Every homeowner needs a place to stow away power tools and other garden equipment, such as hedge trimmers and lawn mowers.
And if they’re cordless and electric, it’s essential that the shed is waterproof and insulated from damp.
A storage shed can be a bit pricey so you should be able to use it for the next fifteen years or so. The perfect garden shed should be able to hide away all your tools and still have space for you to rest in when the sun gets too hot, or the weather gets too cold.
If you’re looking to buy a garden shed, keep these considerations in mind before making your purchase:
1. Compliance
Know whether you need to get an approval for your shed or not. Contact your local council officials to learn about planning permissions for sheds.
Usually, 120 square feet sheds don’t require any approval anymore, but still, you need to know about shed restrictions that may be imposed by the homeowners association, if you’re in the US.
One example is placing the shed three feet from the property line or determining the maximum height your shed could have. Check the existing policies first to avoid spending so much on a shed that you will have to remove later on.
2. Function
Determine how you’re going to use the shed before deciding on designs and costs. If you need it to function merely as a storage area, a small shed should be enough.
If it’s for housing your pet or a playhouse for your kids, you will need a bigger one. If you plan to use it as a place to rest, you should have a much bigger space where a chair or a bench can fit.
You may also need extra space for large equipment or your garden power tools.
This is where the cost and materials will come into play. Also, consider if you need it to have windows or not or if you need to have a large entrance or door.
3. Price
Decide on how much you are willing to spend for your shed with a consideration that quality gets better with price.
A garden shed could make or break the overall look of your garden so don’t cheap out on your new shed just because it’s storage for dirty old tools.
There are so many options you can choose from when you shop for a garden shed, don’t let the price be the only determining factor. Adding a few pounds more would mean having a few more years on its lifespan and becomes a brilliant investment.
Outdoor storage sheds need to have high-quality materials to withstand the different seasons and weather conditions. If the budget is tight, then go for a simple design, you can do without the fancy details and models, but materials should still be the number one priority.
4. Design
The design is one important factor to consider. Aside from its usefulness, it’s also an additional aesthetic to your garden. It should blend well, complement the landscape, and match the appearance of your home.
It shouldn’t look like an odd structure just put in the middle of your property that appears to have come out of nowhere.
Great courtyard gardens need a well-matched shed with features like a framed window and an elegant door – something that resembles the ones on your house.
5. Materials
You can choose from three primary materials used for garden sheds, which are:
- wood
- metal
- plastic
Metals
Metals are usually vinyl coated so there may not be a need for painting unless you want to have a different colour that will match your house or garden theme.
Metal sheds also need maintenance to keep them rust free. Over time, metal sheds may cause your tools to become brittle especially in countries or states that are always hot and sunny.
It can also become a freezer during winter. It’s wise to invest in insulation for both the roof and walls to protect your tools and yourself. Easyshed makes the best metal sheds that can withstand any weather condition.
Wood
Wood sheds typically require more maintenance than the other two materials. They need to be painted and treated for termites just like your house. They may need little repairs here and there as the years go by.
But, wood sheds can give the most character and beauty and can be very sturdy.
Plastic
Plastic sheds can be made up of polycarbonate, vinyl, PVC or other types of plastic. You may choose the colour of the plastic before installation, so there’s no need for paint and are usually assembled as DIY kits.
The plastic shed requires the least maintenance of all the materials and are durable, water and weatherproof and can also be UV treated.
Whatever design, material or size you decide on, your garden shed should be the sanctuary of your power tools.
Keep it nice and tidy to serve its purpose of making gardening a pleasant part of your life. Use these tips in choosing the right garden shed that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
