Having a space outside of your home to store items could help free you from clutter and make it easier to keep everything from lawn equipment to holiday décor organized. If the garage meant for your car doesn't have room for it, it might be time to think about adding outside storage. Whether in your backyard or your side yard, the right outdoor storage solution could provide you with ample space and a few other benefits, too.
Before you make a purchase, take a few minutes to consider your options based on the amount of storage you need and how much space you have to dedicate to it. At the same time, keep in mind you likely have many options for any size or specific storage need.
Metal Sheds
One of the best options overall is a metal shed. While quite a few options are available today, the best metal sheds are made of galvanized steel. This adds to their durability because they are made of non-corrosive materials. For those looking for an easy-to-maintain shed, this is an excellent choice. Moreso, they are easy to lock with a simple padlock, which allows for easy access with a key. Also notable, Arrow metal sheds are also highly easy to put together. That means it only takes a short amount of time to get your new shed in place and filled with your belongings. Consider these three varieties:
- Arrow Classic: The Classic Series are highly durable and functional while being affordable, too. Choose from numerous modern colors on these metal sheds that have 65-inch walls providing lots of storage room. In addition, they are very reliable and offer a more timeless look.
- Arrow Select: The Select Series have been treated to provide even longer term protection against rust and corrosion. They also have 71-inch tall walls that give you lots of headroom for more vertical storage within the space. They also have a larger entryway clearance, making bringing in larger items easier. This is a solid choice if you want a shed with a durable roof and one you can pile all of your belongings into.
- Arrow Elite: The Elite Series is a premium metal shed providing a more contemporary look with ultra-corrosion resistance thanks to the Perma Plate steel used on them. That’s 45% thicker than traditional metal shed thickness. With 72-inch walls, a larger doorway, and plenty of room for stacking items, this shed looks good and functions at the highest level.
Does My Shed Need a Foundation
It's a good idea to ensure the foundation of your shed is strong and stable, as that enhances its overall functionality and durability. You can install an Arrow Shed on a wooden deck if you would like to. Another option is to have a concrete pad poured or to place it on a patio for the best overall solution. Building a shed foundation doesn't have to be complex, but it should provide a strong base for your shed.
Does My Metal Shed Need to be Anchored?
Yes, it's critical to ensure your metal shed is anchored properly. This helps to minimize the risk that a strong storm could blow it over, potentially causing damage to other property or even to someone. Anchoring a metal shed doesn't have to be difficult to do, thanks to the availability of a wide range of anchoring kits. Anchoring prolongs the shed’s life while also protecting everything within it for a long time to come. It’s what helps it to remain in place.
How Do I Keep Stored Goods from Getting Moldy?
A metal shed is an excellent place to store all of your belongings, but because it is outdoors and could be used in a humid area, mold could be a concern for you. The good news is there are a few ways to improve your overall situation. You can prevent mold in sheds with these tips:
- Be sure there's ample ventilation to allow good airflow. You should have ridge vents or gable vents in place to allow moisture to escape as the area heats up.
- Check to ensure the foundation is in good condition since moisture can seep up into the area from the ground. Foundations help to drain water away from the interior of the shed, helping to keep it dry and reducing the risk of the shed flooding from heavy rains.
- Monitor conditions in the shed. Keep humidity between 30 and 50%. If it gets too much higher than this, it’s best to place a dehumidifier into the shed to reduce it.
- Only put items into the shed that are completely dry. Also, don't bring in 10 cardboard boxes to the shed if the floor is wet. Allow it to dry out fully first.
- Be sure to maintain your shed. Though high-quality sheds are less likely to develop holes or areas of damage, you want to be sure to pay close attention to the exterior and patch any problems right away.
Is Shed Installation a DIY Project?
The thought of putting up a metal shed may seem quite daunting to you, especially if you don’t have a lot of handy experience. What’s important to know is that Arrow Storage Products are designed specifically to be easy to put together so that most people can do it if they decide to make this a DIY project.
You can read this article from Chip Wade to get a breakdown of what to expect, including what tools you'll need to complete the project. You'll want to be organized from the start, and that means checking all the parts and reading through all of the directions first. Then, be sure to follow the instructions on how to assemble the shed. The good news is we sent them to you, so you don't have to question how to set it up or what goes where. Everything is carefully organized to help make this as easy as possible.
Don’t forget to customize and accessorize it, too. That may mean adding hangers for tools and even shelves.
Metal Garages
Do you want more space or a different type of storage option? You could go with metal garages. One of the best options available is the Arrow Murryhill. This type of garage is designed to provide a very easy-to-use solution that works for most outdoor needs. When you have a lot of equipment (or some pretty fun outdoor vehicles and toys), you may appreciate this type of garage.
The Murryhill garage features a durable design that's meant to be reliable in most types of weather. It features a high-gable roof that gives you added strength through the reinforced trusses. The all-steel frame construction provides added stability as well, ensuring the weather is kept out. With very tall walls, you have ample room throughout for your belongings, which also means lots of room for shelving or that ladder you don’t have a place for right now.
Even though they are larger, you can certainly put them together on your own with a bit of help. They are pre-cut and pre-drilled, so they are ready to assemble. Metal garages like this are a solid solution for cars, boats, motorcycles, and ATVs. It’s ideal for any type of larger equipment you need to store, even your tractor or farm equipment.
If your home already has a garage, that's great. For those that don't have one, metal garages are a solid solution. They are cost-effective, even in larger sizes. That's especially true when you consider the cost of building out a traditional garage with wood, brick, and other materials. If your home doesn’t have a garage yet, or if it does but you still need more space, this is a fast, easy, and affordable way to get one in place.
Can a Metal Garage Boost Your Property Value?
People have a lot of belongings, and with that comes the need for storage. It's one of the most common things people seek out when it comes to buying a home (whether it's closets in the home or enough room to store the kids' bikes.) Having an added onsite garage is one of the best ways to provide lots of storage room.
A detached garage will increase the home’s marketability. That means if you do not have a garage on your property right now, adding a metal garage like this can help your home stand out from the competition. Remember, garages are large enough to fill many needs, including:
- Parking the car
- Overwintering the RV or pop-up trailer
- Create a space for gardening and landscaping needs
- Create an area for a tool shed
- Design a space that's perfect for hobbies, whether that's woodworking or fishing gear
In some situations, a metal garage can boost your home’s value by as much as 81%, according to Pocketsense. Now there are many things that play a role in that, such as the size and type, but as long as it is well-maintained and doesn't detract from the style of the home, it's a solid investment in your home.
Metal Carports
A metal carport is another option when it comes to adding backyard storage to your home. A carport is an open-air structure, but it can be used throughout the year. It's the type of space you can use for items that don't have to stay completely dry throughout the winter months but that could benefit from having a bit more protection overall.
There are a lot of benefits to metal carports, depending on the type you select. Metal carports typically have a very strong steel frame that holds up a roof-like structure. They are designed with industrial grade steel, which is excellent for reducing corrosion risk over time. The overall goal of these structures is to provide as much shade as possible.
Metal carports are also designed with a significant amount of protection against snow and winds, minimizing the risk of damage to what’s under them.
They are super versatile, too. You can use them for vehicle storage, shade for your car or boat, so the UV rays don't damage it, or create a nice enclosed area for a picnic area. It’s even a solid option for creating shade for horses or your dog while outside on a hot or rainy day.
What Does Wind and Snow Load Rating Mean?
Two key things to consider when choosing any type of structure for your space are the wind and snow load rating. Based on the conditions within your region, you may benefit from a storage shed, including a metal carport that’s rated at a high level.
A wind rating is the measurement of just how capable the structure is at withstanding high winds. That includes high winds brought on by hurricanes or tornados, for example. If you live in an area with a higher level of potential wind, such as near the coast, you need that higher rating.
Snow load is a measurement of how much snow the roof can handle based on the amount of snow built up on it. More than this amount could put the roof at risk of collapsing. Ice and snow can be very heavy, often weighing between 40 and 57 pounds per square foot. Choose a structure capable of holding the amount of snow you expect based on the area’s history.
Can You Enclose a Metal Carport?
Do you like the idea and function of a metal carport, but you're not too sure about the open sides? It is possible to enclose a metal carport. This doesn’t create waterproof conditions, but it can significantly improve them. The process allows for covering three of the outside sides of the carport. This can help to provide more protection against snow, hail, UV rays, and rain while also providing a bit more privacy.
Find the Right Solution for Your Space
Making a decision about the right outdoor storage solution for your space is a big deal. It's easier to do when you know what all of your options are from Arrow Storage Products.