backyard, How to, sheds, Uncategorized

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How to Secure Your Shed

Do you want to know how to secure your shed? Many people assume that their shed does not need protection. After all, it is nothing more than a storage shack where you keep out-of-season items. But while that lawn mower that you have been storing in your shed for many years may not be of much value on its own, have you considered the accumulated worth of the other contents in your shed – gardening gear, power tools, bikes, electrical cord, portable lights, rope, and lots more. Despite many valuable items such as these stored in them, sheds are rarely secured properly. Whether or not your shed is attached to your home, you should make sure that the same level of security is provided to it as the rest of your property. Here are a few tips to help ensure that your shed is as safe and secure as the rest of your home and the surrounding property. Minimize the Risk of Structural Weaknesses: When there are obvious loose slats and patches of rot, your old shed will be able to provide very minimal defense against thieves. The first thing you need to do is identify the problem areas in the shed. Use new panels to reinforce the internal structure and make sure that you fix loose slats as well. Replace rotten doors and windows and also patch up holes that you see on your roof. Secondly, make sure that your shed is difficult to for criminals to access. Always keep fence openings closed and secure that are around your yard, use thorny plants as a deterrent, by planting them around the shed and if you have overgrown shrubs surrounding your shed, trim them regularly so that they cannot be used as hiding places. How to Secure Your Shed Replace Old Locks: Because many homeowners do not give importance to the security of their sheds, they use old locks. If traditional security is your preferred option, you should replace the old fastener with the strongest hasp and staple you can find with coach bolts. Next, add a strong padlock – preferable one that is rust-resistant or weatherproof – and make sure that you use it each time you close your shed. Always remember that the harder you make it for a thief to enter your shed, the less likely they will be to try intruding in the first place, because it increases their chances of getting caught. If you prefer a more high-tech option, you should consider investing in an electronic door lock. Secure Window AC Units: If the window AC units in your shed are not properly secured, burglars looking for access can quickly and easily remove them. You can make sure that it is much more difficult to remove your AC unit by installing a support mechanism that attaches to the exterior wall of your shed. Although it may take a little more work, you should make sure that you also add a support bracket that can be securely screwed into the wall. This will make it extremely tough for any burglar to move the AC. Once the bracket has been installed, you should also invest in a window security bar. These are affordable improvements that can effectively prevent potential intruders from opening the window above the unit. Replace Old Hinges: When the hinges of your shed door are exposed and loose, it makes them easy for criminals to unscrew. When this happens, the first thing you should do is replace those old hinges with a set that comes with a non-removable pin. You should look for carriage screws or coach bolts to install the hinges as well, because these types of fasteners come with smooth heads and cannot be removed from the outside once they are screwed in. This will make your shed door stronger and more secure, deterring potential intruders from trying to break in. secure your shed Poor Lighting: If your shed is situated in a corner of your yard where it cannot be reached by the porch light, it will make it difficult to see what is going on during the night. The best solution is to invest in motion detector lighting and have it installed. No criminal wants the spotlight on them so this will keep them away for sure. Depending on the strength and range of your lighting, it may also help in deterring intruders from the rest of your property. There are many effective ways to make sure that your garden shed is properly secured and the items inside are safe. While some are expensive, you will find many affordable and easy ways to secure this structure. They will ensure that potential criminals have a hard time accessing your shed and getting their hands on your hard-earned property. You can make sure that the equipment, tools, and other items that you store in your shed are safe from the hands of burglars and thieves. So do not neglect your shed and find ways to ensure that it is secure at all times.

How To Secure Your Shed

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How to Level and Install Your Shed’s Foundation

Want to know how to level a shed? Install the foundation? Sheds are a magnificent structure to have if you have the space on your property. You can use it for many things – from storing gardening tools to a private space where you can work. Nowadays, many homeowners are building sheds to use for a range of purposes. If you want a long-lasting shed, you will need to make sure that its foundation is sturdy so that it stays level and is protected from moisture. It needs to be able to withstand the fury that Mother Nature enjoys hurling once in a while. Your shed can preserve your tools for many years, decades in fact, if it is built right. It can also increase the value of your home. Here are steps you should follow to build the foundation of your shed. Step 1: Choose a spot for your shed that is almost level and does not collect water. It is also good to have a 3 foot clearance around the perimeter from things like structures and fences. Larger sheds, i.e. 160 square and above, require 4 feet of clearance. Having this area ensures that you have room to build the shed. Step 2: To make sure that there is ample space in your backyard to build a shed, use batter boards and mason’s string to mark the area. For some installation, like the ones with runners, the shed tends to overhang the runners by quite a few inches. Use batter boards and mason’s string in order to easily mark the perimeter of the posts supporting the runners. Step 3: To square the area, measure 3 feet along one string and 4 feet along the adjacent string. Keep in mind that the distance between the points should be at least five feet. Adjust the string as you need to along the batter boards and mark the string’s location on the batter boards. Also make sure to check the other corners. Building the Foundation You can build your foundation in a number of ways. The following instructions are for a shed that uses posts that are set in concrete footers. Step 1: Make sure that the post holes are roughly 4 feet apart. Set up a mason’s string and batter boards to mark the points. The intersections of the string are indicators of a post corner’s location. Follow the 3-4-5 principle provided above to check for square at each intersection. Adjust the mason’s string alongside the batter boards as you need to and mark the string location on the batter board. Step 2: Dig the post holes with a diameter of 12 inches and also 12 inches below the frost line. Pour roughly 4 to 6 inches of gravel into the hole, compact it and add concrete – make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing. If you move the string, use marks on the batter boards to get it back to the correct location. Step 3: Once the concrete has cured, set a post on the footer’s top. To set the post square, use the mason’s string’s intersection. Make sure that the post is plumb and hold it straight, and then compact concrete around the sides and cover it up with soil. Keep each post in position by bracing it while the concrete sets. Step 4: Once all the posts have been set, it is time to ascertain the height for the shed floor and then mark one post. Now, make use of this as a guide to mark other posts and cut them with a saw. Step 5: This is when you need to attach post base brackets as well as 4×4 runners. Step 6: You can now build the frame of the floor with treated 2x4s and nails according to the directions given for your shed. Make sure you follow instructions, you want this to work right and not turn out like the ACA’s website. Step 7: Now, set the frame on the 4×4 runners, making sure that you leave an overhang at the ends and attach a side to each 4×4 with a screw. Step 8: Measure the diagonals of the frame to check for square. First, measure the distance between two opposite corners and then, between the remaining corners. You should get the same measurements. If you need to, make adjustments and then secure the other side of the frame to the 4x4s. Next, secure the frame at each point contacting the 4x4s with screws. Step 9: Now, set a floor panel at the frame’s corner, flush to the edges. Nail down the edge that is short and check the frame for square once more. Many any required adjustments. Nail down the rest of the plywood. Attach the other panels of the floor, according to the directions. Do not forget to check for level. how to level a shed Step 10: Now that your foundation is set, you are ready to build the shed. There are kits that come with detailed instructions so you can build a DIY shed, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. Installing your shed’s foundation is critical since it is what determines how long your shed will last. Without a sturdy foundation, your shed will not stand firm. So make sure that you install your shed’s foundation properly and that it is level. This is the best way to make sure that you have a strong shed that stays with you for years. You want this shed to last many hockey seasons, decades of them in fact.

how to level a shed

How To Level a Shed

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How To Make A Backyard Shed Sensational – 7 ways

Want to know how to make a backyard shed sensational? Maybe you have a shed that has seen better days? Well, why not give it a pick-me-up with a makeover? You can make your old garden look pretty and awesome with countless makeover ideas. You do not have to make huge changes or spend a lot of money. A few simple touches here and there will give your shed a whole new look and feel, and even change the way your yard looks. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire you to change your shed and make it look stunning. Give it Color: A new coat of paint can change the way your shed looks in no time. If you are looking for a cheap way to liven up your shed, or just want something quick and easy, all you need is paint. The thing is that you can have a lot of fun and play around with different colors. You can make your old garden shed look bright and fun, and unique – all with just a fresh lick of paint! sheds online Give it New Purpose: If your old shed is just sitting unused in your garden, why not use a new concept for it? You have endless possibilities for a personalized space. You can turn your old shed into almost anything you want. You can turn it into a private retreat where you can escape from everyday life and relax, read, write, or paint. Or you could even transform it into a haven where you and your friends can enjoy afternoon tea without the kids screaming nearby. Another fantastic idea is to turn your shed into the private office you have always wanted. Create a Secret Hideaway: Love the idea of having a secret hideaway right in your backyard? You can easily do this by planting ivy or any other climber next to your shed. Use a trellis to help the plant grow and eventually, it will blend in with the rest of your garden. If your shed has a porch on the front, you can give it an enchanting look with a climbing rose winding around the front entrance. Every time you need a little peace and quiet, you will have your very own beautiful secret place to hide in! Add Windows: Most sheds do not have windows and are often dark and dingy inside. You can create a bright and airy space and transform your shed by adding windows. The rays of sunlight that come in will make your shed bright and also make it look a whole lot more spacious. You can use old windows that you may have lying about on your property or make new ones. Whatever you choose, introducing windows to your shed will give it new life and you will love it. Give it a Fairy Tale Touch: Who does not love the pictures of cottages in fairy tale books? You can create your very own fairy-tale effect by adding fairy lights, bunting, or lanterns. These little additions will make your shed look quaint and cozy and give it a lot of sparkle. With detailing like these, your new oasis will be a far cry from the dark and dingy place that it was before. Create a magical space with this idea. Surround it with Flowers: Are you tired of looking at your plain garden shed? Well, it is a garden shed, so why not make it look like one? Plant flowers and plants in pots and surround your shed with them. Your tools are all inside, but the flowers will show the work you have been doing. It is also an acute or alluring way to decorate and brighten up an old structure. Adding flowers around your shed will make it look pretty and also enhance your entire yard. How To Make A Backyard Shed Personalize it with Homemade Stencils: You can add a personal touch to your shed with DIY stencils. The best thing about this idea is that stencils are really easy to make. All you have to do is print your design to size and cut it out using a Stanley knife. Next, stick your stencil in the position you want and paint it over with the same shade of the surface that you are painting on to. Once it dries, paint it over with the second color. Simple and cheap, this is a fabulous idea when you want to give your shed a new, custom look. As you can see, the possibilities are endless when you want to change the way your rickety old garden shed looks. You can add beautiful colors, or windows, or stencils – the ideas can just keep flowing. All you need is a little imagination. A garden shed is a fantastic space so make the most of it. If you do not like gardening, turn it into another space that you can make good use of. Just remember to make it symbolize your personality.
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Garden Sheds Add to Your Backyard Design

garden sheds 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. types of sheds 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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