Wooden Sheds And Their Many Benefits

Wooden sheds are SO MUCH MORE than a storage area for all those tools you barely use but can’t seem to get rid of. In fact, they can actually take on a life all there own. And they can be made for one of several different purposes.

Using a shed for the garden is perhaps the most popular reason to have a shed. Its quite a convenient place for storing your garden tools and supplies so the natural location for a shed is right next to the garden. Plus, potting your plants is a snap with a proper workbench in your shed. Many of the garden sheds built today connect us to a simpler past just with their charm and character.

You can use sheds for other reasons also. For instance, a shed next to a pool actually serves the purpose of a pool cabana. Pool chemicals that really should be stored away from the house are better placed in the cabana. You can also use the cabana for housing a refrigerator for cold snacks, towels, pool toys, and other supplies. Storing towels and dry clothes also helps keep the kids from running into the house all wet.

Sheds are perfect for artists’ studios and for kids playhouses because of their size. And, with the addition of a few pieces of furniture and other accessories, a wooden shed makes a great little sanctuary.

You have a few options when it comes to the types of building materials you want your shed to be made of. Personally, I like the look of wood (particularly cedar). This is especially important if your shed will be located in a highly visible area.

Other options include plastic (or vinyl) and metal (usually rolled aluminum). Plastic is virtually maintenance free and is going to be your least expensive option. While metal is durable, it can get really hot inside – especially in warmer climate zones.

Assuming you’ve made the decision to put a wooden shed in your backyard, you’ll need to decide if you are going to hire someone to build it or if you will tackle that challenge yourself. There are a LOT of shed kits available out there for you to choose from if you feel comfortable enough with your carpentry skills. And, its much faster and easier to build a shed from a kit than it is making it from scratch.

Before you choose your shed, its really important to step back and evaluate what its purpose(s) will be. Then the rest will fall into place.

Terry Shaw is passionate about garden sheds. For more info, construction tips, and resources, visit his site: BestWoodenSheds.com.