Backyard Storage: From Garden Sheds to Fine Living
By Wide Span Sheds|June 10, 2016
Garden sheds are a great way to utilise unused yard space without the hassle and cost of added square footage to your existing home. Whether you build your garden shed for outdoor storage or an extra living area, you will want it to look aesthetically pleasing. Adding special touches to the inside and out will achieve a uniform look that flows with the yard and home décor. Here are a few details to consider before choosing your garden shed.
Function
First off, figure out what the shed will be used for. A shed housing garden tools and lawn equipment will probably be a fully enclosed structure. However, if you plan to use the shed as a playhouse for the kids, extra office space or as a guest house, you may want to include windows to let in some natural light. Consider what items will go in your shed and measure them to gain some perspective on how much square footage will be needed.
Size
The size of your shed is very important in that you not only want enough space to hold the necessities, but your city regulations may restrict how big it can be and where it will go. Some cities will allow an exemption of permits if the shed is less than 120 square feet. Other places require sheds to be a specific footage away from property lines. Have a copy of your homes plat of survey and speak with a city representative to ensure you follow your city’s regulations, otherwise you could be charged a fine.
Material
Depending on which type of material you choose for your structure will depend on the cost. Let’s take a look at the three most common materials used to construct an outdoor shed.
• Wood is the most versatile type of material used for sheds. Wood sheds will fall at the top of the price range of the three choices. One bonus is that it can be painted or stained to match your existing décor. Easily and securely install shelves, brackets or cabinets to the wood frame on the inside. With minimal maintenance and upkeep, this is a sturdy design that will last.
• Resin sheds have become very popular in recent years. Cost wise, these sheds fall in the middle price range. While they are lighter in weight, they can be more durable than wood sheds. Resin sheds are offered in neutral colours with attractive trims to create the appearance of a home. The down-side is because they weigh very little, heavy objects cannot be attached to the walls or they will buckle.
• Metal sheds tend to cost less than wood or resin. Typically formed from aluminium or steel, these sheds are traditionally used for storage. They will have a minimal design and no windows. As with any metal, these sheds can dent or rust. They are weather resistant. However, they are lighter than resin or wood sheds so they need to be secured to the ground to protect them from heavy winds.
Shed Options
Here comes the fun part, deciding on which shed best suits your needs. From store bought to custom designed, there is an option for everyone.
• Off-the-shelf models offer the most cost-effective, simplistic design. These models can be purchased from your local home improvement store. Installation is fairly straight forward and can be completed within hours. The main thing to remember is to have a solid, level foundation for the shed to sit on.
• Semi-custom designs are more versatile than off-the-shelf models. These prefabricated designs serve more functions, such as an office, small bedroom or home gym and can be customised for plumbing or electricity. Semi-custom models are ordered online, usually taking several weeks for delivery. Some stores may offer installation for a charge. Detailed instructions are included, but you will want to enlist the help of a few friends for the labour-intensive set-up.
• Custom sheds are designed by an architect who can incorporate all of your special needs but may cost thousands of dollars. The outside can be designed to flow with the rest of your yard and compliment the space. These custom sheds often resemble tiny homes and can include beautiful French doors or a spacious deck. Expect several weeks to a few months for completion. If you are looking for functionality and a striking focal point to your yard, a custom shed is the way to go.
Function
First off, figure out what the shed will be used for. A shed housing garden tools and lawn equipment will probably be a fully enclosed structure. However, if you plan to use the shed as a playhouse for the kids, extra office space or as a guest house, you may want to include windows to let in some natural light. Consider what items will go in your shed and measure them to gain some perspective on how much square footage will be needed.
Size
The size of your shed is very important in that you not only want enough space to hold the necessities, but your city regulations may restrict how big it can be and where it will go. Some cities will allow an exemption of permits if the shed is less than 120 square feet. Other places require sheds to be a specific footage away from property lines. Have a copy of your homes plat of survey and speak with a city representative to ensure you follow your city’s regulations, otherwise you could be charged a fine.
Material
Depending on which type of material you choose for your structure will depend on the cost. Let’s take a look at the three most common materials used to construct an outdoor shed.
• Wood is the most versatile type of material used for sheds. Wood sheds will fall at the top of the price range of the three choices. One bonus is that it can be painted or stained to match your existing décor. Easily and securely install shelves, brackets or cabinets to the wood frame on the inside. With minimal maintenance and upkeep, this is a sturdy design that will last.
• Resin sheds have become very popular in recent years. Cost wise, these sheds fall in the middle price range. While they are lighter in weight, they can be more durable than wood sheds. Resin sheds are offered in neutral colours with attractive trims to create the appearance of a home. The down-side is because they weigh very little, heavy objects cannot be attached to the walls or they will buckle.
• Metal sheds tend to cost less than wood or resin. Typically formed from aluminium or steel, these sheds are traditionally used for storage. They will have a minimal design and no windows. As with any metal, these sheds can dent or rust. They are weather resistant. However, they are lighter than resin or wood sheds so they need to be secured to the ground to protect them from heavy winds.
Shed Options
Here comes the fun part, deciding on which shed best suits your needs. From store bought to custom designed, there is an option for everyone.
• Off-the-shelf models offer the most cost-effective, simplistic design. These models can be purchased from your local home improvement store. Installation is fairly straight forward and can be completed within hours. The main thing to remember is to have a solid, level foundation for the shed to sit on.
• Semi-custom designs are more versatile than off-the-shelf models. These prefabricated designs serve more functions, such as an office, small bedroom or home gym and can be customised for plumbing or electricity. Semi-custom models are ordered online, usually taking several weeks for delivery. Some stores may offer installation for a charge. Detailed instructions are included, but you will want to enlist the help of a few friends for the labour-intensive set-up.
• Custom sheds are designed by an architect who can incorporate all of your special needs but may cost thousands of dollars. The outside can be designed to flow with the rest of your yard and compliment the space. These custom sheds often resemble tiny homes and can include beautiful French doors or a spacious deck. Expect several weeks to a few months for completion. If you are looking for functionality and a striking focal point to your yard, a custom shed is the way to go.
