Shed Suggestions

[TX63CONV]

I have a side yard that I would like to build a shed to store some tools and lawn equipment. The challenge is that the a/c units are in this side yard. Originally, I was going to go with the cheap metal shed but it wont fit.

New plan is to stick build a shed but need some confirmation of some ideas. Below is a 'before' picture. The a/c units are up against the house and stick out about 3'. I have an additional 9' to the wall on the right (total width of 12'). I need a pathway to access the front yard through a future gate that will be in the far distance at the edge of the house.

My thought was to build a 6' wide unit approximately 12' or maybe 16' long. Does this seem reasonable? 6' is way too narrow but I don't have any other options. I figure I need about 3' pathway to access the front yard. Can I shrink this to 2'?

Would you put the door on the 6' wide end or two doors on the 12' (or 16') wide ends? I thought about sliding barn doors but don't want to over-engineer this. My concern about doors on the 12' side is turning the push mower and my daughter's toy jeep into the shed.

Thoughts?

 

[SGTH55]

You should check your set back from the lot line before you build. Here in Calif you have to be 5' away (in most case's) even with a shed.

 

[oldgoat]

Any code requirements that might not allow it being built there? If not then I'd go the 12 ft with double doors and put them on the front and the rear so that you can get at what ever you need which you know will be at the other end.

 

[mmhouse]

Any code requirements that might not allow it being built there? If not then I'd go the 12 ft with double doors and put them on the front and the rear so that you can get at what ever you need which you know will be at the other end.

I agree. That's probably your best bet. Or go 16' and put a door in the center of the 16' side also, so things in the center don't get buried. You could even wall off the center section for space to hang tools and put up some shelves on either side of the door for other small item storage. That's probably what I'd do.

 

[kbs2244]

I expect you are going to have code set back problems.
Sometimes a way around them to go with fabric for the roof and walls instead of anything "solid."
That makes it "temporary" and not subject to the code.

 

[TX63CONV]

That is a good idea to have a door in the front and the back and maybe in the center. That was my biggest concern...getting to items in the back.

I think I would have to go 16' though b/c i would lose a lot of wall/shelf space with 2 or 3 doors.

Thanks everyone.

 

[KANSASBOY]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x10-Slant-Lean-Style-Shed-Plans-See-Samples-/260582909184 Make it skids my got you by the set back codes i have two doors one on end for lawnmower side for get to your tools.

 

[Friartuck]

I'll chime in with how I did extra storage: A Lean-Too. I had Cover-It enclosures (they're called Shelter Logic now) specially design and supply the metal frame and vinyl material.

If I had to do it again, perhaps wood frame or metal conduit frame (both wood and steel are getting pricey) and for the vinyl, www.billboardtarps.com They specialize in selling used billboards which are 20 mill thick at sizes of 20X60. Either in white or black. Shouldn't present a code problem since its considered temporary. For the doors either zipper as I did or frame in a door. this keeps things out of the weather. Its not intended to be as secure as a full garage, but for kids toys and a mower, and garden stuff??

 

[Isaac-1]

How about getting a cargo trailer, you could park it there and not have to worry about proximity to the property line, and you could move it out of the way when needed for access to the back yard.

 

[Sureshot]

I built one years ago that was 4x8. I had two doors on the 8' side. Was like a couple big closets. With the shelves and dividers it was very efficient use of space. I also had shelves on the 2x4 framed doors for small stuff. You could build one 12 or 16' long or two 4x8s depending on what all you are storing.

 

[TX63CONV]

My plan was to put it on skids. I like the lean to plans on ebay. I think I may have a door on the short side to pull the lawnmower in and the toy jeep.

And I side door to access tools etc.

The tarp and the storage trailer would never work with the wife....

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Should start construction within the next month so I will post some pics.

 

[mmhouse]

We'll be wathchin' for it.

 

[TX63CONV]

Another question. My original plan was to build 2' deep, 4' wide and 5' tall wood storage shelves out of 2x4s and 1/2" ply.

The layout would be a 3 shelves in a semi "U" shape on the end without the door. This would give me a 2' walkway between shelves. This seems too small. Should I change to 18" deep to give me 3' walkway in the middle of the "U"?

Thoughts?

 

[oldgoat]

I guess it depends on what you are planning to store on them. For me I have some cabinets that are about 12" deep and generally I like them better. The wider the shelf the more stuff gets pushed to back and is hard to find.

 

[mmhouse]

I have shelves in my garage that are 2' deep because I store a lot of paint on them that doesn't get used much so the fact that it get buried doesn't matter. I use totes for most other things that I often remove from the shelf when using. Using the deep shelves this way works well and gives me room to put other big stuff on the shelves when needed. However, if you're just putting a lot of smaller stuff on them I agree that it will probably be inconvenient because you'll 'lose' stuff in the back.