofing supplies like shingles, underlayment, and drip edges, but if installation is offered, it might include the supplies. They do require upkeep such as regular painting, restaining as well as maintaining good condition on the siding, roof, and other structures.
Flooring and Foundation
As we already mentioned, not every storage shed has a floor. The majority of wood shelters are made with standard, plywood-framed floors as an option. On the other hand, vinyl and metal shelters typically lack floors. Instead, its flooring is offered as a separate item in the form of a foundation framing kit or floor framing kit.
You have the option of building your floor or buying the manufacturer’s kit for the shed. The interior of the majority of plastic shelters will already have non-slip flooring. For those that have floors, you should prepare a concrete or wood base to serve as the floor’s support.
Whether your shed comes with a floor or not, choosing the best foundation is crucial. Make sure the foundation is sturdy, level, and well-built before you set up your shed on it. The storage unit should be raised off the soggy ground when it’s constructed.
Shed foundations can be built using a variety of materials, such as concrete paver blocks, wood beams, concrete slabs, or compacted gravel. To assist avoid corrosion and decay of the shed materials, you must build a well-draining and elevated base following the owner’s manual recommendations for your specific shed.
Design Considerations
The aesthetic of your outdoor shed is a crucial factor you shouldn’t ignore, regardless of whether you want to use it as a storage shed, playhouse, man cave, shed, workshop, or office. This is due to the possibility that the appearance of your storage unit may have an impact on the appearance of your property. To look great it should blend in with your home’s natural style and its surroundings.
For instance, if the windows in your home have arches, you may also have arches in the windows of your shed. It can appear nicer to have a white shed if your house is white. Or a shed with a rustic design or a barn-style shed might complement your house very well if it has a country-house feel.
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