Determining the appropriate size shed for your needs will require you to know the current purpose of your shed and any potentially useful future needs. If the primary purpose for your shed is storage of outdoor items such as barbeque grills, mowers, tractors, outdoor toys or patio furniture, knowing the sizes of these items and the amount of space needed to house the items will give you a good guideline as to the size you might require. You will have to keep in mind that you will need extra space to maneuver about, remove or rearrange the items as needed.
The avid gardener that will be using the shed to pot bulbs or plants will need to build a shed with enough room for you to move around comfortably and plenty of storage space for plants and garden supplies.
To use the shed as a workshop or studio, you will want to make sure that the ceiling height allows you to stand up straight inside and that work surfaces are of an appropriate working height. Most people find additional uses for their shed once it's installed. Try to be certain to consider all your storage needs-both now and in the future. Your shed should provide the space you need now, and be large enough that you won't find yourself wishing your building were larger a few years from now.
To build a shed that matches your house and blends well with the existing environment, you need not be a professional shed builder. Ready to assemble outdoor sheds are available in your choice of materials and finishes so that you will not only construct a shed that will be functional and useful, but you will also be the builder of an attractive and complimentary addition to the landscape.
A barn style shed in complimentary or accent colors will blend well on a larger piece of a property with the main house design being that of a renovated farm house, cottage or a traditional colonial style home.
The most popular shed construction materials include vinyl, wood and metal and each of these materials will provide shelter, though some may be better suited for a particular environment. For example, vinyl siding provides for a high quality fade resistant finish that will not be adversely affected by the chipping and rusting associated with metal in a more humid or damp climate.
The style should also be suitable for the purpose of the shed. For example, if you are storing taller items or you will need ample of headroom, choose a shed with tall side walls or a barn-style roof. For lots of flat storage space, you might want to have your new building installed with a loft. Complimentary siding, roofing and shutters can help your shed to look like a portion of your yard, as opposed to an obstacle placed in your yard.
The roof of your shed is a direct reflection of your style and the functionality of the shed. Personal style is reflected through the color and texture of the shingles and the functionality will be determined by the type of roofing material.
To build your shed so that it matches your particular house or neighborhood, selecting a storage shed with a peaked or gabled roof will help it to blend well in most neighborhoods. Matching the color of the shingles to those on your existing home is usually the best way to build a complimentary shed, while the color of the siding and trim can be matching or contrasting. Many people find that they are most pleased with a shed that matches the exterior of their existing home including the base color and trim.
Shingles will protect the shed construction and are available with different warranties. A 20 year or more warranty will ensure that the roof of your shed will withstand years of environmental protection and beautiful durability. In addition to color coordinated shingles, a gambrel, or barn-style, roof provides extra headroom and ample storage space for tall items. This style will also typically permit for installation of a loft for additional storage space. Some prefabricated sheds also have optionally available decorative kits that add personality and style to your roof such as reverse gables or cupolas.
Before you begin to build your shed, you should check the building and zoning laws in your area. Some areas require that you obtain a permit before the construction of any type of structure begins in your yard, even a shed. The municipalities' laws may govern the placement of the shed or the type of materials used to build your shed.
A smooth level surface provides a good area in which to build and place a new shed. You can place the shed directly onto grass or dirt, but this can make your shed susceptible to insects and rot. A good foundation will help to ensure that the floor and the shed itself require little to no future maintenance and will provide a neater visual appearance. Some of the various materials you can use to build the foundation for your shed include concrete, patio stones, gravel, cinder blocks or wood.
A wood foundation needs to be constructed of pressure treated wood to extend the life and durability of the foundation. There are also floor frame accessory kits or foundation kits available for some wooden prefabricated shed models that feature self squaring and make the job of constructing your shed foundation even easier.
Gravel, patio blocks and cinder blocks will all help to alleviate any drainage concerns and also provide for a good foundation for your shed.
When you are selecting your shed and its various features, be sure to consider the part windows will or will not play in the construction of your shed. Should you decide that you need or want windows to be a part of the shed you build, you want to be sure to balance visual appeal with the intended function of your building. Windows add aesthetic interest and make your building more attractive, especially if you add flower boxes or shutters.
Windows increase the flow of natural light and ventilation, which are important features if you will be doing gardening work or participating in a variety of other creative endeavors. An adequate amount of natural light eliminates the need for additional electrical lighting during daylight hours. Natural light has also often been thought of as the best light source for many artistic undertakings. When positioning your shed, try to place the structure so that the window is towards the sun most of the day to get the most hours of exposure to natural light.
Flower boxes are not difficult to add to your shed window and can make a beautiful and dramatic difference in the appearance of your shed. Flower boxes are available in a variety of sizes and materials. Some have the elegant look of cast iron but are created of a cast aluminum or poly resin material making the lightweight, durable and attractive. Flower boxes can accommodate plants and flowers that are already potted as well as those that are planted in soil that is placed directly in to the window box.