Your closets are full. Your basement is too messy to walk through. Your garage is packed to the gills with yesterday’s junk.
It’s become obvious to you: you need to buy an outdoor storage shed. The only question you have now is: how do you buy the right one?
There are 7 key considerations to make when shopping for a storage shed. We’re going to cover them all below.
Table of Contents
1. Type
The first thing you need to consider when buying a storage shed is which type of shed will best suit your needs. See, storage sheds come in a variety of styles, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Maybe you’re looking for something with a great deal of headspace? If so, a gambrel shed might best suit your needs.
Perhaps you want to supplement your house storage? A lean-to might be your best option.
Maybe you’re looking for something pre-built and pre-painted? If so, these Amish sheds would be right up your alley.
There are dozens of different types of sheds on the market. Our advice is to read up on each so that you can get a feel for the type that best suits your needs.
2. Size
The second thing you’ll want to consider is the size of the shed. The more items you have to store, the bigger your shed is going to have to be.
Sheds are available in a range of different sizes. At their smallest, they measure in at around 3 feet x 5 feet x 4 feet. At their biggest, they measure in at around 12 feet x 12 feet x 12 feet.
When considering your size needs, make sure to take future storage into account as well. After all, you’re bound to accumulate additional possessions after your shed has been assembled.
3. Materials
As you might expect, sheds are made out of a variety of different materials. Whereas some of these materials possess high quality, others of these materials do not.
Wood is the most popular shed material. While durable and attractive, it is vulnerable to the weather; As such, it needs to be sealed every 3 to 5 years. Not to mention, it’s a little expensive.
Next up is plastic, a durable, low-maintenance material that can thrive through weather conditions of all kinds. Available for a mid-range price, it’s functionally superior to all other materials. That said, it lacks the charming aesthetic of wood.
Metal is another popular material. Low-maintenance and affordable, it’s a solid bargain buy. Note, however, that metal sheds are fairly weak and will often deteriorate before wood and plastic sheds.
4. Storage Devices
All sheds provide storage space for miscellaneous items. Where sheds differ, however, is in the way that they provide this space. In other words, different sheds possess different storage devices.
Whereas one shed may contain only a singular storage area, another shed may contain an overhead shelf. At the same time, another shed may possess storage cubbies. Some sheds might even be divided into two rooms.
While there’s nothing wrong with any of these options, there might be one that better accommodates your needs. Make sure to think carefully before laying down thousands of dollars.
5. Manner of Manufacture
Another thing you’ll want to take into consideration is the way in which your prospective shed was manufactured. In most cases, hand-made sheds are of higher quality than those that were manufactured on an assembly line. This is because their manufacturers paid closer attention to their details.
Now, this isn’t to say that you should totally disregard mass-manufactured sheds. It’s just to say that hand-made sheds typically possess tighter and tougher construction.
If you do decide to buy a mass-manufactured shed, you need to make sure that it comes from a reputable manufacturer. Lifetime, Suncast, and Keter are some of the most respected names in the business and are almost bound to produce quality sheds.
6. Aesthetics
While a shed’s functional capabilities are its most important characteristics, its appearance matters as well. After all, this thing is going to be sitting in your backyard. People are going to see it and it will affect the overall aesthetic of your property.
As such, when perusing sheds, you need to consider how they will fit in with their potential surroundings. For instance, if you have wood siding on your house, it might be best accompanied by a wood-manufactured shed.
Color considerations should be made as well. While wood can be painted any color, metal and plastic can not. That said, there are dozens of preset color options available.
7. Zoning Laws
The last thing you’ll want to consider when buying an outdoor shed is your local zoning laws. Depending on where you live, you might not be allowed to establish your desired shed.
For instance, many municipalities, neighborhoods, and homeowner’s associations set limits on shed size. If your shed exceeds these size regulations, you could have a hefty fine levied against you.
Certain materials and colors could be forbidden as well. For instance, you might not be allowed to establish a metal or plastic shed.
Before you even start searching for a shed, you need to understand your home’s zoning regulations. Call your city or town, call your neighborhood council, and (if applicable) call your homeowner’s association. These three entities will give you all the information you need.
Choosing an Outdoor Storage Shed is Simple
There’s nothing too difficult about choosing an outdoor storage shed. The key is to assess your needs and make the considerations discussed above. In doing so, you’re sure to find the perfect shed for your property.
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