The Best Shed Ideas for Your Yard

If you need a place to store garden tools, outdoor equipment and other miscellaneous household goods, then having a shed on your property is an excellent solution to your storage problems. Whether it’s a simple, small bike shed or a large cottage-style garden shed, there are plenty of shed options to meet every need, budget and aesthetic. Here’s the 411 on buying or building a shed – as well as fantastic shed ideas for your yard.

What is a shed?

A shed is a small, roofed structure in your yard that is usually enclosed on all sides. It provides protection and shelter for items located inside.

What are the benefits of having a shed?

There are almost no downsides to having a shed on your property. In fact, having a shed located near your home provides a number of benefits. From extra storage space for tools to an added workspace for hobbies, sheds can be used for any number of purposes. Here are several benefits to having a shed in your yard.

Extra storage space for tools and outdoor equipment – Having a shed on your property to store everything from garden tools and hoses to lawn mowers and yard equipment will free up room in your garage for cars and other large items. It also provides extra storage space for any items that don’t require a climate-controlled environment. From seasonal decor to stored furniture – whatever you don’t have a place for in your home can easily be stored away in an outdoor shed.
Provides protection for items – Another benefit to having a shed on your property is that it provides protection for items that might otherwise be exposed to the elements. Without a shed in the backyard, outdoor items, such as garden hoses, garden tools, children’s toys, patio furniture and decor, outdoor lights and flowerpots might not be properly protected from wind, rain and other weather issues. Having a shed to protect these items will only help to extend the life of your belongings and keep them in tip-top condition.
Can serve as a workspace for hobbies – Need a place outside the home to work on your hobbies? Whether it’s painting, pottery, crafting or simply tinkering, having a separate workspace just steps away from your primary home will make it easier to enjoy the things you love while maintaining a bit of space from your usual home life. Having a separate space for work and hobbies is also sure to increase your productivity.
Can house a dog or pets – Need a safe, secure place for your animals to sleep? Sheds can serve as dog houses and shelter for other small animals. Assuming it’s a safe temperature inside the shed (not too hot, not too cold), your animals should be just fine spending their nights there.

Should I build or buy a shed?

In our opinion, it’s much easier and less expensive to buy a ready-made shed than to build one yourself. But this choice is up to you. Custom-built sheds tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, as homeowners can add their own personal touches to both the exterior and interior. Given that they’re tailor-made just for the owner, custom builds can usually accommodate whatever it is the owner wishes to keep inside. Building a shed may require a contractor – or at the very least, a qualified handyman who is capable of constructing a shed. Buying a shed, on the other hand, is usually the easier and cheaper option. Although, you’ll like need a helping hand from a friend or professional to put it all together.

What should I consider before buying a shed?

Trying to figure out which shed is for you? Before purchasing an outdoor shed, be sure to consider these features first.

Price – Keep your budget top of mind when perusing shed options. Remember that in many cases, you get what you pay for. So, if you’re looking for a shed that will stand the test of time and hold up well under less-than-desirable weather conditions, you may need to pay up. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something temporary (i.e. just a shed to get you through the next few years), then you may be able to get away with a less expensive shed option.
Materials – Make sure to consider what the shed is made of before planting it in your yard. Most sheds are made of either wood, plastic or metal. While wooden sheds tend to be easier on the eyes, they typically require more upkeep and maintenance than the others. Metal sheds tend to be the most weatherproof – and can typically withstand harsher winds. Plastic sheds require the least amount of upkeep and are particularly easy to maintain. The only drawbacks: they may be more lightweight than other options and a bit of an eyesore.
Size – What size shed do you need? If you have the space for a large shed, we recommend sizing up. This way, you can store as much as possible inside. Trust us – you’ll be surprised just how much room something as simple as a bicycle can take up inside a shed. Bigger is usually better – assuming you have the space.
Aesthetics – Does the shed look nice with your home? Does it fit with the aesthetics of your home? If the shed is located in a prominent spot in the yard, where people will see it, then you’ll need to consider the style of shed.
City zoning rules – If you plan to build a shed on your property, we recommend checking your city’s zoning rules for accessory dwelling units. If the shed is a certain size and features certain characteristics, then it might fall under the category of accessory dwelling unit. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so check with your city’s zoning rules to make sure your shed is not an ADU.

What are the most popular shed ideas?

Need some inspiration for your new shed? Not sure what kind of shed you need? Several of the more popular shed ideas and shed types include garden sheds, simple locker sheds, greenhouse sheds, bike sheds, cottage sheds, barn or carriage house looking sheds and vertical sheds.

Where can I buy a shed?

Now that you have a few shed ideas, here’s where to find a shed for your yard.

Home Depot

Costco

Wayfair

Walmart

Amazon

Moving soon?

Before purchasing a shed for your new home, make sure you have those upcoming moving logistics worked out first. To find the right moving company to handle your next move, check our extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!