The Definitive Guide to Shed Accessories - Zacs Garden

The Definitive Guide to Shed Accessories

Inside of a shed

Shed Accessories Well Worth Considering

Shed accessories ideas for you to incorporate into your shed

YOUR GARDEN SHED can fall into one of two categories. It can be a dark, gloomy place used for nothing but storage.

Alternatively, with the right shed accessories, you can customize your shed and turn it into a highly useful workspace.

The right accessories can make your shed cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and well-lit enough to be used as an art studio. 

From the right ventilation to the perfect door to keep everything secure, there are plenty of ways to turn your shed into a spectacular workspace.

You can buy or build many of the accessories you need to create a workspace you are sure to enjoy for many years to come.

15 Ideas to Personalize Your Shed and Get the Most Out of It

1. Garden Tool Organizer

There is nothing worse than trying to find your garden tools when they are scattered all over your garden shed. Not only is the lack of proper storage likely to end up damaging your tools, half the time they end up getting lost.

In this article, we look at a selection of ready-made and home-built garden tool organizers and what they have to offer. Our selection ranges from large tool racks that can be rolled out of your shed or garage all the way down to peg boards you can use to store small tools and accessories.

All with one thing in mind, to help you create the most organized garden shed in your neighborhood.

instructable - yard tools

Source: Instructables

2. Shed Windows

Adding one or more shed windows to your garden shed is a fantastic way to instantly give it a more welcoming look. It is also a great way to add much-needed light to your shed.

Windows not only let in the light, if you choose to install windows that can be opened, they are a great way to let in plenty of fresh air.

We take a look at options such as double-glazed windows for areas where winters tend to be very cold, windows equipped with shutters to block out the light and keep your shed secure, and many other options.

You can add one window or several based on the size of your shed and how much light/ventilation you desire.

Square Open Shed Window

3. Shed Shelving & Storage Solutions

The vast majority of sheds have some kind of storage. Whether it be standard shelving units, or fancier storage solutions that hand from the roof or make better use of the corner space in your shed. 

With some clever storage solutions you can double or even triple the amount of storage room your shed will hold. To see more ideas and information on getting the most storage out of your shed, see this page on shed shelving and storage solutions.

A storage space without organized storage

A storage space without organized storage

4. Shed Doors

Your shed doors are more than just a way to keep the rain out of your shed. They are there to keep other people and animals out and most importantly of all secure your possessions.

You can of course buy new shed doors. Depending on the style and design you have in mind, you may find this to be an expensive option. A far better alternative worth considering is building your own shed doors.

Here we look at several different styles and options. We also provide step-by-step building guides and videos.

These have been chosen specifically to make the task of building your own shed doors as simple as possible. Our plans cover single and double doors as well as ideas for the beginner and the experienced builder.

shed_door

5. Shed Skylights

Working in a dark damp shed or shop is about as much fun as driving to work without air conditioning on a hot summer day. When your shed is dark and gloomy, it is likely to be the last place you want to spend any time.

One great way to improve the quality of both light and air in your garden shed is to install one or more shed skylights. If all you need is light, you can install simple dome skylights that don’t open.

If you need to add light and ventilation there is a wide selection of skylights that can be opened either manually or electrically. We look at the different options and provide information regarding installing the skylights yourself rather than paying someone else to do the work for you.

Beautiful nature view through roof skylight

6. Shed Cupola

Looking for a way to make your shed stand out from the crowd? Why not build your own shed cupola and save money?

Shed cupolas can be built from scratch, bought as a kit, or purchased ready to install. So here we take a good look at your options and provide you with a wealth of information.

Our ultimate goal is to guide you in the right direction to ensure your shed ends up with the right cupola. While you could install a decorative cupola, these unique structures can also be used to add much-needed ventilation to your shed.

Cupolas can be small and decorative or large and fully functional, it is up to you to decide which one is best for your needs.

shed_cupola

7. Shed Work Bench

It’s way too easy to get caught up in the search for the perfect shed work bench. Far too many guys try to build or buy one that matches the standard bench that has been used forever. The only problem with this is that while this might work in theory, the “standard” design rarely works for most people’s needs.

When choosing a workbench, it is far more important to choose a design that is functional rather than worrying about what it looks like. We recommend you start by considering what you plan to use your workbench for, then choose the materials and design to meet these needs. If you do that, you simply can’t go wrong.

work_benches

8. Weathervanes for Sheds

The style and appearance of your garden shed can say a lot about you. It can let others know what your hobbies are or where your tastes run.

No matter what style or size your shed happens to be, nothing can cap it off better than a nice custom weathervane. Weathervanes were first developed to help farmers see which way the wind was blowing. Today, while they can still provide you with this information, they are far more commonly used for decorative purposes.

 Here we look at 18 different places around the country that offer stock and custom made weathervanes for you to choose from.

shed-cupola-for-ventilation

9. Motorcycle Storage Accessories

Have you taken a good look around your motorcycle storage shed lately? Is all of your riding gear and tools scattered all over the place or is it all neatly organized.

Can you find what you are looking for any time or is half of the important stuff buried under piles of junk? The best way to take care of this is to invest in the right motorcycle storage accessories and dress up your shed.

You can bet your wife will be much happier when she doesn’t have to trip over the mess and you quit asking for money to buy things you have but can’t find. Here we look at 13 great accessories that are sure to help.

motorcycle_accessories_storage

10. Shed Ventilation

When your shed is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, it’s obvious your garden shed has a problem. The good news is there is something you can easily do to relieve the problem and turn your shed into the ultimate workplace.

All it takes is adding the right type of shed ventilation in the right amount. Shed ventilation comes in many forms, windows, skylights, vents with or without fans, and so forth.

With the right ventilation, not only can you keep the temperature in your shed more comfortable, you can eliminate mold, mildew, and chemical smells. Here we look at your ventilation options and go over important details such as cost, ease of installation, and function.

shed_ventilation

Roof Window Vent - Courtesy of Rion Hobby

11. Bicycle Storage Solutions

Living in a tiny home or apartment is extremely popular and a great way to live for less. But, if you are an avid cyclist, you are probably not going to have much room to store your bike.

There are a number of different bike storage options you may not have thought of that will let you keep your bike in your apartment or tiny house, yet keep it completely out of the way.

From wall and ceiling hangers to ways to suspend your bike under the stairs or on the back of a door, we look at them all. We look at the advantages and disadvantages of several fantastic ways to store your bike.

dual_staircase_bike_holder

Image Courtesy of hiconsumption.com

12. More Bike Storage - Bike Hangers

No one ever said you have to spend a fortune on a bike hanger. In fact, there are a number of hanger options that work perfectly fine for under $40.

Whether your bike keeps getting knocked over in the house or gets in the way out in the garage or shed, there is a bike hanger just for you.

There are a number of issues to be considered when choosing a bike rack. They range from price to location and from single to multiple bike hangers.

We look at the many options and provide plenty of input on how to choose the right one to fit your needs and your budget.

Cocoweb Two Bike Storage Rack

Image Courtesy of Amazon

13. Garden Shed Lighting

So now that you have spent the entire day working out in your garden shed and the sun is setting, what are you going do?

If you have the right kind of shed lighting, you simply carry on. If not, well I reckon your day is done, even if your project isn’t.

Installing electric lights can give you plenty of light, but can be expensive by the time you pay for wiring and supplies. Battery or solar power lights may cost less to install, but may not give you the light you need. Follow along as we look at the pros and cons of various forms of garden shed lighting.

durolux_t5_grow_light_flourescent

Image Courtesy of DuroLux Lighting

14. A Shed Floor Upgrade

When was the last time you stopped and looked down at your shed floor? Unless it has big foot grabbing holes in it, chances are good that you don’t pay much attention to it.

If your shed floor is old, dirty, greasy or uneven, it can make working in your shed a virtual nightmare. Before you build a new shed or replace the floor in your existing one, there are several things you need to consider.

Of these, what you plan to use your shed for being perhaps the most important part of making the decision. We look at various materials and the benefits or problems associated with them. We also go over things like cost and difficulties experienced during construction to help you make the right choice for your new shed floor. See more details here.

shed_floor

15. Shed Ramps

Ok, so now you have your garden shed in place, it has plenty of windows, the perfect workbench, a skylight or two, and perfect lighting. The only real problem left to deal with is the fact the bottom of the door sits a foot or more off the ground.

To help make getting your bike, garden tools, and of course everything else in and out, you need a good shed ramp. In this section, we take a good look at your options.

You can build your own ramp or buy a set from somewhere like Amazon.com. We go over the various styles and materials, highlighting the pros and cons of each one to help you make the right choice.

shed ramps in action

Image Courtesy of Amazon

One Last Thought

Your garden shed can be so much more than just a storage unit for all of your junk and tools. But, if you don't take the time to make it fully usable and inviting, your shed will never be able to realize its full potential.

The good news is that you can build or install most of the above accessories yourself for far less than you can buy them or pay someone else to install them. Click on the links in each section above to learn what you can do in each area to create a garden shed you will enjoy working in and that you can be proud of.

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If you have any other ideas, contact us via our contact page.

Thanks for reading!

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