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New Year’s Resolutions: Top 10 Tips for Owning a Storage Structure

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As a new year begins, often we try to implement new and better habits. That can be applied to many areas of our life, including how we care for our property. In this blog post, we’ll share some top tips about outdoor storage structure ownership.

Top 10 Storage Structure Tips

  1. Choose a good location. Find level ground for your shed. This is literally the foundation of proper maintenance.
  2. Paint your unfinished wooden shed. It’s a best practice to paint your shed within 60 days if installation. This protective covering helps your shed last longer.
  3. Lubricate your handles. Be sure your knobs and handles are in working order by lubricating them from time to time.
  4. Watch vegetation. Keep the area around your outdoor storage structure trimmed. This does many things, including keeping critters away.
  5. Properly ventilate your shed. No matter what type of structure you have – wood or metal – proper air circulation is important.
  6. Winterize your shed. The cold weather and other elements that come along with winter can wreak havoc on your shed. Be sure it’s ready for the cold and wet season.
  7. Keep your shed clean and organized. Over time, the items you store will seemingly multiply. As your shed fills up, you may need to install shelves, peg boards, hooks, and other organizational elements. A clean and organized shed is safer and easier to manage.
  8. Check for rot. Over time, moisture can damage your wooden storage structure. Look for rotted parts and replace or repair.
  9. Check for leaks. Moisture inside a shed is not good. Check your roof and other areas for leaks and fix immediately—before they spread.
  10. Repaint your shed. Going along with our earlier tip, we suggested repainting your shed every three to four years. Depending on where you live, this could be needed more often.

It’s important to protect your investment in outdoor storage structures – as well as to continue to protect everything inside of it.

Happy New Year!

Transformations: Turn That Old Shed into a Women’s Retreat (Or, a She Shed)

We’ve all heard the term “man cave”—but what about a relaxing, backyard respite for women? With some paint, light construction, and décor, you can turn a structure into the women’s retreat, a “she shed.”

We work hard, and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. But despite how busy our lives are, we can’t forget to take time for ourselves. Time to unwind and escape that hustle and bustle—or even a noisy TV in the living room.

The ideas are seemingly endless to how you can transform a garden shed into a she shed! Whether you’re looking for a sewing or craft nook, a studio, a reading lounge, an exercise room, or an open and airy meditation area, with a little work, you can carve out a space just for you. Since women share many of the same interests as men, she sheds can look like man-caves, and that’s great!

The first step is cleaning out your existing shed so you can really get a handle on how much space you have. Plus, it’s easier to visualize the possibilities when you’re looking at an empty space. From there, draw up your plan—you can find ideas (even blueprints) online. Many design websites feature she shed makeovers—but don’t let the ideas sway you. Your shed should be uniquely you!

You will have so much fun watching your vision for a women’s retreat come to life—picking out colors, choosing décor, and installing shelves (maybe even a wine rack?) and getting furniture. But the best part will be sitting back and enjoying the space you’ve created!

Remember, alone-time is not just something that’s nice to have; solitude actually makes us happier and healthier!

Transformations: Turn That Old Shed into a Man Cave

The garage was often the default place where a man would escape for much-needed alone time, whether to tinker with a project, play cards with friends, or even watch a football game. Then came along the notion of a man cave—yes, these can still be in the garage, but they’ve also became part of basement remodels or making use of a child’s bedroom when they move away to college (Come on, Dad! Why?!).

Today, you can find these rugged respites in the back yard too, thanks to the notion of turning a garden shed into a man cave. If your outdoor structure isn’t getting the use you thought it would, consider transforming it into a space you can call your own!

You have so many possibilities for your outdoor man cave: workout room a den-like space, a mini-office, a hobby shop, an art studio, or a decked-out, sports-watching haven. While your plan will be specific to your wants and needs, here are a few basic steps for building your man cave:

  1. Empty the shed of all its contents; donate, sell, or toss. Then clean the shed.
  2. Based on your empty space, now you can measure and draw up your plan.
  3. When a shed is a shed, your rakes and such don’t need to stay warm; but since it’s a man cave now, you’ll need to insulate, seal, and drywall.
  4. Paint and decorate!

Enjoy your new space!

Transformations: Turn That Old Shed into Playhouse

Playtime is important to our children’s development, especially fun and imaginative play. When your children need more space to play than your home offers, here’s a solution: turn your old garden shed into a playhouse! (Or, if you don’t have one, you could always consider adding a new outdoor structure to your property!)

The ideas are as endless as you and your child’s/children’s imagination. First, think about their interests. Maybe you’ll go with a castle theme? A princess motif? Or a literal house, with a play kitchen or store! Or, perhaps, you’ll go with simply a specific color scheme so that your outdoor playhouse is not locked into one ideas—remember, kids’ interests can change over time and, especially, as they grow.

Aside from choosing a color for the interior and exterior, your kid-friendly atmosphere can be enhanced by wall coverings, window dressings, flooring, and furnishing. But, first things first: as you plan for your new outdoor play structure, be sure to heed age-appropriate safety measures, such as covered outlets. Also, be sure to insulate the space so kids can stay warm, even in colder months.

Here are a few ideas of features to consider as you plan:

    • Book shelves and a reading area
    • Plenty of open floor space to empty out containers of blocks, dolls, cars, or other toys
    • Table for drawing, working, or board games
    • Shelving and cubbies for easy and accessible storage
    • Hooks for coats, aprons, sweaters, etc.
    • Bean bags or other cozy seating to have the kids read or relax
    • Chalkboard, easels, and/or markerboard for inspiration
    • Exterior features such as a sandbox or little stage for those shows kids love to put on

Adding a backyard playhouse to your property by converting an old shed will give hours of pleasure to your children—and help with their development.

Transformations: Turn That Old Shed into a Women’s Retreat (Or, a She-Shed)

We’ve all heard the term “man cave”—but what about a relaxing, backyard respite for women? With some paint, light construction, and décor, you can turn a structure into the women’s retreat, a “she shed.”

We work hard, and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. But despite how busy our lives are, we can’t forget to take time for ourselves. Time to unwind and escape that hustle and bustle—or even a noisy TV in the living room.

The ideas are seemingly endless to how you can transform a garden shed into a she shed! Whether you’re looking for a sewing or craft nook, a studio, a reading lounge, an exercise room, or an open and airy meditation area, with a little work, you can carve out a space just for you. Since women share many of the same interests as men, she sheds can look like man-caves, and that’s great!

The first step is cleaning out your existing shed so you can really get a handle on how much space you have. Plus, it’s easier to visualize the possibilities when you’re looking at an empty space. From there, draw up your plan—you can find ideas (even blueprints) online. Many design websites feature she shed makeovers—but don’t let the ideas sway you. Your shed should be uniquely you!

You will have so much fun watching your vision for a women’s retreat come to life—picking out colors, choosing décor, and installing shelves (maybe even a wine rack?) and getting furniture. But the best part will be sitting back and enjoying the space you’ve created!

Remember, alone-time is not just something that’s nice to have; solitude actually makes us happier and healthier!

3 Tips for a Great Paint Job: Painting Your Shed or Outdoor Structure

Learn how to prep, prime, and paint your shed like a pro. These 3 painting tips will help you achieve a durable, great-looking result.

Read more

The Importance of a Good Foundation for Your Outdoor Structure

Your outdoor structure, no matter how solid and sturdy, will usually require a proper foundation. Without one, it might not stay level, it will be more prone to moisture, and it could even sink into the ground.

You have several options for your shed’s foundation, including gravel, wood, concrete slab:

  • Gravel – gravel (or, crushed stone) pad shed foundations work well for small storage sheds.
  • Wood – pressure-treated wood frames are a durable, popular foundation option for sheds; the timber usually rests on cinder blocks or piers to keep the wood level and off the ground.
  • Concrete slab – a concrete slab foundation is best for larger sheds, and it’s the strongest of your options. If you plan to store tractors or heavy equipment, a concrete slab foundation is best.

Because an outdoor structure’s foundation is, for the most part, intended to be permanent, it’s important to plan properly and choose the best spot on your property for it. Other things to consider about what type of foundation you choose—and where you choose to install—include drainage, wildlife, portability (as in, if you intend to move it at some point), and potential for future additions to your shed, such as plumbing.

A solid shed foundation is important for many practical reasons—protection of the structure and its contents as well as proper functioning of doors and windows. Choose the option that best suits your climate, your needs, and your budget.

The Importance of Ventilation in Your Outdoor Structure

If you have an outdoor structure, such as a shed or other out-building, that you plan to spend time significant time in, proper ventilation is key to your safety and comfort.

Properly Ventilated Sheds for Safety

If you’re like a lot of people, your shed is probably part-storage, part workshop. It makes sense, then, that you could be working alongside cans of gasoline you have stored for your mower or power tools. Inhaling gas fumes can be dangerous, and proper ventilation keeps the fresh air circulating.

Aside from dangerous fumes, consider the mold and mildew that can grow inside an outdoor structure. This is especially true in humid climates or during wet seasons; breathing in these spores can have harmful effects. Adequate ventilation can help prevent or reduce mildew and mold growth by controlling moisture.

Properly Ventilated Sheds for Comfort

Shed ventilation also helps contribute to a comfortable working environment by keeping air fresh, controlling temperatures, and letting any odors out. Aside from roof vents, don’t forget that doors and windows also add to your air control options! If you do plan to work in your shed often, consider installing a fan.

Properly Ventilated Sheds for Structural Integrity

Your home’s roof can be damaged by excessive moisture over time. The same goes for your shed. If your workshop or storage space gets too moist, your structure could weaken. Properly ventilating your storage shed will prolong its life, as well as protect its contents. Regular airflow helps protect against warping, rust, or rot caused by trapped moisture.

Many storage sheds or other outdoor structures come with vents, but depending on how you plan to use your shed, you may want to consider more. If you’re looking to add ventilation options to your shed, remember that Valley Structures offers a variety of garden vents and gable vents.

Transformations: Storage Shed Chicken Coop

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This month, we’re dedicating our blog posts to a few of the many ways you can transform your storage shed from an empty shell usually meant for storage into something practical. In the last part of this three-part series we’ll talk about keeping chickens.

Today, many families are interested in self-sustaining lifestyles for health, environmental, or economic reasons. You don’t have to live on a farm to reap the benefits of fresh eggs or raising your own poultry.

Adding a chicken coop to your property is a bit easier when you start with a ready-made outdoor structure, such as a storage shed offered at Valley Structures. Here are some things to consider:

  • Each chicken will need about 4.5 square feet of space; think about your capacity! You don’t want overcrowding.
  • Install roost-shelving/nest boxes to give chickens a place to roost. Many coops use a 2×4 board as a roosting bar.
  • Consider a droppings board. Install it under the roosting bar.
  • Chickens share nests—three nests for every eight chickens is a good rule of measure.
  • Add in vents, windows, and doors. Vents and windows help with air circulation, and a door allows chickens to come out during the day for air and sun.
  • A need for more fresh air – depending on how hot it gets where you live, you might need more ventilation. Remove one or part of the wall panels and add in wire mesh.
  • Account for storage space for buckets, shovels, etc.

Once you have your coop set up, it’s time to get your flock!

Transformations: Storage Shed Gardening & Potting Rooms

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This month, we’re dedicating our blog posts to a few of the many ways you can transform your storage shed from an empty shell into something practical. In the second installation of this three-part series we’ll look at how you can garden or create a potting room with a storage shed.

Backyard sheds aren’t limited to just being used for storing gardening equipment; they also can be a functional space for green thumbs.

Think about what you’ll be using the space for, and then plot out the interior accordingly. Think about your working surface as well as adequate storage space. What kind of potting table best suits you? Think about lighting: will you need to add more windows? And, of course, you’ll want to have a sink, so plumbing is another consideration.

Aside from creating a place for you to work, you can also make your new potting shed a bit of retreat. Add some comfortable seating and décor. Artfully arrange your tools—make good use of the ceilings and walls. What can you hang? What needs a shelf?

Don’t forget about the exterior. How can you paint, trim, or decorate your shed so that it blends in with the landscape? Add some character. Make it part of the art of your backyard!