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How to Secure Your Shed (and Protect What’s Inside)

A practical guide to improving shed security with smart, long-lasting solutions.

Garden sheds often store far more value than we realize — power tools, bikes, lawn equipment, seasonal décor, and electrical gear can add up quickly. Yet sheds are frequently overlooked when it comes to home security.

Whether your shed is attached to your home or placed at the back of your yard, securing it properly helps protect your investment, your tools, and your peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective ways to make your shed safer using a layered, practical approach.

In this guide we will explain: 

✓ common shed security weak points
✓ structural upgrades that deter break-ins
✓ hardware and lock improvements
✓ lighting and visibility tips
✓ affordable upgrades with long-term impact

Why Garden Sheds Are Common Targets

Sheds are often targeted because they’re quieter, less visible, and easier to access than a home. Many are secured with aging hardware, thin panels, or minimal lighting — making them attractive to opportunistic theft.

Improving shed security isn’t about making it impenetrable. It’s about making it difficult, visible, and time-consuming for intruders — which is usually enough to make them move on.

Key Steps

1. Strengthen the Shed Structure

The first step in shed security is addressing physical weaknesses.

Loose boards, rotting panels, or damaged roofing reduce a shed’s ability to resist forced entry. Inspect your shed for gaps, soft wood, or broken slats and reinforce these areas with new panels or structural fasteners.

Focus on:

  1. Replacing rotted boards or weakened panels
  2. Repairing roof gaps or holes
  3. Securing loose slats and framing

A solid structure creates the foundation for every other security upgrade.

2. Upgrade Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are the most common entry points.

Replace any deteriorated doors or window frames and patch visible holes. Make sure doors close tightly and cannot be pried open easily.

Additional deterrents:

  1. Trim back overgrown shrubs to remove hiding spots
  2. Keep fences and gates around the shed closed
  3. Avoid placing ladders or tools nearby that could aid access

Visibility and accessibility play a major role in preventing break-ins.

3. Replace Old Locks with Strong Hardware

Many sheds rely on outdated or lightweight locks that offer minimal protection.

Upgrade to a heavy-duty hasp and staple system, secured with carriage bolts or coach bolts that cannot be removed from the outside. Pair this with a weather-resistant, rust-proof padlock rated for outdoor use.

For added convenience and security, you may also consider:

  1. Combination padlocks
  2. Keyless or electronic shed locks

The harder a lock is to defeat, the less likely someone will attempt entry.

4. Secure Hinges and Hardware

Exposed hinges can be an overlooked vulnerability.

If hinge pins are accessible from the outside, intruders can remove the door without touching the lock. Replace exposed hinges with models that feature non-removable pins and secure them using smooth-head carriage screws.

This simple upgrade significantly increases resistance to forced entry.

5. Protect Window Units and Openings

If your shed includes a window or window-mounted AC unit, these openings should be reinforced.

Install exterior support brackets for AC units and add window security bars or locking bars to prevent the window from being lifted or removed. These are affordable upgrades that dramatically improve security.

6. Improve Lighting and Visibility

Poor lighting makes sheds easier targets.

Installing motion-activated outdoor lighting near the shed instantly increases visibility and discourages nighttime activity. Lighting also improves overall yard security by drawing attention to movement.

Well-lit areas feel less private — and that’s exactly what you want.

A Smarter Approach to Shed Security

Securing your shed doesn’t require expensive systems or complicated installations. By combining structural repairs, strong hardware, visibility, and smart layout choices, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft.

The goal is simple:
Make your shed harder to access, easier to see, and not worth the effort.

A well-secured shed protects not just your tools — but your time, money, and peace of mind.

Sunshed 12x16 Garden shed Western Red Cedar cedar shed Outdoor Living Today 1
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How to Secure Your Shed (and Protect What Matters Most)

A practical guide to reinforcing your shed, deterring theft, and extending the life of your outdoor structure.

Outdoor sheds often store far more value than we realize — from power tools and bikes to seasonal equipment and garden supplies. Yet many sheds are left unsecured, making them an easy target for theft or damage.

In this guide, we’ll walk through simple, effective ways to secure your shed and protect both the structure and everything inside it. These improvements don’t require advanced skills and can be done incrementally over time.

In this guide, we’ll explain:
✔ What makes sheds vulnerable to break-ins
✔ How to reinforce weak structural points
✔ Which hardware upgrades offer the biggest security gains
✔ How lighting and landscaping play a role in deterrence

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Why Sheds Are Often Targeted

Sheds are frequently positioned away from the main home, have lighter construction than houses, and are rarely monitored at night. When combined with aging materials or outdated hardware, this makes them attractive to opportunistic theft.

The good news? Most vulnerabilities are easy to address once you know where to look.

1. Reinforce Structural Weak Points

A shed is only as secure as its structure.

Inspect your shed for:

  1. Loose or broken slats
  2. Rotting panels or soft wood
  3. Gaps around doors, windows, or rooflines

Replace damaged panels, tighten loose boards, and patch any visible holes. Reinforcing the internal framing where needed will make forced entry significantly harder.

Tip: Structural repairs not only improve security but also extend the lifespan of your shed by preventing moisture intrusion and further decay.

2. Upgrade Locks and Door Hardware

Old or lightweight locks are one of the most common points of failure.

For better security:

  1. Replace outdated latches with heavy-duty hasp-and-staple hardware
  2. Use carriage bolts or coach bolts that cannot be removed from the outside
  3. Choose a rust-resistant, weatherproof padlock
  4. Consider a keyless or electronic lock for added convenience

The harder it is to force or remove a lock, the less likely a thief is to attempt entry.

3. Replace Exposed or Loose Hinges

Exterior-facing hinges can be easily unscrewed if they’re not designed for security.

Look for:

  1. Hinges with non-removable pins
  2. Smooth-head fasteners that can’t be backed out
  3. Tight, well-aligned doors that don’t sag

Replacing hinges is a small upgrade that makes a significant difference in overall door strength.

4. Secure Windows and AC Units

Windows can be a major access point if left unprotected.

To improve security:

  1. Install window security bars or braces
  2. Add internal brackets to support window-mounted AC units
  3. Use locking mechanisms on operable windows

These additions make removal difficult and discourage quick entry attempts.

5. Improve Lighting Around Your Shed

Poor lighting provides cover for intruders.

Install:

  1. Motion-activated lights near entry points
  2. Solar-powered fixtures for low-maintenance coverage
  3. Lighting that also improves visibility across the yard

Well-lit spaces are one of the most effective deterrents against theft.

6. Use Landscaping as a Natural Deterrent

Your yard layout plays a role in security.

Best practices include:

  1. Trimming overgrown shrubs that create hiding spots
  2. Keeping fence gates closed and secure
  3. Planting thorny or dense plants near shed walls
  4. Maintaining clear sightlines from your home

A tidy, visible shed signals care, maintenance, and reduced opportunity.

Final Thoughts: Small Upgrades, Big Protection

Securing your shed doesn’t require expensive systems or major renovations. By reinforcing weak points, upgrading hardware, and improving visibility, you dramatically reduce the risk of theft while protecting your investment.

A well-built, well-maintained shed should offer peace of mind — not worry.

If you’re planning upgrades or replacing an aging structure, choosing durable materials like Western Red Cedar can further improve long-term performance, strength, and resistance to the elements.

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How to Make a Backyard Shed Sensational

7 Creative Ways to Refresh, Personalize, and Elevate Your Shed

Your backyard shed doesn’t have to be purely functional. With a few thoughtful updates, it can become a standout feature that adds charm, personality, and purpose to your outdoor space. Whether your shed is brand new or has seen better days, small design changes can dramatically transform how it looks and how you use it.

Below are seven creative, budget-friendly ways to give your backyard shed a fresh new feel — no major renovation required.

1. Refresh It With Color

A new coat of paint is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to update a shed. Light colors can make a small shed feel brighter and more open, while bold tones add personality and visual interest to your yard.

Choose colors that complement your home, fencing, or garden beds for a cohesive look — or go bold and make the shed a focal point.

DIY Tip:
Use exterior-grade paint or stain designed for outdoor wood. This helps protect the shed from moisture and UV exposure while keeping the finish looking fresh longer.

Sunshed Garden Shed 812 J. Benoit 17 1 scaled 1

2. Give It a New Purpose

If your shed is currently underused, consider reimagining how it functions. A shed can easily become:

  1. A garden workspace or potting shed
  2. A backyard office or creative studio
  3. A quiet reading nook or hobby space

Redefining its purpose often guides design decisions and makes the shed feel intentional rather than forgotten.

DIY Tip:
Even small upgrades like shelving, hooks, or a workbench can instantly make the space feel more useful and organized.

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3. Create a Hidden Garden Retreat

Turn your shed into a secret hideaway by blending it into the surrounding landscape. Climbing plants, trellises, or espaliered greenery soften the structure and help it feel like part of the garden rather than an add-on.

Over time, greenery creates a layered, natural look that adds charm and privacy.

DIY Tip:
Choose climbers suited to your climate, such as clematis, ivy, or climbing roses, and give them proper support to protect the shed’s structure.

Sunshed Garden Shed 812 J. Benoit 7 scaled

4. Add Windows for Light and Space

Natural light can completely change how a shed feels inside and out. Adding windows brightens the interior, improves ventilation, and makes the structure appear more open and inviting.

Even small windows or decorative panes can make a big difference.

DIY Tip:
Repurposed or salvaged windows are a cost-effective option and add character. Just be sure they’re properly sealed to prevent drafts or moisture issues.

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5. Add a Touch of Magic With Lighting

Outdoor lighting adds warmth and makes your shed usable and inviting after sunset. String lights, lanterns, or subtle wall fixtures can create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Lighting also highlights architectural details and landscaping around the shed.

DIY Tip:
Solar or LED string lights are easy to install and energy-efficient. Secure them with discreet hooks or clips for a clean, polished look.

12x12 Sunshed Garden Shed Greenhouse Shed Western Red Cedar Shed Outdoor Living Today 17pg

6. Surround It With Flowers and Greenery

Plants instantly soften a structure and help it feel integrated into the yard. Container plants, window boxes, or surrounding garden beds add color and seasonal interest throughout the year.

This approach works especially well for garden sheds and backyard studios.

DIY Tip:
Use e a mix of heights and textures — tall planters, trailing flowers, and low ground cover — for a layered, natural look.

8x8 Outdoor Living Today Western Red Cedar Garden Shed 7

7. Personalize It With Simple Details

Small decorative details can make a shed feel truly your own. Consider stenciled lettering, custom hardware, decorative trim, or a small sign that reflects how you use the space.

Personal touches add charm without overwhelming the structure.

DIY Tip:
DIY stencils are inexpensive and easy to customize. Seal them with a clear exterior finish to protect against fading.

Cedar Shed Kits Grand Garden Chalet 6x3 9 web 1

Final Thoughts

Transforming your backyard shed doesn’t require a full rebuild or a big budget. With a bit of creativity and intention, your shed can become an extension of your home and garden — functional, beautiful, and uniquely yours.

Whether you refresh it with color, add greenery, or introduce lighting and details, these small updates can turn a simple structure into a standout feature you’ll enjoy for years to come.


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Garden Sheds Add to Your Backyard Design


Having a beautiful garden is something that every home owner would like to indulge in. A well-tended garden has the potential to add beauty, color, and joy to a person’s life. However, to have such a beautiful garden a lot of care is needed and constantly running in and out of the house to get the right gardening tools to assist you in pruning, cutting, and watering your plants can be a bit of a burden. This is where the need for a garden shed comes in.

Benefits of Having a Garden Shed

Building a garden shed may not have been in the previously planned architectural design of your home. However, there are many reasons why doing this can benefit you. Some of the benefits of building a shed would include:

  • It facilitates quicker access to tools – A garden shed will speed up the whole gardening process by making all your tools available at arm’s length. When it comes to these kind of tasks, saving time can be quite a motivating factor for building a garden shed.
  • Facilitates better and more simpler gardening – With a garden shed, organizing your equipment is made easier, thereby making selection of the right tools fast and more efficient. The thing about a garden shed is that it contains shelves and storage areas that are meant for particular tools. Without a garden shed, you will have to figure out in which temporary storage place you last placed these tools. However, with a garden shed, all you need to do is open the door, go to the area designated for those tools and put them to use.
  • Helps avoid clutter – Keeping all your gardening equipment in a shed will take away the unsightly clutter that would have otherwise been there in your garden. Having a bag of unused tools, manure, and pots scattered around your beautiful garden can be an eyesore and unappealing.

This is why building a shed in your backyard can be beneficial and its construction is not that hard if you follow the instructions accordingly. A well-designed garden shed will not only declutter your garden, it will also provide a comfortable work space as well as an attractive backdrop for prized plants.

It will also allow you to keep try and still perhaps accomplish some tasks during inclement weather. Even when Mother Nature disagrees with you, you do not want to be inside your home all day. A shed gives you the opportunity to keep the water off of you while still taking care of some things outside.

Different Kinds of Garden Sheds

With a garden shed you have the ability to extend your outdoor experience greatly ― organizing items used for gardening, sports activities, or outdoor hobbies in it. The current trend favors the use of plastic and wooden sheds to decorate the garden area.


A shed can vary in terms of complexity, size, and price of construction. Right from sheds with small, tin-roofed structures to large wood framed sheds to sheds with shingled roofs and windows – the types and styles of wood sheds for you to select are numerous.

Given that a garden shed can have a multiplicity of uses, choosing the type that suits you best can become a hard task. Some of the more common types include:

  • Wooden sheds – Wood is the traditional material used for making garden sheds. If you choose wood, Western Red Cedar should be on the top of your list.
  • Eco-sheds – With people concerned about saving the environment, they are moving toward creating eco-friendly garden buildings.
  • Metal sheds – Gable and metal sheds are the easiest in terms of construction and are also economically feasible.
  • Plastic sheds – Plastic tool sheds seem apt for storage of small items.

Things to keep in Mind when Building Your Garden Shed

There are a large variety of sizes that you can get your garden shed in but more than that, there are certain features that can make your garden shed have an aesthetic appeal of its own. Some of the things to keep in mind when building a garden shed are:

  • Press the button to make use of pre-cut wooden wall panels that come in different shapes adds a unique touch to your shed.
  • You can choose to go with a gable roof design which is bound to make your shed look comfortable and charming.
  • Wooden sheds are a popular trend as they blend well with the surrounding greenery and pull off a nice natural look, though they do need regular maintenance.
  • If you are looking for economic feasibility, aluminum and wood sheds are the best option.
  • A metal shed will guarantee durability and stability, however, they have a very industrial look that can be unappealing.
  • Choosing a plastic shed can be a smart decision since they do not require regular maintenance and they are capable of sporting varied designs and patterns.
  • By adding flowers, vibrant lighting, some furniture and decoration, your garden shed can be converted into an eye-catching part of your backyard design.

By keeping these pointers in mind, making sure you construct the right kind of garden shed will no longer be an issue.

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Prepare Your Garden Shed for the Winter

prepare your garden shed for the winter A garden shed is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity that allows you to enjoy more storage space for your gardening tools and implements rather than using your garage for storage. You can easily invest in a panelized garden shed that you can erect yourself. Not only is such a shed aesthetically pleasing, it also is quite functional. DIY panelized garden sheds come with pre-cut panels that already have Western Red Cedar shingles attached to the roof panels. Each panel comes in a manageable size, so that it is quick and easy to assemble the shed. You also have the flexibility to choose a window and door panel placement. However, once you have your garden shed in place, it is very easy to let it turn into a huge mess. You may end up just throwing everything into the shed and forgetting about it until the need arises. Then it is one big clutter that you have to weed through to find what you need. Don’t let your garden shed fall into this state. Work on it now to prepare your garden shed for the winter and beyond.

Clean and Sweep Your Shed and Tools

Take out everything from the shed and keep it outside. Then sweep the shed to catch all the dirt and debris. Wash and rinse pots, wheelbarrow, shovels and other gardening tools and implements. Use a wire brush to get rid of stubborn soil stuck to the surface. Let the tools, air dry. Once they are thoroughly dry, store them away until you need them again. You can spray the metal parts of the tools with a lubricant to prevent rust formation.

Taking Care of Holes and Cracks

If you install a garden shed made from pre-cut Western Red Cedar, you don’t really need to paint it. This wood looks beautiful naturally and has its own charm. However, you can stain the floor of your shed, if it is made from wood. Use a weatherproof stain to keep the floor looking gorgeous all year long. Also, check for holes and cracks in the panels. If you find them, use caulk to fill them up. You also can fill the seams with caulk to keep the cold wind out and prevent your shed from smelling musty when you don’t open it for days in winter.

Keep Garden Pests Out of Your Shed

Garden sheds seem to attract pests very easily. Bugs and rodents love to make homes in garden sheds. These critters can create a mess and stink up your shed. So set traps throughout the year to deter these pests and ensure your garden shed lasts for decades and also remains in a magnificent shape.

Shed Organization and Storage

Check all the items that you store in your garden shed. Discard anything that is broken and you no longer need. Garden sheds can accumulate a lot of clutter every season and you may not even realize it until you are trying to find that one tool or implement that is hidden under the chaos. Once you have got rid of unwanted and broken items, it is time to focus on the storage. The best way to optimize storage in your garden shed is with shelves and hooks. Fix large hooks on the inside wall to hang large tools and implements, such as shovels, trowels, and rakes. You can even roll up the garden hose and hang it on the wall, thereby using the space vertically inside the shed. prepare shed for winter It is important to use shelf space prudently. Anything that is small and organic, such as mulch or dirt should first go into waterproof packaging and then onto the shelf. This will prevent the shed’s floor from damage. Similarly, pots, watering cans, fertilizer, and herbicides should also go onto a shelf. Make sure you label the shelf, so that you know what goes where. Place other small items in transparent plastic boxes with lids. Label the boxes on all sides, so that you know what they are for. Place these in a systematic manner on the shelves. Boxes that hold items you need regularly for your garden maintenance and upkeep should be placed on lower shelves, while those you use sparingly or rarely should be placed on higher shelves. Your wheelbarrow should be propped up against the wall, so that it is not in the way when you enter the shed.

Neaten the Outside

Clear grass, shrubs, and other plants growing along the garden shed. They can damage lower half of the shed. You should be looking to keep about 3 to 5 (7.62 to 12.7 cm) inches of space between the garden shed and your plants to prevent damage to the lower part of the shed and its base. A garden is a green oasis in a concrete jungle and a garden shed allows you to keep that oasis beautiful and well-landscaped. So, prepare your garden shed for the winter by organizing and cleaning up your shed to store all the valuable gardening implements and tools that you need to make your garden into a haven. It is worth the effort and time!
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How to Maintain Wooden Sheds And Furniture

wooden sheds Wooden sheds and furniture all require the right care to ensure that they have a long life. Caring for your wooden outdoor structures not only increases their lifespan but also gives them a well maintained, aesthetically pleasing look. Wood is one of the most beautiful of all materials to construct with and can convey a look of refined elegance. Most of the time, minimal and regular maintenance, prior knowledge of the problems that can occur, and a sharp eye can decrease the costs from damage caused by negligence.

Protecting Wooden Sheds from Water

Wood and water are not really enemies. They are actually pretty compatible. Many historical buildings constructed from wood still stand in all their glory. The ancient temples of Japan and China stand testimony to this. It is only when there is a prolonged exposure and contact to water that problems arise. The best way to avoid this is at the planning stage itself. Design wooden sheds such that they sheds water easily. Watch out for the trapping of water at the joints. Add sufficient overhangs and water drainage systems to minimize exposure to water.

Avoid Mold and Decay in Wooden Sheds

Mold and decay are best nipped in the bud. As always, here, prevention is better than cure. It is generally difficult to spot decay as it happens in corners, hinges, cracks, and holes. And once it is big enough to be spotted, it’s already too late for damage control. Be vigilant and inspect for rotting and decay periodically. outdoor wooden sheds Some things you can do to prevent rot in wooden sheds is to use decay resistant and pressure treated wood. When purchasing a wooden shed, always check whether the wood has been treated properly and the type of treatment it received. Water based treatments don’t provide the best protection. Choose a suitable treatment for your needs. A well cared for garden shed needs to be treated only once in 2-3 years. Don’t wait for it to show signs of dampness to decide that it is time for treating.

Wood and Moisture

Wood contracts and expands based on the amount of moisture it absorbs from its surroundings. This moisture can be from humans, plants, atmospheric and climatic conditions. In winters, wood is particularly prone to warping and can lead to creaky floor boards and difficult to shut doors and windows. To control warping you need to select wood that has already been dried and seasoned. Wood in its natural form is wet and if worked with in this condition will lead to bending, shrinking, and warping. Other ways to control warping are to keep room for mobility and create grooves that provide space for expanding and shrinking without cracking.

Make sure all Surfaces are Smooth and Seamless

Smooth and seamless surfaces make for easy cleaning. Dust and grime will not have any place to hide. You will just need to dust the surface lightly every once in a while without ever having to scrub corners and wedges. wood sheds Use a planer and sander to create smooth surfaces and then polish it for that perfect finish.Wooden flooring can be sanded several times depending on the thickness of the wear and tear and your floor will last for several years.

Positioning of Your Wooden Shed

While planning your shed’s construction, consider the best position is for its location. It should be positioned such that the exposure to the elements in terms of its vulnerability is most minimized.
  • Place the wooden shed so that it is sheltered from high prevailing winds, rain, and snow.
  • Provide sufficiently large roof overhangs.
  • Add projecting window sills and drip edges.

Maintaining Wooden Outdoor Furniture

Restoring your wooden outdoor furniture is a marvelous DIY project. The best aspect about wooden outdoor furniture is that it can be given a new lease of life with a little work on restoration. And then it’s as good as new. It isn’t that labor intensive and can be done in a days’ time. wooden outdoor furniture For general care just clean your wooden outdoor furniture with some soapy water. Use mild cleaners otherwise you might damage the finish. If it needs extra cleaning sand it lightly and brush away any dust that might remain on the surface. After you have cleaned it you now have the option to either oil it, paint it, or leave it as is so it transitions and ages naturally into that weathered look.

A Stitch in Time

Keep your costs low by checking up on your wooden structures and maintaining them so they last. Renewal will cost more than maintenance. Easy care means that cleaning can be carried out efficiently with minimal usage of resources and energy. Always be observant and keep a sharp eye out for any danger signs. It doesn’t mean that you have to constantly worry about damage. Inspect for danger signs every other week or so. Repeated observation will help you get the hang of how things are supposed to look and feel. After a while it will take just a glance to know that something is wrong.
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Shed Organization: Storage Solutions for Your Shed

shed organization Your garden shed sometimes ends up looking like a junkyard where you simply store items that you can’t find an appropriate place for anywhere else in your home or probably garage. In all that mess, you probably won’t be able to locate that trusty trowel you’ve been searching for, or that rake that you just can’t seem to find, meaning that you will find it easier to just head to the store and buy a new one. If your shed is beginning to look like a chaotic mess, it may be the right time to get into shed organization. The end of summer is a great time to clean out and organize your shed. Here are some handy tips to make your shed organization project a breeze.

First Step: Empty out Your Shed

The very first thing to do is empty out your shed of all its contents. Your lawn will probably look like you are about to call the neighborhood over for a yard sale, but it is important to know what items you have in your shed, which ones are critical and which ones are causing the chaos and need to be dumped. Remember, you need to be brutal when it comes to sorting out items that need to get the boot. There is no place for sentimentality in a cleaning job. There is no reason to keep that beat-up planter just because it was the first one you ever bought for your home. Bear in mind that the ultimate goal for your storage shed organization project is to create a space where you store the right items the right way for easy, year-round access.

Getting Started with Shed Organization: Give it a Clean Sweep

Once all your items have been laid out in your lawn, clean your shed out by sweeping the floor and dusting the walls and shelves. Next, sort out all the items you have extracted from your shed into groups such as planters, gardening supplies, cords, chemicals, and so on. how to organize a shed If you have too many duplicates of a certain item, they need to go. Anything that has been rusted or is broken and you haven’t gotten around to repairing them yet also needs to be thrown out. If there are a few items that can be recycled, keep them in a separate pile.

How to Organize a Shed: Evaluate the Space You Have

Now that you have a fair idea as to what you have, you must move on to evaluate how much space you have in your gardener shed, and whether it is enough to fit in all those items or not. Remember that all the items you use frequently should be easily accessible and need to be stored up front and possibly near the door of the shed.

Shed Organization Ideas: Store Smart

The back of your shed door is a space that is often unutilized and is almost always bare. You could try nailing a few hooks onto the back of your door so that you can hang up your tools such as hedge sears, hand rakes, and small saws. This helps to protect the blades from damaging other tools and extend their life. Be sure to hang them on the lower part of the door so that you don’t end up hurting yourself. You can attach a plastic accordion trellis to the inside of your other door to hold other gardening tools, spray nozzles, and small tools. Choose a position that best suits your needs. You can store other seasonal items such as bulbs and seeds on higher shelves, considering you won’t really need them as frequently. When it comes to storing bulbs, be sure to group them based on the family they belong to. For instance, you can store onions, garlic, and potatoes along with turnip, lily, and canna bulbs in the same bins. Remember to stick a label on them so you know what’s in the bin and when it is time to plant them. shed organization ideas Use clear plastic shoe boxes to store plant markets, twine, and hand tools. Keep these at eye level so all it takes is a glance to know what’s in there. Remember to label here too! Create some room at the back of your shed for long-handed tools such as shovels and rakes. If you have some extra space, you can use hooks screwed onto the wall to hang any medium-length tools. You can even throw in a few lightweight tools into a pair of tall rubber boots. A clear plastic bag is a fabulous place to store gloves, seed packers, and miscellaneous hand tools. For an aesthetic appeal, hang up a wicker basket for all your what-nots.

Last but Not Least: Untangle Your Hose

A hose, if left on the lawn, tends to become entangled over time or can be a hazard to a lawn mower. To keep it tangle-free and off the ground, attach a strong holder to the outside of your shed, closest to the tap. This is especially handy if you need to rinse off your muddy boots before you put them back in your new and improved shed or before you walk inside your home.
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How to Build a Storage Shed

outdoor storage shed An overcrowded garage can make it difficult to park the cars your family owns. Moreover, it becomes difficult to locate tools, gardening equipment, and other items all stored together in the garage. Instead, you can build a storage shed that will contain the space to neatly organize gardening equipment and yard tools which will also increase the value of the property.

Constructing the Frame of your Outdoor Storage Shed

The first step to building a garden shed is to construct the frame. For this begin by clearing and leveling the ground where the shed is going to be placed. Now place cinder blocks at the four corners, four feet from each other. Next cut 4×4 pressure treated posts to the desired lengths making sure to cut the ends at a 45° angle. Place the posts over the cinder blocks and ensure that they are level using a 4-foot level or any size of level for that matter.

Construct the Deck of Your DIY Storage Shed

Once the frame is in place you need to construct the deck of your DIY storage shed. This comprises pressure treated 2×6 pieces that are set vertically on the frame. They should be attached to the frame using a framing nailer. Begin by installing the two nine foot side pieces. Now, place the two four foot side pieces next to each other and mark of the joist locations at 16’ intervals. Now you can secure the end pieces. The next step is to cut the 2’ (’) into 6’ joists to the right lengths and nailing them to the frame. After the joists are secured, lay the 5/4’ decking on top and secure the decking to the joists using a screw gun. The first decking edge should overhang the deck frame by half an inch. diy storage shed

Building the Walls of Your Storage Shed

To build the walls of your storage shed, lay the wall pieces – the top plate, bottom plate, and studs and use a nail gun to secure the pieces together. Use this method to construct all the wall panels. Build two narrower wall panels for the wall which will have the door.

Nailing the Walls of your Outdoor Storage Shed

Now nail each wall panel to the decking as well as to the adjacent wall panel. To ensure that the walls form a square, you need to use a framing square. On the side of the shed that will have the door, build two narrower wall panels and strengthen them using 2x4s.

Strengthening the Framing

Once you have installed all the walls, you need to strengthen the framings. For this nail 2x4s across the walls at the top such that they will form a double top plate.

Exterior Siding for Your DIY Storage Shed

Once the wall frames are strengthened, you are ready to hand the exterior siding. Just hang the 4ˈx8ˈ OSB sheets on the outside of the storage shed to form the siding.

How to Build a Shed Roof

The next step is to add the roof to the shed. Cut 2×6 boards for the roof rafters and fix them to the headers. The roof rafters are attached using OSB cleats. Now add 1×6 strips on top of the rafters so that the rafters will be tied together and provide support to the corrugated roof. The roofing sheets should be nailed to the rafters using self sealing nails and washers that have been designed for this use.

Adding Shed Windows

Now that the roof has been fixed, you can cut the walls to locate the shed windows and recessed storage boxes. When cutting the walls you need to make sure that the studs are not damaged. Now you can fix the doors for the windows and the main entrance as well as the storage cubbies you have cut out. You can also add a potting bench to your storage shed to make gardening easier. The doors should be made from 3.4’ plywood, while the doors for the storage cubbies can be made from 1.2’ plywood. Depending on your interest you can paint the interior of the shed in contrasting colors to mark the storage cubbies.

Vinyl Siding for Your Storage Shed

vinyl siding storage shed You are now ready to add vinyl siding to the exterior of the shed. Begin applying the siding from the edges with the decorative trim and work your way to the center.

Adding Ramp to the Outdoor Shed

The final touch for the garden shed can be ramp at the front entrance. This will enable you to easily move mowers and wheelbarrows into the shed.

DIY Storage Shed

A DIY storage shed is a fairly simple project that can help move a lot of essential yard tools and gardening equipment away from or outside of the garage. Apart from freeing up garage space, this shed will help you to properly organize and store all gardening supplies and tools in a single place that is easy to access from the garden. With a cutting saw, nailing gun, and the right types of wood, a diy storage shed should be easy to construct and you will have bragging rights over your neighbors for years.
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sheds

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Your Guide to Choosing the Right Kind of Shed

choosing the right kind of shedA garden shed is an important component of your garden and can be used either to store equipment or as a work space for certain tasks. But despite its importance in a garden, many sheds seem to get the short end of the stick, and often tend to become used for dumping unwanted stuff that homeowners don’t want in their home or in their garage. Garden sheds are often secluded to parts of the property that homeowners don’t want their guests to see, and left there to disintegrate. But this will only happen if the shed you have in your home isn’t the right kind. Here is your guide to choosing the right kind of shed that will give you the most bang for buck and make you proud when you look at it.

Steps to Choosing the Right Kind of Shed

Start by identifying its use

The very first item you need to do in order to choosing the right kind of shed is to determine how you plan to use it. If you are planning on using your shed all the time, you may require more pathways, paving, and work areas than you normally would. Similarly, you may want to locate your shed closer to your main house or in a more centralized location so that you can store essential equipment close by. If you are going to use your shed for gardening, make sure it is close to your garden or greenhouse. There are two main factors that will determine its size – an effective work surface as well as the need for storage. For your shed to cope with frequent use, you will also need to install hard surfacing and pathways that lead to the rest of the garden. If you are only going to use your shed to store tools, materials, and machines, it may not be used as frequently. For instance, if are going to store your lawnmower in there, you will only use it about once a week in the spring, summer, and fall. Similarly, if you are storing garden furniture or a barbecue in your shed for the winter, you won’t see it until spring or the summer. If the barbeque is sizeable and has wheels, you may want to have some sort of path so you can roll it back into position when the winter cold dissipates.

Choose the right material for your shed

Usually, sheds are made from timber, namely softwood. They are available in prefabricated panels which you can bolt together. Roofing felt or asphalt sheets are used to cover the roofs. Larger sheds are known to be either made from brick with slate roofing or tiled with shingles. Smaller sheds which are mainly used as garden sheds are typically used for storage, usually have a typical mono-pitch or central-ridge roof. The larger the shed, the more the possibility of using it to harvest rainwater.

Concealing your shed

There is a new trend that has been doing the rounds, namely green roofs. Green roofs involve covering the roof of a shed with low-maintenance plant. This not only increases biodiversity and has particular advantages to wildlife, but works to keep sheds warmer in winter and cooler in summers. Green roofs also work to conceal the structure. Turf or sedums are the best choice mainly because of their shallow rooting needs. It is easy to find large mats that these species of plants are already pre-planted in, which homeowners can simply cut according to size and fit it onto their roofs. Stain your shed in a darker color if you are planning on making it look less obtrusive, allowing it to fade into the background. You can also create a false boundary by way of installing a trellis screen around your shed.

Sheds as showpieces

While some homeowners choose to conceal their sheds, others wish to show them off. Showpiece sheds, which are more decorative and artistically appealing in nature, are fairly common these days. There are many summerhouses available in the market which can also double up as a shed and are especially useful as a hobby room or a retreat room. These humble structures are transformed into focal points and topics of conversation with the help of painted finishes, decorative timber work, and classic window treatment. There are some contemporary sheds available that have sleek glazing, blond wood panels, and aluminum or sharp steel detailing, which go well with urban gardens. If you have a smaller space in your garden, you may want to consider off-the-peg storage solutions such as shelved cupboards or covered boxes. These are usually made from fiberglass sheets and are large enough to provide ample storage opportunity for smaller garden tools. To reduce its impact, make sure to choose darker colors.

Consider the security of your shed

You must give the security of your shed a careful consideration, especially if you are storing something of value in them. The more valuable the items stored in your shed, the higher the need for adequate security. Since the loss of equipment stored in a garden shed is usually not covered by household insurance, make sure to use locks and make sure it keeps the moisture and wetness out.
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sheds, Western Red Cedar

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Wooden Shed or Plastic Shed – What to Choose?

Wooden Shed or Plastic Shed The environment should be respected and many people are trying to save/impact it with small steps that, collectively, could impact the atmosphere in a major way. If you are looking to be more eco-friendly, why not include your garden in your plans? Growing your own fruits and vegetables and using rainwater harvesting systems are just a few of the ways you can become more environmentally-friendly. If you are looking for different methods to reduce your carbon footprint, keep in mind that your garden shed can play a huge role. There are quite a few incredible ways to transform your shed into an eco-friendly zone.

Wooden Shed or Plastic Shed?

Sustainable Structure

If you need to replace your old shed with a new structure, make sure that you choose one which is made out of responsibly-sourced material from an ethical manufacturing company. When trying to decide between a wooden shed or plastic shed, wood is your best choice in our opinion. Wood has a negative carbon footprint and acts as a carbon sink which is excellent. This means as a tree grows, it stores carbon in its fiber. When a tree is harvested and cut down and made into a shed or other building product, the carbon stays in the product and does not get released until the life cycle of the product has ended. In comparison, sheds made from plastic, steel and aluminum use a tremendous amount of CO2 in the production process which is released immediately into the atmosphere. This release of carbon during processing increases the global warming crises we are now in. Garden sheds made with plastic are also more difficult and expensive to recycle and use additional CO2 in the recycle process. By using easier to recycle materials such as wood, you lessen your carbon footprint as well. If a wood shed is well-constructed and prepared properly for the elements it can last for a very long time, particularly if made from western red cedar, which is naturally resistant to decay and rot. Other wood species, such as pine, can be chemically treated to extend its life to replicate cedar wood. If you prefer, you can finish your wood shed yourself with special treatments to make it weather and water proof. These treatments will give your outdoor space the look you desire and make sure that extreme weather conditions do not cause any damage and that it will last for years to come. Meanwhile, remember to check the credentials of the company you are planning to buy from, either wood, plastic or metal, to ensure that they are environmentally-conscious and the materials they use are 100% sourced from certified materials, procedures and standards. If you buy a shed from an overseas manufacturer, consider that country’s environmental practices and the materials they are using. Ethical companies in North America, particularly forest companies, will always go through the effort of achieving certified accreditation from such organizations as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Both accreditations are confirmed only through independent third party inspections, ensuring the wood they are harvesting comes only from legally and sustainably managed forests.

A Suitable Investment

Like pergolas, gazebos, and other outdoor structures,  a wooden shed or plastic shed is an excellent addition to your property. All structures offer you an outdoor space that you can make good use of and also add value to your property. Western red cedar garden sheds are a fantastic option if you are looking for an outdoor structure made with eco-friendly materials. By choosing a shed made of wood, you are making sure that you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to making the earth a greener and cleaner place.
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