A shed is a fantastic addition to a garden. It offers an array of benefits, like extra space and protection for valuables, such as tools or equipment. Not to mention, they’re also functional, and you can design them in creative ways that will elevate the visual allure of your outdoor area.
While some people opt to have a company build a shed for them, you can easily design and make one yourself. All you need is some strategic preparation, some construction knowledge, and suitable materials and tools; the rest will come naturally.
Sure, building a standard shed is fine, but we will show you how to create a truly functional and stylish shed. One that has cool designs but that can be used practically for whatever you want to use it for.
Let’s get started!
5 Steps for Building a Functional and Stylish Shed
Planning Preparations
The most exciting phase of building your functional and stylish shed will be the planning preparations. After all, you’re choosing the look and layout you want and envisioning what the finished article will look like.
These are some of the planning preparations you’ll need to look at:
- Decide on your budget: Determining how much you have to spend on the project will help you choose your style. A functional shed with installation and materials included will cost $15 to $150 per square foot. However, this price will vary based on any extra stylish features you want to add to the design.
- Choose an area: Select a location in your garden where you want to build your shed.
- Map out the space: If you’re going to build a functional shed, you’ll want to clearly map out the dimensions and layout of the area. This will ensure your shed fits appropriately into the designated space and that you’ll have proper access for its intended use.
- Select a style: Opt for fashionable styles like dormer sheds, barn-style, classic wooden sheds, or vinyl-sided sheds.
Choose a Functional and Stylish Shed Design
You can adopt endless shed designs for your build, from contemporary studios to classic, aesthetically pleasing cottages. It’s important that your shed sticks to a similar style to your home so it doesn’t look too out of place in your garden. Also, there should be a steady balance between functionality and style; you don’t want to go too overboard on one while sacrificing the other.
Enhance your shed’s functionality and aesthetic appeal by exploring various shed customization options. Consider incorporating cottage-style elements for a quaint garden shed that seamlessly blends into its surroundings, or opt for a cozy wooden design ideal for storing crafts and tools. Transform your shed into a productive workspace with an office setup, or create a dedicated gym space equipped with exercise equipment for convenient workouts.
For families, a playhouse shed can provide endless entertainment for young children, complete with slides and other fun features. With these creative ideas, you can personalize your shed to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Select the Appropriate Building Supplies
Constructing a functional and stylish shed will require you to source the appropriate building supplies to match your chosen design and vision.
The following building supplies are some you should consider:
- Lumber: Helps with construction framing and can be used for flooring and shelving in your shed.
- Roofing: Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or cedar shakes.
- Windows: Single-hung, casement, fixed, or sliding.
- Siding: Metal, wood, vinyl, cement, or stone.
- Extras: Electrics, insulation, or aesthetic touches.
The Construction Phase
Once all the plans are in place, it’s time to begin the construction phase. Depending on your experience, you can build it yourself or hire someone else to do it for you.
Of course, you’ll save money doing it alone, but you should only take on the challenge if you know what you’re doing. You’ll only end up wasting money getting someone else to fix the mess you made, so have a long, hard think before you pick up any tools. The average price to hire someone to build a shed is $3,500, but factors like size, location, and materials can impact it.
Here’s how the construction phase should play out:
- Assemble the shed frame and attach the walls, floor, and roofing.
- Connect the siding materials to the walls.
- Attach your chosen roofing to the frame.
- Secure your windows and doors into their placements.
Additional Features
After you’ve set up the shed, you can customize it by adding any additional features. Remember to consider the layout of the build and how each feature will affect the space’s functionality.
With your budget in mind, here are some enhancements you can add:
- Custom storage and shelving solutions: Hanging shelves, built-in cabinets, or shoe racks.
- Lighting: Wall Sconces, LED Lights or pendant lighting.
- Additional spaces: Bathrooms, kitchen areas or workstations.
- Seating: Couches, bean bags, bar stools, or wall-mounted seats.
Create Your Dream Stylish and Functional Shed Today!
You now have the blueprint to create your dream stylish and functional shed. Whether you use it as a home office or as a little chill-out space for you and the family, the shed can be your secret hideaway. Don’t forget to put some time into the planning phase, and don’t rush the process; patience pays off.