Many Homeowners Own Storage Sheds – Here’s Why You Should Too

There are so many benefits of owning a storage shed that homeowners don’t know about. Sheds are great for storing gardening tools, sports equipment, winter clothing, and more. If you have a small yard or live in an apartment with no storage space, a shed may be just what you need to tidy up your belongings. Here are all of the benefits of having a shed and how to set up one.

What Storage Sheds Are Used For

People find many uses for sheds, from their primary purpose to storage to a place where they can get away and relax. If you have an RV or boat, you’ll need somewhere to keep them when they’re not in use. A shed provides this extra space while leaving enough room on your driveway or yard for other vehicles. Especially if you use products from Steel And Stud, your shed will be durable and great for storing anything you need. Not only are storage sheds great for storing these large items but if you have children’s toys that seem to be everywhere at once, don’t fret because there’s plenty of room in the shed for them too.

Sheds Provide Outdoor Storage Space

Just because you may live in an apartment or condo doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have any outdoor storage space. Sheds come in all shapes and sizes so even if you live in a small home with no yard, you can still find one that has room for your lawnmower and patio furniture.

If you just want to be able to store your gardening tools outside, then a smaller shed may be all that you need. To learn more about garage storage click here.

Assuming that your shed is placed on either cement or dirt, it will provide the perfect area for planting flowers or putting out anything that you would like people to take notice of when they visit your property.

It Helps You Declutter Your Indoor Space

Sheds are not just for outdoor use. Living in a cluttered home with no place to put items like your holiday decorations, tools, or even exercise equipment? Having a shed is your answer! Of course, instead of buying another vehicle to store things in it would make more sense to get an outdoor storage shed that will hold them securely until the time comes when you need them again. According to Feng Shui and the creators of this ancient practice, clutter is something that should be avoided because it “stifles opportunities” and “blocks your path.” It has been said for years that feelings such as anger, sadness, and fear often get trapped in cluttered spaces. If you want to live a healthier life without experiencing such negative emotions, then get rid of everything that isn’t necessary and place it in the storage shed.

How To Set Up A Shed

Setting up a storage shed requires some time and effort but if there’s enough space where you plan on placing it, then the process should go smoothly without any problems. When choosing the location to set up your storage unit, make sure there are no trees or any other structures that may be in the way. The ground should also be level because if it’s not, your shed will either lean to one side or won’t sit evenly on the floor. The following are the tools that you’ll need to build a storage shed: tape measure, drill/driver, 4′ level, shovel, rubber mallet, 2″ x 4″ x 8′ construction lumber – at least two pieces for each wall section (eight sections), 1/2″ plywood sheathing – four sheets to cover the roof and walls combined. 

The Process

Once you have everything ready to go and organized where you can find them easily as you work, follow these steps:

1. Place the first sheet of plywood against the wall and bolt it into place. Make sure that all edges are flush. Use 1-1/4″ exterior screws to pound them into place.
2. Install a 2′ x 4′ sheet of plywood along the base of the front and side walls so they’re even with one another, which will create a base for your flooring. 
3. You can now put down your flooring. Start with the plywood and if you’d like, seal the seams so they won’t let dirt and debris inside. 
4. Now place your base beam across the front and back wall sections using clamps to hold them in place while you hammer wood spikes right through them and into the walls for a secure connection. Once this is done, install jo hangers about 12″ apart along the entire length of these beams to support your rafters.
5. You’ll need 4 x 4 skids for each corner (16 in total) and two 2 x 6 beams that stretch from end to end across the front and back walls. Use clamps or nails to secure them into place while you use wood screws every 12 inches along their length.
6. Place a beam that’s 4 x 4 along each sidewall section with a jo hanger attached on both ends about 8″ from each wall so they’re sitting level with one another. Locate the center points where the jo hangers are located, drill holes through all three sections, and run wire between them so they’ll be held securely together while you install more jo hangers on each beam at 24″ intervals. Once this is done, place the actual rafter along with the jo hanger and secure it into place using screws or nails. Now install your roof plywood sheeting with 1-1/4″ screws about every 6 inches all around the edges of the trusses so rain won’t find its way inside.
7. Install trims to cover up your rough edges – for example, cut pieces of 2 x 4 to fit between your walls and attach them directly to both beams with wood screws at an interval no greater than 12 inches.

The bottom line is that if you have a storage shed that’s efficient and secure, then all of your outdoor items will be available to you every time you need them. Having a place to store tools for your garden, yard work equipment, holiday decorations, and just about anything else is a real convenience. Instead of buying more vehicles so they can stay outside where they belong, now these things can remain safe from the weather without taking up any room inside your home.

Read more on this topic from Eighty Mph Mom!

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