Most people pick a shed from the picture. The better way is to walk outside with a tape measure and a helper first. A little time in the yard saves a lot of second guessing later.
- Find the spot. Pick a place that is fairly level, does not hold water after rain, and is easy to reach with a mower or a wheelbarrow. Have your helper stand where the door would be so you can see how you will walk in and out.
- Measure the footprint. Measure the length and width of the open ground, then take a foot or two off each side. You need room to reach the walls for painting and for raking out leaves.
- Look up. Check for low branches, gutters, wires and the roof edge of the house. The peak of a shed roof is taller than most people expect, so compare it with the height in the listing.
- List what goes inside. Think mower, bikes, the grill in winter and bags of soil. Lay the big items on the driveway in a rough rectangle and measure around them. Add space to walk in and turn around.
- Plan the door. Double doors and a ramp make it easier to roll a mower in. Note which way the door opens and make sure it clears a fence or a garden bed.
- Plan the base. A shed needs a flat, solid base, like a gravel pad, pavers or a wood platform. Make the base a little larger than the shed itself.
- Check the local rules. Many towns and HOAs have rules on shed size, height and how close it can sit to a property line. A quick call before you order saves trouble.
Send us the measurements of your spot and a list of what you want to store, and we will help you pick the size that fits.