Craving a space that’s all your own to zone out, play games, or finish that novel? Whether he, she, or they, an outdoor shed can provide a welcome escape just steps away from home. Here’s a practical guide to starting your very own #shedlife.
Step 1 — Give your shed purpose.
From simple storage to homey hideaway, there is a DIY kit or building plan out there for just about every kind of shed you can imagine. Your first step is to decide its primary use, which will help you determine the size and style of shed you need.
Some examples:
- Dedicated office space
- Gaming den
- Crafting or sewing corner
- Reading space
- Intimate home theater
- Garden storage
- Meditation and yoga nook
- Guest cottage
Step 2 — Lay the foundation.
The foundation you choose for your shed will depend mostly on whether or not you plan to keep the shed in-place for the long term. An on-grade foundation is typically less expensive and easier to install, but a concrete slab foundation will stand the test of time.
Consider:
- Concrete slab (most permanent)
- Plastic foundation
- Pavers
- Gravel pad
- Deck blocks
- Manufactured kit
Step 3 — Raise the roof (and the rest of the shed)!
There's a shed out there for you, whether you're an old pro at DIY or this is your first time using your drill. If you've got the time and skillset, there are free, printable plans online to walk you through every step of the process from scratch. If you're in need of a little more guidance (and don't want to purchase everything you'll need separately), your local home improvement store and many online retailers sell manufactured kits with easy-to-follow instructions for assembly.
Decide on construction:
- Build it yourself from the ground up
- Purchase and assemble a prefab kit
Step 4 — Light it up.
Unless you're planning to use your shed as simple garden storage or perhaps an exterior sunroom, you'll want to run power to your new space. We all have limits to our DIY capabilities and, even if you built your shed from the ground up, running electrical is typically best left to a professional. Consult with an electrician about your planned use for the shed, and they'll help ensure you get the right number of outlets and pre-wires for lighting.
Let the light in:
- Utilize natural light
- Run electrical
- Install solar panels
Step 5 — Make it your own.
Once you've laid the foundation and built the structure, the real fun begins! With limited space, you'll want to consider finishing touches that work well in tight spaces — furniture with hidden storage, wall-mounted shelving, modular seating, etc. Let your personality show through paint, wallpaper, art and other dècor. Lastly, don't forget this is a shed! Be sure to spruce up the area outside your space for some not-quite-curb appeal.
Finish your space:
- Paint, wallpaper or wood stain
- Art and décor items
- Functional furniture and organization
- Welcoming plants or flowers