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How to Organize Wooden Sheds

December 24th, 2009 No comments

Do you already own a wooden shed? If so, you know just how important a well organized shed can be. Wooden sheds can fill up with unwanted items quite rapidly because they are relatively small. The best time to start organizing is now. And, you’re a lot better off if your shed is new with nothing in it yet.

But, most of us do have their wooden sheds full of stuff and, therefore, need to start removing EVERYTHING. Pick a nice day and start early in the morning. This may seem like a big undertaking but will be easier and less time-consuming in the long run.

You may be one of those people who finds it hard to throw anything away (I’m one of them). If the item has no sentimental value and you never use it, its best to throw it out, sell it (or better yet, donate it).

When you are finished removing all the items from your shed, take time to group like items into piles. Like, your bicycle gear in one group, your gardening supplies in another, etc.

Small items can now be placed in containers or bins that will go neatly on shelves. Make sure you label the outside of the containers to you can easily find what you are looking for later.

Now you can start putting all your grouped items back into the wooden shed. Items used more often should be placed closer to the front of the shed or on shelves at shoulder height.

Rakes and shovels (long-handled tools) should be organized on a tool rack that can be made or purchased for a reasonable price.

Workbenches are also a great item to have in your wooden shed. You don’t have to have the best one, just one that gets the job done. It should have sturdy legs so you can place heavy items on it and any hammering that you may need to do. There should also be storage room under the bench for easy access to tools.

To make it easier to wheel larger items in and out the shed, build yourself a simple ramp for the doorway. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but if you want it to be, make sure your build it from pressure-treated wood that won’t rot from moisture.

Before you know it, you’ll be wondering where all the extra space in your shed came from. Wooden sheds are ideal for storage, but it is so important to be as organized as possible or it will end up being essentially – a big garbage can.

Before you start organizing your wooden garden shed, check out Donald Rickerby’s free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential. BestWoodenSheds.com also contains kits for wooden sheds, shed plans, and a lot more helpful information.

How to Convert Wooden Sheds from Storage Space to Living Space

December 21st, 2009 No comments

You can get better use out of an old wooden shed out back if its just holding a bunch of junk. Why not convert it into living space? Wooden sheds can be as versatile as your imagination – and practical, too. They can be converted into many different uses like a playhouse for your kids or into an artist studio.

Start off with a clean slate. When you have everything out of the shed, pick up any debris and vacuum in the corners. Since it is a wooden shed, there may be signs of rot or termites that have to be addressed.

Make the most of the exposed studs on the inside. This is one of the great features of wooden sheds. Spruce up the inside walls with a light stain or water sealant. This will bring out the natural beauty of the wood and give your shed a more comfortable feel.

You can always paint the walls as well. Try to keep with lighter colors since the space is so small. Be sure to use a primer first, otherwise, the paint will be soaked up by the wood.

If your shed is on a skid, or wooden floor, follow the same steps as described in the paragraph above. On the other hand, if you have a foundation made from concrete, either leave it or you can choose to stain it. Revitalizing old worn concrete surfaces by staining them is a great solution. The floor area in wooden sheds is small enough that you should be able to handle it but its best to use a professional.

Make sure you clean, prime and paint the outside of the wooden shed also. Fill in any spaces or cracks with caulk to keep water out. It may be fine to have some moisture come in for storage purposes but not for a space that is intended as livable.

Now you should be ready for the fun part now that the shell is complete. Depending on how you intend to use the space, start adding your own personal touches. Start by adding or installing the more permanent items like shelving and/or pegboards.

Before you start converting your wooden shed, check out Donald Rickerby’s free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential. His web site also contains kits for wooden garden sheds, shed plans, and a lot more helpful information.