Outdoor Storage Buildings
Extra Storage Space
Saves Time and Storage Fees

 Outdoor Storage Buildings are a productive storage solution. They are ideal for items that will not safely fit into your Garage Storage Space or are not Safe Garage Storage Items.

Whether you need Extra Storage Space for dangerous items, flammable materials, hazardous substances, or just need more storage space for sports gear, bikes, gardening tools or equipment, Outdoor Storage Buildings are a sensible outdoor storage solution.

Storage Buildings are known by many names. Everything from Backyard Storage Barns and Storage Sheds to Tool Sheds and Garden Sheds.

To keep it simple, we call all outdoor buildings used for storage of your stuff, Outdoor Storage Buildings.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Considerations

Storage Buildings are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and materials. They are built using one of several construction methods.

Their use can be easily adapted to suit your storage needs. However, there are many things to consider before selecting the storage building and features that best suit your situation.

We have organized the main considerations into:

* Storage Needs * Price * Design & Appearance * Size & Functionality * Construction Methods * Construction Materials * Permits & Restrictions * Placement & Site Preparation * Installation *

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Storage Needs

The average American home is often known for it's shortage of storage space. However, most homeowners do not utilize the storage space in the 20% of their home known as the garage.

Before you decide to create Extra Storage Space, utilize your existing Garage Storage Space. You can save money and save time by first determining your storage needs. The best way to determine your storage needs is to Take Inventory then Plan Garage Storage.

Once you have completed these two steps, it will be much easier to determine which type of Building best suits your needs.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Uses

Some uses for Outdoor Storage Buildings are:

* Tool and equipment storage

* Storing or Parking bicycles, accessories and toys

* Storing Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies

* Storing Hiking, Camping Equipment and Supplies

* Storage of dangerous items, flammable materials or hazardous substances

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Price

Price vs. Functionality and Quality.

Price should not be the determining factor in selecting the best outdoor storage sheds for your situation.

Sometimes, one is drawn to the cheapest price and alternatives based on quality and functionality are ignored.

While price is always important, keep the overall appearance, functionality, maintenance and your actual storage needs in mind.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Appearance

To many people, the word Outdoor Storage Building brings up an image of a ugly metal shed where few items can be safely stored.

The Design and Appearance of todays Outdoor Storage Buildings have come a long way from that ugly metal shed image.

Some are still built out of metals, but have realistic wood grain finishes and vinyl coating for appearance and protection from the weather. Many are built with real wood and use wood siding to improve appearance.

Others are built from molded plastics with attractive designs that provide durable, cost effective storage space.

Many Storage Buildings are designed with add-on design features like window boxes, shutters and double doors that improve their overall appearance. Small touches can make a dramatic difference and can be the difference between an eyesore and an eye opener.

When considering an outdoor storage building, keep overall design and appearance in mind. You could be looking at it for a long time. Plus, you don't want your neighbors complaining about an eyesore.

Be sure the design of the storage building you choose complements your home. The appearance of an outdoor storage building can also affect the overall value of the property it is installed on.

Integrate your storage building into the existing landscape. Well placed shrubs, trees, hanging flower pots or a trellis with climbing vines placed against the walls can quickly Blend your outdoor storage building into the surrounding landscape.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Accessories

Small Touches can make a dramatic change in appearance.

Most outdoor storage buildings have design options with add on accessories to improve appearance. They include items like double doors, window boxes, shutters and weather vanes.

Small Touches can be the difference between an eyesore and eye-opener.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Size

Make sure the storage building you choose is large enough to accommodate all the items you can't safely store in your Garage Storage Space.

Reviewing your Take Inventory Form will help here. Make sure the storage building entry is wide enough to accommodate your largest items with room to spare. If necessary, buy one with double doors.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Construction

Even though Outdoor Storage Buildings come in many sizes, shapes and materials, there are only 5 ways to create them:

1/ Buy a Assembled Storage Building

2/ Buy a Pre-assembled Storage Buildings. There are two types of Pre-Assembled Outdoor Storage Buildings.

* The first has the has the major sub-assemblies of the product already assembled for you. You simply bolt or snap the major assembled parts together.

* The second has more parts and pieces that require assembly by you. These take much longer to build, but can save you more money.

3/ Build from a Kit With Materials included

4/ Build from a Framing Kit Without Materials included

5/ Custom Build using Storage Building Plans

The key to quick assembly are good easy to follow instructions.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Materials

The three main types of Construction Materials are:

1. Wood Materials. All wood materials that come in contact with the ground should be pressure treated.

2. Metal Materials. Metals include Aluminum and Steel. All metals should be coated to protect from the elements.

3. Plastic Materials. Plastic materials include vinyls and PVC. All plastics should have UV protection. Plastic and vinyl outdoor storage buildings are maintenance free durable and quick to assemble. Some Storage Buildings are constructed from resin based injected molded plastic parts that mostly snap together. These snap together parts provide a lot of storage space for the money.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Siding Materials

Natural Wood Siding

Natural Wood is considered by many to be the most attractive exterior siding material for storage buildings. The problem is that natural wood, exposed over time to water, usually rots, if not protected with paint or stains.

Some woods contain natural resins that make them relatively rot-resistant. Cedar is such a wood. Because of it's beauty and rich grain it is a very popular siding choice. Cedar lays flat, stays straight and is less likely to twist and crack than other wood products.

However, cedar siding is not totally maintenance-free. It needs to a clear stain or UV-inhibiting sealer/preservative every other year to protect it from ultraviolet solar radiation.

Particle Board and Plywood Siding

Particle Board And Plywood are composed of pieces of wood products that have been pressed and glued together. They are popular inexpensive siding materials. However, if water does work its way into these products, they often have to be replaced.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Siding is considered maintenance-free and is one of the preferred materials for exterior siding uses.

One of the problems with vinyl is that it lacks the visual appeal of wood. Owning a home with vinyl siding is an excellent reason for you to choose a vinyl siding.

Steel Siding

Steel Siding is durable but susceptible to rust. Ensure steel siding has a protective coating to protect from rust.

Aluminum Siding

Rust-Free Aluminum Siding is probably one of the most durable siding materials. The main problem with aluminum is it's overall appearance. Because aluminum metal buildings tend to be in the lower price ranges, they have minimal wall and roof strength and tend to warp and become that ugly metal building.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Building

Two often overlooked details that can create a lot of problems are building/zoning codes and restrictive covenants.

Before you decide on any Storage Building, check with your local building department for their building and zoning codes. Every building department has different requirements. Some require a permit while others may not.

Also, Before you decide on any Storage Building, check  the Title of your property for any restrictive Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's).

If there are any, you are best advised to first get approval from the governing authority or homeowners association before starting any construction.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Preparation and Placement

Preparation and Placement are two of the most important steps for any construction project. Carefully select the placement of your Outdoor Storage Building and make sure you:

* Consider setback from property lines and other buildings

* Consider appearance and visibility

* Install drainage that ensures you all weather access

* Lay down cinder blocks, concrete piers, a concrete slab or at least crushed stone before you start your building.

* Make sure the supports underlying the floor are made of pressure-treated wood.

Outdoor Storage Buildings - Installation

Professional Installation vs Do-It-Yourself.

Professional Installation

If you’d prefer all the work be done for you, then just select a shed from an online turnkey supplier like:

* Your local Ace Hardware store.

* DoItBest, the world's largest hardware store. They will see your  outdoor storage building is delivered and  professionally installed to your satisfaction.

Do-It-Yourself

If you want to Do-It-Yourself, you can:

* Buy Storage Building Plans and supply your own materials

* Buy a Storage Building Kit with or without materials

* Design and Build from scratch

If you are handy with tools, and wish to save some money, Storage Building Plans or Storage Building Kits are the best options. The best Plans ones come with 3-D drawings, a complete material list and easy to follow assembly instructions.