Adding a shed to your backyard is one of the things that you can do to enhance its functionality and provide valuable storage space. There are many different types of sheds available for different purposes, such as a place to store gardening tools, create a workshop, house animals, or even provide a play area for your kids.
Many of us really benefit from having extra room whether it is for work, storage, or leisure activities. However, expanding the size of the house can be expensive and time-consuming. That is why a lot of homeowners today choose to add backyard sheds instead. However, there are so many types of sheds that you can choose from for your backyard, and sometimes it can be overwhelming to pick one. Luckily, we are here to provide you with ideas and options when it comes to sheds for backyards.
In this article, we are going to explore the different types of sheds that you can add to your backyard, along with their features, designs, materials, and purposes. By understanding the different options available, you will be able to make informed decisions that will best suit your requirements and transform your backyard into a more organized and versatile space.
Different Shed Styles
Picking the right style of shed is essential as it will dictate not only the appearance but as well as how much room you will have to store your items inside. There are different shed styles that you can choose to add to your backyard. These include a gambrel shed, gable shed, lean-to shed, and saltbox shed. Read on below to learn more about them:
Gambrel Shed
One of the most popular styles of a shed is the gambrel-style shed. It is popular due to its steeply sloped roof that creates a lot of head space in the unit. This extra space allows you to build a loft or an attic in the shed, providing you extra storage space without taking away from the usable space that you need. This is a great choice if you are planning to have a workshop in your shed or if you want to store your car as you can surely have plenty of room without feeling cramped.
Gable Shed
If you are thinking of buying a shed for your backyard, one of the most common that you can purchase is the gable shed, providing you with plenty of options to choose from. Many homeowners like the way gable sheds look with their gently sloping roof that peaks in the middle of the unit and the beautiful ridge on top. It is a classic shape that will surely look good in any space, no matter what style of home you have. A gable shed will also allow you to create a bit of an attic space inside, but not as much as in the gambrel shed.
A lot of homeowners like gable sheds, particularly those who are aiming to store their garden tools and have a place to pot plants or secure their motorcycles. You can also easily buy this shed style in various sizes.
Lean-To Shed
If you want to build your own shed in the backyard, one of the best options is the lean-to-shed. It is incredibly easy to build as they are built on an already-existing wall of your home. This means that you no longer have to complete a full construction to have a backyard shed. You also have the option to create them as a freestanding structure. However, they are much more popular when they are attached to homes, garages, or other buildings. This means that you only need to build the three remaining sides and a sloping roof. Since lean-to sheds are closer to your home, they are perfect to store your yard toys, grill, and even your lawnmower.
Saltbox Shed
If you want to create a shed that will look like a small version of your home, then the saltbox shed is a great choice. Due to its shape, you can easily scale it larger or smaller, making it perfect for different applications. A lot of homeowners choose to build saltbox sheds as playhouses for their kids. It’s because they are attractive and functional at the same time.
A saltbox shed features a roof that slopes together and joins at the top of a ridge, and one side of it is shorter than the other. This makes it more attractive, but also more challenging to build by yourself, as well. But you can also buy a saltbox shed from a reputable retailer. You may also use saltbox sheds for any type of storage needs.
Different Shed Materials
Aside from the different shed styles, backyard sheds can also be made using different materials. Read on below to learn more about what these materials are:
Vinyl Shed
If you are searching for an affordable type of shed that you can buy for your backyard, choosing a plastic or vinyl shed is a good idea. It is a type of shed that you won’t have to worry about maintaining. The price of vinyl storage sheds may increase depending on their quality, but you will not have to worry about painting or refinishing them in the future. In addition to that, they will also never rot and are not at risk of insect damage.
Plastic sheds also do not have any moisture or humidity problems, unlike wooden sheds. This means that you won’t have to worry about the damage that moss growing on the side will cause. However, why vinyl storage sheds are sturdy and long-lasting, they are not as attractive as other types of sheds.
Metal Shed
A metal storage shed is commonly made from aluminum, steel, or iron. They are strong, long-lasting, and very durable. Aside from that, metal storage sheds are also insect-proof and fireproof. They are great for outdoor use as they can stand up to different weather-related issues, such as moss growth, mold, and fungus.
Compared to other types of sheds, metal storage sheds are harder to break into, making them a good option to store valuable backyard items. However, there are also a few issues that come with metal sheds. One is that aluminum sheds can be dented easily. Also, if they have thin roofs, they may not be able to withstand heavy snow.
Wooden Shed
Wooden sheds are the most popular because they look great. They are the ideal choice for many homeowners who are aiming to use their shed as a home office or play space for children. In addition to being visually appealing, wood sheds also seem to stand out less when they are added to backyards compared to metal or plastic sheds.
You can also easily update the look of a wooden shed by adding more space or renovating its interior to meet your preferences. However, note that wooden sheds need proper care and maintenance for them to not be taken over by termites and become moldy. It is best to paint wooden sheds regularly to protect them against the elements. You should also avoid putting plants very close to a wooden shed as they will hold a lot of moisture near the wood, which may cause damage.
Different Shed Sizes
Aside from the styles and materials of sheds, you also have to pick the size of shed that you will add to your backyard. Below are the standard shed sizes that you can choose from:
Small Shed
If you are thinking of adding a shed to your backyard mainly for storing a few outdoor equipment and tools, then you can go for a smaller kind. They are cheaper and will take up less space on your property. You can still stand up inside a small shed, but you won’t be able to spend a lot of time working in them. Also, for smaller sheds, it is ideal to install pegboards and other storage options on the walls as these will help you store items easily and have them close at hand when you need to use them.
Medium Shed
A medium-sized shed will allow you to store more items, as well as get into it and walk around if needed. It is a good size for storing a riding lawn mower and other small garden tools. However, you won’t be able to turn a medium shed into a workshop or office space.
Large Shed
A large shed will provide you with more storage space and let you move around more freely. It is great if you are thinking of spending time in your shed to plot plants or tinker with equipment. There are also large sheds that you can use as an office or personal space. However, you still have to choose the items that you will store in it wisely as they are not the largest shed choice available, and may end up feeling cramped if you store too many items.
Extra-Large Shed
An extra-large shed is a perfect choice if you want to store any type of vehicle, yard equipment, toys, and other items from your home. In addition to that, it is also perfect to be used as a home office or any creative space that you may want or need. Extra-large sheds can also be customized easily to meet your needs. You also won’t feel cramped inside this shed as it has a lot of head space. More people can also walk around inside it comfortably.
Types of Sheds Based on Their Uses
There are a lot of shed options to choose from, depending on how you intend to use them. Below are some examples of the different types of sheds based on their uses:
Backyard Office Shed
Sometimes, it is great to have a quiet and peaceful space at home, particularly if you have a small home or a large and busy family. Therefore, if you need extra space where you can relax and spend time working on business plans for your work, you can add a high-quality shed to your backyard and use it as an office space. It is also a cost-effective way to add usable space to your home without having to renovate the house.
Firewood Storage Shed
If you use firewood at home, then you need a space to keep them dry and protected from the elements. To do this, one of the best ways is to place firewood inside a shed. A lean-to-shed is one of the best types of sheds that you can choose. It can allow fresh air to flow around the wood and keep it from becoming damp and musty.
Tool Storage Shed
Every homeowner probably has tools that he or she uses to maintain the property. Unless you have plenty of room in your garage or basement to store your tools, it can be challenging to find a place to store them. Backyard sheds are perfect for them and will do a good job of keeping your yard tools and equipment safe and dry.
Greenhouse Shed
If you are into taking care of plants, a greenhouse shed might be the best option for you. It is a great way to extend your growing season and have a space to nurture your plants year-round. Most greenhouse sheds feature large windows to let plenty of sunlight in. They also have extra ventilation to keep the plants healthy.
There are different materials that can be used to make greenhouse sheds, such as aluminum, wood, and plastic. If your backyard is small, you can still add a mini-greenhouse shed to grow a few plants. A greenhouse shed is popular with gardeners who are aiming to start growing their plants from seedlings or those who want to grow delicate plants that need to be protected from the elements.
A-Frame Shed
It is called an A-frame shed as it is shaped like an A, featuring a sloped roof that comes to a point in the middle. These are small sheds that are made of either wood or metal. Most of the time, they are used for storage, as a workshop, or as a playhouse for kids.
Modern Shed
A modern shed features a clean and minimalist design. Most of the time, they are constructed using metal or wood, and they have a simple rectangular design. Most of them also feature windows and doors to let natural light in. Others even have skylights. Modern sheds are used for different purposes, such as for storage, a workshop, or a home office.
Studio Shed
A studio shed is made to be used as a workspace. They are larger compared to other types of sheds, and they usually have features like large windows, skylights, and insulation to make them more comfortable to stay in. You can use studio sheds as an art studio, a music studio, or a home office.
She-Shed
A she-shed is the female counterpart of a man cave, which is a personal backyard space. You can decorate it any way you want, depending on your hobbies and interests. You can use she-sheds for different purposes, such as a home office, a craft room, or simply for relaxation.
Conclusion
There are indeed a lot of shed types to choose from that you can add to your backyard. Each of them has its own unique characteristics and function. Sheds are useful in the backyard as they can serve as an additional storage space for your tools and equipment. In addition to that, you can also use them as a personal space or office space at home if you do not want to undergo a costly and time-consuming home renovation. Sheds can also add an aesthetic appeal to your backyard, making the space look more organized and attractive. We hope this article helped you learn more about the different types of sheds that you can add to your backyard.