I need a shed. My little alcove that I have in my garage already houses two bikes, a walk behind lawnmower, stock hood from my Honda Accord, a plastic kid's wagon, water heater, A/C air handler, kids' bike trailer, and two coolers. I would like some more space in that are to get everything out so I can have some semblance of a workbench.

Has anyone built sheds themselves? If so, how much did it cost you for the shed? Did you build the floor yourself? What material did you use to build the shed, and the floor? How big is your shed?

I'm mostly worried about cost, and do not want to spend more than $1000 with tax. I would like at least an 8' x 8' shed, something that can fit a walk behind lawnmower (and possibly a lawn tractor in the future), the two bikes, the wagon, and bike trailer.

I don't want metal because no matter how well you take care of it, it will eventually rust. So that leave plastic and wood.

Wood is initially more expensive, but it's seems to be more durable for at least the first five years. Wood will deteriorate eventually, so this is not exactly appealing.

I'm thinking of plastic, but in the Florida heat and sun it might fade easily. The shed might be possibly shaded by some trees, but most likely not. I want to build a concrete base floor for the shed, so I'd have to factor those materials into the cost.

Are plastic sheds worth it?

 

Not a big fan of sheds, however, they are functional. Funny enough, our community doesn't even allow them... so it's never been something I had to research.

Just make sure if you do get one... get one that looks nice. You live in Florida, and I'm thinking Florida and plastic sheds do not mesh well

 

Yeah, but it's the most durable material. Metal will rust and wood evetually will deteriorate.

 

^ They do not make sheds out of composites these days?

 

I have a wood shed in my back-yard (came with the house). Since I don't have a garage, it's nice to have. The one I have is made of wood and is 6' x 8'. It fits a push-mower perfectly fine, although nothing can be put in front of the lawn-mower. I do wish it was made out of a composite, since there are a few spots that have rotted out.

One word of caution: Try your best to mouse-proof the shed. I left some stuff in mine during the winter and the mice had a field day. I ended up buying 1/4" mesh and lining the floor and up the side a bit to keep them out. Granted, this is only if you don't like mice (which my girlfriend certainly does not)

 

 

Interesting. Thanks. We don't have problems with mice down here, but snakes and spiders and other bugs?

 

I have a plactis shed, it has faded a touch over 5 years but it still looks fine. Wood sheds can certainly look better though and really, how long do you need it to last?

Mine is a dark brown color that tries to emulate wood. The white/beige ones aren't very attractive IMO. One thing about plastic sheds is that they're simple to assemble. A concrete base it probably a good idea. I did my base for about $300 and the 8x6 shed was $1200.

I'd suggest getting something with double doors. Moving a push mower in and out of a single door entrance can be a pain.

 

My in-laws have a gorgeous shed. I'm not positive what it's made of, but has the appearance of siding. I'm not sure if it's made of wood, plastic, or vinyl siding. But it's a great colour (pale yellow), has double doors (like french doors), two windows on either side of the doors - with flower boxes beneath, and a shingled roof. It really looks like a cute, mini cottage...not the typical looking shed. I love it.

 

Pics?

How long did it take you to do the 8' x 6' concrete base?

 

Sheds are useful, concrete base goes over the bodies err I mean the useless dirt.

But really, it took me two weekends with me not working very hard to get mine setup. I recommend the double doors as well.

 

Pics or :ban:

Wait....

 

http://www.duroshed.com/ ?

Located in Bolton. But pricey if I remember correctly.

 

I'll take some on the weekend.

Base wasn't too bad. Clear the space, put in some stone, framed it with 2x6's and some stakes. Ordered a concrete truck, about 10-12 wheelbarrows later it was done.

 

I think this one is really nice looking. Slightly out of your price range.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...d=storage+shed

 

Here's a nice Suncast one (all plastic).

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...d=storage+shed

 

Costco.com has wood, plastic, metal and vinyl sheds, all in varying sizes and price ranges. The plastic ones are about $1000, and the vinyl ones are $2000+. IDK the $ for the plastic or metal ones.

 

What is the difference between the plastic and vinyl sheds?

 

You mention composites. For under 1000 you can do a wood frame with Hardisiding and a wood floor.
Mine is 8x12 (with double doors at 5' but should have gone 6') and raised on cinders (6") so I made ramps to put in the riding and push mowers.
I wanted it raised for the drainage factor as we get some horrendous rains in my area.
It also houses the pull behind plug aerator and pull behind trailor.

I built shelving on one side to house other misc crap, as you have the framing there, why not use it.

I would post pics, but it is thankfully pissing down rain outside in Dallas at the moment.

 

Hmmmm. Interesting.

I want a concrete base at least. I'd want the concrete pad at least big enough for the shed, and possibly bigger to house a table, outdoor table, or outdoor bench, kind of like a patio (even though we already have a lanai).

 

I didn't want mine to be a perm structure as I plan on building a 3 car garage/shed/poolhouse in the future.

So mine is strictly a shed which is movable.

Guess it depends on the need.

The hardisiding (cementboard product) solved the plastic/wood debate and you can DIY.

 

I can't have a shed (homeowner's association rules) but if I could I'd only want a concrete pad. Wood floors rot, and worse they provide an environment for undesirable fauna to take up residence underneath them. I'd be even more concerned about that in Florida (or Texas).

 

IDK; I think the "vinyl" may be like that used for home siding, i.e. more fade resistant compared to "plastic."
We don't have a shed-- like most LA residents, our junk is stored in the garage.

 

No issues if you approach it correctly. As for rot, water is kept out (roof, etc.) and it is raised above any moist ground.

Chicken wire around perimeter and sunk 8" into the groud to prevent the ubiquitous moles and other mentioned fauna.

It also helps we have dogs that are in and out so wildlife tends to shy away.

 

I will have to start planning on how big I want the shed to be, and henc ehow big I want the concrete pad to be.

 

I'm thinking more of snakes, spiders, scorpions and the like.

 

my metal shed is rusted to hell... my uncle across the street has a nice shed that was built with wood and siding.. it is like a mini house... ill snap photos this weekend...

 

Yeah, I'm staying away from metal sheds.

 

With a concrete base, I'd build a wooden shed. If you build it right, it'll last a long time. Build a basic frame with 2x4's and then for the walls, use some of those boards made to look like they're siding panels, paint it, and you're good to go. Use pressure treated wood for the bottom 2x4's of the frame for added protection against water damage along the bottom. Put some asphalt shingling on the roof so it has some real protection from the elements. Use caulking to seal the joints to prevent bugs from getting into your shed. As for the door you can install a 36" door which should be plenty wide for most of what you're storing in the shed. Unless of course you end up buying a riding lawnmower, then you'd have to put in the double doors.

 

my uncles shed...

 

my rusted POS

 

I don't see no stinkin' rust.

 

they are mostly on the roof... and that pic is over a year ago when i bought the house... an updated photo will show that the front right corner of the foundation it is sitting on is now sinking 3" which causes a gap between the end of the shed and the top of the wood floor... i found stray cats hiding in there when i went to get some pool stuff outta there... the little b@stards scratched up one of my wheels i had stored in there...

 

I always thought people had sheds to

 

fail...

 

in amish country there are plenty, but obviously you are too far. ours is at least 3 years old and will need repairs soon. It is all wood with a shingle roof.

 

That's what your wife's socks are for!