Outdoor shed

[jbitter_99]

I am looking to add an outdoor shed in my backyard to store lawn equipment and help declutter my garage. Ultimately to open up garage space to work on my cars
There are different materials btw wood, resin and metal. I am in Ohio so have 4 seasons of different weather
Which material would be best?

 

[meboatermike]

I am in a four season area and certainly think that a wood shed would be the best. I have two different wood framed sheds and the only thing I would / should change is having the smaller of the two higher off the ground for ventilation under.

 

[bczygan]

Build a pole barn, as large as allowed for your lot.

Problem solved!

Bill

 

[Git]

It depends on how handy you are and do you want to take on a project like building a shed from scratch

Family Handyman has a ton of sheds they built with plans, here is an example
https://www.familyhandyman.com/sheds/how-to-build-a-cheap-storage-shed/

 

[jbitter_99]

It depends on how handy you are and do you want to take on a project like building a shed from scratch

Family Handyman has a ton of sheds they built with plans, here is an example
https://www.familyhandyman.com/sheds/how-to-build-a-cheap-storage-shed/

I am handy but really don’t have a lot of time
Also limited on space so looking at no larger than 12x12
Leaning towards metal shed as they are cheaper
It’s only for storage not planning on using it to work in

A pole barn would be fantastic but something like that size I would just build detached garage. Maybe for later house with more acreage

 

[kaymccampbell]

There are a bunch of places that will deliver a complete shed onto your gravel pad. I bought a nice one for about what it cost me build another one, several years before.

 

[nafterclifen]

My father and I put together a metal shed in 2003. It's still standing however the snow load caved in the roof about 4 years ago. Maybe it can be fixed, maybe not. I don't know. But for this reason, I wouldn't consider a metal shed.

 

[rburke65]

I vote a wood shed.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I am looking to add an outdoor shed in my backyard

As opposed to an indoor shed? Sorry, couldn't resist.

Personally I'd do wood, but it will depend on your budget and what you can get locally - metal ones are probably going to be less expensive. It may be worth looking at your local Craigslist to see if there's someone who's getting rid of one - I just checked and there's a whole bunch of them listed on my Craigslist (some are really nice, others are flat worn out, but there's quite a few in the middle for decent prices.)

 

[bad_idea]

I have been down this road myself. I in the Southeast, so no snow concerns. But still plenty of seasons, lots of rain to contend with. I did the 8x10 metal prefab shed. I built a wood deck for it to get it up out of the dirt. HATED that shed. They are easy to put together with limited tools, that is their only redeeming quality. That is soon forgotten when using the shed. Guaranteed to leak. Guaranteed to smack your head on the overhead (low ceiling height).

I built a wood shed with a wood floor on skids about 5 years ago. LOVE this shed. Worth the time to build. I built a 8x16 myself over the course of four weekends. My mother helped me set the ridge beam, other than that I built it myself. First big carpentry project. Turned out well. Built it to my specs, exactly what I wanted. Water tight and plenty of overhead room.

 

[bugnut]

Recently took delivery of a wood shed. Chose it over metal as I did not want to assemble. Comparing prices of prefab, board lumber or finished shed, my building time was only worth ~$500, Easier to write a check and it was delivered finished ready to use. Smartside and flooring 50 year warranty, shingles 20years.
I'll be in the old folks home before then.

 

[Bretny]

Wood or metal will work. Metal sheds usualy have next to no head room for a 6ft tall person and can cave in with snow. Wood can be built to your spec. With only 12x12 footprint i would suggest 8ft tall side walls. With the extra head room you can store things up and out of the way, floor space will be at a premium with a 12x12.

 

[mmb617]

I have or have had wood, metal and plastic sheds. Both wood and plastic have their advantages so either could be a good choice.

The metal sheds, at least the ones I had were total junk. I had two of them only because they were given to me when people moved. All I had to to was take them apart and reassemble them at my place, and in retrospect they still weren't worth it. They rusted quickly, the roof on one collapsed due to snow load and they didn't have enough headroom, even for a short guy like me. These were the elcheapo Arrow sheds so maybe someone makes better metal sheds but I'm soured on the whole idea of metal now.

I have two wooden sheds one of which I built close to 40 years ago and they've held up well with a little maintenance. One nice thing about wood is that you can build any size and configuration you want. Another is that I have zero worries about snow load.

I also have a Rubbermaid shed and it's got it's good points as well. I've had it for about 10 years and it's held up well. It was easier to setup than it is to build a wooden shed from scratch, but that can be either a pro or a con depending on how you look at it.

I don't think you can go wrong with either wood or a name brand plastic shed, but I'd certainly stay away from metal.

 

[b-boy]

I also have a Rubbermaid shed and it's got it's good points as well. I've had it for about 10 years and it's held up well. It was easier to setup than it is to build a wooden shed from scratch, but that can be either a pro or a con depending on how you look at it.

I had an 8x8 rubbermaid shed. It lasted about 15 years. It held up pretty well for 10 years, but fell apart over the last 5 years. The plastic started to warp, especially the roof. This caused the plastic panels to separate. The doors wouldn't close properly, and would blow off in high wind.

The death knell was a big windstorm last Winter. The thing just blew apart. There were pieces all over my yard.

 

[albaran]

Definitely do wood. Having had many sheds on different properties I owned through the years, my basic advice is get the largest one you can fit or afford. You would be amazed how fast you can fill one of these things up. Also, make sure you have a door (or double door) that is wide enough to fit equipment through. I have a golf cart I use to help in yard work and it just about fits through the double door.
I had sheds custom built by carpenters but there are many companies that deliver pre-made sheds that are just as good.

 

[Git]

I went to the Costco web site to see what they had, but I think this might be a little too big for what you need

 

[Bretny]

I may be wrong but does any one even make a 12x12 plastic shed? All i have seen is 8ft widths.

 

[1720blue]

In these parts, for a 12x12 shed, the standard for comparison would be an Amish-built wooden shed. They're built in a factory and delivered on back of a truck. Cost would be in the $3-4 K range for that size. As you're in Ohio, no doubt there's dealers offering locally built "Amish sheds" there as well.

Basically, all that's needed is a level spot of ground to set it on that's accessible by a roll-back truck. You can dress up the location with a gravel pad if you want. I had to level my location (2' drop over the length of the shed) by using landscape block to build a retaining wall to form a box I then filled in with crusher run gravel.

Metal sheds: been there, done that. Bought a metal shed kit from Sears bunch of years ago when I needed some quick storage cheap. All the complaints people listed above, I second. After 10 years it was pretty junky looking, rusted, and dented.

 

[jbitter_99]

Thanks all. Will steer clear of the metal sheds and look at wood or plastic/resin

That Costco barn though.... damn!

 

[sberry]

Just don't build an indoor shed.

 

[jbitter_99]

Just don't build an indoor shed.

That’s for next year fo sho

 

[ludakris04]

For that size I would go with wood.
I went with a 7x7 resin one. Got it for a crazy deal and the HOA considers it a "temporary" structure, therefore no approval necessary... A wood one is considered permanent and has "requirements" ...

 

[engineer2]

I scratch-built my wooden shed and it took six weeks of evenings and Saturdays.

 

[black00lightning]

I used a 10' x 10' resin shed to store rough cut wood. I did build a treated 2 x 4 frame on the inside for shelving.

 

[Handyandy23]

Sounds like OPer has already ruled out the metal, but I can attest that I had one and would never buy one again. The thing came with what seemed to be about a million nuts and bolts and plastic washers to put it all together. Spent a lot of time holding flopping metal panels together and trying to feed bolts through. You pretty well need two people, one to hold the wrench on one side and one to turn the bolt on the other.

Even after putting it together and trying to be careful, there were still water leaks. The plastic washers that are supposed to seal won't seal properly if you don't tighten enough, but will crack if you over-tighten. I had a leak on one side of the roof that I swear I replaced every washer twice and still couldn't get it to go away. Eventually just used that side to put the stuff I didn't care about on.

Overall a huge PITA! My next shed I'd go wood if I have the time, and resin if I don't. I put up a resin shed at my MIL's, and it didn't seem too bad for the cost of it. The roof panels are reinforced with steel beams so it isn't too weak. Not much time to judge longevity yet, though.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Wood. 16" OC framing, not larger. Treated lumber. Vinyl siding. Real asphalt shingle roof. It will probably last a lifetime if it's not too close to the ground.

Tommy

 

[NUTTSGT]

Wood. 16" OC framing, not larger. Treated lumber. Vinyl siding. Real asphalt shingle roof. It will probably last a lifetime if it's not too close to the ground.

Tommy

I would the same, maybe even add metal siding over osb on the walls and roof.


I've seen some pre-built sheds, some are nice and others are cheapened up. You can spend big bucks on one in the blink of an eye.

 

[Wsmithy]

I was searching for a readymade shed. Saw a couple of products, and those are very expensive.
Is there any way to have them within budget?

 

[Wsmithy]

I was searching for a readymade shed. Saw a couple of products, and those are very expensive.
Is there any way to have them within budget?

I got interested in the first one of this thetooly.com article, But it costs way above my budget. I am looking for one at around 2000 bucks but those are relatively smaller.

 

[MikeF2316]

I was searching for a readymade shed. Saw a couple of products, and those are very expensive.
Is there any way to have them within budget?

Not readymade, but shed kits, at least at big box stores, go on sale. I bought mine for 33.3% off, and no tax, total more than 41% off.

Click the link in my sig for details.

 

[andyvh1959]

Back in 2005 I built a wood 12x16 shed (always multiples of four), with a loft and upper level, on a marine treated wood deck, 2x6 deck framing, on concrete footing blocks on a 4" thick gravel pad. I made a 48" roll up OH door from old 16' OH door panels, modified the rails to go near vertical, and a 75' counterwieght pulley system for the door (works great). Cedar trim and T-111 siding sheets. Shingled roof to match the house. Been solid ever since even after 15 years of Green Bay WI weather.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

I used one of their 12x8s. Was about $800 less than a comparable Tuff Shed, but I do have some regrets about getting a barn style.

Wood will allow for more shelving, etc options.

http://www.westernportablebuildings.com/WPBprices.pdf


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[bobg03]

I wanted a 8x12 wooden, but it would have to be built on site and not easily accessable for a build or delivery.

I went with a plastic 12 x 12 from bLowes and built it where it still sits seven years later. My backyard has a large concrete slab for a patio poured above a retaining wall. The shed has the floor and sits on perfectly leveled concrete and has been perfect for my wifes garden stuff. I expect it to last another 5 years in it's current condition as it's started to fade and look a bit weathered from the sun. It survived both Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence here in coastal South Carolina.

For our needs and conditions it has worked well.

 

[nadogail]

My generator sits in a repurposed RubberMaid shed that was originally intended to shelter trash cans.
Being who I am, I would probably make a shed from pallets.