How to Choose a Metal Storage Shed

How to Choose a Metal Storage Shed
April 25, 2022

Adding a metal storage shed to your backyard or other property may be a solid investment. That's often the case when you need more storage for items you don't want to keep out in the elements. Metal sheds can be highly durable when you choose the right product and install it properly. The key is to really plan out the process in advance to minimize any risk of problems later. Here’s where to get started.

What Is Your Budget?

Budgets are a big part of buying a shed. Purchasing a metal shed kit will keep the costs down from having one custom built for you. Yet, you still have to know how much you plan to spend. Most often, costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on what you decide to buy.

What Do You Plan to Store?

Before doing anything else, create a plan for what’s going into the shed. Take the time to consider everything that you may want to store here so that you can make decisions in terms of the size and overall style of the structure. Here are some ideas:

  • Equipment: Start with the largest items first. Do you plan to store outdoor equipment here, such as your lawnmower, snowblower, trailer, or other items? You can purchase a metal storage shed large enough for a vehicle if you need it.
  • Seasonal items: Do you plan to put lawn chairs and pool supplies in your metal shed during the winter months? That’s going to take up a significant amount of space. You may want to use this space for your winter holiday decorations.
  • Tools: Consider the tools you hope to store in your shed. This may include the handheld items you own, such as your drill, but they may also include larger items such as the leaf blower and saws. Consider the size, especially of the largest items.
  • Gardening supplies: Do you want to use a metal shed kit to help you store items like rakes, gardening chemicals, and other wheelbarrows? Keep in mind if you plan to use plants here or store chemicals, you may need proper ventilation.

No matter if you want this space to function as a storage area or a large metal shed perfect for your workspace, hobby area, or workshop, you need to consider what’s going into it before you decide on the size to purchase.

How to Choose a Metal ShedHow to Choose a Metal Shed

What Should I Look for in a Metal Shed?

There’s much to think about when comparing sheds. You may want to think about the type of material, size, and overall function. Here’s where to focus some time comparing your options.

How It Will Fit in Your Backyard

Take the tape measure out to the backyard to determine where you plan to place the metal shed. Consider the way you move through this space (will it get in the way of the lawnmower?), as well as the overall proximity to where other items in the area are, such as the kid's play structure or the deck. You also want to consider how the doors will open and if that may cause limitations.

Measure out an area that’s fitting to the desired space you need. If you are considering an 8x10 metal shed, you definitely want to be sure there's ample room for everything else you plan to do in that area, especially if it cuts into the open space your kids or pets use.

Think about the position, size, and overall height. Determine what type of pre-work you may have to do to ready this space, such as clearing away branches and leveling the ground.

Style of Roof: Pent vs Peak

Think about the type of roof on your shed. A common option is a pent roof, which has one sloping side. The traditional peak roof has two sides that come to a point in the middle. Both options may be a good choice, but the pent room means the back of the shed, typically, is going to be shorter than the front. Both roof types offer drainage, which is typically a very important factor. It's just a matter of determining how the water will drain.

Style of Shed

Next, think about the type of shed. Horizontal sheds are some of the most common. It tends to be shorter and longer than other sheds. Lean-to-sheds are those that lead or sit next to a building of some type, like the home. A standard backyard shed is usually larger and provides more room but can be the most expensive option as well. You also want to consider the material. Do you want a steel shed or an aluminum one? Durability and cost play a role in that decision.

Security

Think about security for the shed. If you are storing valuable items, such as your lawnmower and tools or items that could be a hazard, like chemicals, it's important to have a way to lock the metal shed. Be sure to choose those that allow you to easily lock the shed to minimize the risks of anyone getting into it.

Do I Need a Permit for a Metal Shed?

Permits for sheds are sometimes required, especially for larger metal sheds and stand-alone structures. The only way to find out if you need one is to call your local building department to find out. In most cases, this is a critical step before you buy anything since there may be limitations on size or style.

Metal Shed on DeckMetal Shed on Deck

How Hard Is It to Put Up a Metal Shed?

Installing a metal shed doesn’t have to be difficult if you have a plan and follow it properly. A well put together shed will last years and provide excellent protection from the elements. Yet, it’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you get it just right.

Can One Person Put Up a Metal Shed?

It’s not a good idea for one person to try to put up a metal shed. Rather, it’s best to work with a team of people who can work together to hold and position items in the right space. Even if you wanted to put together a metal shed yourself, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to hold components in place, align them, and secure them without running into problems.

How Long Does It Take to Put a Metal Shed Together?

After the foundation of the metal shed is in place, you’ll find the rest does not have to take a long time. The size and type of metal shed will play a role in the length of time it takes to install it. Most often, it can be done in a weekend and often in much less time.

How Hard Is It to Put Up a Metal Shed?

Installing a metal shed doesn’t have to be difficult if you have a plan and follow it properly. A well put together shed will last years and provide excellent protection from the elements. Yet, it’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you get it just right.

Can One Person Put Up a Metal Shed?

It’s not a good idea for one person to try to put up a metal shed. Rather, it’s best to work with a team of people who can work together to hold and position items in the right space. Even if you wanted to put together a metal shed yourself, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to hold components in place, align them, and secure them without running into problems.

How Long Does It Take to Put a Metal Shed Together?

After the foundation of the metal shed is in place, you’ll find the rest does not have to take a long time. The size and type of metal shed will play a role in the length of time it takes to install it. Most often, it can be done in a weekend and often in much less time.

Metal Shed Storboss FirewoodMetal Shed Storboss Firewood

What’s the Best Base for a Metal Shed?

The foundation of the metal shed is critical to get just right. It is what defines how stable the rest of the shed is. You can use one of several options, including a shed base kit, a floor frame kit, or a concrete slab. Any of these may work just fine. Their goal is to create an even foundation of the shed to be built upon, which means you’ll want to choose whatever method is going to be best for your area. A cement pad isn’t necessary if you use a kit to build a stable foundation instead.

Will I Still Need Flooring?

Metal sheds do not always need additional flooring. First, determine what's included in your metal shed kit – often, there's a basic floor provided. There's no additional need necessary. You may be able to add flooring if you want it to function differently or want more protection from the elements.

How Do I Anchor a Metal Shed?

It’s critical to ensure your shed remains in place. Most often, you’ll need a shed anchoring kit to help ensure your shed remains positioned properly and bolted to the ground. Several options exist including for gravel, sand, clay, soil, and asphalt surfaces. You can embed to concrete as well, with the proper kit.

How Do I Stop Condensation in My Metal Shed?

Condensation is a big problem for any type of space that you need to keep dry. It’s often a good idea to ensure you put your shed up properly to minimize this risk. You may also want to invest in a moisture barrier that helps to keep the concrete pad from leaching moisture into it. You can also consider a timber subfloor, which may help to pull out some of that moisture and minimize the risk of significant condensation.

How Do I Maintain a Metal Shed?

Consider your shed an extension to your home. Invest some time in inspecting and maintaining it on a consistent basis. Doing so may help you to spot problems and get things back in shape in no time. Some key things to look for include:

  • Keep the exterior clean and painted (use a protective coat to minimize the risk of rust).
  • Walk into the shed and close the door during daytime hours. If you see light, those are holes that need to be fixed.
  • Notice condensation right away and work to fix it.
  • Insulate the shed if you plan to store items within it that should not get too cold or hot.
  • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for upkeep, including tightening or making repairs.

Taking these steps, you can purchase a metal shed that’s right for your needs and get it into place in no time.

Related Products
Comment(s)
Comments Form