While many homes have expansive garages, older homes may lack the storage options of more modern homes. When homeowners need additional outdoor storage, building a shed in the backyard may provide more room for tools and gardening equipment and add to the ambience of the backyard.
Sheds can be built to resemble cute cottages, rustic barns or other more simplistic designs. Check out these design ideas on how to build a shed for extra outdoor storage.
Do You Need a Permit?
Before building any new structure in the backyard, check to see if any permits are required. Different municipalities may have different guidelines. It’s always a good policy to research what’s needed. Permits may be required for larger sheds, but, again, mandates vary. Don’t build something until you know it’s allowed!
Figure Out Your Storage Needs
The size of your shed may depend on your storage needs. Is the shed going to be a workshop or is it needed just to store a lawn mower or gardening equipment? Figure out the size and dimensions of the shed. If you’re handy at blueprints, you may create the DIY design. Or you could hire a pro. Not all garden sheds are basic squares; some are quite elaborate, as showcased by Architizer.
Maybe your shed will include extensive shelves or built-in cabinetry. Will there be windows? Think about all the details and conceptualize the design.
Some Unique Ideas
While every homeowner may have a unique take on the ideal backyard shed (especially when opting for DIY), there are many ideas to inspire. Check out these designs to get an idea for unique backyard sheds that wow with their designs…and their storage options:
Cottage Sheds
That shed doesn’t have to look like it’s just used for storage. Some sheds resemble cute and quaint cottages to provide a charming ambiance to the backyard. The Family Handyman features a quaint shed that is fairly simple to construct; the site offers a step-by-step guide for building this shed.
Homeowners can choose their own paint hues to add personality and whimsy. Design unique shutters for a more decorative touch.
A Simple Shed
A small rectangle shed can provide storage with hooks on the doors and a small indoor space. Vertical height versus horizontal girth allows it to fit anywhere. This can be an ideal design for a homeowner who simply wants a space for rakes, shovels and other gardening tools.
A Lattice Shed
Lattice wall construction gives a simple garden shed a bit of charm while also providing extra space for storage. The lattice structure offers an extra space to hang garden tools! This design blends nicely in a backyard garden space.
A Stone Shed
Sheds don’t have to be made of wood. A stone construction gives a rustic vibe to an outdoor space. Homeowners can choose stones that blend into their homes or their backyard. A stone walkway also could add even more charm.
Decorative Details
No matter what shed type or design a homeowner chooses, unique and decorative details can make the shed an eye-catching detail in the backyard. Homeowners may include flower boxes on the shed’s windows or create a floral-lined walkway leading to the door of the shed. Kids can press handprints into a concrete walkway, too.
When choosing paint hues, homeowners may want to avoid colors that are too bright. Colors that complement or match the home may be ideal choices. Going for bolder details may catch the eye in all the wrong ways! If the shed is built as a permanent structure, homeowners also need to consider the resale potential and backyard curb appeal. That is, the design choice of the shed to be appealing to potential buyers.
Not DIY Savvy? Buy a Shed!
Not all homeowners are comfortable or confident building a DIY shed. However, they still may need extra space for storing tools or other home necessities. Those who aren’t savvy with a hammer and nails can opt for a pre-build shed.
Most home stores offer sheds of all sizes and that feature different designs. Sheds also can be ordered online. These sheds can vary greatly in price, depending on size or other features. Small sheds may be purchased for less than $500 (and go up from there), while large sheds may cost less than $500 to several thousand dollars. Homeowners may want to visit the store in person and check out the models on the floor. This can help them figure out the best option for their storage needs.
Whether a homeowner decides to DIY a backyard shed or purchase one from a store, there are many design options for this storage space. More elaborate designs many cost more, while simpler construction may be budget-friendly. Homeowners who elect to build these structures should check their local zoning laws to see if a permit is needed.
