Protect your belongings in 2013 with a durable outdoor shed. Here are a few tips to help you get started as you install a storage shed.
The reason for building an outdoor shed is different for every person thinking of installing one. For some, an outdoor shed is the answer to where the miscellaneous items crowding out the garage will go as you make an effort to fit your car inside of it once again. For others, a shed is the ideal home for yard equipment that needs to be shielded from the elements while remaining within easy reach for when you are ready to work in the garden or mow the grass. Still for others a shed becomes home to collectable equipment too large to store elsewhere in the house, like antique cars or a boat.
Whatever your reason is for wanting to install an outdoor shed, there are a few facts that remain the same. Your shed is going to need to be reliable, sturdily built and large enough to encompass all the belongings you’ve intended it to hold. It should also be strategically placed so you have easy access to it and its contents whenever you need it.
These are all factors that you will need to consider when installing an outdoor shed, and give more reason as to why it is generally best to stick with installation services from a licensed and talented contractor.
The process of building a shed is complicated—especially for someone who isn’t proficient in carpentry. First you need to pick a location for the shed, but not every spot is going to be ready for installation. The ground needs to be level, and this may mean leveling the ground as you install support piers that will hold the beams, which will give the shed its integral shape and support.
Here are a few of the key steps involved in building a shed:
These are just the basic steps involved in building a shed. The floor will need to be reinforced with cement or other flooring, and all four walls and the ceiling will need to be sturdy. For the shed to be functional it must meet all standard codes and regulations. These are things that a professional installation crew will understand and can help you with.
When planned out right, a good outdoor shed can become an integral aspect of your garden. As any avid gardener knows, planning is one of the most important aspects of the growing process. Without a good plan a garden’s potential becomes drastically limited. Flowers can crowd one another out while planting during the wrong growing season can drastically interfere with a plant’s ability to grow.
The decision to add an outdoor shed to your garden should be part of this integral planning process. If done correctly, a good outdoor shed can accentuate your garden and add more life to a vast space. To ensure that your outdoor shed compliments your garden and doesn’t throw your garden into the shadows, there are a few factors that you need to consider.
Here are a few questions to ask as you add a shed to your garden:
When choosing the location of your garden shed there are a few additional factors you will need to consider. First, don’t put a garden shed somewhere that will obstruct light from your garden. Your plants will still need sunlight, even with your tools closer at hand. Make sure the shed is somewhere already afflicted by shadows. Along the same lines, your shed shouldn’t interfere with the natural water flow and irrigation of the plants. If you have a watering system in place, make sure the placement of the garden shed doesn’t interfere with that.
Garden shed come in all shapes and sizes. Commercial properties who use plenty of large, industrial strength farming equipment would benefit from larger garden sheds that have easily accessible and large doorways, while most home gardeners do not have the need for so large of a project.
For the home gardeners, a good outdoor shed can actually match the design of your home, giving your storage space a unique appearance that is both homely and functional. Simple designs and creative paint jobs can help a garden shed add to the mystique of a garden while providing you with a reliable, safe and weatherproof location to keep your garden tools and equipment.
When it comes to spending money, chances are you would rather put your investment into the items you hope to obtain rather than the storage solution. Most people don’t buy an item just to fill up space. You find belongings you plan on using. Finding a reliable, sturdy storage solution for those items comes second. That being said, after investing in different items you don’t want to let your belongings remain outside, exposed to the elements and foul play of those passing by.
Cheap storage sheds eliminate a lot of the obstacle out of protecting your items. Whether you are looking for a spot to protect oversized collectables or are in need of extra space to free up room in other parts of your home or garage, a cheap storage shed is a simple solution that can be easily installed.
Storage sheds range in price, size and functionality. While there are some storage sheds that do little more than put a roof over your head without enclosing the space with four walls, other storage sheds are entirely closed off and easily locked to prevent unwanted visitors. Storage sheds are available in a collection of sizes as well, with some tall and wide enough to fit RVs and others small and quaint enough to hold garden equipment while becoming a focal point of your yard.
The size, intended purpose and material used to build a storage shed will all impact the price point of the building. The ideal material for your storage shed depends on your environment, desired appearance and purpose of the shed. When picking a material cost is one factor that should be considered, in addition to the strength of wind that the shed will likely stand up against and the overall appearance of the shed.
When you are looking for storage solutions for your excess equipment, collectables and other belongings, things can quickly become expensive. Off-property storage solutions require monthly rental payments, while adding a home extension for the sake of housing your miscellaneous objects can quickly go past budget. A storage shed is a cost friendly alternative that will keep your belongings safe, secure and nearby without breaking your budget. For more information about cheap storage sheds, or for financing options for storage sheds, contact us.
Purchasing a metal storage garage is a big decision that takes some time to review and discuss. While there are several things to take into account when deciding on purchasing a metal carport or shed there are two items to think over that are the most important. The first is to determine what your metal storage shed will be storing and how big of a metal garage you will need to shelter those items. To help with those decisions, we’ve created a brief list of what items are most commonly stored in metal storage sheds and how to decide which size shed/garage to purchase.
If You Are Storing A Car
If you are purchasing a storage shed to house and store a vehicle, it is very important to get a metal garage that fits your car with space to spare. You will first want to measure the length and the width of the vehicle being stored as well as how tall the vehicle is at its absolutely tallest point. That will ensure you have a carport that is the perfect fit for your car. But what many people forget is that once the car is snuggly nestled in its new home, you still need to get out of the car without dinging the doors. If you are using your metal storage shed for a car, always give yourself enough width (usually a few extra feet) to get out of the car, as well as enough height to stand up without bumping your head.
If You Are Providing a Shelter for Animals
If you intend to use your metal garage to provide a shelter for animals it is important to take into account the type of animals you intend to house. For larger animals such as horse and livestock, you will want a much larger metal garage with openings for stalls and entrances. For caged animals like guinea pigs or rabbits, measure out the width and stacking height of the cages as well as the depth. Be sure to compensate for a pathway between each side of the cages and take into account whether or not you may need more space in the future and plan accordingly.
If You Are Storing a RV or Boat
RVs and boats can be stored under metal carports or in metal storage garages and each has its benefits. To further protect your RV and Boat form the elements, it is suggested to purchase a fully enclosed garage with a garage door. You would measure this the same way as you would if you were storing a car. Measure the width, length and height of the car and then add a few extra feet to the width to account for opening doors and getting out of the garage. Also, remember that if online prices only go to a certain height, contact us and we can discuss custom carport and metal storage garage options.
If You Are Storing Every Day Outdoor and Household Items
If you are using your metal storage shed to store household items, then you will want to make sure there is plenty of space for your items, with extra space to spare for organizing and walkways. If you have items that are temperature or light sensitive, you can look into custom options that allow temperature control as well as windows, skylights and lighting systems. Other custom features available are security systems for those precious and valuable items being stored.
The Metal Shelter or Shed That Fits Your Needs
Always remember to measure what you are storing and prepare for having walkways, organizing and extra space if needed. One important thing to remember is that we have staff on hand to answer any questions you may have, so if in doubt call us, and we will gladly provide you with the information you need.
Our outdoor storage sheds were designed to be easy to construct and install, and in order to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible you need to start with a good foundation. When you are selecting the location for your shed, you should first choose a site that is already comparatively level (to minimize the amount of digging) and avoid places that often have standing water.
There are a number of ways to level the ground for your shed, and the instructions for your building will come with specific recommendations for the most effective method. In general, though, there are a couple common ways to quickly and easily create a level and reliable place for the shed.
Method One
One method involves covering the entire space under the shed with gravel. To accomplish this, you must first mark off the area for the shed and make sure it is completely square. You may also want to extend this area a few inches longer than the dimensions of the shed to avoid mud and debris splashing up onto the nice siding during a heavy rain storm.
Once you’ve settled on the proper dimensions, you can remove about four inches of dirt and grass. Try to keep the bottom surface as level as possible and then fill the entire area with crushed rock or pea gravel. Fill the base until it is even with the ground and then compact the gravel with a metal roller. Again, make sure that it is completely level and then cover the entire surface with dry sand, working it in between the rocks with a rake. Once this is finished you can lay the paving slabs, level them out with a hammer, and then you’re ready to start building the floor.
Method Two
There’s another common method that isn’t quite so involved. Once again, you begin by marking off the area with stakes and strings – making sure that it is completely square. Once this is done you can mark spots on the string for the spacer (see your instructions for the exact layout), and then place some masonry blocks along those lines.
Place the 4×4 spacers across the stones and start leveling at the highest block. Dig down beneath each block and fill the hole with pea gravel. If the spacers are still not level, you can add or remove the gravel to even it back out. Never add gravel above the hole, though, because that could let the shed shift over time. You can add more blocks if you need to make big adjustments or use a shingle as a shiv if you just need a little more contact with the spacers.
A good foundation will help you get the most out of your sheds and other outdoor storage. Always follow the recommendations in your instructions and take the time to pay attention to all the little details. Some of them may require a full, concrete foundation, while others are fine with these methods. If you’re not sure what each structure will require, talk to one of our specialists and find out more.
The first thought of many people considering purchasing a steel garage or storage shed is that it can only be used to store cars or to house garden tools but we’ve made a list of 10 (and believe us there are many more) uses for a storage shed or steel garage to help open your eyes to all that a steel storage shed can be.
You can use your storage shed as a…
1. Animal shelter
Several people use storage sheds and steel garages as a place to keep animals such as bunnies, guinea pigs, and other crated or cages animals. The sheds can be custom made with shelving units to house such animals and are convenient and close to home to care for these animals that may not be allowed in the house. Other people use large steel garages to offer outdoor animals such as dogs, cats, horses, goats or other farm animal’s protection from the extreme weather elements of rain, snow, cold and heat.
2. Place of Business
Renting and paying utilities on a place of business can be difficult for a small business just starting out but to keep your operating costs and over head low, you may want to consider using a storage shed as your place of business until you feel ready for a piece of business reality
3. Hobby Shop
Many steel garage owners use their sheds as a place to do hobbies that there may not be room for in the home. Whether it is being used for quilting, sewing, or crafting, storage sheds are the perfect place to store all craft and hobby material as well as the best place to step away and enjoy your hobbies.
4. Game Room/Man Cave
Every man deserves a place to go hang out with his buddies and play poker, pool or just to watch the big game. Using a storage shed as a man cave and game rooms gives the man of the house a place to escape to and enjoy.
5. Workshop
Larger hobbies such as welding or wood working can take up a lot of space in a home and cause unnecessary dust and dirt. To combat this, many wives are suggesting their husbands do these hobbies out in the steel garage. This gives men a place to work that they won’t have to clean up every time they step away and keeps dust and dirt away from the house.
6. Place for Home Storage
Old couches, Christmas décor and old toys can all be stored out of the way in a dry and protected place when they are stored in a metal storage shed or garage. These storage buildings can house all the extra home items you don’t have room for, don’t need to be used at the moment and don’t want to get rid of.
7. Pool House
Storage sheds as a pool house offers a place to change for the outdoor pool can house a Jacuzzi or even just store the pool supplies out of the way but close to your outdoor pool.
8. At-Home Gym
Going to a gym can be time consuming and expensive but using your storage shed as a workout area allows for easy access, no travel time, no membership fees and complete work out privacy.
9. Mediation Area
Steel garages can easily be turned into a place of relaxation and mediation that can be accessed year round. A storage shed is the perfect place to perform morning mediation, yoga and pray and also offers a secluded place to relax and study.
10. Guest House
If you need some extra space for those guests on the way, convert the steel storage shed. With a few modifications, these metal garages can transform in to a spacious temporary living quarters for visiting family and friends.
Purchasing a storage shed is a wise choice and there are several uses and reasons to buy a metal storage garage. Whether for storage or used for a woodworking shop, the accessories to storage sheds are just as important. There several accessories to go inside of or customize your storage garage to fit your specific needs and we’ve created a short list of the most used customizable shed accessories.
Benches
Benches are perfect for the gardener who is storing gardening supplies in her storage shed or using it as greenhouse in the winter. Benches make good resting spots as well as storage places for smaller items like gloves and hand shoves. Benches are also nice if the garage has been converted to a man cave and requires extra seating.
Ramps
Ramps are a great addition to metal garages that are housing RVs, cars, four wheelers, and other motorized vehicles. They allow for smooth pulling into a metal storage garage and reduce the risks of injury when stepping into the shed.
Lofts
Lofts in a metal storage shed offer owners extended overhead space for more storage of items they may not use regularly. Christmas décor, old children’s toys, etc… all could be stored in overheard lofts and the storage shed protects them from the elements while providing extra space below for larger or more used items.
Windows
When storage sheds are used as play or hobby areas, some owners like to have a window to look out of or to peek in on the children at play. Windows can be installed in custom sheds and are also great in metal garages used to house large animals like livestock and horses.
Skylights
Skylights are also a custom option that is great for air circulation in the hot summers and for light in the winter months. Some owners like them for when they use their storage shed as a greenhouse to provide natural light for the plants.
Shelves
Adding a shelving unit to your shed is a great idea when the metal garage is being used for storage, as a hobby area or as a car shop. Shelves that are accessories to metal garages can be built in to prevent falling over and the ruining of other property so if you think you may want shelves, purchase them with your metal storage shed.
Work Benches
Work benches provide work areas for the gardener, mechanic, woodworker and toy train maker among many others. Adding a work bench to your metal storage shed is a smart choice if you plan on using your garage for activities that could benefit from a stable and flat working area.
Security & Temperature Control
For valuable items, being stored in a metal garage, it may be wise to get a custom accessory of security cameras. For items that are temperature sensitive, another accessory to consider is the option of temperature control. Both of these options may be good considerations if you are using your storage garage as a play place for children. It keeps them safe from heat stroke or being too cold and allows you as a caring adult to keep an eye on them without needing to be in the shed with them.
Storage Shed Accessories
No matter your reason for owning a metal storage shed, be sure to check out the accessory options they come with so all your needs can be met.
You might be shocked, but building a storage shed won’t save you that much money. After going to a store like home depot, and buying each part, the cost is not as cheap as you think. When anyone decides to make a storage shed, the specialization is gone. A business that specializes in making sheds will know what will make a quality shed.
Now, will it save you money on making a shed? It depends, if you buy affordable or cheap wood it can. Will the shed still be nice? Maybe, it depends how good you are. If you’ve built many sheds in the past, it might be worth it. The amount of time to make one shed can be brutal though. Then the question will be, is making a shed worth your time? Or is it worth buying one.
The advantage of a keensbuilding shed is quality. Quality that will last the test of time. If you make your own, over time if it breaks, your investment of time and money will break with it. If it can look great and last the test of time, it might be worth it. The best part is, it’s your choice and your judgement.
Sheds are not like building little play houses. Sheds take the perfect balance, and leveling. It takes the right planning and execution. If you want a quality shed, like a keens shed, it will usually include a window, some descent insulation, and the perfect roof.
There’s more that goes into making a shed compared to what it looks like. Especially if you want a shed that locks really well. Sheds are amazing when it comes to storing things and saving money. If you want to learn more about what goes into a shed, feel free to contact us! We would love to talk!
Over the years KeensBuildings.com has figured out how to make a storage shed very secure and strong. Preventing theft is very important to us. Now a storage shed isn’t a safe where you would keep thousands of dollars, however for some of your equipment, it’s probably the best place for it.
Here’s a breakdown of some things you might want to consider for your storage shed:
–Food Storage or Pet Food Storage, instead of using garage space, which most people do, a shed is great for food or water storage. It doesn’t have to be food storage for an emergency either, this can be regular items in the pantry that just takes up so much space, like flour or sugar. You probably have a few items in your kitchen right now you would want moved.
–Hunting Gear Storage, this is very important. We all like to treat all of our gear with respect. However, it can get old just sitting around the closet or in your garage. A storage shed can be a great place to store your hunting gear.
–Sports Equipment, if you have kids that play sports, they can rack up a ton of equipment over the years. Having it sitting around the garage can get annoying. Storage sheds work very well when it comes to storing all of the sports equipment. They even work well for golf clubs.
–Books, storage sheds can also store those old books out of the way that you don’t want to throw out.
-Yard & Lawn Equipment, probably the most used for storage sheds. Storage sheds work perfect for the lawnmower though. It takes up a lot of space in the garage and storage sheds are already out near the lawn, it can create a nice convenience as well.
–Car Parts & Mechanical tools, sometime the garage just isn’t big enough for all of your car equipment and mechanical tools. Storage sheds can be built to have the right amount of space for your mechanical equipment.
–Household supplies, it’s nice having some of your supplies all in one spot. Even though underneath the kitchen sink you might store a lot of cleaning supplies. Having an area set aside that has all of your toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and even trash bags is a great way to use your storage shed.
–Pool Supplies, storage sheds are perfect for pool cleaning supplies. If you have a pool but no shed, we would strongly recommend a storage shed just for your pool. It’s a great place to hide the pool toys as well.
–Holiday Stuff, yep, Christmas presents are so easy to hide from the kids when it’s in a storage shed. It can get old going to the basement to store all of your Christmas lights, Halloween decor, and 4th of July decor as well. Storage sheds are perfect when it comes to storing all of your holiday stuff.
-Closet Junk, sometimes you buy too much stuff in life and you don’t like it hanging around the house. Storage sheds are perfect for eliminating junk from the house that you’re not ready to throw out.
Now do you see why you might want to get one of those beautiful storage sheds from KeensBuildings?
Please call us at (386) 364-7995 for more details or click the banner above to learn more!
Please call us at (386) 364-7995 for more details or click the banner above to learn more!
Please call us at (386) 364-7995 for more details or click the banner above to learn more!
Please call us at (386) 364-7995 for more details or click the banner above to learn more!
Please call us at (386) 364-7995 for more details or click the banner above to learn more!
Please call us at (386) 364-7995 for more details or click the banner above to learn more!
