Shed Guide

Needs

What you plan to store will help determine the size and design of your shed. Consider the right balance of shelving, wall-hung storage and open floor space. Maintaining easy access to all shed contents may require additional floor space.

Use

How you plan to use your shed will influence the size and design. A shed accessed only a few times a year for seasonal storage can be smaller than a shed that is used daily. Regularly moving objects in and out is made easier with extra floor space and a larger door opening. Will you use some portion of the shed as a work space?

Design

Be sure to research and understand municipal ordinances and utility regulations related to sheds and out-buildings. Many limit the floor area, height, location and number of outbuildings Depending on the size of the shed and local ordinances, property taxes may be affected.

Other design considerations include door size and style, ventilation and windows. Sectional overhead doors enhance access but may reduce in-the-rafter storage options. Double-hinged doors may be more user-friendly. Windows allow much needed light to enter but reduce wall-storage options. Venting will help prevent heat buildup in hot weather.

Location

The shed location must comply with municipal ordinances and be level and accessible. Other considerations include aesthetics, avoiding low spots where water may accumulate, sight lines (yours and the neighbors'), underground utilities, overhead obstacles and yard access.

Yard access is a primary consideration: it will determine whether your shed can be constructed off-site and delivered to your yard, or if it will have to be constructed in place.

Permits

Depending on the size of the shed, a building permit may be required.

Foundation

Sheds require a solid, level foundation. This can be a poured concrete pad or solid soil, concrete sidewalk blocks and/or pressure-treated floor joists. Pressure-treated ACQ timber skids can provide separation from damp soil and increase maneuverability.