ShedBuilder’s Outdoor Storage Sheds

I have received questions from several readers asking what I think about office sheds. Several times before I have written that you can use your outdoor storage shed as a garden office, and I have written about office shed too, but now it’s time to explore this idea a bit more deeply.

In most cases we will talk about using the shed as a home office. It’s not uncommon for companies to use sheds as well, but the companies will probably outsource the design and solution taking process to a construction company. Unlike that, people who work from home (maybe you are one of them?), will most probably be looking for a simple affordable solution. Some will ever want to build their shed themselves.

The Reasons To Have An Office Shed

The main reason why you would want to work from a shed is lack of space. If you don’t have a special room in your house for your home office you probably have to work from the bedroom or the living room. That’s not good at all - besides the fact you are going to lack space, you are going to have a lot of distractions. I know this from experience - working in the bedroom it’s quite tempting to go to bed instead of doing some work.

Another reason to build an office shed is that you just want to work outside, closer to the nature in the backyard. A nice wooden shed with a couple of windows will let you feel much more comfortable than sitting in a basement.

Office Shed Requirements

There are no special requirements for office sheds except it to be wooden. Plastic or metal will not let you feel comfortable and be productive. There are some other recommendations that I wrote about earlier.

One thing I have missed to say is that your green office will probably need an internet and phone line. The best way is to use wireless connections, but in case you want to use land lines, make sure you don’t cut them when working in the garden. It’s very easy to forget about the phone cable when digging around a bush.

Don’t be afraid to just go ahead, buy or build a shed and give your new home office a try. Even if you decide not to use it later, you can always change its purpose to a guest house or storage space.

No doubt adding a shed increases the value of your property. No doubt it makes it look better. No doubt one outdoor shed will be a very useful addition.

Is it really no doubt?

Plan The Shed Location

Location is one of the most important factors that you need to consider. Your outdoor storage shed should not stand in the way to your home, neither it should get the best piece of land that could be used to grow interesting vegetables. You will probably want the shed to be in the sight from your home, but some people prefer to put it in some garden corner.

When planning the location, draw your entire yard with all the trees, buildings and accessories. This is vitally important if you are buying a new house and the garden is not yet arranged. The shed should not disturb the growth of the trees, should not throw shadow on your flowers and so on. A lot of things to think about - that’s why you better draw the entire garden on paper or using a landscape design program.

Plan The Shed Size

Don’t shoot for the largest possible shed. It may look tempting to have a shed almost as large as your house is, but there are many disadvantages. The large sheds are a lot more expensive, take valuable space from your garden and may require a lot of support.

Plan the shed size accordingly to your specific needs. It’s recommended again to make a sketch of what you are going to arrange inside and how. This will help you figure out the exact size you need. If you don’t plan to make the shed fit to live in, but are going to use it only as a storage, pick a narrow and tall design.

Think About The Shed Type

Once you figure out the location and size, decide on the shed material. We have an article discussing deeply the different shed designs and types. It’s recommended that you read it to understand the complexity regarding the different types of outdoor storage sheds.

Just don’t forget that selecting the right design and material comes after you have planned the location and size, not before that. Most people first choose a specific shed and then plan where and how to place it. This is more impulsive way of acting and rare has good practical outcome.

The timber sheds are also very good for isolating what’s inside from the weather conditions. The wood is a great insulator so it keeps cool air inside even in the hottest Summer days. In the Winter the temperatures inside are several degrees higher than outside without any heating.
If you want to change something on your shed, you can just get the saw and do it yourself.

Disadvantages of Timber Sheds

There are not many disadvantages of the wooden sheds. The main issue with them is their price, which sometimes can be quite high. Even if you buy a shed kit, it will be higher than the price of a plastic or metal shed.
Another problem is that your shed can become a victim of woodworms if it is not well treated against such pests.

Advantages of Metal Sheds

If you want an inexpensive outdoor storage shed, consider getting a metal one. They are very affordable for everyone. A metal shed can cost 30% - 40% less that a similar model timber shed.
Another positive thing about the outdoor storage sheds made from steel is that they are very robust. If you keep your steel shed properly it can stay intact for many years.

Disadvantages of Metal Sheds

Unfortunately the steel sheds don’t look as good as the timber ones. They are typically used for storing garden tools and other stuff, but you would never see someone taking rest in his metal shed.
Another reason for that is metal’s high conductivity. In a hot day the temperature in such a shed can become very high especially if it is not in shady place. In the Winter it’s freezing inside and can even be dangerous to touch the steel with hand.

As you can see both types of sheds have their positive and negative sides. Carefully examine each of them before taking your decision to buy.