While decluttering and downsizing are great practices for your home, there is only so much space you can free up. A shed is an ideal solution to help you get your things out of sight and free up more room in your home.
When choosing a shed, make sure it is big enough to fit your needs. It is better to go a little bigger than smaller as you never know what you will need in the future.
Size
Sheds are constructed with a variety of materials, including wood. These structures are sturdy and long-lasting, but they can be vulnerable to weather and insect damage. If you want to make sure your shed is safe and durable, it’s important to check your local building codes and homeowner’s association rules.
You may also want to consider the size of your storage needs. For example, if you’re planning to use the shed as a workshop or office space, it’s important to ensure that it has plenty of room for your equipment and supplies. This will help prevent your valuables from being damaged and it will also allow you to move around comfortably.
Besides determining the size of your shed, you should also consider the location and the yard where you plan to build it. This will determine how much money you need to spend on the project. It’s also a good idea to get cost estimates from at least three lumber yards.
Style
Depending on your tastes and the style of your home, you can customize your shed to blend in. Some styles use a lot of windows for natural light, which can make the shed feel more like a part of your house than a separate structure. Others are more aesthetically pleasing, and some have a roof overhang to shelter doors from the elements.
You can build the walls of your shed using a wood frame or plywood. You may want to consider building your walls out of MAP or OSB instead of boards because they are more durable. You should also use steel angles instead of screws. This will protect your shed from rusting.
When constructing the first wall, it is important to make sure it is straight. To do this, use string to guide you as you nail it together. After the wall is complete, use a level to verify it is plumb. Once it is, nail the siding on and cover the horizontal seam with metal Z-flashing to keep out water.
Materials
Sheds can be made of a variety of materials depending on the desired look and functionality. Choosing the right materials can impact the durability of your shed as well as your budget.
Wooden sheds are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are versatile, durable, and customizable. They are usually placed in the backyard, away from view of the main house, and used for garden storage or a workshop.
Ideally, you want to use pressure treated (PT) lumber for the framing of your shed. The preservatives will turn a beautiful honey brown colour over time, blending nicely into the surrounding yard. This will also ensure that the shed remains resistant to weather and pest attacks for a long period of time.
OSB is another commonly-used material for constructing sheds, and it’s a cheaper option than plywood. This is a low-grade sheet material that consists of bits of softwood glued together in a semi-random pattern.
Security
Sheds are usually one of the most vulnerable places for thieves to get their hands on your equipment and money. That’s why it’s worth taking precautions to make your shed less of a target.
Upgrade your door locks and hinges. The hinges that hold the two parts of the door together can easily be removed on cheaper doors, but you can buy special hinges that prevent this from happening by going all the way through and being secured with carriage bolts (about $33 for a set of three).
Consider a windowless shed if possible, or use curtains and blinds in any windows so they’re not visible from outside the house. This is especially important if you plan to keep power tools and other expensive or valuable items in your shed.
Consider floor anchors that allow you to chain larger items like bikes and lawnmowers. These are especially helpful for wood sheds and are a great way to add extra security.