When one of your passions is gardening then you probably know the value of having someplace to store everything you need to keep your landscaping in tip-top shape. A garden shed is generally described as a structure situated in the backyard, designed to store items or to be used as a place to work. But there are different types of garden sheds – which one will be the best fit for you and your backyard?
Garden Shed Styles
Simple A-Frame
An A-frame shed is one of the simplest straightforward sheds for a DIYer to build. The roofline of an A-frame garden shed forms the walls or partial walls of the structure. Its clean design has an open space that is adaptable to a variety of uses. Because it provides plenty of natural light, a gardener could use it as a potting shed or a limited-use greenhouse.
Gable Roof Shed
A gable roof is a classic choice for a garden shed because it blends seamlessly with a number of architectural styles. The roof resembles a shorter version of the A-frame but has a more classic appearance. A gable roof shed is highly adaptable for a number of gardening uses, anything from storing lawn equipment to tool storage to a potting shed. If you choose a gable shed to work in, select one with lots of windows.
Barn a.k.a. Gambrel Shed
Gambrel roof sheds are reminiscent of the old-fashioned barns from over two centuries ago. They have two sloped roofs, allowing space for a loft. Another option is, since the ceiling is tall enough, is to add utility hooks or suspended shelving for overhead storage.
Saltbox Garden Shed
Designed with inclement weather in mind, the saltbox style is characterized by a sloping roof that is longer at the back of the building than the front. This is to deposit rain and snow away from the front entrance of the shed. The entrance is generally taller and wider than other types of sheds. Ideal for landscaping equipment storage, it makes it easier to wheel a lawnmower, wheelbarrow, or mulcher in and out.
Lean-To Style Shed
When your backyard is small and space is at a premium, a lean-to style shed is a great space-saver. Typically attached to houses, fences, garages, or corners, a lean-to shed has just one sloping roof. Lean-to sheds can also be installed as a stand-alone building.
Garden Shed Materials
All of the garden shed styles and types listed above and below are available in wood, metal, plastic, and vinyl.
Wood
Wood sheds are the most popular type of garden shed because of their organic appearance and warm personality. They are very versatile and are available in traditional and modern architectural styles. Untreated wood garden sheds tend to be high maintenance – if you plan to DIY, purchase treated timber; when buying a wood gardening shed ensure it has a protective finish of some kind.
Metal
A metal garden shed usually manufactured from thin sheet metal. While metal sheds offer protection from fire and pest infestations, they are prone to denting and rusting. Also, they usually don’t come with options (windows, workbench, shelving etc.). However, metal garden sheds are a relatively good investment due to strength and durability.
Plastic
A plastic garden shed is manufactured from carbon-based resins such as Polypropylene and Polyethylene. Plastic garden sheds can include features lie UV ray protection, modular options, attic/loft storage, windows, skylights, and adaptable shelving.
Vinyl
Yes, vinyl is a plastic. But when it comes to garden sheds, it references a different manufacturing technique. A vinyl garden shed usually has a wood frame with wood walls covered with vinyl siding. Vinyl garden sheds are generally more durable than sheds constructed of plastic or metal.
Types of Garden Sheds
Potting Shed
A potting shed is a type of garden shed designed specifically as a place to start seeds, pot seedlings, pot new plants, and prune plants that need a little trim. For a potting shed to be functional to new and experienced gardeners alike, it should include a potting table, a place to manage or make potting soil, and storage for pots, gardening tools and miscellaneous items such as labels and twine.
Tool Storage Shed
This type of shed can be small to medium in size, intended to store a range of garden tools, from small hand tools like sheers and trowels to tall hand tools such as hoes, rakes, and shovels. A tool storage shed should have a combination of organizational storage – bins and plastic containers for small hand tools; vertical storage options for tall hand tools.
Garden Equipment Storage Shed
A garden equipment storage shed should be large enough to accommodate the types of machines you use regularly such as a lawn mower, leaf blower, chain saw, and rotary tiller. Wall space will be an important factor so a shed with no or few windows is preferable.
Greenhouse Shed
While a greenhouse shed doesn’t generally allow for environmental controls like a traditional greenhouse, it can provide the best of both worlds. Greenhouse sheds have a place for storage, potting plants, and greenhouse windows that let in a maximum amount of natural light when gardening during the cooler months of the year. Greenhouse sheds are usually made of glass or a combination of glass and other kinds of materials.
