A shed may not be the most visually appealing part of your backyard, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect it. It serves a purpose and where will you keep all your garden tools and supplies if you don’t have it?
Most sheds have squeaky hinges, chipped paint, piles of tools inside and, basically, they’re not maintained.
If you’ve recognized your own shed in this description, it’s time to make some repairs and upgrades. It might never become your preferred background for Instagram selfies, but it can look nice and stylish.
The best part is that you won’t need a professional to make this happen; everything is DIY, so let’s jump right in.
How to Transform Your Shed
This might seem like an expensive, complicated project, but it’s easier and cheaper than you think. And the end result will be phenomenal!
Here’s how to make your old shed look and feel brand new again.
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Replace the Doors
If the door to your shed is old and damaged, you need to install replacement shed doors. This will make your shed more functional because its contents will be protected, and it will improve its appearance. The door is almost a focal point of your shed so, if they’re old and dingy, the shed won’t look that great.
First, measure the dimensions of your door frame to make sure the new door fits. Then, choose the material; wood is very classic, fiberglass is excellent for weather resistance, and metal is extremely secure.
Once you have your door, you’ll need to install them. Align the hinges, attach the door, and in the end, seal gaps to keep out drafts and moisture.
That wasn’t so hard, was it? And now you have a new door!
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Add Functional Storage Solutions
Let’s be real; most sheds are cluttered. You don’t really care as much how it looks and it’s more a place where you just throw stuff in to get them out of your sight.
But when the time comes to find something in all that mess, you lose your nerves and hate yourself for not paying more attention to organization.
The solution? Install shelves to use the vertical space for bigger items, and pegboards and hooks to neatly store smaller tools. You can even make zones for items, like gardening supplies, seasonal decor, or power tools.
It’ll be easier to keep track of where everything is, and a neat space has a positive influence on your mental state.
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Weatherproofing
This part may not be too much fun, but it’s important because weatherproofing protects whatever is inside your shed and it makes the structure more long-lasting.
Start by sealing gaps and cracks around the doors, windows, and edges. Use caulk or weatherstripping.
This will prevent drafts, rainwater, and pests from getting inside. Install gutters along the roofline to redirect rainwater away from the structure and prevent the damage the water can cause. Gutters will also prevent the water from pooling around the foundation.
Another useful thing to do is to add weatherproof flooring (rubber mats or coated plywood) for an extra layer of protection against moisture.
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Improve the Roof and Foundation
A shed without a sturdy roof and a solid foundation isn’t a shed; it’s just a pile of wooden boards.
If your shed isn’t already heavy-duty, upgrade the roof with materials like corrugated metal sheets or weatherproof shingles. This will make sure no water leaks in.
A new shed with a new roof not only adds to its durability but also improves its aesthetics. You can use gravel, concrete slabs, or treated timber to add more strength to its base. This improves its stability and avoids water-related issues.
Perhaps it’ll be more work than intended, but the extra effort will pay off in the long run. And you definitely don’t want to invest all this time and energy into something that won’t stand the test of time.
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Paint the Shed
And finally, the paintwork. A fresh coat of paint is one of the upgrades that will make the biggest difference.
It makes the exterior look maintained and fresh, it protects the shed from the weather, and it’s a chance to get creative and give your shed a touch of charm.
Get weather-resistant paint or stain that you like. It can be bold, it can be neutral, it can be two or three colors that you combine. Clean the surface, sand any rough patches, and apply primer.
Once the primer dries, apply two (or more) coats of paint or stain and try to make the coverage as even as possible.
So, there! You have a completely redone shed, and you didn’t even have to hire someone to do it for you. In this case, you were the professional!
And that feeling of completion and knowing you’ve created something with your own two hands is something that’ll stick with you every time you look at what you’ve created.
Plus if you dedicate a little more effort into the arrangement of it, you’ll always find the exact item you need in a matter of seconds.