Yes, it’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter and you can feel the nip in the air. It's time to take care of your pond or water feature and get it ready for winter. So, what are you going to do with all your equipment and supplies over the course of these cold months?
Sure you could clear a space in your garage. Climb around it all winter long, cursing that it's in your way. Get yourself a more permanent solution and build yourself the perfect garden shed.
Having a structure that is at the point of use is only one advantage to finding the perfect outdoor garden shed. You won’t need to search around the basement or garage looking for the right tool for the job. Remembering where you put your replacement UV light bulbs.
All Shapes and Sizes
When you picture a garden shed, what comes to mind? A giant structure overshadowing your garden or pond? It doesn’t have to be that way. Today, a garden shed can be built in a weekend and blend into the landscape.
There are three main ways to deal with your storage problem. Get a small storage shed kit. Buy a prefabricated ready to go shed and have it delivered. Or the third option (my favorite) build your own and make it exactly the way you want it.
Let’s discuss our options further one at a time.
Small Vinyl Shed
This is the most budget friendly option. At the same time, the size of this type of structure has its limitations. You can get a small vinyl shed (link to Amazon for availability and price) that will keep your garden tools out of the weather. This style can be hidden in the garden.
I have one of these. It is on the larger side for a vinyl shed. It's a 10 x 10 structure with a peak of 7 feet. Be aware, the larger size vinyl sheds, will need a foundation for them to sit on. I wish I would have known this before I brought my shed home.
The shed pictured also claimed to have a floor, which is "true". However, the floor is not structural. It would be like buying a living room that comes with the carpet, you still need to put it on the floor
If you have a pre-existing concrete pad, that would be ideal. I wasn’t so lucky and had to build a foundation using 2 x 6 and plywood. Keep this in mind if you plan on going this route.
The smaller versions of vinyl storage sheds will still need sturdy ground to rest on. Many of them have a more structural floor. Something to think about when you are shopping around.
If you are wondering if this style shed will hold up to the weather, I can say through personal experience a resounding YES! I live in a rural area outside of Buffalo New York, and we have a reputation for harsh winters with lots of snow. I have had my shed since 2008 without a single issue.
The only con I can see is these style sheds can easily be broken into. They are only made of vinyl and can be opened with minimal effort. If this is a concern, then one of the other options may be better suited for you.
Special Delivery - Prefabricated Shed
This option allows you to go to a showroom, like buying a car and look around at all the available options. This is the least labor intensive option of the three. Many outlets have a catalogue of available features. Pick the ones you want and that’s all there is to it.
You can choose everything from the color, to how many flower boxes you want under the amount of windows you choose. The options are seemingly endless.
There are two downsides to this option, price and delivery time. Understand all that convenience comes at a price. There is always a trade off. If price is not an issue, this is the most hands off way to get what you want.
With all that customization, you may have to wait your turn for your shed to be manufactured. You can most likely get the floor model delivered quickly. Any customization could set your delivery time back depending on the time of year and how busy they are.
Built To Suit the DIY Way
This is the way to go. Make what you want as fast as you want it. Building your own garden shed will not only save you money, but you can customize it to EXACTLY what you want. If you aren’t sure where to begin, start with the right plans.
Like all our projects here, follow the steps: location, plan the layout, create, enjoy! These shed plans (link to thousands of shed plans) will get you started on the right foot. You will save time and money going this route.
Using a shed kit from a big box store sounds like a great idea, but checking our these plans first. You will save time, money and headaches. Once you’ve chosen the plan that fits your criteria it’s time to get to work.
Like all our other projects, planning is the key to success. Even if you go with one of the other two options, you will still need to plan things out to get the most from your shed.
Conclusion
Now you know what options are out there if you are in need of more outdoor storage. The best practice is to store things close to where you need them. Having an on site storage solution will make life easier. Staying organized can be simple when you have dedicated storage.
When you are ready to build your pond or water feature be sure to download our FREE “Ultimate Guide To Building Your Backyard Water Garden”. Until next time, enjoy your backyard water garden.
~Jeff
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