Shed

A shed is a simple, single-story building located in a garden, yard, or property, used primarily for storage of tools, equipment, and outdoor supplies. Sheds are typically lightweight and freestanding, though some are attached to a house as lean-to extensions. Common materials include wood, metal, and plastic.

Designs vary widely. Wooden sheds are common and may feature tongue-and-groove walls and a pitched roof; metal sheds use insulated panels or corrugated steel; plastic sheds are often modular and low-maintenance. Doors may be single or double, with windows for light. Foundations range from concrete slabs to timber skids or compacted gravel.

Uses include storage of gardening tools, bikes, lawnmowers, and seasonal items; workshops or hobby spaces in larger models; sometimes sheds serve as small animal coops or potting sheds. Size, ventilation, and security features influence suitability.

Regulations: Building-permit requirements, setback rules, and size limits vary by jurisdiction and home-owners’ associations. Some regions require weatherproofing, insulation, and fire safety measures for larger sheds. Utilities are generally not connected unless specifically permitted.

Shed can also be a verb: to shed means to discard or lose something naturally, such as fur, leaves, skin, or hair, or to shed tears. In biology, shedding refers to periodic loss of outer skin or other tissues, as well as shedding of bacteria or parasites. A "shed" may also refer to a small outbuilding.