Backyard sheds are extremely trendy right now. They have always been utilized for standard tool storage purposes, but over the past decade, people have begun to envision new ways to utilize their sheds to maximize their benefits on their properties. What are some fun and practical ways that sheds are being used?
Uses For Sheds:
- Traditional storage for yard supplies
- Additional storage for seasonal or overflow items
- Greenhouse
- Playhouse for children
- Urban chicken coop
- Backyard bar or hangout space
Traditional Storage For Yard Supplies
Storage sheds are commonly used for holding gardening tools such as shovels, lawnmowers, snowblowers, weed trimmers, potting soil, and other items one would commonly use to upkeep their yard. Some individuals may have garages that are large enough to house all of these things, but if you have a two-car garage and two cars in the garage then you will need a place to store your garden tools. Storage sheds come in a variety of sizes and boast many features that customize them to your own needs. Depending upon how much yard space you have, you may want a shed with doors that swing open or you may need exterior sliding barn doors to optimize space and make the front of your storage shed look trendy.
Additional Storage For Seasonal or Overflow Items
If you have children, you probably have quite a bit of stuff. You may have storage bins full of clothing that you are saving to pass down from one child to the next. You possibly have large toys that are only occasionally played with. If you do not have a basement storage area and your garage is holding your vehicles, then you need storage solutions for all of this stuff. Storage sheds solve this problem. Rather than renting a storage unit with costly monthly rental fees, you can have a storage shed installed in your back yard to hold all of these overflow items. Storage sheds are also fantastic for holding seasonal decorative items such as Christmas trees during the offseason.
Greenhouse
Storage sheds are completely customizable. You can purchase them online or at a big box home improvement stores. Storage sheds can be designed with multiple windows. This gives gardeners a yearly edge on keeping herb gardens and plants alive longer. By utilizing shelving units to bring plants closer to windows for natural sunlight, gardeners can extend their growing season. Insulated storage sheds that receive a well-rounded amount of natural light will often turn into greenhouses and allow year-round gardening. Existing sheds can easily be converted to greenhouses by adding a skylight or windows and insulation to keep the shed warmer. Cold weather crops such as kale, lettuce, and winter squashes, as well as herbs, can be grown year-round.
Playhouse for Children
An old shed can easily be repurposed to a playhouse for children. Utilize sliding barn door style doors and incorporate windows with whimsical curtains. Add a loft space that can be utilized for reading and a play feature such as a painted on blackboard so children can play school. This is a place they could do crafts letting children be creative. This allows young imaginations to fly in a previously unused space in the yard. If your shed has a loft space, you can incorporate a cut out in the loft and install a slide for a fun new way to exit the old shed.
Urban Chicken Coop
Homeowners do not need to live in the country or on a farm to have a chicken coop. Many city and suburb dwellers are jumping on the urban chicken coop bandwagon and enjoying free-range chicken eggs. Check with your village before installing to make sure chickens are okay in your area. Most regions allow chickens but not roosters. You can easily follow some plans from a local farm store to repurpose your unused backyard shed into a chicken coop.
Backyard Bar or Hangout Space
A fun thing a lot of people are doing is taking back their backyard space and making it a fun hang out space. Many people have seen the “she shed” commercials, but sheds are becoming the new back yard bar and escape area for many. Sheds can be turned into backyard reading hangouts with bookshelves, comfortable seating, and fun lights. Sheds can also become man caves with a built-in bar and even a television. They can become a tiki bar for those who also have a pool in their back yard.
There is no reason for a shed to be left unused on a property. The sky is literally the limit when it comes to repurposing that space and making it useful once again. Whether you need a backyard retreat, a reading escape, or a playhouse for your children, you can create it with some time, a little hard work, and some creativity.
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