Step 1: Select the Size
Whether you want a basic garden shed or a large shed for lawn equipment, they come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs, When calculating the storage capacity for a yard shed, plan for about 25% more space than you need to ensure there’s room to access your items and to add more in the future.
If you plan to store garden tools, you’ll probably need wall space. Large or heavy items, like bagged fertilizer and equipment, mowers, snow blowers, wheelbarrows, etc., require floor space and an open surrounding area. Some shed manufacturers offer expansion kits you can add to a shed for even more storage space.
Check the shed design to see if the layout will work with the items you need to store. Make sure the doorway easily accommodates the largest item you plan to store. For example, if you have a riding mower or a large snow blower, double doors will make it easier to get your machine in and out of storage.
Here are the common shed size ranges and examples of how you can use different options for storage.
Small Storage Sheds
Small sheds are under 36 square feet. These outdoor units make great backyard garden sheds. They’re good for hanging tools and storing lawn and garden supplies such as a push mower and bags of fertilizer. Their smaller footprint can give you more options for placement in your yard.
Medium Storage Sheds
Medium-sized outside storage sheds are approximately 37 to 100 square feet in size. For example, an 8-foot-by-10-foot and 10-foot-by-10-foot storage shed would both be considered medium-sized sheds. They can hold larger garden equipment, such as a riding mower and a tiller, as well as bulky tools. Even if you don’t have a lot of items to store, this size can give you more room to move around for easy access to your supplies and tools. It’ll also allow you room for adding to your outdoor equipment as you take on more projects.
Large Storage Sheds
Large sheds of 100 square feet or more, like a 10-foot-by-12-foot shed, offer more space. They can handle anything from large pieces of lawn equipment to recreational vehicles. If you’re feeling creative, turn your shed into a workshop, greenhouse or hobby space. Make sure you have adequate space in your yard not just for the shed itself, but room to easily move equipment in and out.
Sometimes you don’t need a standalone shed in your yard, but you still want a place to store your tools. A lean-to shed is the perfect structure. It’s cost-effective and supported by your home or garage.
Step 2: Check Local Restrictions
Before you choose a shed or convert a shed for a use other than storage, check for any restrictions and requirements in your area including:
- Local zoning ordinances
- Building codes
- Homeowners' association covenants
Some areas may not allow certain types of sheds, and building or converting a shed may require a permit and inspections. There may be limitations on how you use the shed in addition to restrictions around size, foundation type, distance to property lines and structures, etc.
Step 3: Budget and Features
The price of a shed is determined by several factor including size, material and any extra accessories.
- Small sheds (up to 36 square feet): Prices ranges from $200 - $1000
- Medium sheds (up to 37-100 square feet): Prices ranges from $200 - $2000
- Large sheds (over 100 square feet): Prices ranges from $500 - $4000
Features
Next, we'll explore shed materials, weather ratings and accessories.
- Materials: Choose from wood, metal, vinyl and resin.
- Weather Ratings: snow and wind
- Accessories: Select from ramps, windows, skylights, shelves, anchors and strengthening kits.
Wood Sheds
Wood storage sheds are sturdy and stylish. Lumber framing provides strength to withstand loads from wind and snow, and can support multiple shelves and hangers. Engineered wood siding resists termites and rot. You can paint these sheds to match your home or to blend in with your landscape and customize them to create an attractive building. Many models include windows. Do-it-yourself kits may not come with roofing materials, such as shingles, underlayment and drip edges, but if installation is available, it may include the materials. Wood sheds require maintenance. You'll need to repaint or restain them regularly and keep the roof, siding, etc., in good repair.
Pros
- Customizable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Durable and strong
- Excellent for year-round storage
- Easy to assemble
- Multi-use: They can be used as offices, gyms, workshops, she sheds, entertainment cabanas and more.
Considerations
- Prone to rot, mold, mildew
- Can be expensive
- Not as strong or durable as metal
Metal Sheds
Steel sheds are economical storage buildings. They’re available in a variety of colors and feature vinyl-coated steel or galvanized steel with an enamel finish to resist scratches and rust. Metal sheds come in a variety of colors and offer years of maintenance-free service.
Pros
- Durable
- Low maintenance
- Rot-, mold-, fungus-, insect- and fire-resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Sustainable
- Budget-friendly
- Can be constructed over any flat and level surface
- Prone to corrosion and rust
- They’re not easy to transport
- Not easily customizable. Difficult to modify or repair
- They can get extremely hot in the summer
- Utilitarian in appearance
- Noisy
Vinyl/Resin/Plastic Sheds
Vinyl sheds and resin sheds are made of different types of plastic and are the easiest sheds to assemble. They're also easy to clean and resist rust, insects, mold and rot. Double-wall panels create solid construction. Many vinyl/resin sheds come with steel-reinforced doors for extra security and long service life. You can also find models with windows and skylights to help illuminate the interior. These sheds can endure practically all weather extremes, are easy to clean and virtually maintenance-free.
Pros
- Rot-, insect-, mold- and rust-resistant
- Low maintenance
- Durable and strong
- Easy to assemble
- Portable/easy to relocate
- Doesn’t need painting
- UV protected and water resistant
- Impact and dent resistant
- Not easily customizable
- May not do well in adverse weather conditions, especially strong winds
- The sun can fade them or make them change color
- Prone to break or crack with time
Weather Ratings for Outdoor Sheds
In addition to looking for weatherproof materials, pay attention to additional features and ratings that’ll help ensure the items you store are protected from the elements. Waterproof sheds and waterproof shed floors will provide the most protection from water damage. Weatherproof sheds and water-resistant sheds may not be completely waterproof but are designed to provide protection from damage caused by ultraviolet rays and moisture.
Some sheds will have snow and wind ratings. These are key factors to look for, particularly if you live in a part of the country that receives a lot of snow or high winds.
Snow Rating
A snow rating, usually measured in pounds per square foot, helps you gauge how much snow the shed roof can take. Consider both the type of snow that’s common for your area (light, heavy or icy snow) and how much might accumulate over a period of time before melting. Regardless of the snow load rating, it’s a good idea to remove as much snow from a shed roof as you can if you can do it safely.
Wind Rating
A wind rating is measured in miles per hour and tells you the force of wind the shed is designed to withstand. Some areas may mandate a wind rating for storage buildings, so check with your local building department.
Keep in mind the ratings are intended only as a reference to give you an idea of the adverse weather the shed is designed to handle. Factors including assembly, installation, anchoring and more may change how a shed handles weather and the elements.
Shed Accessories
If there's something you want to add to your storage shed, chances are it's available as an accessory. Here are a few examples:
- Ramps: A sturdy set of ramps is a must for moving wheeled power equipment, wheelbarrows or hand trucks into or out of your shed.
- Windows and skylights: Natural light increases visibility and makes the space more user-friendly. In some cases, you can even order shutters and window boxes to accompany your windows and further enhance the aesthetics of your shed.
- Shelves: Organize your tools and materials on handy shelves designed by the manufacturer specifically for your shed.
- Anchors: Shed anchors help protect your shed from strong winds. Some manufacturers require their sheds be anchored.
- Roof strengthening kits: These additional supports may be necessary for a metal shed in an area prone to snow accumulation.
Step 4: Shop For a Shed
Once you decided on the size, material and any accessories that you'd like, it's time to shop for a shed. Lowe's has thousands of sheds to choose from to suit any need or budget. When you're searching for a shed, also check on the warranty. The terms will vary based on the brand that you purchase from.
Step 5: Plan a Location
You've purchased your shed and now it's time to prep the space. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Build your shed in a level area that will allow convenient access. Avoid low areas where water drainage can cause problems.
- Cut back any tree branches or bushes that are nearby.
- Call 811 to check for underground utilities before beginning any excavation.
Step 6: Site Prep & Assembly
Vinyl and resin sheds are the simplest do-it-yourself storage buildings, but you can also build a metal or wood shed yourself. Once you've chosen from the available shed kit designs and types, follow all manufacturer's instructions for constructing. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Build the Foundation
A solid, level foundation creates a more usable, longer-lasting shed. Different areas have different requirements for shed foundations. Foundation types include masonry blocks set on a gravel bed, sill plates resting on a concrete slab and in areas where the ground freezes, a frame on concrete footings that are set below the frost line.
Depending on your shed floor and foundation, you may need a vapor barrier. Check the shed instructions for details. For more information, read How to Level and Install a Shed Foundation.
Assemble the Shed
Before beginning to assemble or build your shed, check the weather and make sure you have all the parts. Shed components can be heavy and unwieldy, so get help. Even if you're working on a small shed, a helper makes the job easier. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use our guides to make the job even easier.
Lowe's Installation Services
If you don’t have the time or skills needed to install a new storage shed yourself, Lowe's has you covered with our shed installation service.
Some sheds include a floor, but others don’t. Some foundations can function as floors. You can purchase floor kits for certain sheds, which allow you to assemble a floor.
Once you've built your shed, add planting beds or trellises with vining plants to help the building blend with the landscape.
Step 7: Anchor the Shed to the Ground
Once you've assembled the shed, you'll need to anchor to the ground or to the platform base. This provides more stability and will prevent high winds and heavy rain from shifting the shed or blowing it (and all its contents) away. Anchoring a shed also prevents the doors and windows from misaligning, which makes them challenging to open or close.
Step 8: Shed Maintenance
Ensure the longevity of your shed and protect your belongings by performing some occasional maintenance. In the fall and winter, blow leaves off the roof and remove any snow. In the spring, it's a good idea to clean the shed's exterior. This can usually be done by using a mild detergent, a hose and a scrub brush. For harder stains, mold and mildew, consider pressure washing the shed on a light setting. Check the owner's manual to see what's recommended for your particular shed.
Beyond Outdoor Storage
Sheds are great storage solutions for everything from mowers to motorcycles. However, their spacious design, high durability and easy assembly make them excellent choices for some other uses you might not have considered.
Entertainment Cabanas
Friends and family will love this new gathering spot. These entertainment cabanas and patio bars make you a master mixologist in your own backyard. There's even room to hang a TV and watch the game.
Hobby or Craft Hut
No matter what your hobby is, you're sure to find a shed that's just the right size for your needs. Just think, you could have a room to spread out all your materials and a private workspace all your own. Learn how to turn a shed into an art studio.
She Sheds
Similar to a man cave, the she shed is where a woman can get away from it all. Take one look on social media to see the creative ways that sheds are being used. Beautiful windows and French doors are added, as are window boxes, Dutch doors and even front porches with twinkling lights. Some are turned into mini-greenhouses, writing nooks or simply used as a calm oasis away from the chaos of everyday life.
Learn how to build and customize a she shed for your backyard.
Office Shed or Gym Shed
If you need some extra work space or workout space, a converted shed can be the perfect extension of your home. See our ideas on converting a storage shed into a home office or home gym.
Playhouse
You can order windows and partitions to add to most outdoor storage. Paint them bright colors and use your imagination to make a garden shed the perfect playhouse for children of all ages. See how a shed was transformed into a fun and colorful playhouse.
Let's Get Started
If you need a place to store outdoor equipment, tools, garden materials and more, then a shed is a must. Sheds come in numerous sizes and are made of wood, metal, resin or vinyl. Select from a basic metal or vinyl shed to hold belongings or go all out and customize a wood shed to be used as an office, gym, art studio and more.
Lowe's has thousands of sheds to choose from. You can build your own or our installation team can do the job for you. Shop online now or visit your local Lowe's to get started.