Sheds

A shed is a small, typically detached outdoor building used for storage, workspace, or other utility purposes. Sheds are commonly found in gardens, backyards, farms, and industrial sites, and they vary widely in size, materials, and design. Most sheds are designed to be inexpensive, simple structures that provide protected space for tools, equipment, and supplies. They are distinct from larger attached garages and from greenhouses.

Common forms include garden sheds, tool sheds, and workshops. Sizes often range from about 4x6 feet to 10x12 feet, with larger structures used as small workshops or storage rooms. Construction commonly uses wood framing for walls, a wooden or metal frame, with exterior siding made of wood boards, plywood, fiber cement, metal panels, or durable plastic. The roof is usually pitched to shed water and can be covered with asphalt shingles, metal panels, or plastic sheeting. Floors may be concrete, wood, or raised off a concrete pad.

Foundations vary from simple concrete slabs to pier footings or timber skids. Access is provided by doors, sometimes with windows for natural light and ventilation. Insulation and electrical wiring are optional features for workshops. Maintenance includes weatherproofing, painting or staining, roof upkeep, and pest control. Security considerations include sturdy door hardware and locking mechanisms.

Regulations may require building permits, setbacks, and adherence to zoning or fire-safety codes. Sheds are valued for expanding storage, protecting equipment, and enabling small-scale work without occupying living space. They also appear in agricultural and rural settings as portable or permanent outbuildings.