Storage Barn and Shed TipsOne Stop Shop for the Do It Youself Woodworker

How to Organize Your Garden Barn and Storage Shed Plans

In order to keep a well maintained yard you will need many different tools and accessories. From power tools, to wheel barrels, to lawn mowers, rakes and shovels. But there is only so much space available in your garage. For this very reason many people decide that an do it yourself storage shed or garden barn would be perfect for their lawn and garden needs.

But there are many things to consider before you set out building your backyard storage shed. Will you need a building permit? Where are you going to build it? Do you own a regular lawn mower or a riding mower? How many tools and outdoor accessories will be housed in your shed? What type of foundation should you use? Where in your yard do you want the shed to be placed? Who will have access to it? And how large do you need it to be?

So let’s begin to answer some of these questions. Do you need a building permit? Regardless of the size of the garden barn or storage shed plans, it is very important to obtain a permit. The building inspector can ensure that your building is up to code. You do not want to go through all the work and expense in building a shed only to have it blown over by a very strong gust of wind or have the roof collapse during a heavy snow. They will want to make sure that it is properly positioned so it is completely on your property and that it will not sink into the ground. Plus, isn’t it better to obtain permit before you start your project than to finish it only to have your town tell you that you must tear it down?

Another question is where can you find outdoor storage shed plan for making your own do it yourself shed. This will require a bit of homework on your part. There are a lot of good and reputable companies on-line that can help you with a backyard storage shed. Just be sure to thoroughly check them out and keep in mind one of the best references for such a company can come by word of mouth. So ask your neighbors, family and friends if they have anyone that they would recommend.

A very important thing to think about is what type of foundation to use. There are basically two types: on-grade and permanent. On-grade foundations do not require any post hole digging or concrete so for this reason they are typically the most popular. They are constructed using concrete blocks or pressure treated timber placed right on top of the ground. They are then leveled and used to support the wooden floor frame. They are typically recommended for small to medium size tool shed, no larger to 200 square feet. Permanent foundations are good for larger outdoor storage shed plans and are typically built by digging down to the frost line and pouring concrete footings or slabs. Keep in mind that a building inspector will ultimately decide what type of foundation is right for you. And he will do this based on the height and size of your building.

Where are you going to build it? This of course will also depend upon how big you want your garden shed to be and this depends on what you will be storing in it. For the most part, make sure your wood shed is placed in direct sunlight and in a very arid locale. This will make sure your wood shed is free of any mold, mildew or rot. Along this line, make sure your backyard storage plan is not in an area that collects water such as the bottom of a hill. When building your storage building, keep in mind what will be in it. For example, if you have a riding mower you will want to make sure that the door width is large enough. There are two types that work well, hinged and sliding. Hinged doors close more tightly will sliding are very easy to install.

Now that you have your permit, your storage shed building plans and you know what type of foundation will work best for you, it is time to give some serious thought to a weather resistant floor frame. And something that you should never do is skimp on is the material you decide to use for your floor frame. If you do you could end up with a sinking, spongy floor. Always make sure that you use pressure treated lumber. No matter how careful you are in your planning, storage shed floors will be somewhat exposed to the elements. And what this will mean to you is a rotting floor if you use untreated lumber. So don’t skimp!

You also must bear in mind what you will be storing in your outdoor storage barn . If you are going to be storing a riding mower or any other heavy item, you will most likely want to use tongue-in-groove plywood. The edges will lock together very tightly giving you a very sturdy and solid floor. It will require some extra work on your part and the cost will be more but in the long run it will pay off.

Along these same lines, consider using material that will be very low maintenance when constructing your storage shed. Consider using PVC trim boards over standard painted cedar. The plastic PVC is resistant to bugs decay and even rotting and never needs painting. And yes, it will cost more but once again in the long run, it will be worth the extra cost. Other areas that can be low maintenance are the windows, the roof and the siding.

Many people wonder what type of roof would be best for their small sheds. You want to be comfortable when you are walking in and out, gathering your garden tools, wheel barrels and lawn mowers. Shallow pitched roofs leave very little headroom and they can be problematic because they do not shed debris, particularly snow, very well. But you also must keep in mind that regardless of the slope of your roof, using improper rafters will not support any heavy snowfall.

When your outdoor storage shed is up and ready for use, consider adding some landscaping around the building. Adding a few shrubs and flowers can make it look homey and very pleasing to the eye.