Choosing the Ultimate Backyard Shed

For many people, the search for a backyard shed takes place solely on the Internet, with photos and vague descriptions standing in for research. Here at Best in Backyards, we believe that buying a storage shed is a personal investment. With that in mind, we want to share a few tips to help you start shopping. These points can help you find a shed that will not only look great on your property, but also fit your needs and budget.

• Consider your storage demands: What sort of items are you looking to house in your new storage shed? A snow blower? Garden tools? Pool supplies? Outdoor holiday decorations? We recommend creating a list of all the objects you plan to place in your backyard shed. Be as specific as possible, and don’t hesitate to look toward the future. For example, if you are thinking of upgrading from a push mower to a riding one in the next few years, it makes sense to plan accordingly and allocate additional space. Once your list is complete, gather all the items and measure how much space it would take to store them neatly. If they are in the garage already, you can simply measure that particular side of the garage. Take note of any stackable items and be realistic in your planning. After you’ve made your list and measured the items, add a bit more space to the dimensions. This gives you some room for error, and will afford easier access to your stored belongings. Remember, you need enough room to walk through the shed and grab items as needed. Once you have these measurements you will have an idea of the shed size you’ll need to effectively and efficiently organize your outdoor space.
• Determine your preferred siding material: Backyard sheds may be made of a number of different materials, with vinyl siding and wooden T-111 siding being our favorites. They are also some of the most common choices. In addition, there are metal sheds (which are typically the most inexpensive) and plastic sheds (which are also very inexpensive) to consider. Neither metal nor plastic typically offer much in the way of customization or aesthetics, so they work for those shoppers seeking a very basic structure. On the other end of the spectrum, there are cedar shake shingles and board-and-batten styles. These are specific looks that come with a bigger price tag, but they certainly enhance the surrounding property. You can read more about the pros and cons of the different types of material here.
• Do your homework: Now that you have your first and maybe second material choices selected, along with a specific size, you can begin to browse online and get a rough estimate of the price of your backyard storage shed. While you’re doing this, be sure to take into account merchant reviews and reputation. These two factors can make a big difference in terms of the quality of the product and the reliability of the company. This is especially important when you consider the value of professional installation, which is something you should seek from the retailer.
• Think details: As you shop for your backyard storage shed, take along the list of items your looking to store. Be sure to plan accordingly when you design the interior of the storage shed and opt for the loft, ramp and/or shelves as necessary. Also, we strongly suggest communicating your needs when you speak to the sales associate, so he or she can recommend a certain style depending on your needs. That may mean a backyard shed with a wider doorway to accommodate any large machinery.
• Styles: If you are working with a top-of-the-line retailer, you will have at least a few style options for your backyard shed. These usually include the classic A-Frame; the popular Barn varieties; the Quaker and Cape styles, with side detail overhangs; and the Garden design. Additionally, the personalization potential of each style should allow you to truly design your own custom shed. We’re talking windows, window boxes, window shutters, trim colors, weathervanes, cupolas, vents, door upgrades and more.
• Site Preparation: Once you’ve chosen the location for your backyard shed, we recommend preparing the foundation for installation. Selecting a level area is the best way to ensure a long-lasting structure. Spreading 3/4″ gravel 3 to 4″ deep in the area as a base will help with drainage. Be sure to extend the gravel area by 12” on all four sides to ensure proper drainage. This will also prevent the shed from shifting or sinking as time passes.

We hope this knowledge will help you feel more informed as you embark on your backyard shed journey! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. Have fun shopping!