How To Choose The Right Outdoor Storage Sheds
Like any other tool - or practically anything for the home for that matter - don't let price be your sole determining factor when choosing outdoor storage sheds. Price vs quality is always an issue, and spending a little more can make a big difference. The building materials have a large part to play in the price (and quality). For example, sheds with cedar or vinyl siding will cost more than those with lower-quality materials, but they will last longer and stand up to regular use much better. Spending a bit more now can actually save you money in the long term.
Outdoor storage sheds are mainly utilitarian in their use, but that doesn't mean they have to look it too. There are various styles of sheds, and they can actually improve the look of your yard in many cases.
It's important to choose a style of shed that suits your home. For example, if you live in a country-style home you should choose a shed with a more rustic design. Or if you live in a more formal home, you can carry those styling cues over to your shed, say by matching design cues like windows or moldings.
Your shed can also be integrated into the landscape of your yard surrounding it. Plants and shrubs can help it blend into the rest of the yard, rather than being an obvious addition. You can even plant flower beds around it, add trellises and climbing vines on the outer walls, etc.
There are several types of siding that are common on outdoor storage sheds. Natural wood is generally considered the most attractive of the various alternatives. Wood can be more susceptible to rot and weather damage over time, however, so that is something to consider. Cedar tends to be the most durable type of siding because it is resistant to rot and other problems.
The most durable siding material is generally considered to be vinyl. It may not look as nice as wood, but it's certainly much easier to maintain. And if your home is finished with vinyl siding, it can be a nice match.
Steel storage sheds are more durable in some ways that wood but because they are prone to rust, they're generally not considered to be the best option. Rust-free aluminum is a better alternative, but it still isn't the most aesthetically pleasing. Plus, who want to hear the constant patter of rain hitting a metal storage shed?
Before you build your storage shed, you may need to research local building codes and other regulations. It will depend on the size and design of the shed, but in some areas you might actually need a building permit to put up a shed legally. There also might be restrictions as far as setbacks from property lines and even the design and look of the shed itself.
Like any other building, your storage shed should be built on a solid foundation. This could be cinder blocks, paving stone or a number of other materials. Wood is not a good choice because it can rot, creating a nice hiding place for rats and other animals. And while sand is an option, we all know what happens to the house build on a foundation of sand, right?
If you're planning on building your storage shed yourself, most home improvement stores offer various ready-to-assemble kits, in various designs and materials. Or if you're particularly eager to get to work you could build it from scratch, to any design you wish. And of course, you can always pay someone to do the work for you if you're not the handyman type.
When choosing an outdoor storage shed, make sure you get one that's big enough to hold everything you want to store in it, with some room to spare. Keep in mind that you should also measure any large items you'll be storing in it to be sure they can fit. For example, if you have a riding lawn mower that you'll be parking in the shed, you'll want to be sure there is plenty of room for it and everything else.
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