Garden Sheds Are Chic in the Backyard

Little out-buildings have purpose and charm

I have to confess, I have fallen in love with garden sheds. These little out-buildings with their quaint, simple beauty are oh so charming in the landscape. Their presence just seems to “complete” the scene. Maybe that’s why the garden shed is experiencing a bit of a revival.

After all, what could look more natural in its setting? Garden sheds are one of the more effective elements that turn spaces into places. If you’ve spent any time at all on Pinterest, you can’t help but be captivated by the photos.

Each garden shed has its own unique appeal. Some have that romantic, Victorian/French- country kind of look. Others are more rustic or woodsy in appearance. There are garden sheds with vintage themes, and ones with beach or sea side decor, each irrisistibly cute.

More than just a handy little shack for storing tools, garden sheds have become star attractions in the backyard. While still utilitarian by nature, they accomplish so much more!

Best splurge I’ve ever made

I don’t have the budget for high end landscaping, but still wanted something that would create the look and feel of an inviting place. There were many possibilities to choose from, but I decided to go with a garden shed as my one big splurge.

From a practical standpoint, I actually did need somewhere to store my garden tools, fertilizers and pots because I don’t have a garage. In my area, roaming black bears are attracted to fish fertilizers and bone meal. So, I could definitely justify the cost. But more than that, I wanted something that would be a focal point in the landscape. Because, even in full bloom, my perennial bed simply said “flowers”, but not “garden”.

With summer in full swing, it was pretty much impossible to find anyone interested in taking on a “small job”. So, I hired a young fellow who built my little 6 x 8 garden shed on site. I painted it myself, and used lumber scraps for shelving on the inside.

Now, all my gardening stuff is secure and right where I need it. The garden shed and a beautifully formed willow tree growing beside it, have become best friends. I can’t tell you how significantly a simple garden shed has transformed my landscape. In a couple of months, an ordinary space became a special place.

Is there a garden shed in your future?

If you ‘splurge’ this summer, do consider a garden shed. Traditionally, garden sheds are small and reflect the style and personality of the garden. You can paint it and decorate it to have a magic all its own in your backyard.

Depending on your situation, a garden shed could also free up some valuable space in the garage. Then, you’d have your tools, planters, and garden cart all together in one convenient spot.

What’s also nice is that you could customize your garden shed with a potting bench. With the addition of a few sun-facing windows, you’d have a place to start more bulbs and seedlings in the Spring. There’s no shortage of free windows on sites like Craig’s list.

Tips for planting a garden shed

But what if you already have a storage shed? You won’t believe the ways you can transform that storage shed to make it look like a pretty garden shed. You’ll want to read: “A storage shed can be pretty in the backyard”.

Like planning any addition to the yard, there’s bound to be questions. How big do you need it to be? What’s all going in it? Where in the yard would you put it? Where do you get one like the ones in the pictures? Here’s some basic information to help stimulate the thought process.

Some things to consider

• Size
• Location
• Materials (Kits, Pre-assembled, DIY, Hiring a Contractor)

What size garden shed do you need?

NOTE: If you’re in an HOA or similar residential community, check first to see if garden sheds are permitted and if there are any size/color restrictions.

Obviously, if you’re in a more suburban area and have a small backyard, you’ll want something that doesn’t take up a lot of room. The basic purpose of a garden shed is to store the most common gardening tools as a convenience to the gardener.

A small, shallow tool shed may be all you’d want or even need. Some are made out of tough plastic. Others are constructed out of wood. If you envision painting it, choose one made out of cedar or treated lumber and plywood. Even a small shed can have eye-appeal. With a coat of bright paint, and maybe some stenciling, it can be a pretty work of art among your flowers and shrubs.

Smaller than you think

Size really depends on the yard space that’s available, what you plan to put in your garden shed, and what you can afford. You might even be able to go smaller than you think. For instance, consider storing only the most necessary tools that you use all the time. Plus, good organization makes a huge difference, too!

If you put up shelves and hooks, and a wall to wall counter height bench, you’ll be quite astonished at how much you can get in there. Try not to overload it though. You’ll enjoy your garden shed so much more if everything is in order, easy to find and access.

TIP: A great way to gain a bit more space is to leave the studs open on the inside for “built in” storage. By hanging tools in the recess, they won’t stick out or get knocked down when you’re moving things in and out.

Where to locate your garden shed

Here again, it comes down to the size and configuration of your yard. Many people have children and pets and like to keep the center of the yard available for those activities. Flowers and vegetables are then planted along the outer edge of the lawn or property line. In that case, a garden shed next to a row of flowers, keeps tools close at hand. It also provides a nice focal point to a corner.

NOTE: Be aware of utility easements and set backs (if that applies). Should you have any doubts, contact the utility.

Another ideal place for a garden shed might be that difficult spot in the yard where nothing is growing. Maybe it’s kind of a bare or empty spot that just needs “something” in it. You might also consider siting it in such a way that it would block or partially block an unsightly view. Since the garden shed will take up some space, why not locate it where it will have the biggest impact in the landscape?

Materials: Kits, pre-assembled, DIY, or custom built?

Perhaps the biggest question is, where can I get a nice looking, well built garden shed? When you have something very specific in mind, the ones at the big box store don’t look anything like the ones you’ve admired on line, or in magazines.

That’s because the garden sheds in those pictures are most likely custom built by the owner or someone he hired. These are highly skilled carpenters and superb craftsmen. They can build quite elaborate sheds with custom woods, finishes, windows and trim. They use specialty tools to do some of that really pretty detail work.

Kits

But you can do a lot with a basic garden shed and/or storage kit from the hardware store or purchased on line. While it may seem rather plain and ordinary, a regular storage shed with a bright, cheerful coat of paint will look more like the garden shed you envisioned.

Pre-assembled garden sheds

Pre-Assembled sheds are constructed off site and delivered completely finished on the back of a trailer. This could be a neighbor’s shed you found on Craig’s List, or a local company that specializes in building sheds.

Usually, those companies only build certain sizes and for the most part, won’t do anything custom. The reason for that is that it keeps labor and material costs down. Asking for an 8×6 when the smallest they offer is 10 x 8 isn’t going to happen. They do offer a few options, though, like adding a window or a front porch. But again, you can always add your custom touches yourself.

TIP: You can usually save a little bit of money by buying them un-painted, and do the painting yourself.

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DIY: Build it yourself!

If you’ve always wanted to learn some carpentry skills, a garden shed is a terrific place to start. It’s a great opportunity for a teen to learn, too! You’ll find garden shed plans at the library, bookstore, or even on-line that offer more unique designs.

Should you decide to try building one yourself, there’s no pressure. It’s not going to matter too much if you make a mistake and have to re-do something. Most of the time, there’s no codes involved (but double check for your area). Another possibility is a friend or neighbor or someone from your social group who wouldn’t mind helping out. As long as you pay for the materials, they might even be willing to do it for free.

TIP: Get creative. Use recycled materials available from a re-store or Craig’s List

Hiring a Contractor

If you’re lucky, you live someplace with carpenters and craftsmen that include garden sheds in their line of work. You want someone who knows what they are doing who will get the job done in a reasonable amount of time for a reasonable price. Someone who is dependable and honest.

Here in my state of Alaska, our summers are short and intense. That means our primary professional builders are going like gangbusters. They are slamming busy and don’t have time for little projects. On top of that, they hire young fellows to work for them, so those ‘little guys’ are pretty busy, too! They don’t have the time, nor the desire to take on “small jobs”.

If that’s the case, then you might try a local “jack of all trades” or someone that builds decks, fences and storage sheds. Ask around for good references. Maybe there’s a retired carpenter who might actually enjoy doing some building again and appreciate the extra income.

Conclusion

Garden sheds are definitely in style because they have style. Their presence defines a space and makes it say “garden.” Whatever the size, whatever decor theme you choose, it will make a difference in your landscape. A cute little garden shed might just be the best splurge you’ve made in awhile.

And don’t forget the window box!

Related posts you may enjoy:

“A Storage Shed Can Be Pretty in the Backyard”

Simple Ways to Beautify Fences in the backyard

Window boxes that Envy