Buying Guides

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHED

If you're running low on outdoor storage and need to get your lawn and garden items in order, look no further than a shed or deck box. The Home Depot has a wide variety of durable, easy-to-assemble options to suit your space, storage and budget requirements.

SHED CONSIDERATIONS

Before you buy, take the time to consider the following questions:

Are there building restrictions in my area?

Be sure to check municipal bylaws for permit regulations as they vary by region and will determine what size of shed you can build.

What outdoor items do I need storage for? How much space do I need?

It's a good idea to make a list of everything you need outdoor storage for — lawn mowers, tools, toys, bikes, cleaning products, etc. — and then consider how much room you'll need to store and easily access these items. Some sheds come with overhead storage lofts, which maximize space and provide a convenient place for lesser-used items.

How much space do I have in my yard for a shed?

After checking building codes and figuring out if you need a small, medium or large shed, measure the space in your yard to see what will fit. Remember — you need sufficient space to assemble the shed safely and you want a site that is clear of any obstacles. If you have very limited yard space or live in an area with restrictions on building a shed, a deck box or compact storage unit is a practical, easy-to-assemble alternative.

How do I get my shed home?

Small shed kits can fit into a cube van, but if you don't have a large enough vehicle to transport your shed, there are convenient delivery options and truck rentals offered through The Home Depot. Many of our sheds are also available to buy online and will ship directly to your home.

PREPARATION

Before you start building, you need to clear your site of debris like grass, plants and stones. You must also ensure the site is completely level — do this by using a long flat object (like a 2 x 4 piece of wood) to even it out and then use a level to double-check your work. Grade the ground away from your house and keep in mind that most sheds require at least two people for assembly.

Your Options

Sheds carried at The Home Depot come in four different materials, each with its own set of features.

Wood

One of the biggest draws of a wood shed is that it can be shingled and painted to match (or complement) your house. A basic knowledge of woodworking is needed to assemble this type of structure.

Vinyl

Vinyl sheds are known for their strength and durability, and require no maintenance. They also have a protective UV coating to prevent against fading.

Resin

Resin sheds are the fastest and easiest to assemble because the floor is included with the purchase of the shed kit. These models are durable, UV-protected and usually include accessories like windows and skylights.

Metal

Metal sheds are considered the most basic outdoor storage option and come in painted galvanized steel or aluminum. Some maintenance is needed to protect against rust and denting.

Shop All Outdoor Storage

SHED MATERIAL COMPARISON CHART

SHED BASES

Depending on the material you choose, you'll need a base for your shed. Resin models include a floor in the kit; however, a separate foundation can be added for increased stability. Wood, vinyl and metal sheds require bases to be built before kit assembly begins.

When building a separate base, make sure it's larger than the perimeter of your shed by two to three feet (60 to 90 cm). There are four material options that can be used for this type of project:

• Gravel
• Wood
• Cement Pavers
• Concrete Slab

Building a Subfloor

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Constructing a Concrete Slab Foundation

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DECK BOXES AND COMPACT STORAGE UNITS

Deck boxes and compact storage units are great, easy-to-assemble alternatives to sheds when space or building permits are an issue. In addition to storing patio and deck items like cushions, toys and small tools, deck boxes also double as seating, making them a useful addition to any outdoor space.

Shop Deck Boxes

Video — Quick Tips: An Outdoor Storage

A deck box can store all the items that don't fit in your garage and help you add seating to your outdoor space.

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Outdoor Storage Know-How

Visit our online Know-How Centre for guidelines and expert advice to help you complete your outdoor storage project.

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Building a Metal Shed

Building a Wood
Shed - Part 1

Building a Wood
Shed - Part 2

Applying Trim, Hardware and
Paint to a Wood Shed

Building a Vinyl Shed

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