Sheds are practical buildings that are built outside as an added area of storage or workspace, and they can also be used for recreation. There are many different types of designs, sizes, and materials that sheds are made from, so it should be easy to find one that meets your needs and specifications.
Understanding the various styles of sheds is helpful in order to help you choose the right shed for what you want to do, whether it is storing gardening supplies, creating a home office environment or storing other items that you may want to keep outdoors. Each style of shed has its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of sheds based on materials, designs, and purpose, and also how you can choose the right shed for your needs.
Types of Sheds Based on Materials
Wooden Sheds
Sheds are made from wood and are the most popular type of outdoor storage units because they have a natural look that gives off an earthy vibe and are versatile enough to use in many ways. They blend seamlessly with your landscape and can be painted or stained, and have many features added. Wooden sheds are great for storing your things, working in them, or as a place to work with your garden.
However, wooden sheds require regular maintenance to keep them from rotting due to moisture or damage, and from becoming a home to insects that may infest the shed.
Metal Sheds
Metal sheds are durable, strong, and require little maintenance. They are typically made from galvanised steel or aluminium and are resistant to pests and fire. They don't rot like wood and make great places to store your tools, machinery, and outdoor equipment. While they are very solid, they may develop condensation if there is no proper ventilation.
Plastic Sheds
Plastic sheds are constructed from high-density polythene or vinyl materials. Being lightweight, weatherproof and easy to care for, a plastic shed won't rust nor can it be damaged by insect pests. This makes them extremely useful for storing items. Though they might not have the same classic look as wooden sheds, they are extremely tough and will work in many different climates.
Resin Sheds
Resin sheds are a higher-grade form of plastic shed and offer increased strength and durability when compared to plastic. The walls of resin sheds may be reinforced and also have a UV coating to protect against the effects of sunlight, such as fading and cracking. Most resin sheds need little or no maintenance and are ideal for any homeowner who wants a reliable solution for storing their property.
Types of Sheds Based on Design
Apex Sheds
Apex sheds use a pitched roof to create an angled roof with a triangular shape that has more vertical space beneath it and provides an efficient water drainage system. This type of storage building is ideal when used for general-purpose storage, hobby space, or workshop space.
Pent Sheds
Pent sheds use a single sloping roof to create a contemporary appearance. They are compact in design and can be placed within smaller yards or compact areas due to their efficient design. The slope of the roof allows water to drain easily while maintaining the maximum amount of vertical wall space of the building.
Corner Sheds
Corner sheds are designed specifically for placement in an unused area of your garden. A unique design helps with maximising your available outdoor space as well as creating enough space in the corner for storage purposes. They are perfect if you have a smaller property and want to use your space efficiently.
Lean-To Sheds
Lean-to sheds are built against another building or wall. They are perfect for providing you with a compact, affordable way to store your gardening equipment, bicycles, or any other outdoor tools. The design is particularly practical if your yard does not have much room to spare.
Barn-Style Sheds
Barn-style sheds have a gambrel roof, which has two roofs on each side of the shed. This provides you with a lot of extra space for overhead storage while also providing you with a uniquely sided building. Because of their design, they are the most common type of shed used for storing large pieces of equipment or machinery, as well as storing seasonal items.
Types of Sheds Based on Purpose
Storage Shed
Storage sheds are primarily designed for the purpose of organising and storing tools, garden supplies, outdoor furniture and other items from the house. Storage sheds come in different shapes, sizes, and materials to accommodate different types of storage needs.
Garden Sheds
Garden sheds are dedicated to storing everything related to gardening, including tools, pots, fertilisers, and other gardening supplies. Many garden buildings are built with shelving, workbenches and storage racks to help keep everything organised.
Workshop Sheds
Workshop sheds are designed for home improvement projects, woodworking, crafts and repairs. Workshop sheds usually have a lot of room inside, with better lighting and ventilation, which results in a comfortable place to work.
Bicycle Sheds
Bicycle sheds are small structures that are designed to store bicycles in a safe and secure manner. Bicycle sheds protect bicycles from inclement weather and theft while helping to keep them organised and easily accessible.
Home Office Sheds
Home office sheds are on trend with the new trend of working from home. They typically have insulation, electricity, and are built to serve as offices that can be separate from the home structure itself.
Potting Sheds
Potting sheds are created for gardeners or people who love gardening. Potting sheds often consist of many windows, work tables, and other means of helping to nurture plants, produce seeds and complete gardening tasks.
Animal Sheds
Animal sheds work as a place to house livestock, birds, or domesticated animals. Animal sheds have been designed to provide shelter for animals from the elements and also be well-ventilated and comfortable for the animals they house.
How to Choose the Right Shed for Your Needs?
Before choosing the right shed, consider the following factors:
- Identify the significant goal of your shed: will it be used for storage, gardening, shop work, or as a home office?
- Measure out the area available for your shed to help you determine which shed size would fit well within the available space.
- Determine which material will be best for your shed, such as wood, metal, or plastic, depending on your budget, whether it will require regular maintenance, and the local climate of the area where you live.
- Identify additional features of importance to your needs that would be useful for a shed, such as security, ventilation, light, or access.
- Spend the extra money on a quality-built shed with a solid structure to give it a longer life, to keep your items safe from the external elements and provide you with an enjoyable experience using your shed.
Conclusion
Sheds are available in many different styles, materials, and designs to meet the needs and preferences of everyone. Traditional wooden sheds, strong metal buildings, new-age home office sheds, and specific-use garden-type buildings are all types of sheds, and each has a different function. Considering the size, budget, and purpose for which you will use the shed helps the homeowner choose a shed that provides a practical use and a long-term benefit.