Metal Sheds in Your Backyard: Everything You Need to Know

Steel sheds have become a staple in American homes, and it’s easy to see why. Whether used for storage, hobby projects, or something entirely unique, having the extra space certainly pays off. There are plenty of creative uses for a metal shed. But it’s crucial, both for convenience and safety reasons, that the shed be installed in the right area of your backyard.

Finding the right place to put your prefab shed isn’t exactly a complicated process, though there are a few simple guidelines to follow to avoid future problems.

Figure Out the Rules

Depending on where you live, there may be rules to exactly where you can place a steel shed on your property. Such rules may come from a Homeowner’s Association or your local county. Before installing your shed, it’s vital to check around to ensure you’re not in violation.

What is Your Shed for?

It’s essential that, when you’re thinking about where to install your shed, you know what you intend to use it for beforehand. The purpose of the shed should walk hand-in-hand with its location. For instance, a metal shed being used for a workspace, or even an office, should probably be kept nearby. While if you’re just storing tools, the distance from your home isn’t much of a factor.

Always Be Practical

Installing a metal shed is never a difficult, complicated process, particularly with Garage Buildings. However, that process can be complicated by things you don’t expect, particularly if you select a difficult spot to place it. Slopes going up or down, low areas, and rocky regions are never ideal for the installation. Low areas, in particular, can harm your shed over time because they collect water, which will lead to your shed sweating. There are ways to make it work, but it’s never going to be easy than laying it on flat, even ground.

Design Considerations

A shed doesn’t necessarily need to be pretty, particularly if it’s in your backyard, out of the public’s view. That doesn’t mean you won’t see it, so perhaps you should take a minute to pick an attractive color or style, even if your metal shed is just for practical purposes. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you should at least make it fit your home’s aesthetic.

Easy Access

If you can’t get in and out of your prefab metal shed easily, then you’re defeating the purpose. But depending on how your shed is being used, there may be certain types of access that are more useful than others. Here are a few examples:

• Riding Lawnmower: Storing a riding mower in your metal shed is a perfectly good use for it. It’s a big, expensive machine, the last thing you want is to leave it out in the rain. But if you do park one in your shed, you’ll need a large door to ride it in and out.

• Office: Metal sheds have become an excellent option for detached offices, away from the house where you can focus. But if your shed is going to be an office, the access point should be easy to get to and free of areas that can get muddy, lest you track it inside.

• Potting shed: There’s no shortage of people with green thumbs out there, and one of the most popular uses for steel sheds has been a garden shed. Naturally, you’ll want to keep it near the rest of your greenery, as carrying supplies and plants back and forth is an unnecessary hassle. It’s also essential to have a wide door, to make moving plants and equipment as easy as possible.

Four Most Popular Metal Shed Sizes

There are many different sizes available on the market, but Garage Buildings’ four most popular are just that for a reason. They perfectly accommodate several various purposes.

20×20 Shed

Whether you’re storing equipment or something large such as an RV, the 20×20 shed easily and comfortably houses your property. The durability of steel also comes with built-in resistance to fire and pests, meaning your property won’t be damaged. Having a clear space inside with no columns makes it easy to move around. 

20×30 Shed

If you need a little extra room, the 20×30 shed perfectly improves on its little brother, making it perfect for a lot of storage. It’s also ideal for home offices that want to include a little decor instead of just desks and filing cabinets. The clear-span interior makes it possible to transform the shed into whatever you want.

30×40 Shed

Now we’ve entered the extra-large territory, ideal for large vehicles or even a private collection of cars. The clear-span framing allows for maximum storage space while leaving plenty of room to move around.

40×40 Shed

The 40×40 metal shed is perfect for multiple uses. One could even use it for more than one purpose, given the amount of clear-span space they have to work with. And as always, the resistance to fire and pests means whatever you house inside will be protected.

Get Your Metal Shed Today!

As you can see, there are plenty of uses for a metal shed on your property. However, you must make sure you build it in the appropriate area. Not sure about the rules in your neighborhood? The qualified and trained designed consultants at Garage Buildings are ready to walk you through every step of the process.

There’s a reason why we’re the most trusted and respected metal building dealer in the country; come see for yourself. Don’t build without knowing the specifics; call Garage Buildings today at +1 (888) 234-0475!