How to Build a Storage Shed Like a Pro
It can be very easy to suddenly be overwhelmed by all your possessions. One minute you’re shopping for them thinking how you possibly lived without that item, and then the next minute you discover that you have never used it or just have used it once. They are now just clutter and making your home seem small. If that’s the case then you definitely need a shed, especially if your garage has been regarded as an abyss of clutter and declared a danger zone.
Don’t feel ashamed, there are tons of people who have been known as hoarders, keeping things they don’t really need. But, aside from selling the things that you can part with, you can just build a storage shed for those mementos or tools you can’t really part with.
Primarily, if you don’t have the carpentry skills, even the basic ones, you can still build your own storage shed and save a lot of money. You can do this by using by using storage shed kits and pre-fabricated storage shed parts. Many home specialization stores today carry these kits.
There are also different choices in materials when building a storage shed, whether doing it from scratch, or by using kits. The most common are wood, steel, and vinyl. The latter is because they are rust-proof and looks good without the need for painting.
Building a storage shed will allow you to discover many of the things that professional carpenters know, like the many small details that complete the work. For example, with a wooden shed, the lumber you choose can make a tremendous difference. Dried and cured wood is the best as they don’t tend to split when it’s dry season. Green wood is still moist and can be easily split when dry.
But more importantly, learning to build a storage shed from scratch will not only give you a useful and beautiful shed, but it will also provide you with an opportunity to discover and learn simple carpentry with an easy yet fulfilling project. Any aspiring Do-It-Yourselfer will find this a very enriching experience.
But before anything else, to avoid excessive time consumption and errors, it’s essential that you have a plan first. Keep in mind what you need to do and follow your plan to the T. This will help you save ob costs and on your time and effort as well.
If you don’t have any books to help you out with your planning and learning basic carpentry, the internet is your savior. Here you can find a plethora of resources to help you in every step of the way. There are software programs to make the planning stages easier and also show you how to save on costs.
Plus, when you build a storage shed, you can involve the whole family, which can strengthen the bonds. Just make sure to keep everything safe by using safety equipment, like goggles. So why bother hiring someone else to do the job for you?
A storage shed is a light structure (generally made of wood) in a back garden used for storage of tools, vehicles, or useful items and is very often used to pursue hobbies like gardening and light engineering. Storage sheds are available in a variety of designs and materials in the market.
Types of Storage Sheds Based on Material. The materials used for storage sheds are wood, plywood, vinyl, metal, steel and Rubbermaid. The materials have various advantages and disadvantages. Wood is the preferred material as it gives an aesthetic appeal. However wood needs to be treated for ultraviolet protection every year and sometimes treatment is also given for protection against pests and borers. Cedar wood is preferred material. Particle wood and plywood are very popular for storage shed sidings. However they are least resistant to water as they get out of shape after repeated wetting and drying. Hence plywood should be avoided in places where it rains frequently.
Vinyl has the advantage of being maintenance free. However vinyl is lower on the visual attractiveness scale. Metal sidings include aluminum, which is light and when anodized gives a good look and lasts a long time. Steel sidings, though cheap, should be avoided as they rust easily. Metal sidings have the least appealing look. Vinyl coated steel has a long life and gives good strength. Rubbermaid and poly vinyl chloride sidings are maintenance free ,requiring no painting, no rust treatment and no rot or pest treatment. One thing that should be looked into while selecting siding material is that the siding material should match with the main building siding material. A different siding material may give a contrasting look to the storage shed.
Do It Yourself Kits Vs Professional Installation. Storage sheds can be professionally installed as well as self assembled. Usually for easy assembly, the parts are numbered in self-assembly type storage shed kits. Also assembly instructions are provided with storage-shed kits. Self-assembly may save money and can be a satisfying though difficult experience.
Sizes & Accessories. The usual sizes of storage sheds are, 12’ X 24’, 12’ X 30’, 12’ X 10’, 10’ X 14’, 10’ X 8’, 8’ X 6’ etc. It is better to opt for a double door. For those who want to keep light engineering machines, a good foundation is necessary. Other accessories that come with storage sheds are windows, shutters, weathervanes etc. Hooks and shelves increase the capacity of the storage shed by utilizing vertical space. The windows should be so designed that they match with the main building.
Building Codes and Laws. In various states there are laws on sheds like zoning ordinance, building codes, deed restrictions, building permits, siding materials etc. It is prudent to go through these before installing a storage shed.
Storage sheds are available in various shapes, colors, patterns and sizes. They can be customized to suit an individual’s taste. Smaller sheds are called tool sheds. Larger sheds called barns are used to house vehicles, boats and other large items. The prices range from $300 to $4000 depending upon size, material and accessories in the storage shed.