How to Choose a Garden Shed Plan
Well you’ve finally come to the conclusion that you need to get rid of all that clutter in the garage or basement and you’ve decided the best solution is a shed of some sort. But now the questions is what kind of shed, how big and should you build it either from scratch or from a kit or should you buy it ready made. If you plan to build the shed yourself you’re going to need a good garden shed plan.
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Your first decision is how big should your shed be. This will be determined by how much stuff you have to store and the space available on your property.
Your next hurdle will be to decide what kind of shed do you want. And by that I mean wood, metal, or plastic. So let’s talk about the pros and cons of each of these.
Metal Sheds
Pros-
Metal sheds are usually made with aluminum or steel. They are light and strong and easy to assemble. One big advantage of metal sheds is that they don’t require a foundation. Another plus for metal sheds is that they can be less expensive than wood or plastic (vinyl). Of course you don’t need to be a carpenter for this job as it’s just a matter screwing the parts together.
Metal sheds are most often made of steel and are very durable. They require little maintenance with just a coat of paint now and then.
Cons-
Probably the biggest negative for metal sheds is they just aren’t as attractive as wooden sheds. If you want pure functionality then a metal shed may be your best bet. Because there is no wood involved in the construction it can be a little difficult to add shelving. Although the metal has been treated to resist rust and corrosion it will corrode eventually. One important consideration especially if you have children is metal sheds can have sharp edges.
Click here to get your FREE shed plans and woodworking course that covers many outdoor projects.
Wooden Sheds
Pros-
Probably the biggest thing wooden sheds have going for them is their appearance. If you are someone who considers that a shed should be a visual asset as well as a practical structure then you may want to chose a wooden shed. Wooden sheds also offer greater flexibility of design as there are many variations either as kits or plans that you can purchase. Another advantage of the wooden shed is that it is easier to build shelving and work areas because wood is easier to work with than metal or plastic.
Cons-
Unlike metal or plastic, wooden sheds will require more maintenance as it will need painting or staining periodically. How often will depend on the severity of the weather elements in your area. A wood shed will also require a foundation of some sort as it needs to be elevated off the ground and of course, wood rot is another potential problem. A wooden shed is also quite a bit heavier than either a metal shed or a plastic shed so if you think you may want to move your shed then you probably don’t want one made from wood.
Plastic Sheds
Pros-
If your main objective is a shed that is durable as well as practical then a plastic or vinyl shed may be your best pick. Unquestionably the biggest advantage of a plastic shed over either wood or metal is there is nothing to rot or rust. Plastic sheds are easy to assemble and are light weight. They don’t require a foundation and they may be easily disassembled and relocated. Also, unlike a wood shed they don’t need to be painted or treated with a preservative.
Cons-
If you want a shed that will complement your home a plastic shed would probably not be the best choice. Although plastic sheds accomplish what you need for storage they generally don’t enhance the aesthetic value of your home. Furthermore, the color of a plastic shed may fade over time due to exposure to the sun and weather conditions and some of the material may become brittle. Because plastic sheds are lightweight they may be more susceptible to wind damage.
In Summary
Your decision on what type of shed you purchase will, of course, depend on your personal preference and needs. The information here can be used as a starting point as you begin your own research into finding out what garden shed plan will ultimately work best for you.
Click here to get your FREE shed plans and woodworking course that covers many outdoor projects.
