You know those tools you seldom use but you can’t bare to get rid of? Wooden sheds are a great place for storing them, but they can be used for SO MUCH MORE than just storage. They can also be made (or adapted) for several different purposes.

Using a shed for the garden is perhaps the most popular reason to have a shed. Its quite a convenient place for storing your garden tools and supplies so the natural location for a shed is right next to the garden. Plus, potting your plants is a snap with a proper workbench in your shed. Many of the garden sheds built today connect us to a simpler past just with their charm and character.

You can use sheds for other reasons also. For instance, a shed next to a pool actually serves the purpose of a pool cabana. Pool chemicals that really should be stored away from the house are better placed in the cabana. You can also use the cabana for housing a refrigerator for cold snacks, towels, pool toys, and other supplies. Storing towels and dry clothes also helps keep the kids from running into the house all wet.

Usually, wooden sheds are categorized by the type of roof they are made with. There’s salt box, gambrel, lean-to, etc. But you can also categorized them a different way – by how they are used. Each one of these uses can have any of the types of roofs mentioned as the style doesn’t really matter. Here are the five most common uses for wooden sheds:

1. Sheds for Storage

Storage sheds are the most basic type of shed. To keep out potential thieves, they usually don’t have any windows – just four walls, floor, roof and door. These sheds can have either a floor made from wood that is built on a frame or a floor made from poured concrete. Its really important to have a well organized shed since there isn’t much space in a small shed to begin with.

2. Sheds for Gardening

The most convenient item for your garden may be a garden shed (certainly if your garden is a fair distance from your house or garage). If you’ve ever needed to get to your tools right away and couldn’t find the one you were looking for, then you should know how handy a garden shed can be since that is its main purpose. They are also a convenient place to store all your gardening supplies and even a potting bench.

The corner of your garage is not a good place to store all your important “stuff”, like tools. But, you can’t just get rid of it. A better solution is to build a wooden shed in your backyard. And the best part – it can be easily done in a matter of only two day (assuming you already have all the materials purchased from the local supply store.) Here’s how:

Day 1 – Foundation and Framing

First things first – preparing the site. The site should be fairly level. However it is best to have a slight pitch downward towards the back for optimum water runoff. Next, get rid of any large rocks or debris. You want the foundation to be as smooth as possible. And, since this is only a 2-day project, you will have to make your shed with a wood floor, preferably skids, instead of a concrete floor. If you do want a concrete foundation, allow a few extra days to your plan to allow for drying. The advantages of building a wooden floor are its faster, cheaper, easier and more portable. Now use patio (or cinder) blocks for which to rest the frame of the floor. Make sure they are level.

1. How To Pick the Best Location for Your Shed

Placement of your wooden sheds should have careful consideration. You will need to have plenty of space around your shed so you will be able to build it and have room for the door to freely swing open. Your wooden shed shouldn’t look like it was just dropped in place. It should actually blend into its surroundings. The intended purpose of your wooden shed is going to determine where it will be located. For instance, if you are using it for your garden equipment and supplies, then you should locate it near the garden. Also, watch for places (like under a tree) that will most likely have bird droppings and debris falling onto your shed.

2. How To Chose Plans

Look for a comprehensive set of plans. They should contain step-by-step instructions with lots of details since you won’t be able to simply ask for help. There should also be photos of the shed in progress as its being built. Exploded diagrams are also very helpful. Good plans will also have a complete materials list.

3. How To Decide if You Should Buy a Shed Kit

There are quite a few considerations to keep in mind if you are trying to decide between plastic, metal or wooden sheds. With the exception of cost, let’s look at three basic categories.

Durability

Although they are both durable and reliable, plastic and metal sheds do have their weaknesses. In warmer climates, metal sheds can get blistering hot. And, plastic (or vinyl) can be damaged over time if exposed to extreme heat. If wood is treated, wooden sheds can last for years even if overexposed to heat and sunlight. A real plus for all three types of materials is that they can all be painted to add protection.

Imagine how unsightly your shed would look with a few good sized dents in it. This is exactly what can happen to your shed if it is made from metal. Wooden sheds, on the other hand, are pretty easy to repair if they are nicked by filling in the hole with wood filler and simply painting or staining over it. Wooden sheds can also handle extreme weather conditions quite nicely since they are framed very much the same way that houses are.

Flexibility