What You Need to Know When You Build a Shed

What You Need to Know When Building a Shed
February 16, 2022

The outdoor shed business is booming with more homeowners than ever adding space on their property for storage or even increased living area. But before deciding on a metal shed or a fabric shed for your home, there are many factors to consider to ensure you are creating the perfect area for your unique needs. This article will cover how to build a shed for your unique needs. 

Identify What to Store

The first step you should take before creating your outdoor shed plans is what you plan to store within the space. Consider how to build a shed that will help you determine the type of storage solution and size to invest in. Here are some popular options:

  • Tools: Perhaps you plan to turn your shed into a fix-it shop where you need space to work and tools along with a great workbench. When building a shed for this purpose, you must ensure there’s enough space to move around as well as store tools.
  • Gardening shed: If you are building a shed for potting plants and tending to the garden, there are many factors to consider like ensuring proper ventilation and insulation for controlling the temperature.
  • Home office: More people are working from home, creating a crunch for space at home. When creating shed plans perfect for a home office, you’ll need to plan for a seating area, temperature control, and electricity.
  • Seasonal storage: One of the most popular ways to use a shed is to store items like pool toys or winter decorations while they aren’t in use. This option is more economical and convenient than paying for self-storage.
  • Vehicle storage: Whether you need to store a car, ATV, or motorcycle, there are a variety of reasons to utilize a storage solution to protect these important investments.
Building a Shed for Your Unique NeedsBuilding a Shed for Your Unique Needs

How to Build a Shed for Your Unique Needs

Once you’ve decided how to build a shed perfect for your outdoor space, it’s time to ask yourself a few questions before getting started to make sure to create a storage solution catering to your exact needs.

  • How big should my shed be? Taking out the old measuring tape is incredibly important when deciding how to build an outdoor shed on your property. You shouldn’t only measure the size of the items you want to store. Keep in mind how much workspace is needed to make sure to avoid building a shed that is too small.
  • Will my shed fit on my property? Prior to purchasing all your materials and creating shed plans, you should first know the size of the space available for building a shed. You'll need to give it enough area between your home and other structures on your property as well as your neighbor’s.
  • Where should my shed go? Perhaps your lawn only provides enough room for a lean-to shed that can be built right onto your home. Or maybe you have plenty of space to spread out. Either way, mapping out the location of a backyard shed is critical to the function and even longevity of the structure. When mapping out how to build a shed for your everyday needs, think about convenience. If it’s going to be a potting shed, build it close to the garden. If the shed is set to be your workspace, perhaps building it closer to your home’s garage could be easier to transport items you may need.
Metal vs. Fabric Shed OptionsMetal vs. Fabric Shed Options

Metal Shed vs. Fabric Shed Plans

There are several key differences when it comes to deciding on a metal shed or a fabric shed for your property. While both are reliable and convenient ways to store items, it’s important to choose which type of backyard shed best fits your needs by comparing them first.

  • Budget: Fabric sheds tend to be more cost-effective when compared to metal structures. If cost is a factor, a fabric shed could be your best bet.
  • Ease of assembly: While many metal shed options can be assembled without the use of a professional, fabric structures are much easier and faster to put together when compared to their steel counterparts.
  • Durability: There are plenty of fabric shed options that can stand up to wind, rain, and snow. But all-steel sheds have a more rugged durability that can last longer when compared to fabric, especially when adding insulation to a metal shed for optimum temperature control.
  • Strength: If overall strength is top priority, a metal shed tends to protect better against rust, corrosion, and Mother Nature. There are plenty of fabric backyard sheds that have incredible strength, too.
  • Convenience and portability: If you plan to move the storage solution around in the future or based on the season, a fabric shed is a better choice for your needs.
Preparing for Building a ShedPreparing for Building a Shed

Preparing for Building a Shed

Now that you’ve figured out the type of shed you need and where to erect the structure, how to build a shed while making sure the assembly process is simple is the final step to success.

  • Know local building codes: Depending on where you live, there could be local ordinances that detail specific rules about how to build a shed in your area. If homeowners don’t follow those rules, code enforcement can force you to comply or even take down a structure all together. While some outdoor storage buildings don’t require any type of permit, others may. Checking rules where you live will save you time, money, and a headache.
  • Find level ground: If your ground is not already level, you’ll need to prepare it first before getting started on your shed plans to ensure your safety and the stability of the structure. Level the area by removing the grass using a shovel. Add topsoil and spread it evenly. Use a measuring tape to ensure all areas are level. Use a tamper to compact the soil. Let sit for at least 48 hours. If no rainfall has occurred, spray the area lightly with a garden hose to create a mist over the area.
  • Create the proper foundation: Once you have successfully found or created level ground, it’s time to prepare the foundation for your shed. While you can build a shed right onto the ground, it’s preferred to use a base kit, concrete slab, or a wood base.
The Importance of AnchorsThe Importance of Anchors

The Importance of Anchors

If you're wondering how to build a shed with extreme strength and durability, anchoring the structure is crucial to your safety and the life of the backyard shed in general. When creating outdoor shed plans and deciding on anchors, first note the foundation type. There are many different ways you can properly anchor a shed, and many of them depend on the type of foundation whether that is a concrete slab or wooden base.

If you are learning how to build a shed that is pre-manufactured, make sure to check the manual prior to beginning to note the proper type of anchors to use. For example if building a Arrow or ShelterLogic structure, each one provides proper anchoring recommendations for your particular model and type of foundation. Also make sure to follow directions on how many anchors to use per structure.

Don’t Forget Accessories

Now that you have properly assembled and built your shed, don’t forget to make the space your own, both inside and out. Utilize shed accessories inside like pegboards and potting benches to create a space that is unique and functional. This will keep the space more organized and allow for a more enjoyable experience no matter how you plan to use your storage solution.

Finally, don’t neglect the outside of your shed. Create an inviting space by adding pavers and landscaping to seamlessly blend the new structure in with your property. This step adds a level of elegance and can even increase the value of your home. When planning properly for a new shed from beginning to end, you will create a durable and functional space for your outdoor area for seasons to come.

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2 Comment(s)
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Eli Richardson
Jul 03, 2019 19:00
I guess you are correct when you said to contact your local zoning department. My dad has been willing to add a shed for his landscape tools. After this reminder, I will help him search for a professional to help us build it.
Staff
Jul 26, 2019 18:39
Glad to see that you found this article informative!