Garden Sheds
A garden shed is a very practical outbuilding that is used for a variety of reasons besides just storing gardening tools. Many people use garden sheds as an implement storage area as well as storage for lawnmowers, power equipment, seasonal sports equipment and other items. There are some garden sheds that include a section that is used as a potting shed and greenhouse to start seedlings in the spring or maintain a year round greenhouse.
There are a few considerations before deciding what type and size of garden shed is best suited for your needs. Consider the following questions:
What do you need to store in the garden shed?
What seasons of the year will you be using the garden shed?
What type of material should the shed be made of to match with your house or existing outbuildings?
Will the garden shed need to be heated or air-conditioned?
Types of garden sheds
There are many different types of garden sheds available. Most sheds are made of one of three different types of materials, wood, plastic or metal.
Metal sheds are usually shaped with a peaked roof or slanted roof and have a large single or double door that opens the front of the shed. They tend to be neutral colors of greens, tans and browns to blend in with the background of the garden or landscaped area. Metal sheds come in all sizes from very small tool type garden sheds to sheds big enough to park a vehicle in. Metal sheds are suited to all climates but are not designed to be heated or air conditioned unless separately insulated.
Plastic sheds are very durable and are both fire and rust resistant. They come in standard sizes and are very similar in design to the metal sheds. They floor is usually included in the package and is plastic as well. The surface never needs painting and is excellent as a good all weather storage building. Like the metal sheds they are purchased unassembled and require some assembly to put them together. Most sellers offer assistance with building the sheds for an additional fee.
Wooden garden sheds offer the most flexibility in design. They may have windows and walk in type doors as well as the double opening doors. Wood sheds require assembly as well, but it is usually more involved than assembling a metal or plastic shed. Wood sheds usually come either as natural wood or pre-treated wood and will need finishing or painting after they have been constructed. This does offer benefits as the color can be matched to any existing buildings on the property.
Concealing garden sheds
Some sheds are designed to be displayed in your yard or garden as part of the landscaping design. Others are intended to be blended into the surroundings and hidden from view. There are a few techniques that can be used to minimize the focus on your garden shed.
Paint or treat the surface of the shed to be a neutral or earthy color and tone to blend in with the landscape. Try to focus on the times the garden or lawn area is most used to determine the closest color.
Use hills or stands of trees in the landscape to conceal the garden shed naturally.
Avoid putting the shed beside an attraction in the garden or yard. For example try to avoid placing the garden shed beside a fountain or waterfall or in the direct line of sight of the attraction.
Keep the garden shed well maintained and painted to avoid drawing attention.