How to Buy a Storage Shed
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For
people without a garage or basement to store their garden necessities, a prefabricated shed
can be a lifesaver. Sheds and shed kits for every budget are available at home and garden
centers, and online at sites such as BetterSheds.com.
Choose a size and material that works with your space, and you can keep your tools, bags of
soil, lawn mower and assorted junk out of sight and safe from the elements.
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Steps: |
| 1. |
Decide how much
storage space you need. A lean-to shed 6 feet (1.8 m) long and 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 m)
wide is big enough for tools and might cost a few hundred dollars. If you'll be storing a
lawn mower and more, look for a freestanding shed measuring 6 by 8 feet (1.8 by 2.4 m),
which will cost $1,000 or more. |
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| 2. |
Consider the
material not only for looks but for what you need to store. Cedar siding is long lasting,
readily available and weathers to a gray color, or you can paint or stain it with wood
preservative to keep it brown. Vinyl siding that looks like wood is a less expensive and
even longer-lasting alternative. Metal sheds heat up quickly to high temperatures in the
summer, so they're not recommended for storing gasoline or other volatile liquids and
fertilizers. |
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| 3. |
Make sure the
entrance is wide enough to get a cart, wheelbarrow and other equipment comfortably through
the door-- say, 3 feet (.9 m). |
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| 4. |
Choose a
combination greenhouse and storage shed to maximize the pace. One measuring 8 by 10 feet
(2.4 by 3 m) can accommodate both tools and plants, with special shelves for setting
seedlings out. |
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| 5. |
Take advantage
of features to help you work: windows and skylights for natural light, benches for work
space, ramps for easier wheeled entry. |
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| 6. |
Visualize how
the shed will look in your yard. Even a small one can seem large. Landscaping around it with
shrubs and trees can make it blend into the garden. |
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Overall
Tips: |
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Purchase a DIY
Kit and save hundreds or thousands of dollars. Having a shed delivered pre-built will be
very expensive. |
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If you're not
too handy with building things, find a local handyman who can assemble the kit in just a few
hours. This will be less expensive than having a pre-built shed delivered to your home. |
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Consider turning
your shed into a potting room come springtime. You can pot up seedlings or sit down with a
cup of coffee while you plan your next harvest. |
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What
to look for: |
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Appropriate size |
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Type of material |
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Special features |
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Links |
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Steel
Sheds |
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Greenhouse
/ Storage
Combination Structures |
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Vinyl
Sheds |
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Custom
Built Wood Sheds |
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Cedar Sheds |
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Custom
Garage Structures |
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