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5 Things to Consider before Buying a Lean to Storage Shed

There are a myriad of storage shed styles or designs to choose from. However, they boil down to five standard options. The style that you choose is dependent on the space you have for installing a shed, the location, and the overall appearance you wish to accomplish. Have you been looking for a shed for storing compact tools, outdoor furniture, and miscellaneous small supplies? If functional storage is your top priority, the lean-to style is an ideal option.

Overview

A lean to storage shed, as the name indicates, is built adjacent to the existing structure such as your home, shed, barn, or garage. It consumes the least amount of space and features a single sloping roof from rear to front. Such a roof is required for pouring down the rain water or snow balls from the sloping surface so that they do not accumulate on the rooftop and save you from cleaning hassles.
Lean to sheds are usually attached to the home and are built to blend with its design. You can even go for a flat roof instead of a slanting one depending on the roof’s pitch of your house. With a strong support from a house wall on one side and sturdy metal roofing, a lean to shed is likely to render enough protection to the storage items inside.
For attaching a lean to model to your home, you need to build three sides and the roof’s slope. This is likely to save your cost for material as well as labor. Alternatively, you can have a lean to shed as a free standing structure, which would need four sides. The good news is that it is perhaps the simplest model to build. This means that it can be a great weekend project for a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) enthusiast with moderate skills and tools.
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Uses

A lean to storage shed is ideal for storing BBO grills, logs for fire, or construction equipment. It is usually smaller in size, takes no time to assemble, and is cost-effective. This style is more popular for storing firewood. This is because the sloping roof keeps snow and moisture away from the firewood and that the open windows facilitate good air circulation around the wood for easy burning.
Another popular usage of a lean to model is as a horse barn. A lean to model gives protection while allowing the horses to move freely around. On farms, this model is popular, as it is usually constructed on the side of an elevated center aisle barn for offering extra covered space in a cost-effective way for protecting livestock and equipment.
A trending use of a lean to structure is building it for having a home studio or office with a contemporary appearance and a more professional ambiance. The single plane section gives this appearance amidst a modern space, while the sloping clean lines and windows give natural light.
Having a workplace in this way near to your home is a great way to reduce or eliminate your travel for work as well as the cost of renting a commercial space. With windows, pre-hung doors, and upgraded siding; it’s easy to convert a lean to shed into a top-notch working area.

Factors to Consider while Buying a Lean to Storage Shed

Although building or installing a lean to shed is easier than constructing any other shed, it does not mean that you can go ahead and select any kit. There are nonetheless several factors to consider or things to know for having the best model built in an efficient way or brought in a cost-effective way. Here are the most influential things to consider, once you know the purpose of using a lean to model:

Factor 1: Shed Size

Once you know the shed’s purpose, it is wise finding out the best size as per your needs. Would you need a worktable inside? Is it necessary to add a couch? Should there be enough space walk around inside? Think about the items that will go inside and the hours you will spend in the shed.
If you wish to stay inside for more than an hour, it’s better to have one with a room to sit and move comfortably. Prior to buying the shed, make a list of all items that will go inside and place them out to get an approximate idea of the dimensions of the shed.

Factor 2: Local Laws

A lean to shed is an addition to your surroundings but an expansion of your home if you wish to attach it to one of its walls. So, you need to check the local building laws prior to construction or installation.

Factor 3: Structure Type

Once you are sure that a lean to storage shed is right for you, it’s time to choose the most suitable style. A typical style would be leaning the shed to the wall of your house. However, you can even go for a freestanding style, which is a modern variation.
Well, there are many factors that can drive you to choose a freestanding style over the other. For instance, a standard lean does not need many supplies for construction as a freestanding framework. This is because it gets support from the house’s walls. Thus, it is likely to cost you less than a freestanding shed.
On the other hand, at times, you might have your personal reasons for going for a detached framework. So, it is totally a personal choice.
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Factor 4: Construction Materials

Sheds come in different materials and each one has its own pros and cons. The construction material contributes to durability, appearance, and customizability. So, it is essential to choose the best material by considering the pros and cons. Here are the most popular options:
  • Metal: Is attached as a sheathing to a frame. Most lean to storage sheds are made using corrugated iron, aluminum, and galvanized steel. The pros of choosing a metal are durability and resistant to termites, fire, and rot. However, on the flip side, a metal shed is prone to denting and damage by ice.
  • Plastic: Is most probably a molded plastic such as polyethylene and PVC. Unlike a metal, a plastic is cheaper and is not prone to rotting, denting, or termites. However, as compared to wood, it is lighter, stronger, and longer lasting. The cons are that a plastic does not blend well with the architecture of a backyard and may be costly if you buy a kit.
  • Wood: Is mostly used in the form of cedar or plywood and is the favorite of a DIY enthusiast. This material is easy to work with but needs a significant amount of maintenance in terms of frequent finishing. It is also prone to rotting, splitting, warping, termites, mildew, and mold. Of all woods, cedar is ideal for outdoor sheds, as it is resistant to several of these issues. On the pro side, wood is the most visually appealing as well as easily customizable option.
  • Vinyl: Is made from wood framing and constitutes the sides. Using vinyl eliminates the need to paint the surface, which makes it superior to wood. Vinyl is also stronger than a metal or a plastic. However, it is the most expensive option, must meet the local laws, and is not eco-friendly.
Of all, wood is probably the best material to build or buy a lean to storage shed. However, you may use vinyl sidings if the shed needs to be connected to the home, if it matches more nicely to the property’s appearance.

Factor 5: Durability

It is worth investing in a shed that shall last for a long time. This is based on four factors namely, the foundation, siding installation, material thickness, and some small but crucial components.
A solid base or foundation is an indispensable aspect to consider at the time of selecting a lean to shed. Like any building, a lean to storage shed needs a sturdy foundation. Some of the most recommended foundations are concrete pillars, poured concrete floors, concrete pillars, or concrete blocks.
However, as per the shed type, you can take the advantage of a plywood floor with beams. Nevertheless, the choice here is dependent upon the size, shed function, and its materials. If you choose to buy a built shed, the maker shall build the foundation for you in your backyard!
Along with the foundations, walls are also equally important. It is essential to ensure that siding is installed correctly. The more precise this installation is, the greater is the lifespan of the overall shed.
Adding to the lifespan is the thickness of the material. A thicker construction material always stands up against the harsh elements. A weak shed is unlikely to survive a rainy or windy condition.
Last but not the least, focus on small things such as nails, heavy-duty door hinges, and caulking, as they add to the overall durability. Those hinges shall last even after much abuse till years. A trim through caulking shall keep rot and leakages away. In short, you need to check each minute detail to a lasting shed.
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Conclusion

Whether you opt for purchasing a pre-fab kit or building your own, choosing the precise lean to shed can make a big difference to your surroundings. Once all the paraphernalia is set in your new shed, you can have some space for all outdoor projects you wish to start as a DIY enthusiast.

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