Metal Sheds

Posted By Sue on May 12, 2009

Metal Sheds

 

We all have an abundance of toys and tools for outside enjoyment and home improvement. From flower pots to toys, baseball bats to skis, more than once all of us have wondered, “Where in the world am I going to put it all?”

 

Metal sheds can be a great alternative to stacking our treasures on the back porch or in the end of the kitchen. With a wide variety to choose from, sheds are made from wood, metal, or PVC vinyl.

 

METAL SHEDS:

Metal sheds are primarily made from steel. Sheds made from this durable material typically last for at least ten years, many times much longer.

 

Metal sheds can be purchased as a kit, partially assembled, or fully built. Metal also makes for a very low maintenance shed. Paint can last for several years. Sometimes the superstructure is made of framing lumber and then metal siding for the roof and sides. And sometimes the whole shed itself is entirely metal. More substantial sheds tend to be made with the wooden frame. Also they are easier to install shelving and hooks. All metal sheds can still have shelves and organizers added to them, but not quite as easily.

 

WOODEN SHEDS:

A wooden shed is more easily painted to match if you chance you chance your exterior home design. Also you have the choice of leaving it a natural wood color and simply staining it with an exterior home finish. When next to a log or wood sided home, many times the shed can be treated with the same preservative that is used on the home. This makes them match each other, plus provides a use for left over home stain.

 

Overall, wood sheds do require more maintenance than metal ones. Attention does have to be given to the wood. With too much exposure to the elements without enough paint or sealant, the wood deteriorates and rots.

 

PVC VINYL SHEDS:

PVC/vinyl sheds are very durable. Also they are low maintenance. Shelving is harder to add than to a metal shed with a wood frame, but it can be done. Vinyl sheds do not dent as metal does if a rock hits it when you are mowing the lawn. Also PVC sheds tend to be smaller than their wooden and metal cousins. There is a limit to the color choices. Typically they are seen in browns, greens, and grays.

 

Whatever your choice be sure to choose one which can accommodate the volume of treasures you want to store in it as well as the heights. Rakes and garden tools require a taller area. Toys and flower pots could even settle for a horizontal shed, more like a storage trunk that a typical shed. Sheds of all sorts are a wise investment for preserving your yard items and organizing your possessions.

 

Look for more posts about site preparation and shed foundations, metal sheds, and shed reviews.

 

Thanks for reading, Sue

 

 

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Shed Accessories

Posted By Sue on July 7, 2009

To maximize the space in your yard shed, consider adding shelving. One such as this loft shelf increases your storage and decreases your clutter. When you have places for everything you also are less likely to have things lost or damaged. This particular shelf has a wire design with a power-coated finish to prevent rusting. Dimensions of 50×17x22 inches and can hold up to 30 pounds. It is a Suncast brand, so may not be usable in all sheds.

When considering what shed accessories are best be sure to line up everything that you would like to fit into the shed. Sheds with wood superstructures are great for adding things. The wood is much easier to attach things to that metal. Screws are also perferable to nails for such projects. Heavy items, such as liquid gallons or cases of nails are more suitable to be placed on the floor of the shed or on a low shelf that is not supported by the superstructure. One nice addition to a metal shed it to have it set up for a bike to be hung. Bikes are awkward items to stack anything around but are fairly light, so they are a good choice for hanging up. Fishing poles are another item that are a nightmare to get untangled. A few hooks mounted on the wall are perfect for accomodating the poles. Each pole would require two hooks. Then lining them up down the wall, one under another, provides quick access to them and also saves all the time that would be required to untangle the mass of woven hooks, spinners, bobbers, and fishing line.

Wider shelves built into metal sheds provide places to place light weight boxes such as Christmas decorations. Light in nature they do not pose a threat to the framework of the shed. Also Christmas ornaments, wreathes, and other decor are not things that you would want to stack anything on top of. Only needed once a year, it is not a problem for them to occupy the back of a high shelf.

Another improvement for a shed, instead of driving nails into posts to hang extension cords from, hang a series of hooks. A simple way to make a series of hooks is to simply get a 2×4, sand it smooth, and then screw rubber coated hooks into the board every few inches. Then the rack can be screwed directly into the shed side. Organizing a shed is a good way to make the most of space and also preserve important assets.

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Sheds to Choose From

Posted By Sue on July 7, 2009

This Titan metal shed Duramax model has an inside height of about 5 1/2 feet in the middle. It is completely composed of metal and claims to be 15% larger and as much as 8″ taller than other comparable sheds. Total dimensions are 102.7 x71.6×79.7 inches. This particular shed has reinforced groove steel walls. This makes it more durable when hit with a rock thrown by a lawn mower or hailstones. The lighter color it will reflect some of the heat and also be more neutral to blend in with more homes exteriors and would a bold color.
The manufacturer claims that 2 people can assemble the whole shed in about four hours. All of the parts are drilled, precut, and numbered for easily assembly.

Tools required include a drill with a Phillips head, measuring tape, pliers, hammer, and ladder.

Upgrades for this shed also include a wider and taller shed for more storage room, wider double doors, and other color choices.

Almost every yard has some sort of shelter, or needs a shelter to keep tools, toys, bikes, and lawn mowers. Choosing one with a paint warrantee, strong steel frame, and grooved steel all help to insure that the out building will have a long life. Other advantages of a light colored shed, it is easier to paint over if the exterior color of the home changes. If rust areas develop, it is a good idea to paint over the areas with a rust retardent paint, such as Rustoleum or another paint meant to slow or stop the effects of rust.

Required tools for this shed should be readily available in most garages and tool boxes. For most sheds an eight foot step ladder is all that is required. Having a battery powered screw gun is also a nice tool to have on hand for most home projects. The DeWalt 14.4 drill is a very durable screw gun that even contractors use.

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