A Quick Buying Guide to Outdoor Storage Sheds
Outdoor storage sheds are usually very basic outbuildings and often come in kits that any homeowner can assemble on their own. Some are more complicated, and you can even have a shed custom built for your property, with all the features you want. When you're ready to buy a shed, those various options are good since it means you're sure to find something you love, but they can also be a bit overwhelming. Note this quick buying guide so you get the shed you need.
Material
Plastic or resin sheds are lightweight and are often formed so that they literally snap together, making them easier for homeowners to assemble on their own. They are impervious to rot and insect infestation. The drawback to plastic is that their lightweight design might make them more susceptible to literally blowing over in strong storms. They also may look a bit cheap and they cannot be painted; wood sheds are more traditional and attractive and can be painted or stained to match your home. They may come in precut sizes but may take more skill to actually assemble, so you might want a wood shed that is actually assembled for you.
Metal sheds are also impervious to rot and insect infestation but they too may take more skill to connect and assemble on your own. Wood and metal also need more maintenance to ensure the materials don't corrode over time.
Size
When determining the size of your shed, be sure you consider your future needs. For example, right now you may have a small push mower, but as you get older, you might upgrade to a riding mower to make grass cutting easier on you physically. If you're thinking of planting a large garden when you retire in a few years, that will mean more gardening equipment, bags of fertilizer to store, and the like.
While considering these future upgrades are good, note if a very large shed may need a concrete slab under it to support its weight. A smaller shed might be installed over gravel, making the job easier on you overall if you want to install your own shed. You also need to ensure you check on building codes and limitations from your city or neighborhood association. There may be limits on the size of the shed you can install or where it can be installed on your property. For example, if you need to put the shed behind your house and not next to it, this might affect the size you can get, depending on the location of your garage, landscaping features, and the like.
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