Even in the most organized household, storage space is often at a premium. DIY shelves, bins and boxes are used to manage the products and materials that are used occasionally, but not often enough to have their own niche in the hierarchy of easily accessible storage areas. Garden and yard maintenance tools and supplies often fit into this category, so when the volume of what needs to be stored becomes greater than the amount of square footage available, it’s probably time to evaluate lean to shed plans as a smart storage option.
Source: PublicDomainPictures.netThe design for the sheds in the modern era has evolved from the days of the frontier when boards were slapped up against a sod cabin to make a little more room to house the farm tools. Contemporary versions of the sturdy design are visually attractive, and while they offer a very practical approach to storage needs, they also can serve as supplements to the overall architectural design.
Depending on the planned use of your new shed, you may also want to install a window or two in order to have natural light in the space. By positioning the lean to next to an existing structure, you should have easy access to an electrical outlet or wiring that allows you to install a light fixture that will illuminate the space so that you can easily see what is stored. The paint you use on the shed’s exterior walls, and the roofing material you use, will help integrate the shed with the overall look and design of your home or whichever structure you use to provide the fourth wall of the shed.
Materials and Equipment
One of the reasons the shed plans are popular is because they are simple and easy to install. The main wall of a classic plan already exists as the outer wall of your house, your garage or another structure on the property. That leaves only three walls and a roof that you need to erect. The shed will also need a good, sturdy door that gives you access to the interior and that you can lock to protect the shed’s contents.
When you evaluate lean to shed plans, consider the availability of the materials you need to use to bring this project to completion. In most areas, the timber for construction, tools and supplies are readily available at home improvement stores, internet marketing affiliates and lumber yards. In many cases, the wood can be cut to size onsite before you bring it home to assemble. Doors with casings are available, and all you need to do is haul them home in a vehicle or trailer large enough to accommodate the size of the feature.
Flooring material may be plain gravel for the most simple type, but for many plans you will need to use concrete. Ready mix concrete or quikrete will do. Depending on the size of the shed, you can mix cement by hand in a small tub or in a larger concrete mixer that can be rented by the day. While you are at the hardware or make sure you have the standard tools of the trade — a hammer, a drill, a screwdriver, and a leveling device.
Finishing Touches
The roof on your shed may be a simple assembly of asphalt shingles, wood shingles or slate to match the exterior decor of the house or structure to which it is attached. Your next step is to paint the shed with the same color as the house, or in a subtle, complementary color that will blend in with the overall visual appeal of the land. Add a few shrubs around the shed to create a transition with existing landscaping.