There are some important decisions to be made when planning for a shed, be it a garden shed, storage shed, pool shed or the like. One of the first question to ponder is "what do I intend to use it for"? To some extent the answer to this question will impact all others. Begin your planning process by making a list of all the functions you would like your shed to serve and go from there.

Shed Site Choice | Shed Design | Landscaping | Shed Size | Shed Materials | Roofing
Building your Shed Yourself | Choosing a Style

Choosing a Site for your Garden Shed

Location - From a practical standpoint, it is wise to locate a storage shed close to where it's going to be needed most. Kids in particular are much more likely to put bicycles and toys away if the access to the shed is convenient. On the other hand, if you are planning on purchasing a potting shed, you may want to locate it next to your garden, in a spot that receives lots of natural light. Aesthetics are important: you may choose to highlight your structure by making it the center of attention (which is fine) or blend it in to your landscape and make it a secret hideaway. Your choice! You should also be mindful of the sheds' relation to other structures that you may have on your property. Achieving a balance is important.

Other things to think of when choosing a location may be proximity to water (do I need a hose, do I want to plumb it for a sink or toilet), natural light, ventilation (although vents are available), and electricity (artificial lighting or plug in outlets may be desired). Furthermore, think about the pros and cons of your site in all seasons. The surrounding foliage (and weather) can be very different from one season to the next. All of these considerations may have some impact on where you decide to place your shed.

Once you have decided on a size (see 'choosing a size' below), it's a good idea to physically stake it out on your property to ensure that the fit is comfortable for you and is harmonious with your surroundings.

Zoning - Decisions made on the size, location, and style of your shed are not entirely in your hands. Be sure to check with your local municipality to ensure that you are meeting any zoning and permit requirements. Generally, if your structure is under 100 sq. ft. you will not require a permit however, there are usually some restrictions such as a two or three foot set back from a property line to contend with (please see permits and zoning for more information).

Grade - Ideally your site should be level, with a slight pitch towards the rear. This will allow drainage of water without having to excavate around your structure. A structure may be located where the ground slopes more steeply (i.e. greater then 12" from one side to the other) however, if this is the case more thought should be put to the foundation you are going to build. Try to avoid positioning a structure at the bottom of a hill however, if you do, ensure that you beef up the drainage with a 6" gravel bed around your structure or some other appropriate foundation. If there is a slope and you are planning to store wheel barrels and lawn mowers, be sure to consider adding a ramp to your shed.

Selecting a Shed Design

Our range of styles, sizes, and options will allow you to design and build your shed for functionality without having to compromise on style. Be sure to spend sufficient time browsing in our photo galleries and you will benefit from all the designs that others have come up with before you.

Choose a style that reflects your personal taste and fits in to the landscape. Don't worry about your shed matching your house, not every thing needs to match...and why not be a little eclectic! You can customize your shed to your heart's content, implementing your personal flair along the way. Most of our shed styles are differentiated primarily by roof lines (i.e. gable, hip, lean to, salt box) so this is an important consideration.

It's important from the beginning of your decision making process to think about the interior design of your shed. If you are storing large items like a lawn mower you don't want to constantly be moving it, in order to get to smaller items like shovels and rakes. Double doors make for easy storage of and access to large and small items alike.

Partitions often work well to divide space within your shed and helps separate bikes from strollers from gardening supplies etc. If you're going to be using your shed for storage, consider the placement of doors and windows. Keep in mind that storage space is lost where windows are placed. Placement of doors is also important to ensure convenient access to all the stuff inside. Obviously hooks, shelving, benches, bins and other creative ideas are useful in helping to keep things organized. What ever your requirements, we have oodles of options to choose from so you shouldn't have much trouble achieving a good fit to your tastes and needs.

Surrounding Landscape

It's smart to think about how you may want to cultivate the landscape in your shed's immediate surroundings. Shrubs, flowers, and vines on trellises can be a nice complement to a shed and will help to define the space. Many people will also choose to lay flagstone or other pavers to create a pathway to their shed.

A little garden decor will also help to create a tranquil space. Strategically placed, things like trellises, pergolas, cupolas, lights, wind chimes, wheelbarrows, birdhouses - and even your favorite piece of weathered furniture can go a long way to creating that outdoor sanctuary you desire.

Shed Size

There is often much deliberation over what the perfect size is for a shed. It's not that difficult and there is no wrong choice, however we offer a wide range of sizes so the choice is an easy one. Clearly, the key is to ensure that your shed is large enough for its intended purposes, while remaining proportional to the setting. Think of what is going to go inside your shed and how much room is required for the contents. An easy way to do this is to physically map it out. Gather together all of the items that you envision storing in your shed (bearing in mind that many items may be stored on shelves). If there are other planned activities for the shed (i.e. potting shed, art studio) plan for such a space as well. A partition wall may be worth considering if you want to separate contents or activities. If you intend to combine your storage needs with your desire for an outdoor work space, make sure to allow for enough space for you and your stored items. A dual purpose shed doesn't have to be massive, providing you assign different uses to different spaces and incorporate some thoughtful and inventive design into your plan. Once you've decided on a size, place stakes in the ground and outline the sides with a string or garden hose. Adjust the stakes until you're happy with the size and record the dimensions.

Note: if you choose an inward opening 'D' series door, you will need to have four feet of clearance inside your shed.

Again, be sure to check with your zoning office for any municipal laws that may require you to have a permit before you build a structure of a certain size. Better safe than sorry!

Please feel free to contact us at any point in the planning process and we will provide you with as much help as you need.

Shed Construction Materials

Here are some details on the materials and construction methods you can expect with your Summerwood Shed kit.

Flooring for Sheds:

Sheathing: We use sq. edge 4 x 8 x 3/4" T & G sheets. You may want to upgrade to fir plywood, or consider a T & G pine for a different look.

Shed Joists: We use 2 x 4 spruce (with perpendicular 2 x 6 (or greater) P.T. runners underneath). Although not necessary, some people prefer to go with P.T. for the floor joists as well.

Shed Shingles: We offer cedar shingles that can be purchased for your structure at the time of sale, but there are other choices that may be purchased from your local hardware store (asphalt shingles, for example). Whatever you choose, be sure to follow the installation instructions closely. Please refer to the roofing section on our website for more information.

Garden Shed Siding: We generally use four types of siding in the production of our products: cedar channel siding, cedar log siding, cedar shingle siding and Canexel @ wood fiber siding.

• The cedar siding is 8" wide western red cedar channel siding with either the rough or smooth side out. It covers 6 3/8" per row and is a lovely material that looks beautiful on every design.
• The cedar log siding is 2 x 8" and gives a truly rustic effect
• The cedar shingles are 18" in length and 7/16" thick, they give a truly distinct look to the building that they're put on.
• The Canexel wood fiber siding is 1" x 12" and it covers approximately 11" per row. It has a 15-year warranty and comes in a compelling range of colors with virtually no required maintenance.

Shed Walls:

Studs: We use at least 2 x 4 spruce studs every 16" OC. If you love cedar, consider upgrading.

Shed Roofing

Sheathing: We use 4 x 8 x 7/16" OSB. You may want to upgrade to fir plywood, or consider a T & G pine or cedar for a more finished appearance.

Trusses and rafters: We use spruce (dimensions vary depending on size and style). Cedar may be used as an upgrade.

For detailed information on our materials and siding choices please click here.

Build your Shed on your own or Hire a Contractor?

Decide on whether you're going to take on the project of building your structure yourself or if you're going to hire someone to do it for you. Most of our customers tackle the project themselves and quite enjoy it; a form of therapy or family bonding if you will. Get your friends and neighbors involved, basically anyone who's going to be spending time your backyard is fare game.

If you are an accomplished 'do-it yourselfer', or are ready to make your debut, make sure that you have both the time and the energy required for the task at hand. If not, be sure to have a look at our 'how to hire a contractor' package. For detailed information on assembly and the tools required for the assembly of your shed, please click here.

Choosing a Shed Style

We all know style is a personal issue. That's why at Summerwood we offer choices. Remember all our shed styles can be customized to your personal requirements. They range in size from as small as you want to as big as you want. The most popular sizes are the ones that are nudging 100sq. ft. In some municipalities sizes greater than this may require a permit.

Summerwood Garden & Storage Shed Designs:

Palmerston Sheds - The Palmerston gable roof design is our most basic and most popular style. The look is clean and the space functional; roof trusses double as storage space for sports equipment and other items that need to be tucked away. A dormer adds a nice touch to this style.

Sarawak Sheds - If space is tight, our Sarawak lean-to can be designed to offer you the optimal storage solution. Works well partitioned into multi functional space or with a large set of double doors for easy access.

Bar Harbor Sheds - Ideal selection for the avid gardener either as a potting or storage shed for your garden tools. The saltbox style roof features exposed cedar rafters and 1 x 6 cedar roof boards.

Pioneer Sheds - Our Pioneer barn kit combines new world construction with old world design and craftsmanship. The barn features a roomy loft with a 1x8 pine floor, barn door hatch, and wood ladder.

Catalina Sheds -The five sided roof design certainly adds an interesting dimension to your landscape. A great choice nestled into a corner facing your yard.

Sonoma Sheds - The Hip Roof design offers a little more flair and versatility. The use of rafters instead of trusses also creates more of an open feeling. This style is easily dressed up with numerous door and window options.

Melbourne Sheds -This unique design offers an understated elegance that is not usually associated with garden sheds. The Melbourne is a big hit with our landscape architect clientele.

Telluride Sheds - Our Telluride is defined by its steep roof pitch and rugged natural good looks. This spacious design is ideal for both storing and working with tools. Comes all dressed up with large double doors, antique hardware, vertical cedar siding, country quaint windows, and may be dressed up with some very stylish cedar wall lattice.

Copper Creek Sheds - This shed provides a steep roof pitch, providing just the right amount of drama. Bring in a steep peak over the door and you have an irresistible structure that's just waiting to be personalized. This style is an idea potting shed, providing the space that's required and the storage in the trusses that we can't live without.

Glen Echo Sheds - A great utility shed, this building makes a bright and spacious addition to any setting. An extra foot of wall height and windows make it versatile and the extension of the gable roof is very unique. The 2 or 3ft. overhang (your choice) provides more loft storage space and it doubles as a porch. A great place to sit and relax.

Chimalis/Haida Sheds - Don't let their size fool you; these shed designs are extremely practical for those with a tight space. The 10:12 roof pitch maximizes storage space to accommodate ladders, skis, and more. Gable front, gable side: a great style - customize it any way you like.

Santa Cruz Sheds - California inspired, this shed provides a lot of headroom with the beautiful Dutch Hip Roof and plenty of light with the spanning doors and windows. It's perfect for use as a shed and it doubles as an entertainment facility. There's no need to run back and forth from the house.