As much as we enjoy the time we spend out in the yard, we very often also find that we spend a lot of time trying to find places to put all of the stuff that we use outdoors.  Whether it is all of the garden tools that we need to keep the lawn looking its best or the many outdoor toys that we buy so our kids can be entertained outside, we are sometimes lacking a place to put everything so it is not crowding up and messing up the beauty of our outdoor space.  Not to mention storage of items like fertilizer or other hazardous materials that can be dangerous to young children or pets and really need to be kept out of sight and out of reach as well.

One option that adds beauty to the yard while also having practical functionality to provide the storage we need is a garden building.  You have many choices to consider when it comes to garden buildings and they can fit the bill for everything from a small space to store extra tools and equipment to a spacious children’s playhouse or even a garden office.

For example, there’s premade garden buildings with wood finishes that can be as large as a standard bedroom and can serve as a guest house or office, or simply a large storage space.  Other garden buildings are small, and are made from plastic or metal, and might barely hold the lawn mower and a few tools.

Size and material isn’t the only consideration you have when it comes to garden buildings.  Your yard size, climate, and intended use can play into your decision in choosing the style that’s best for you.  But the great thing is you have plenty of options when choosing one.  If you don’t want to buy a new garden building, you can usually even find some good quality used garden buildings for sale by searching online with sites like Craigslist or eBay, and can save quite a bit of money in the process.

Garden buildings are not just about storing tools and other outdoor materials.  They can even be gazebos or buildings specifically made for children to play in and store their toys.  They can be offices, pool cabanas or guest houses.  Really any building that you have outside can be considered a garden building, but ideally a garden building is something that helps to improve the aesthetic appeal of the yard while also adding functionality (which is why they are very often made from wood).  In fact, many garden buildings will have accessories added, such as exterior shutters, window boxes, porches and more, to add to their aesthetic appeal, even if they are only being used as storage sheds.

When installing garden buildings, it is best to first measure your yard space and to seek an area that is relatively flat for its placement.   Whether you build your own garden building or buy a pre-made option, you will then need to build a foundation before placing the building on the ground.  This will help support the structure and will add to the life of the building.  You should also check with your local municipality to see if there are any restrictions you have on installing garden buildings where you live.

Garden buildings can provide the perfect combination of beauty and functionality and are a great addition to most any type of backyard or garden.

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Photo courtesy of James Maskrey

The wooden structure also means it blends in well with the rest of the flourishing greenery and colorful blooms, making it look like it simply belongs in your backyard or garden.  It can lend a natural and rustic look and feel to the garden. 

To turn a basic wooden shed into a wooden garden shed, all you need in your shed are lots of shelves and hooks, a working table, as well as some storage bins.  An added comfort could be in the form of an outdoor braided rug placed on the shed floor to make it more attractive and easier on your legs if you stand inside a lot, or a small garden bench or stool to sit on while attending to some of your potting tasks.

Another option for garden storage, aside from a wooden shed, is for you to use a garden trellis.  A garden trellis has grids on it, and you can use hooks to hang your tools from it.  The look is instantly rustic and charming, although the only problem with using this method is that your tools will be left outdoors and will be subjected to constant exposure to the weather.  You can, however, attach a garden trellis inside a wooden shed to provide a storage system to add racks to within the shed to hang your tools from.  Or you can place the garden trellis outside of the shed and have creepers grow on it to add to the decorative and garden feel to your wooden shed and to make your shed look really quaint.

When it comes to keeping the interior of your wooden shed organized, there are a few options to choose from.  Shelves are great for storing all your necessities and since the structure is made from wood, it is easy to attach shelves just about anywhere you need them.  You can use glass jars to organize and store all your leftover seeds.  Place these packets of seeds into canning jars, label them and arrange them onto your shelves in the shed.  They will be all ready when it comes time to plant them.  Low deeper shelves can be used to house soil, fertilizer, garden pots and hoses.  You can also add bins to house gardening supplies.  You can add a garden tool rack on the wall so that your tools are hanging and are easy to find.

When it comes to a garden shed, the exterior of the shed should not be overlooked.  Some wooden shed owners use cheery paint to decorate their shed.  Others prefer to stain the wood to keep it more natural looking or to keep it completely natural and to just apply a clear sealer to better protect the wood.  There are even those who have quaint little curtains for the windows, or that decorate the shed with some planter boxes and shrubs in front of the shed.  Adding these small features can turn an ordinary wooden shed into a focal point of your garden.

Wooden sheds make really charming garden sheds.  With some clever touches, your shed can be more than just a convenient place to store all of your gardening supplies, and can actually be a very attractive fixture in your garden, adding to your garden decor.

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If you have a metal garden shed, metal tool shed, or any other type of shed for that matter, that’s a good first step in getting yourself organized.  Now, you can get on with organizing the shed itself a bit to make it more useful.  If you have yet to purchase a metal shed, then you should keep these tips in mind so that you can utilize them when you do get your new shed.

Here are 3 Tips to Organizing Your Metal Shed:

1. Put up a pegboard in your shed. A pegboard is a great way to organize tools and equipment.  All you need is a pegboard in the appropriate size to fit the metal shed wall, and then you can paint it if you want in the color of your choice.  Next, add some holders and hooks to the pegboard and you will have a handy place to store all of your tools, such as brooms, garden rakes, dustpans, garden hoses, and whatever else that you need storing and organizing.  Some metal sheds come with their own pegboards or storing system that you can hang up on the wall for the same purpose, so if so, you may choose to purchase the accessories directly from the shed manufacturer.
2. Place a magnetic knife holder in your shed. A magnetic knife holder can be a great place to hang up your small metal tools, and other things like paintbrushes and scissors that have metal handles.  You can easily get a magnetic knife holder from home improvement stores.  Then just mount this to your shed wall and you’re all set.
3. Add a shelf to hold some small jars or organizing bins. Sometimes we have small items that are unceremoniously dumped into one big container, like nails.  Looking for a specific nail can be tough in a bin full of assorted nails.  This problem will be a thing of the past if you organize your nails into glass or canning jars.  If you don’t want to spend extra money on organizers and need some really small jars, baby food jars work well.  Placed on a shelf in your shed, you can easily find what you’re looking for.  If you prefer, you can even screw the top lip of the jar to the bottom of the shelf and the jars can hang from the shelf.  Then just unscrew the jar from the lid to get to what’s inside.

These are just three simple ways to organize the interior of your metal garden shed.  There are many other ways that you can try out to utilize every inch of your shed and maximize its capabilities, but this is a good step in the right direction to get you started on organizing some of the smaller items that often seem to disappear amongst the larger ones when they all wind up in a shed together.

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Surely you want the storage shed you choose to keep all of your tools and other items safe and weatherproof.  You also need a shed that is weather resistant so you do not experience problems with the shed itself that could lead to damage and either costly repairs or replacement.

A vinyl storage shed is the ideal type of shed for your storage needs.  These sheds are manufactured in many sizes so they can fit all of your storage needs, whether big, medium or small.  What is also nice is the fact that you do not need a professional to put your vinyl storage shed up.  Just get a couple of friends, and you can have usually have your shed up fairly quickly.  Some sheds can be delivered fully assembled, but for other types of vinyl sheds, you can purchase vinyl shed storage kits that are relatively easy to assemble on your own, saving you money in the process.

Vinyl can withstand all kinds of weather conditions.  It is waterproof, weatherproof and insect proof.  There is also no need to worry about dents, rust or chips with vinyl storage sheds, as compared to aluminum or metal storage sheds .  Vinyl is also very durable and will hold up for a long time.

Another great feature of vinyl storage sheds is that they are virtually maintenance free.  You might wish to occasionally hose it down to remove any dirt or grime, but there is no need for painting, staining or sealing every year, like you have to do with wooden storage sheds.  There are also an array of colors available in vinyl storage sheds to enhance and match your landscape and garden decor.

Should you choose to secure your shed more securely to the ground, then there are anchor kits available.  If you live in an area that is susceptible to high winds, then securing your shed with anchors is a wise choice.  Also, if you do not already have a cement slab on which to place the shed, then there are also flooring kits for sheds available as well.  The shed anchor kits and shed flooring kits are typically available at your local home improvement store.

There are many types of vinyl storage sheds for sale, and many brands as well.  Some brands you may want to consider are Duramax or Rubbermaid sheds.  These are quality brands that will offer you the piece of mind that you are getting a well made shed that will last.  There are also many models to choose from, including horizontal sheds, vertical sheds, tool sheds, garden sheds, and more.

Look around your home and yard.  Owning a Duramax vinyl storage shed, or another type of quality vinyl shed, can be the solution you need to take care of storing your patio furniture in bad weather conditions or during the “off season”, as well as offering a safe place for your garden tools, outdoor kids toys, pool supplies, and much more.  Not only will a vinyl storage shed bring some organization to your yard, but it could free up some garage space so that you have plenty of room for your car again!

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Wood

You can get a wooden bike shed that is similar to the construction of a normal wooden shed, so this will be either overlap or tongue and groove construction.  A wooden bike shed will require a certain amount of maintenance over the years, such as staining or some wood preserving sealer being put on it.  The beauty of a wooden shed, however, is that you can modify the size and style of it to meet your needs and it also looks right at home in any garden.

Metal

If wooden bike sheds sound like a little bit too much maintenance is required from you, then you can always look for a powder coated steel version instead.  Although there are not as many metal or steel bicycle sheds on the market as wooden ones,  they certainly do exist and are hard wearing and long lasting.  A powder coated steel bicycle storage shed requires no maintenance throughout the lifetime of the shed, but personally I don’t think it has quite the same aesthetic appeal that a wooden bike shed does.  Another drawback of having a steel bike shed is that it is not that easy to install shelves inside it, so if you think you might want to make some adaptations to your shed, you may be better off choosing a wooden one.

Plastic

The final type of bike shed you can get is made from plastic.  These really have all of the same features as most steel bicycle sheds – they don’t particularly look very nice in your yard or garden and you can’t customize them easily, but on the other hand, they are cheap and do not require any maintenance.  Plastic bicycle sheds are very functional and are an economical alternative that many people choose simply because they serve their purpose well at a low price and with no maintenance needs.  Rubbermaid sheds are an example of these types of sheds, and they are a very popular option.

No matter what material you choose for your bicycle storage shed, buying a bicycle shed can be a great way to keep your family’s bicycles protected and out of the way while not taking up too much garage space, or even space under your carport if that is what you have at your home.  Wooden, metal and plastic bicycle sheds can keep your bikes protected from the elements of the weather, secure from robbery, and clean when not in use.  They can also keep your car from getting scratched up as you try to cram a few more things into an already tight garage space.

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Log racks come in a variety of sizes and styles and their primary function is to keep wood organized and to keep it off the ground so it is not exposed to the constant moisture of the ground and insects, where it can rot.  A log rack can hold a few pieces of wood or as much as a full cord of wood at a time.  For those that use lots of wood throughout a season, log racks can be set up side by side along a wall, fence, shed, garage, or just about anywhere outdoors to store as much wood as you need.

Outdoor log racks are primarily constructed from powder-coated steel and have a very basic design.  They are streamlined structures intended solely to store wood, and are not generally intended to enhance the outdoor décor.  A log rack can be an open square or rectangular structure or a more enclosed round or arc-like structure (sometimes called a firewood or log hoop), and either style works equally well at containing cut firewood to be used in your indoor or outdoor stone fireplace or fire pit.

A fireplace log rack, on the other hand, is typically a smaller rack that is used to store a few pieces of extra wood alongside the fireplace to keep the fire burning.   Fireplace log racks can be more decorative in nature and can be used indoors or out and are much smaller in size than outdoor log racks that are intended to house large quantities of wood. A firewood log rack that is used indoors can be constructed from just about any type of material that has an opening to store a few pieces of firewood.  Log racks used indoors can be metal, wood, or can even be wicker baskets.  Firewood log racks used outdoors near outdoor stone fireplaces or fire pits, however, need to still be constructed from materials that will hold up to the elements of the weather, even if their design is more decorative in nature.

A log storage rack is a convenient way to keep your extra firewood organized neatly for use whenever you need it.  To easily move firewood from your outdoor log rack to your indoor firewood rack or directly to the fireplace, you can use a firewood tote or log holder to carry the wood comfortably and without getting dirty or subjecting yourself to splinters.

If you don’t like the look of a large log rack when you only are left with a small quantity of wood, you can order an adjustable log rack that can be made larger or smaller, depending on the quantity of wood you need to store.  This type of log rack works well if you order a large quantity of firewood at one time but then take a long time to go through it and want to keep things organized.

While a fire log rack works well to keep wood stacked neatly and to keep it off the ground so it is not exposed to moisture and insects, wood stored outdoors is still exposed to the elements of the weather.  One way to protect the wood from excessive moisture due to rain or snow is to use a log rack cover.  Log rack covers keep the wood covered while stored so the wood does not get wet and is ready to burn whenever you need it.  A log rack cover can be easily removed whenever you need to gain access to the wood stored in the log rack so you can bring it indoors or set up your fireplace to prepare for a roaring fire.  Log rack covers are a great accessory to have, since wet wood does not burn well.

If you own a wood burning fireplace, then owning a wood log rack to store your extra firewood is a useful accessory to have.  It will keep your wood organized neatly, will protect it from the moisture and insects on the ground, and if you use a log rack cover, will even keep your firewood dry when it rains or snows.  There are a number of different styles and sizes of log racks, so choosing the one that best fits your needs and your outdoor space should be an easy task.

Buy log racks here.

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When it comes to selecting an outdoor storage bench, there are many types to choose from.  Storage benches can be purchased for outdoor use in wood, resin, recycled plastic and other durable materials that will hold up to the weather and precipitation.  Wood and recycled plastic are the most commonly found materials for a storage bench used outside.

Benches with storage space located beneath the seating area are typically used on patios and decks, in garden or lawn areas, and near pools.  Here are just a few uses for outdoor storage benches:

Patio storage benches – A patio storage bench can be placed anywhere on the patio area and provides seating as well as storage for often used items, such as cushions, patio accessories and more.  Waterproof patio cushions can be added to patio storage benches to offer extra seating comfort.  These benches are often constructed from wood or plastic, but can also be made from other materials, such as metal, aluminum or iron.

Deck storage benches – Like a patio storage bench, storage benches for deck use are used for extra seating and hidden storage space as well.  Deck storage benches can be purchased specifically as storage bench furniture or can be incorporated directly into the deck design during construction.   Either way, mostly wood storage benches are used in deck areas to blend in with the deck area.

Garden storage benches – A storage bench used in the garden can provide beauty and functionality all rolled up into one.  Many garden benches that offer storage constructed from wood to fit in with a more naturally looking garden décor, although there are plastic models that provide needed functionality as well.  A garden storage bench is the perfect location to store potting supplies, trowels and spades, small pots and other garden and landscape supplies and is especially useful if you do not own a garden shed.

Pool storage benches – Adding a storage bench near the pool area provides a great deal of functionality.  A storage bench seat is the perfect place to take a break after some active pool play or to sit while supervising young children in the pool.    A waterproof seat cushion can be added for extra comfort.  Inside, a pool storage bench can hold small pool toys, extra sunscreen, pool supplies and many items that are useful to have on hand right near the pool area.

An outside storage bench is not much different than an indoor storage bench in form and functionality.  The only main difference is in the material used to construct the bench.  Outdoor storage benches are primarily constructed from wood such as cedar and teak, or a plastic material such as recycled plastic or resin.  Indoor storage benches, on the other hand, are also often constructed from wood, although the type of wood used is more typically pine, oak, maple or mahogany.  Most indoor storage benches are not constructed from plastic materials.

Whether indoors or out, a wood storage bench is probably the most popular style, since it best combines style and functionality and is equally at home inside the home or in a backyard or garden.  You can find many styles of cedar storage benches, teak storage benches, pine storage benches and oak storage benches that add beauty and functionality to your outdoor space.  These wooden storage benches can have cushions added to them for added comfort and design, can be painted or stained to blend in with almost any type of décor, and can be constructed in a wide variety of sizes.   It is not even that difficult to build your own wooden storage bench, if you are looking for a fun DIY project that can provide some extra storage and seating.

Storage benches are a great solution if you are looking for some extra storage space outdoors, as well as some extra seating.  They blend in nicely with other exterior features and are easily portable if seating or storage is needed in a different location in the yard.  Storage bench prices can vary widely depending on the size of the bench, the material, the decorative elements, finishes, and other similar details.  No matter what type of storage bench you choose though, the investment is fairly minimal in comparison to having to build a storage shed.  Storage benches also provide a great deal of convenience compared to having to storage all of your outdoor items in the garage or basement and having to run to get them whenever needed.  Storage benches offer a great combination of dual functionality, combining storage and seating in one useful package.

Buy storage benches here.

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There are many types of locker storage options available on the market and depending on where you are placing the storage locker and what you intend to store inside, you may find that some styles of storage lockers are more appropriate than others for your needs.

For example, if you need to store pool chemicals and small pool accessories near your pool or hot tub area, you may want to consider a plastic storage locker.  Plastic storage lockers are a great option near a pool or outdoor spa because they can withstand the constant exposure to water better than other materials while still providing a durable and secure storage area.  If they are sturdy enough, they can even serve as an outdoor bench when you need to take a break from some active pool play.

For those looking for storage lockers to place on their decks or patios, a wood storage locker is a great option because it not only provides a place to store the patio cushions when not in use, but since its made out of wood, it can blend nicely into the outdoor décor as well.  Wooden storage lockers can be found in a variety of different wood types, sizes, styles and finishes.  Since these home storage lockers are made from wood, however, they do require a bit of upkeep to keep in top condition.

Another material option that works well for outdoor storage is a metal storage locker.  Metal storage lockers can provide the ultimate in outdoor storage, no matter what your needs are.  Metal storage lockers are durable, sturdy and secure and can withstand years and years of outdoor use without any issues.  The only concern with metal storage lockers is that you have to make sure that any dents or large scratches are covered promptly with a sealer so that they do not begin to rust.  But as long as the metal storage locker is placed in a location where it will not be prone to dents and dings, the locker will last a long, long time.

If you have some rather large items that you need to store in your backyard, there are bulk storage lockers available that can provide almost as much space as a shed.   A bulk storage locker can be a great place to store larger items such as pool floats, gardening equipment, and outdoor furniture cushions with ease.  For homeowners that don’t have garage space or a shed, bulk storage lockers can provide some much needed storage space for outdoor items.  There are even bike storage lockers available to house your bicycle if needed.

When it comes to outdoor lockers and storage, there are loads of possibilities for you as a homeowner to choose from.  You can select the size you need, from a small deck storage locker to house your patio cushions to a large bulk storage locker to contain all of your outdoor tools and equipment.  You can select the material that best suits your needs and aesthetic choices, from wood or plastic to metal.  You can even select the color, finish, and other more decorative options to make your outdoor storage locker blend into your backyard space, rather than stick out like a sore thumb.

No matter what your needs may be, with a little research you are bound to find a locker storage cabinet to fit your outdoor storage needs.

Buy storage lockers here.

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