Unless you live in a mansion, chances are you’re frequently running out of space at your house.
Soon your garage is packed, your basement is full, and before you know it there’s nowhere left to keep all of your tools, equipment, sports gear, outdoor furniture, holiday decorations…you name it. We all have a lot of “stuff.” The solution?
Storage sheds.
Metal storage sheds, to be exact.
Metal storage sheds are one of the quickest and easiest ways you can free up space in your home. But how do you know which style or size is right for your home? And how do you care for it so it’ll last many years?
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why Metal Storage Sheds Are Such A Good Investment
- How Metal Storage Sheds Compare To Other Materials
- Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Shed
- Maintenance Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Shed
Why Metal Storage Sheds Are Such A Good Investment
Outdoor storage is more popular now than ever.
Just last year the metal storage sheds market size was valued at $1.2 billion and is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2033. The reason? People are constantly searching for additional storage. In fact, 35% of renters say extra space is why they look for self-storage units.
If you can’t find enough space inside your home, you’ll look to find storage elsewhere. Metal storage sheds offer that permanent solution.
People don’t want to pay continuous monthly fees for storage units. They want controlling storing of their belongings in the backyard of their own home. When homeowners discover how many options there are for porch sheds for sale that hold up well over time from reputable manufacturers, they realize metal storage sheds are a great investment.
Don’t have enough space at home? Buy a metal storage shed. It’s that simple.
If you compare how much a storage shed costs versus renting a storage unit, your shed will pay for itself in a matter of years.
Metal Storage Sheds vs. Other Materials
You have a couple options when it comes to the material your shed will be made out of. But there’s really only one that should be considered…metal.
Wood and plastic options are not durable and will start to show wear very quickly. Metal sheds, on the other hand, are known for lasting longer than most homeowners will need them to. Here are some of the benefits of metal over wood and plastic.
They’ll Last Much Longer
If you want a shed that’ll last 20+ years, you need to buy a metal storage shed. Most wooden sheds will start to rot or get destroyed by insects within the first 5-10 years. Metal sheds, however, can easily last decades.
Weather Won’t Damage It
No matter if it’s rain, shine, snow, or extreme heat you won’t have to worry about your shed. Modern metal sheds are coated with weatherproof paint that prevents rusting, chipping, and peeling.
They’re Low Maintenance
Wood sheds will need to be repainted or stained every few years. Plastic sheds aren’t very durable and can start to crack or fade in the sun. Metal sheds don’t require you to do anything.
Other than giving it a quick wash every now and then, metal sheds are low-maintenance.
They’re Secure
Metal is a lot harder to break into than wood or plastic. If you plan on keeping any expensive tools or equipment in your shed, you’ll want to make sure it’s secure. Metal sheds have doors and walls that are much harder to break than their competition.
How To Choose The Right Shed For Your Yard
Picking the perfect shed for your home used to be hard. There were limited sizes, styles, and colors to choose from. But with how many manufacturers have entered the metal shed market over the years, you’ll have no problem finding the right fit. Take a look at these three things to consider when looking for sheds for sale.
Size
This is probably the most important thing to consider before taking the plunge and buying a shed. How big is your yard? What will you be storing in the shed?
Here are the most common sizes:
- Small Storage Shed (6×5) – Perfect for gardening supplies and tools.
- Medium Storage Shed (8×6) – Can fit lawn mowers, bicycles, and patio furniture.
- Large Storage Shed (10×12) – Spacious enough to add a small workshop.
- Extra Large Storage Shed (12×16+) – Large enough to store several vehicles or heavy equipment.
I recommend sizing up on your storage shed. You start storing things in it and will quickly wish you had gotten a larger size.
Foundation
This is something a lot of homeowners don’t consider when thinking about buying a shed. In order for your shed to perform up to the manufacturer’s standards, it needs to be placed on a proper foundation. There are different types of foundations you can use:
- Cement Slab
- Gravel Pad
- Pressure Treated Wood Frame
Don’t try sitting your shed directly on the ground. Doing this can cause it to shift and not sit evenly. You also run the risk of moisture collecting underneath the shed.
Ventilation & Access
If you plan on storing anything electrical in your shed, make sure it’ll have proper ventilation. Most metal sheds come equipped with ventilation. If not, you can add them during installation.
You’ll also want to consider how you will be accessing your shed. If you plan on storing large items you’ll want a shed with ramp access or a wide door. If you plan on storing riding mowers, we suggest getting a shed with double doors. They’re more expensive but worth it.
Caring for Your Metal Storage Shed
Like any outdoor structure, metal storage sheds will require some maintenance. However, compared to wooden sheds, you won’t have to do much. Here are some tips to keep your shed looking like new for years to come.
Inspect your shed at least twice a year. Look for any damaged panels, rust, or screws that may have become loose.
Hose off your shed every few months. Dirt and debris hold moisture against your shed.
If you notice any rust on your shed, make sure to treat the area. Scrub the rust off with sandpaper and spray on a rust-proof primer. Once dry, add a paint that matches the rest of your shed.
Trim back any vegetation that’s too close to your shed. You want at least a 1-foot clearance on all sides of your shed.
Add some shelves or hooks inside your shed. This will help you maximize the space you have.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve been thinking about getting a storage shed or not, they’re a great solution to the every-growing problem of storage.
They’re durable, inexpensive, and can add value to your home. Don’t let another day go by wondering where you can put all of your junk. Get a metal storage shed and enjoy stress-free storage for years to come.
Just remember these 3 things:
- Choose the right size
- Put it on a proper foundation.
- Maintain the shed.