Sheds and Outdoor Storage | Family Handyman

Keter Storage Shed Review: This Handy Storage Solution Is Perfect for Small Yards

Katie Bandurski — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 18:54:22 +0000

Here in Wisconsin, there’s no such thing as too much outdoor storage space. Between patio furniture, grills, yard tools, lawnmowers, snow blowers, gardening supplies and all the related odds and ends, it can be tough to find a home for all your gear. Especially when said home needs to offer protection from snow, wind, ice and other damaging weather conditions.

If your garage is bursting at the seams, it may be time to consider a backyard shed. While, of course, you can spend thousands of dollars on a pre-fab shed or professional installation, the best shed kits offer a DIY solution at, typically, a fraction of the cost.

To determine if these easy-to-buy and (supposedly) easy-to-assemble shed kits are worth it, I tested a resin model from one of the most popular brands on the market. Here is my honest Keter storage shed review.

What is a Keter Storage Shed?

Keter is an outdoor goods brand specializing in sheds, furniture and outdoor storage. The brand keeps sustainability top of mind, forgoing single-use plastics for weather-durable resin. Keter products are manufactured in North America, Europe and Israel.

Keter sheds, specifically, provide storage solutions for outdoor spaces of all sizes. You can choose from mini-yet-mighty boxes, starting around 30 cubic feet. Or, graduate to extra-large sheds, complete with skylights, windows and hundreds of cubic feet. Even the largest sheds come in a flat-pack style and require DIY assembly.

For this review, I tested the Keter Premier Tall Resin Outdoor Storage Shed .

KATIE BANDURSKI/FAMILY HANDYMAN

$557.99 at Amazon

Keter Storage Shed

Keter Premier Tall Storage Shed Features

Made of quality, weather-resistant materials
Compatible with shelving (sold separately)
Available on Amazon with fast, free shipping
Compatible with a padlock for safe storage
Attractive design
Measures roughly 55 inches wide, 29 inches deep and 67 inches tall
Weighs 78 pounds

How We Tested It

Ive been testing the Keter Premier Tall Resin Outdoor Storage Shed since June 2024.

Packaging and Delivery

Ive had my share of large items delivered, and the process for the Keter Shed was seamless. It came via an Amazon freight truck, and there was no need to coordinate a delivery window or sign for the package. The drivers simply leaned the large box against my garage.

The box was in pretty good shape, with just a few tears. Since it weighs over 75 pounds, I did require help to move it near the assembly area.

Assembly

Once the box was in place, it was time for the not-so-fun part: assembly! I enlisted my dad for help, as the instructions clearly state this is a two-person job.

I opened the box, and everything was packaged securely. There was the base and roof, the walls, the doors, some connecting pieces and hardware. I started by building the walls, which required attaching long, black connectors to each wall section and securing the pieces to the floor. The first few I put up were very unstable and blew down with a light wind gust. For this step, Id recommend having one person support the structure while the other connects the wall pieces.

Then, it was time to add the roof. It rests atop the newly constructed walls and was a little tricky to configure. (I did not have it perfectly aligned, which led to slightly ajar doors. Oops!)

Next came the doors. These were also a little tricky as I had to make sure I was using the correct left and right parts. Everything is labeled, but the labels were four characters long and very similar to one another. It took a good amount of brainpower and triple-reading the instructions to ensure I was taking the correct step.

Once the structure was generally built, it was time to go through and secure it with (what feels) like a million screws. Now, the instructions call for an electric screwdriver. My cordless version wasnt charged, so I persevered with a handheld screwdriver. It is possible to complete with pure (wo)manpower, but I strongly suggest following the instructions and using a power tool.

After all, most of the screws go directly into the plastic with very few pilot holes. This design makes sense, as the product was tricky to get perfectly square, but it requires more muscle. Plus, it makes the whole process a little more nerve-wracking. When building flat-pack furniture, I look to those holes to guide me and signify Im on the right track. Once again, I found myself triple-checking the instructions that I was screwing into the right spot.

All in, assembly took us about two hours. We built the shed on long grass, and the doors catch. I wish the base was a few inches thicker to make the doors easier to open on any surface, but the sheds final resting space will be on a bed of gravel and pavers, which should help.

First Impressions

After stepping back to review our handiwork, I was pretty impressed! The shed feels sturdy, thanks to all those screws that help keep it in place. It’s definitely not as secure as a wood shed, but it should do the trick.

It also has a significant storage footprint. I could easily envision the multitude of uses for this shed: storing gardening supplies, stashing yard tools (even the tall ones, like rakes and shovels!) and holding off-season holiday decor. The options are endless. One caveat: There is a small gap between the doors and the wall, so Im not sure I would use this to hold bird seed, patio cushions or other easily eaten materials in a Wisconsin winter. Mice and chipmunks are known for digging their way into garages, barns and sheds to make shelter, and this gap feels like an invitation.

As an added bonus, the shed comes with hardware to add shelving if desired. Now, truthfully, at this price point, it would be nice if the kit came with a few basic shelves. But having the option is still handy.

Storage

Once the shed was assembled, I started testing its footprint. I added yard tools, like shovels and rakes. Some of the taller picks didn’t fit, so keep that in mind when selecting a size for your shed if you’re looking to store XL tools. A cordless leaf blower, flower pots and yard waste bags also fit easily. I’m planning to order a yard tool organizer to keep all of the lanky tools aligned. When they’re stacked next to each other, they can be tricky to access.

For fun, I also tried to fit our push mower. As expected, it did not fit. Maybe a very small or robotic option would be able to squeeze inside, but this shed is too narrow for most models.

Pros

Solid storage option for small backyards or those with limited space
Sleek, attractive design
Quality materials
Ability to add shelving for extra storage
Modest price point
Fairly quick assembly
Free, fast shipping on Amazon

Cons

Tricky to assemble (minimal pilot holes; confusing part names; no written instructions, only pictures)
Shelves are not included
Requires a flat, level surface for the doors to open easily

FAQ

Are Keter sheds any good?

Yes! Theyre an accessible, sturdy way to add storage. Keter sheds come in many shapes and sizes to fit any space. Plus, theyre fairly simple to assemble and are delivered flat-pack style directly to your door.

Are Keter sheds waterproof?

In my experience, yes! Weve had a lot of rain this Wisconsin summer, including torrential downpours and wind, and Ive yet to see any leaks inside the shed. I plan to test this product in the long term and will report back after the winter to ensure it holds up to snow and ice, too.

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at Family Handyman, we are experts at identifying the best outdoor gear on the market. Thanks to our firsthand reviews and rigorous testing standards, you can shop with confidence. Our team has reviewed everything from greenhouses to mini chainsawsand all sorts of gardening gear and yard equipment.

As for me, Im a Senior Shopping Editor with over four years of experience in the commerce space. I’ve reviewed furniture and home goods for Family Handyman, including the Helix Midnight Elite mattress, Lovesac Sactional couch and Nolah Evolution 15 mattress. I also work for our sister publication, Taste of Home, where I cover outdoor gear like hammocks, smokeless fire pits and pizza ovens.

Final Verdict

If you’re short on outdoor storage space and want a decently sturdy, relatively easy to assemble and modestly priced solution, you can’t beat the Keter Premier Tall Resin Outdoor Storage Shed. Is it the sturdiest option on the market? No. For that, you’ll want to read up on a traditional shed kit build or even a DIY cabin kit. But if you need a reliable spot to stash extra tools, a small lawnmower or gardening supplies, the Keter shed gets my stamp of approval.

Where to Buy a Keter Storage Shed

The Keter Premier Tall Resin Outdoor Storage Shed I tested is available onAmazonfor $379. As an Amazon Prime product, it qualifies for free, fast shipping. To snag a discount, keep an eye out forshed sales, especially around Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. If you have larger (or smaller) storage needs, you can also choose from a number of other Keter shed configurations.

The post Keter Storage Shed Review: This Handy Storage Solution Is Perfect for Small Yards appeared first on Family Handyman.

How to Build an Inexpensive DIY Shed

Jeff Gorton — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:18:45 +0000

An outdoor shed is a great way to add a little extra storage space around the house, and we could all use a little extra space. You can use a shed to store everything from outdoor tools and equipment like lawnmowers, or you can even convert your shed into a tiny home for extra living space. Here are some she shed ideas for an outdoor sanctuary.

Here, we’ll show you how to build a shed and provide you with the plans and materials list you need to get started. Don’t be intimidated by the size of this project. We use simple construction methods to make the building process as easy as possible.

Build the Foundation

Dig two trenches 16 in. wide, 12 in. deep and 13 ft. long.
Center the trenches 66 in. apart.
Fill the trenches with a 3-in. layer of gravel and compact it with a hand tamper.
Repeat this process until the trench is full.
Cut the treated 6x6s to 12 ft. and set them on the gravel so they’re parallel and the outside edges are 6 ft. apart.
- Pro tip: On sloped ground, you’ll have to raise the 6×6 on the low side until it’s level with the adjacent 6×6. Do this by stacking treated 2x6s, 4x6s or 6x6s on top of the treated 6×6 to reach the right height.
Cover it with treated 3/4-in. plywood.

Bonus: You can also try out one of these easy-to-build shed kits.

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6 Things To Know Before Assembling a Shed Kit

Robert Annis — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:58:38 +0000

Years ago, I built a 6- by 8-ft. Suncast resin shed in my side yard with my dad. It was a fun project, but after more than a decade, my family outgrew it. (To be more accurate, we had much more junk than would fit inside.) So my wife and I decided to purchase a larger (and pricier) 15- x 8-ft. Lifetime resin shed to take its place.

While I have many fond memories of the original project, the latest shed was more challenging. Let my experiences and failures be your lessons.

Build the Platform First, Then Level It

I thought I could knock out the platform in just a couple of hours, then move on to the actual shed build. In my dreams, I had it completed by that evening, looking at my handiwork with an ice-cold beer in my hand as the sun began sinking below the horizon.

In reality, the platform alone took close to 12 hours, and I’m still not happy with the finished product.

My biggest mistake was trying to build the platform on the uneven ground where I planned to erect the shed instead of building it square elsewhere, then leveling it at the site. Trying to do both at the same time required a level of skill and precision I don’t yet have.

On the bright side, sweating for hours building a platform justifies buying that new DeWalt 20V framing nailer you’ve had your eye on.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

It’s possible to build one of these resin sheds by yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It took my wife and I a full day under a sweltering July sun to erect half the shed, then a half-day more to finish it with the help of my buddy Jimmy.

Having that third person really helped when installing doors and especially the shed roof. We needed multiple hands to adjust the truss, press in on the plastic so the screw could bite, and so on.

Assembly Time Rises Exponentially With the Size of the Shed

My dad and I built the smaller Suncast shed and base in about a day. The 15- by 8-foot shed and its base took nearly three days. Each additional piece added time and the number of ways things could go wrong.

The larger size also meant we needed metal supports along the walls and more substantial metal trusses. Thankfully there were no issues with installing them, but it did lengthen the build time.

They May Both Be Built Out of Plastic, But a Resin Shed Isn’t a Lego Set

Watching instructional videos on Lifetime’s YouTube channel, the process looked easy. You never see them struggle with getting a piece to fit or lining up a hole. But those folks put together dozens of sheds, not one. Plus, there’s the advantage of editing. You can’t judge your efforts by what you see in a video.

Pieces don’t always click easily into place. Snapping the first corner piece in place was much more difficult than anticipated, and my wife and I may yet need marriage counseling after the 40-minute argument that ensued. (Big shout-out to Teflon spray for eventually getting things to click, and perhaps saving me from spending the night in the new shed.)

You Can Be Locked Into Proprietary Accessories

Based on the shed brand, you may be locked into their particular line of accessories unless you’re willing to make some alterations.

Instead of installing the flimsy-looking shelf that came with the kit, I used the shelf brackets ($30 for two, if bought separately) and some 2- by 4-in. supports to install a 1- by 10-in. board that doubles as a shelf and tool holder. That also meant I didn’t have to buy Lifetime’s proprietary tool hooks (five for $30) to hang my various pieces of yard equipment.

Plastic Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Less Expensive

Small resin sheds are not only quicker and easier to build than a wood version, but they’re also cheaper generally. But that gap lessens significantly the larger you go.

Our 15- by 8-ft. shed retails for about $2,500. That’s about half what my parents paid for their first home 50 years ago. And consider a slightly smaller but professionally installed wood shed cost less than $200 more. Prices may vary depending on where you live, but plastic doesn’t always mean significantly cheaper.

Knowing What I Know Now, Would I Buy a Resin Shed Kit?

Probably not.

If your needs are relatively simple say, a place to store a lawn mower, a weed eater and maybe a shovel or two then a small plastic resin shed makes perfect sense. But if you’re looking to go bigger, hang tool racks and add shelves to store stacks of plastic bins, there may be better options out there.

A traditional wood shed offers a lot more strength and versatility than a plastic resin version. Even if the cost to build is roughly the same, the alterations needed inside a resin shed to make it sturdier and more useful can add up quickly. Like with wood, screws don’t always go in correctly, and the holes in the plastic resin can be stripped out.

With a wood shed, you just move over an inch or two and re-drill the hole, whereas a resin shed takes more forethought and labor to repair. A wood shed would take longer to construct with a longer list of materials but would be sturdier when all was said and done.

The post 6 Things To Know Before Assembling a Shed Kit appeared first on Family Handyman.

Do You Need Insulation in a Shed? What to Know About Shed Insulation

Chris Deziel — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 03:21:21 +0000

Even a large property can feel small if you don’t have enough storage space. That’s why I constructed a 10- by 12-ft. shed with a loft some years ago.

Although I intended to fill the bays with insulation, I never got around to it. As it turns out, it hasn’t mattered much. And we ended up not actually storing things there! Instead, we use the shed as a workshop and living space. In California’s moderate climate, it never feels too cold in winter as long as there’s a heater on.

Bottom line: Insulation in a shed is optional. The decision to add it depends on your climate, the type of shed and how you use it. Keep in mind sheds often end up serving purposes that were unforeseen when built.

Consider these factors when deciding if you should insulate a shed.

Factors to Consider Before Insulating a Shed

Climate

If you live in a cold or wet climate, your shed will be more versatile if you insulate it. Insulation keeps the interior warm and dry, making it more comfortable for people and safer for garden equipment and valuables you store there.

If your winters are cold, insulate the shed right away. Adding insulation during construction is a lot easier than doing it later. The climate-controlled space will lower your heating bills and protect electrical wires and fixtures from corrosion.

If you live in a wet climate and plan to store lawnmowers, snowblowers and other gasoline-powered equipment in the shed, insulation will control moisture that can rust metal and contaminate gasoline. But it isn’t absolutely necessary.

If you’re diligent about emptying the gas tanks or adding stabilizer to the fuel, and you condition your shovels, saw blades and other hand tools regularly, they’ll do fine in an uninsulated shed. It’s more important to make sure the shed is well sealed and keeps out rain.

What Will Be Stored There?

Insulation is more important if you plan to store furniture, documents or other valuables vulnerable to moisture. Without insulation, wood furniture will warp in no time, metal will tarnish and documents will turn soggy and moldy. If these items are important enough to store, they should be in an insulated space that’s easier to keep dry.

Note that rodents and other pests are another concern. But by itself, fiberglass insulation won’t do much to control them. If you leave the insulation uncovered, you’re just inviting mice and cockroaches to make nests in it, and you may end up with more of them than if you didn’t insulate.

Cover fiberglass insulation with drywall to have a fighting chance against an infestation.

How the Shed Will Be Used

Insulation also provides soundproofing, a bonus for blocking out noise in your neighborhood for a quiet space. Another consideration: Controlling the noise from power tools if you use your shed as a workshop. An insulated shed may keep those activities from bothering your neighbors.

How to Insulate a Shed

The most efficient method depends on the shed’s construction. If it’s built with 2×4 framing, Kraft paper-faced fiberglass batts provide the easiest and cheapest method. Sized to fit standard framing spacing, you install them by simply stapling the paper to the stud faces.

The main drawback of fiberglass is that it attracts rodents. So if your shed, like ours, is in the middle of the forest, you might want to consider rigid foam sheets instead. They’re easy to cut to fit inside the framing bays. You can stick them to the walls with construction adhesive, and they don’t provide raw material for nests.

You can also use rigid foam sheets to insulate a shed with non-standard framing, like a store-bought model with 2x3s instead of 2x4s. (Note that some prefab steel or plastic sheds can’t be insulated.)

In a pinch, you could also use rigid sheets to insulate a steel or plastic prefab shed. But you’ll probably have a hard time covering the gaps along the seams where the walls and roof are bolted together.

If the shed is a permanent addition to your yard and you don’t intend to move it, you can cover these gaps with spray foam. It won’t look great. But the shed will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer because the insulation will deflect the heat that radiates through the walls.

The post Do You Need Insulation in a Shed? What to Know About Shed Insulation appeared first on Family Handyman.

How To Build a Ramp for a Shed

Jay Cork — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 19:18:28 +0000

Cutting List

KEY	QTY.	PART	DIMENSIONS
A	1	Header	48″ (2×4 treated)
B	3	Stringer	61-5/8″ (2×4 treated)
C	17	Runner	48″ (2×4 treated)

Cut the stringers

Cut a 15-degree angle on one end of the stringers.
The length of my runners may be different from yours, which may change the angle you cut the stringers. My shed sits 12 inches above grade, so 15 degrees made sense for my ramp.

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8 Man Cave Shed Ideas

Erica Young — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 18:12:53 +0000

Music Room Shed

A man cave shed is a great hideaway to relax, but it also can be a quiet spot to work. This shed from @modern_shed combines a music room and an office. The work station, comfortable sofa and music-themed artwork makes the space stylish and inviting.

Want something similar? The design consultants at Modern Shed work with you to tailor a custom shed to fit your needs and aesthetic, including options for siding colors, trim treatments, window styles and more.

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8 Potting Shed Ideas For Gardening All Year Long

Erica Young — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 16:07:30 +0000

Picturesque Cedar Shed

Professional container gardener Susan Nock of @thistlecontainers owns this gorgeous potting shed. The cedar shake siding provides beautiful color and texture. The wood is also resistant to termites, moisture and decay. Cedar shakes are a great choice for a potting shed. The perfectly-executed potted plants, lush window boxes and stepping stones complete the picturesque look.

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10 She Shed Ideas for an Outdoor Sanctuary

Shelby Deering — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 17:03:09 +0000

Embrace a Color Palette

Sticking to a visually-pleasing color palette can make a she shed a welcoming space you can’t wait to escape to. Mikaela of @so_sheddy painted the door of hers sea-green, then carried the color inside. Her “unique vintage style,” as she calls it, can be seen via a chippy green chair, found wood pieces and more.

The post 10 She Shed Ideas for an Outdoor Sanctuary appeared first on Family Handyman.

8 Shed House Ideas

Erica Young — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:13:15 +0000

Natural Light

Believe it or not, this gorgeous living room from @nataliecacao was once part of a dusty, dark storage shed! Now it’s a fully functional casita (small house) with a bedroom, bathroom, open living room and kitchenette.

“One of the best design decisions we made was to strategically place this large window in the living area,” Natalie says. “And boy did it pay off! The amount of natural light we get in here makes the casita so bright and airy throughout the day.”

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The 5 Best Easy-to-Build Shed Kits to Buy This Summer

Rashida Moore — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:09:46 +0000

via merchant

Shop Now

Best Wooden Shed Kit

Best Barns Aspen Wood Shed Kit

Pros:

Made with high-quality Louisiana Pacific SmartSide engineered and primed wood
Customizable and ready-to-build kit
Includes all pre-cut components
Includes all necessary hardware

Cons:

Shed shape is best for smaller lawns only

As families spend more time working or multitasking from home, investing in a shed for additional personal, office or kids space is an option many homeowners turn towards. This wood shed kit is a traditional wooden style shed with a few more features, like extra-wide double doors.

Remember the luxury “she-shed” craze from a few years ago? Well, the possibilities for creating an outdoor garden space are ever-expanding. This wood storage shed is wider than it is deep. Furthermore, it includes pre-cut roof trusses, wood gussets, wall studs, trim and hardware.

The post The 5 Best Easy-to-Build Shed Kits to Buy This Summer appeared first on Family Handyman.

10 Backyard Shed Ideas for Any Size Backyard

Erica Young — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:11:00 +0000

Modern Makeover

Instead of replacing their run-down shed, @modernjane opted to give it a makeover. The DIY updates included board-and-batten trim on the exterior walls, replacing the fascia, re-shingling the roof, installing a new deck and giving the entire thing a coat of bold black paint.

Finishing touches like the sleek wood planters and an exterior light transformed the shed into a showpiece. Don’t forget to check out these shed house ideas.

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This Is How to Move a Shed Properly

Dan Stout — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:28:05 +0000

Have you found the perfect shed, but you’re not sure how to get it home? Or maybe you already own a shed you love, but it’s on the wrong side of your property.

The good news is, it’s absolutely possible to move a shed to a new location. It’s a task that requires careful planning and hard work. But by breaking it down into achievable steps, you can move almost any shed.

Tools and Materials to Move a Shed

You’ll need tools for three distinct stages: prepping, lifting and transporting. These apply to most sheds, regardless of how they’re constructed. However, your specific shed may require a tool not listed.

Prepping

Precision demolition tools like thin-blade saws and pry bars, which do as little damage as possible;
Nails or screws;
Furring strips or scrap wood to use as reinforcement;
Reciprocating saw, if the shed is bolted to its current foundation.

Lifting

Floor or bottle jacks.

Transporting

Plywood sheets or planks;
Ratchet straps;
Transport method: Pallet jack, furniture dolly, PVC tubes or heavy machinery;
Helpers.

Assess the Shed

Examine the shed carefully to learn what the structure can handle. Push and pull on it to see how much it gives. If it can’t handle the stresses of the move, you’re better off knowing now.

If the shed is in poor condition, consider disassembling it and rebuilding in the new location.

This is also the time to consider challenges posed by the size of the shed. Moving a 2-ft. by 2-ft. garden closet is vastly different from moving a 12-ft. by 12-ft. shed.

Assess the Shed Route

Look at the route you plan to take. Is the ground smooth or uneven? Will you need a truck to take it across town, or is the shed simply moving across your yard? Is the route flat or sloping? A slight downward slope makes life easier; a steep one can result in a runaway shed.

Look for overhead obstructions like utility lines and tree limbs. Compare their height to that of the shed, plus whatever transport method you might use.

Plan the Shed Transport

Decide how to make the actual move. If you have a small to medium-sized shed and relatively smooth ground, you could use a pallet jack, furniture dollies and a series of PVC tubes to roll it across wooden supports or even bare earth. Larger sheds may require a garden tractor or skid steer.

The larger the shed and the more uneven the ground, the more creative solution you’ll need. It typically takes at least two people say, you and a helper to transport a shed. Particularly tricky moves may require four or more.

Prep the Shed Destination

Once you’ve got a plan, prepare the destination. Set a proper base so you can simply deliver the shed to its new home. Depending on your preferences and style of shed, this may require pouring a concrete slab, or laying gravel and treated lumber.

Empty the Shed and Remove Excess Weight

If the shed is old and infrequently used, you never know what you’ll find. Homeowners discovered everything from family heirlooms to explosives tucked away in old sheds!

Once it’s empty, remove anything that’s too damaged to make the trip, or can be temporarily taken out to reduce weight. A water-damaged roof may be torn off before transport, while doors can often be removed and reattached at the new site, making for a lighter load.

Use precision tools for this task. Thin-blade saws and pry bars cause less damage than standard demo tools. If the shed is bolted to the foundation, you may need to remove the bolts, or cut them out with a reciprocating saw.

Reinforce the Frame

Most sheds need a little help to withstand the side-to-side and twisting forces they’ll experience on the trip. Increase the odds of your shed reaching the new site intact by nailing additional supports on a diagonal across the walls and/or ceiling, and cross-brace window and door openings.

Another option: Wrap the exterior with ratcheting tie-downs, as if you were putting metal rings around a wooden barrel.

Lift the Shed

Sheds are often set on treated-lumber skids that rest on a concrete or crushed gravel base. If that’s the case, you could slip a jack directly beneath the shed to lift one edge of the structure.

Once you’ve raised the shed, slip the palette jack, PVC tubes or other transport device beneath it.

Some sheds may benefit from additional plywood or skids beneath them to distribute their weight during the move.

Move the Shed

If you’re using a pallet jack or furniture dollies, roll the shed across the route as a helper relocates plywood in front of you. If using PVC pipe, your helper will do the same, but with lengths of PVC. (This is similar to moving a hot tub.) And if using a skid steer or tractor, let the equipment do the work.

Take your time! Keep an eye out for unexpected obstructions. If something does go wrong, back off and troubleshoot rather than attempting to push through.

Load Shed on Vehicle

If you’re transporting the shed to a distant location, you’ll need to load it onto a truck. Select one with a lift gate if you can. If not, you can load small sheds on a metal access ramp. Always take proper precautions while the shed is tipped at an angle. Here are a few tips to build a ramp for your shed.

For larger sheds, arrange for a forklift or crane to load it onto a vehicle. Depending on the width of the shed, you may need a flatbed truck.

Be aware: An oversized load may require a permit for transport over public roads or highways. The regulations vary by state. This site provides an overview on requirements by state, but always verify details with your local authorities.

Reset the Shed

This is the easiest part of the job. Because you prepped the destination in advance, simply set the shed onto its new base, check for level and adjust as needed.

Reassemble the Shed

This is where that precision demo pays off. Individual parts will go back together with a minimum of fuss. Replace any damaged sections and enjoy your shed in its new location!

The post This Is How to Move a Shed Properly appeared first on Family Handyman.

Wayfair’s Anniversary Sale Is Here! Shop HUGE Savings on Home Must-Haves

Emily Way — Tue, 16 May 2023 21:12:02 +0000

Three-in-One Gaming Table

Cant decide between tennis, ping pong or a pool table? This three-in-one gaming tableoffers all threeplus an additional solid top for dining. Two wooden benches slide underneath and out of the way, providing seating that takes up next to no room. Snag it while its on sale and save a generous sum of $840 during the Wayfair Anniversary Sale!

Bathroom Fan

Affordable bathroom updates dont have to be lower quality. This bathroom fan is on sale for 54% off and offers 100-watt lighting and a shatter-resistant lens. Switch it on to ventilate moisture and prevent mold and mildew from forming. Its powerful enough for rooms up to 45 square feet and features corrosion-resistant galvanized steel housing for longevity.

Rev-A-Shelf Organizer

When it comes to organizational problem solvers, its hard to go wrong with Rev-A-Shelf. This durable and easy-to-install pull-out basket organizeroffers a steel construction, holds up to 100 pounds and arrives with its own mounting hardware.

Use it for garbage cans, cleaning supplies or cookware. Simply slide it out of the cabinet to access items. Snag a few while theyre available at a savings of $60.

Wood Burning Fire Ring

Fire pit deals are our favorite time to score one of these early autumn essentials. Luckily, the Wayfair Anniversary Sale has several deep discounts on this patio party must-have. Available for 44% off, this wood-burning fire ring is constructed of durable thick steel and finished with high-temperature paint, so it lasts season after season with very little maintenance!

Seven-Person Square Hot Tub

Few people know that some of the best hot tubs are available on Wayfair. This square hot tub arrives right to your door, no hauling or complicated delivery is required. Apart from a staggering discount of $2,205, additional features like a built-in ice bucket and an ozone purification system make this spa tub splurge-worthy.

Wire Shelving Unit

Now is the time to stock up on organization essentialsWayfairs Anniversary Sale offers discounts on everything from boxes to baskets. Snag this wire shelving uniton sale for 69% off. Five shelves offer ample space to stow everything from tools to pantry items, and simple assembly makes it well worth scooping up.

Upholstered Chaise Sectional

Those looking to update their worn sofa-in-a-box, this is your sign! Apart from a hefty $1,270 in savings, the AllModern upholstered chaise sectional boasts beautiful wooden legs and a charming mid-century design. Kiln-dried hardwood adds extra durability, so this couch lasts through years of use.

Keystone Dehumidifier

When window air conditioners skyrocket your utility bills, its worth investing in more budget-friendly appliances. The energy-efficient Keystone dehumidifier, on sale for 31% off, comes with an automatic shutoff feature. Electronic controls with a LED display make it user-friendly. This basement-approved appliance can be hooked up to drain continuously using a simple garden hose.

Sealy Cool 12-Inch Medium Memory Foam Mattress

Sealy is one of the best mattress-in-a-boxbrands thanks to years of quality craftsmanship. When the brands popular Sealy Cool 12-inch memory foam mattress is marked down a whopping 54%, its worth the splurge! With a medium feel, moisture-wicking materials and cooling technology, its perfectly suited to the average hot sleeper.

Freestanding Wood Burning Pizza Oven

Pick up a pizza oven thats as pretty as it is effectivethis wood-fired pizza ovenis available for 45% off. Like our favorite pizza ovens, its easy to use this backyard cooking essential. Just load it up with wood, use the included pizza peel to insert your pie, then wait a few minutes for dinner to finish cooking. The result? A pizza that tastes perfectly deliciousno delivery fee required.

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How to Build a Portable DIY Sauna

Joe Cruz — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:10:04 +0000

I built this portable sauna with accessible and affordable materials you can find at your local building center. The simple design enables you to easily construct the four walls, floor, roof and benches on-site or in your garage, then transport it to a remote location.

The sauna is five feet wide x four feet deep x 7-ft. 8-in. tall. Build your sauna to the size that meets your needs. See Figure 1 for a look at how it all goes together.

Before you start cutting boards and pounding nails, put together a flat work surface such as a 4×8 sheet of plywood on sawhorses. This will make assembling and maneuvering the components of the project much easier. Enlist a helper to assist in lifting walls and roof components.

When purchasing materials, always buy a few extra 2x2s and 2x4s for your project. You can often return extra building materials you don’t use.

Figure 1

Overall dimensions: 95-in. H x 6-in. W x 48-in. D.

Cutting List

KEY	QTY.	PART	DIMENSIONS
A	2	Floor Base Outer Frame Front & Back (Green Treated)	1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 60″
B	2	Floor Base Outer Frame Sides (Green Treated)	1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 45″
C	2	Floor Base Inner Frame Front & Back	1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 57″
D	5	Floor Base Inner Frame Stringers	1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 42″
E	1	Floor Base Plywood Floor	3/4″ x 45″ x 57″
F	2	Front & Back Walls Bottom Plate	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 57″
G	2	Front & Back Walls Top Plate/w 15-Degree Angle	1-1/2″ x 1-7/8″ x 57″
H	2	Front Wall 2×2 Stud	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 84-9/16″
I	2	Front Wall 2×4 Stud	1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 84-9/16″
J	1	Doorway Header	1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 22-1/4″
K	5	Back Wall Studs	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 72-3/16″
L	2	Side Wall Bottom Plate	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 48″
M	2	Side Walls Top Plate/w 15-Degree Angles	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 49-11/16″
N	2	Side Walls Front Stud/w 15-Degree Angles	1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 85″
O	2	Side Walls Stud/w 15-Degree Angles	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 81-5/8″
P	2	Side Walls Stud/w 15-Degree Angles	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 78-3/4″
Q	2	Side Walls Stud/w 15-Degree Angles	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 75-7/8″
R	2	Side Walls Back Stud/w 15-Degree Angles	1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 73-1/16″
S	2	Roof Frame Front & Back /w 15-Degree Angle	1-1/2″ x 1-7/8″ x 53-3/4″
T	5	Roof Frame Studs	1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ x 41-7/8″
U	1	Roof Deck	3/4″ x 73″ x 63″
V	13	Roof Cedar Shiplap	1/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 55-3/4″
W	46	Front & Back Walls Cedar Shiplap	1/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 56″
X	50	Side Walls Cedar Shiplap	1/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 45″
Y	2	Front & Back Roof Trim	3/4″ x 2-1/2″ x 74-1/2″
Z	2	Side Roof Trim	3/4″ x 2-1/2″ x 63″
Aa	2	Side Wall T1-11 Siding	9/16″ x 48″ x 88″
Bb	1	Back Wall T1-11 Siding	9/16″ x 48″ x 75-9/16″
Cc	1	Back Wall Filler T1-11 Siding	9/16″ x 13-1/2″ x 75-9/16″
Dd	2	Front Wall T1-11 Siding	9/16″ x 48″ x 88″
Ee	2	Front Wall Filler T1-11 Siding	9/16″ x 13-1/2″ x 88″
Ff	2	Front Corner Trim	3/4″ x 2-1/2″ x 88″
Gg	2	Back Corner Trim	3/4″ x 2-1/2″ x 75″

The Sauna Floor Base

Lets start this project from the ground up and build the floor base first. Start by cutting and assembling four pressure-treated ground contact 2x4s for the floor outer base frame using #9 x 3-in. deck screws.
Next, measure the inside of the outer frame to get the dimensions for the inner frame. Then cut and assemble the inner frame adding support boards evenly spaced as shown above.
Insert and attach the inner frame to the inside of the outer frame, letting the inner frame stick up 1-1/2-inches from the top edge of the outer frame.

Install the Floor

Cut a piece of 3/4-in. plywood the size of the base inner frame.
Before attaching the plywood floor to the base, insulate the spaces between each stud with 1-1/2-inch foam board insulation.
Attach the plywood to the floor base using #8 x 2-in. exterior screws.

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What Is the Luxury Shed Trend?

Chris Tonn — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 17:46:49 +0000

Many of us have been cooped up inside our homes for nearly a year. As much as we love our families, the inability to go to the office or school takes away that little bit of space everyone needs once in a while. So some people are turning to their backyards for sanctuary, a place to work or unwind without others around. Hence, the luxury shed trend.

What Is a Luxury Shed?

A luxury shed is a secondary building on your property not used for cars, lawnmowers and the like. These sheds are, in essence, an extension of your living space, with many of the comforts of home in a smaller package.

Some may recall an insurance commercial a couple of years ago where a character laments the fiery demise of her “she shed.” Indeed, the she shed (typically a getaway with traditionally feminine appointments) is certainly one sort of luxury shed option. Others have used their outbuilding as a music, art or fitness studio, a man cave, or even an in-law suite. In the midst of the pandemic, however, many luxury sheds sprung from a need for secluded home office space.

Why Not Add On to Your Home Instead?

Adding on to your primary living space is another way to give yourself the room you need. However, there are disadvantages to adding on to your house:

Structural and mechanical limitations. Can the existing structure physically handle the additional space? For example, when Family Handyman added on to a bathroom with a bump-out, the dimensions were limited by the size of the floor joists. Also, your HVAC system must be able to handle the additional square footage.

Inconvenience. We’ve all endured projects that take longer than they should. Whether you DIY or enlist a pro, you’re creating a disruption for every member of your household. No matter how long it takes, you’ll be living with a big hole in your house, not to mention noise and construction debris.

Lack of privacy. Once you’ve built this addition, you’re still connected to the rest of the house, which means the rest of the family is still connected to your special space. You’ll likely hear everything that’s going on inside, and they’ll hear everything that’s going on in your space. That’s especially annoying if, as in my case, your kid is practicing their trombone while you’re trying to handle a Zoom call in a professional manner.

Pros and Cons of a Luxury Shed

Pros

Privacy. A luxury shed gives you extra space, separate from your main living space. If you’re using it for a home office, you can “leave” your office for the night and stop thinking about work on your commute, which is a mere walk across the backyard.
Almost instant gratification. A luxury shed might not take long to build or install. Many companies specialize in luxury sheds, such as Modern Shed and Studio Shed. You could order one designed to your specifications and have it installed in a matter of days by professionals, as long as you’ve cleared a space in your yard. Sheds can be really simple just four easy walls to frame. And if you want to build it yourself, our pub shed and pavilion shed are great options.

Cons

Cost. A luxury shed will most likely be pricier than a basic shed kit from the home center. From one manufacturer, entry level sheds start at more than $10,000. Here are a few things you should know before assembling a shed kit.
Permits and the law. Many municipalities require a permit to build any shed. Some restrict the size of the shed. In Ohio, for example, the law states that sheds with a floor area less than two hundred square feet don’t require approval.
Homeowners associations. Many HOAs prohibit sheds altogether, or require them to meet a certain exterior style.
Plumbing and electrical. In some places, running utilities to a shed turns it into a dwelling, because you could conceivably live in it. Once you’ve crossed the threshold of adding plumbing and electrical, in most cases you’ll need inspections for both.

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Amazing Cabin Kits You Can Buy On Amazon

Hannah Louise, Family Handyman — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:00:09 +0000

The Indoor/Outdoor Getaway

Remember the time you looked outside your window on a beautiful day and thought, “I wish my living room could be out there instead of in here.” Even if you’ve never thought that, we find it hard to believe that you wouldn’t want a tiny oasis like this. You could outfit the interior as your sleeping space and bathroom, while leaving the relaxing zone in the wondrous outdoors. It may be best suited for warm climates, but on a beautiful day anywhere, this cabin would be a great place to hang out.

Make your outdoor living space more welcoming with these inspired ideas.

$9595 at Amazon

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How To Run Electrical Wiring To An Outdoor Shed

Ally Childress — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 05:00:11 +0000

A backyard shed frees up garage space, but unless you power them, their utility is limited. Why not add an electrical circuit? It's a good day's work, but the rewards are many, especially if you're running extension cords across your yard or fumbling around in the dark looking for lawn equipment. No more bruised shins and stubbed toes!

The most confusing thing about running outdoor underground wire is the burial depth. The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets these rules, outlined in table 300.5(A)—and boy, is that table a doozy. Depths range from 4 to 24 inches, and how deep you have to dig depends on the wiring method (direct burial cable, conduit or type of circuit) and the location of the buried wire (everywhere from under your driveway to an airport runway).

Luckily, if you're running a residential branch circuit rated 120 volts or less, protected by a 20-amp (or less) ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), the NEC makes your choice easier. You have several options, but rigid metal conduit (RMC) has the shallowest burial depth (6 inches). Underground feeder cable (UF) is next, with a 12-inch requirement. For this project, we went with RMC, which is more expensive than UF but saves tons of labor on digging. (Of course, you can rent a trencher if you don't want to futz with the conduit.)

Keep in mind that these depths apply to wires run under your yard. Wires under concrete patios, slabs and driveways have different depth requirements. Also, if you're looking to heat and cool your shed, or think you might want to expand later, you'll need a subpanel instead of a single 20-amp circuit. Consult your local electrical inspector or a licensed electrician for more info.

The post How To Run Electrical Wiring To An Outdoor Shed appeared first on Family Handyman.

How to Pour a Concrete Slab Successfully: 31 Tips

Jenny Stanley — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 04:00:26 +0000

How to Pour a Concrete Slab: The Basics

The bulk of the work for a new slab is in the excavation and form building. If you have to level a sloped site or bring in a lot of fill, hire an excavator for a day to help prepare the site. Then figure on spending a day building the forms and another pouring the slab.

The post How to Pour a Concrete Slab Successfully: 31 Tips appeared first on Family Handyman.

DIY Outdoor Storage Cabinet

Family Handyman — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 04:00:33 +0000

Outdoor storage cabinet project overview: Benefits, time and materials

Lawn and garden tools present a paradox: You can never find the right tool when you need it, then when you aren’t looking for it, it’s in your way. This simple-to-build shed which is the perfect outdoor storage locker that solves both problems. It stores tools so they’re easy to find, and it does so in a convenient location in your yard so they’re not cluttering your garage.

The locker’s 4 x 8-ft. footprint provides ample room to store space-hogging items like walk-behind lawn mowers and snowblowers. Long- and short-handled garden tools, lawn treatments and potting materials also fit nicely inside.

In this article, we’ll show you how to build this attractive outdoor storage locker using easy construction techniques. It’s a great project for beginners looking to expand their building skills.

You can build and paint this locker in a weekend, although you might need another half day to give the pressure-treated trim a second coat of paint. The straightforward construction requires only basic power toolsa circular saw with a standard carbide blade and a drill. An air compressor and nail gun aren’t necessary but will make the framing and trim work easier (and faster!).

We used fiber cement panels for siding because they resist rot and hold paint well (the panels come primed). If you substitute plywood panels, be aware that they’ll eventually rot along the bottoms where they’re in ground contact. We chose corrugated plastic panels for the roof because they let in light and are easy to install. Materials for our locker cost about $600.

A Clear Roof Lets In the Sunshine

These clear plastic roof panels let in sunlight so you can easily see inside. They’re lightweight, faster to install than asphalt shingles and don’t need sheathing underneath. You can cut them with a carbide blade in a circular saw. And best of all, they won’t peel or tear like shingles, and they last for decades. The downside is they’re not in stock at most home centers. You may have to special-order them.

Outdoor Storage Locker Details

Find a site and gather materials

A flat or nearly flat site (less than a 6-in. slope over 6 ft.) is ideal for this storage locker. You can add gravel or stack up several sleepers on one side if your site has a steeper slope, but the doors need 3 ft. of space to open. If the locker faces a steep slope, you’ll have to dig away the ground in front of the doors so they can fully open. You can find all the materials except perhaps the roof panels at most home centers. We used Sequentia panels from Crane Composites, which are available in several colors and clear. Buy treated trim material a few weeks early and let it dry. Otherwise, the wet wood will shrink and won’t hold paint. Make sure to use galvanized nails or exterior screws because they won’t corrode.

The 50 Best Storage Containers to Get Your House in Order

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The 6 Best Mouse Repellents, Tested by an Editor

Mary Henn — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 13:00:33 +0000

Best Overall Mouse Repellent

Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray

If youre looking for an all-natural solution thats safe to use around kids and pets, this rodent-repellent spray from Mighty Mint is the answer. It comes in an easy-to-use 16-ounce spray bottle and uses pure peppermint oil to deter mice.

This spray has a 4% peppermint oil (not artificial mixtures that just smell like peppermint) concentration that makes it stronger than similar peppermint sprays, allowing it to be more effective and last longer.

The minty smell wont leave a chemical-like odor in the air, and while the peppermint smell isnt unpleasant, it is powerful. The first time I used this Mighty Mint spray, I used too much in an open space and had to air out my kitchen afterward. However, I found that using it in covered and concealed areas (like underneath the kitchen sink) works best, as the smell stays where you need it to.

Pros

Extra-concentrated strength
Made with pure peppermint oil
Safe to use around kids and pets
Plant-based formula and locally sourced
Easy-to-use spray bottle

Cons

Not recommended for those sensitive to smells

$19.98 at Amazon

$9.98 at Lowe's

The post The 6 Best Mouse Repellents, Tested by an Editor appeared first on Family Handyman.

Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed

Family Handyman — Tue, 21 May 2019 04:00:49 +0000

Greg Shed Outdoor Cabinet Outdoor Kitchen Dartboard Cabinet Shed Plans

Building a Town, a Business and a Shed

When Greg Ostertag retired from basketball after 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz, he and his wife, Shannon, eventually settled near Mount Vernon, Texas. The town was looking a bit tiredmostly empty storefronts downtown, just one restaurant.

“But we went ahead and moved here anyway,” says Greg. “Then Shannon came to me with the idea that she had to buy this building and try to put some life back into the town.”

The building was the century-old barbershop, and the project gave birth to new businesses: a coffee shop and The Ostertag Group, a design and construction company.

Shannon next targeted the old general store. To get that job done, she called in someone she knew could handle it: her ex-husband Henry Ruelas, a longtime contractor. His and Shannon’s son, Trevor, also joined the crew.

“I can’t get enough of it,” says Trevor, who plans to study construction management in college.

The general store, like all old buildings, contained secrets: the usual whiskey bottles and newspapers inside the walls, but also human bones buried beneath it. Those bones remain a mystery, but everyone agrees that the building is haunted.

Since the reopening of the general store, The Ostertag Group has tackled several more projects in Mount Vernon, including our latest shed. Read more about the Ostertags and Mount Vernon.

More scenes from the outdoor kitchen pavilion shed build

Meet Greg

Greg Ostertag is a 7-foot-2 center who played alongside John Stockton and Karl Malone. They reached the NBA Finals in back-to-back years in 1997 and 1998, falling both times to the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. Ostertag grew up in Texas and returned there following his playing career.

Ostertag’s sister, Amy, suffered from kidney disease and Greg didn’t hesitate to offer one of his kidneys to help save his sister’s life. He donated his kidney in 2002 and became the first NBA player to return to the court after an organ donation. Ostertag has since become an advocate for organ donation.

Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed

This is the largest shed Family Handyman has ever created in the 60 years we’ve built sheds and shown how to build sheds. We joined storage and outdoor living with our latest shed, the outdoor kitchen pavilion shed, for the Ostertag family to enjoy when they have time away from their latest project. Don’t forget to check out these outdoor kitchen kitsfor cooking up a storm.

Discover 5 ways to make your outdoor space feel like home with these tips.

Outdoor Cabinet

Storage space is usually measured as floor space. By that standard, this shed is similar to any 8 x 10-ft. shed. But wall space often matters more, and that’s where this shed shines. With about 350 sq. ft. of surface, these walls can support large shelves and all your yard gear.

Outdoor Kitchen

We chose ready-to-assemble outdoor cabinets to make our outdoor kitchen installation fast and easy. SeeTaste of Home recommend items for the outdoor kitchen and how you can add the same items to your home.

Check out these 12 inspiring outdoor kitchen ideas

1 / 12

Hearth and Home Backyard Kitchen

This outdoor kitchen has a rustic feel with a brick wall and stained wood cabinets. But you're hardly roughing it, considering this kitchen comes with a dishwasher! The fireplace is a focal point and can be used for cooking and keeping the area warm when the temperature drops.

Low Profile Backyard Kitchen

This backyard kitchen is tucked along a wall so it doesn't take up a lot of valuable space. The window over the sink breaks up the long wall and allows you to keep an eye on what's going on in the yard! If space is your concern, this is a great option.

Light and Bright Backyard Kitchen

The choice of light-colored bricks makes this outdoor kitchen appear less clunky than it would if darker bricks had been used. Laying the floor paver bricks diagonally to the kitchen gives the area a more casual feel, whereas if the pavers ran the same way as the bricks, it would've look stuffy.

Impromptu Backyard Kitchen

Maybe you don't have a lot of occasions when you'd want an outdoor kitchen, so why bother? One way to temporarily move food prep and cooking outside is to create a work surface (here it's simply a board placed on top of a wood pile to form a workbench) and bring out your most-used cookware and utensils. When the party is over, pack up and head back inside.

Beachy Vibe Backyard Kitchen

This California outdoor kitchen features a chandelier for post-sunset dining and a heater lamp to chase away evening chills. With a setup like this you won't ever want to leave your backyard. The only concern is that everyone will always want you to host so that they can also enjoy this beautiful kitchen.

The Whole Package Backyard Kitchen

This full feature kitchen with split-level bar is smartly located between the garden entrance and patio doors of the main house. It efficiently includes caf seating, food prep area, large under mount sink/dishwasher, and an under counter refrigerator.Photo: Surrounds Landscaping

All Decked Out Backyard Kitchen

This backyard kitchen was built on an extensive deck that is also home to a hot tub! If you've got the backyard space to try something like this you'll be well-rewarded for your efforts; the combination of a deck, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen is sure to make your space shine.Photo: Courtesy of American Deck & Sunroom

Grillzebo Backyard Kitchen

What's a grillzebo? It's a sheltered space, similar to a gazebo, designed for grilling. You and your guests can relax in the shade while the food cooks; it's a great option if you want to make sure your backyard is the right mixture of functional and social.

Galley Backyard Kitchen

An old wooden boat is repurposed as outdoor shelves as part of an outdoor kitchen. There's plenty of room for food prep or setting up a buffet and this setup can be used as a plant potting station, as well. It's a beautiful setup.Photo: The Owner Builder Network

Movable Feast Backyard Kitchen

If you want an outdoor kitchen that you can take with you when you move, RusticWoodWork will custom-build you a portable grill table with cabinets. You can pick between Western red cedar, mahogany and white oak when designing yours.Photo: RusticWoodWorx

Seeking Shade Backyard Kitchen

If you don't have any shade in your yard, that doesn't mean you can't have a outdoor kitchen. Multiple umbrellas keep the sun from beating down on guests seated along the countertop of this lovely kitchen. Look for umbrellas that can tilt and put them in portable stands so you can get the most out of them.Photo: The Deck and Patio Company

Oval Oasis Backyard Kitchen

This poolside outdoor kitchen is perfectly designed for family gatherings and entertaining. It's spacious and yet it doesn't overtake the whole yard. One unique feature you don't see often is the integrated umbrella stand.Photo: The Deck and Patio Company

Dartboard Cabinet

A solid-wood dartboard cabinet typically starts at $150, and at that price you’re getting one made of pine; you’ll pay much more for a premium hardwood. For the same cost, you can build a better one yourself, such as this one, which is stylish, durable and easy to make. Here’s how we built this dartboard cabinet. There are no fussy miters or fancy joinery, and it’s made from standard board widths, so you don’t need a table saw. And if the aged-steel door panels don’t suit your style, you can substitute plywood panels to match the surrounding wood.

Plus: More Backyard Games You Can Play With the Family

1 / 12

Lawn Dominoes

Take your love of dominoes to the great outdoors by whipping up a super-size set that will get you on your feet in the sweet sunshine. This tutorial shows you everything you need to add this to your repertoire of backyard games.

Jumbo Puzzle

What's better than gathering around an intimate table after dinner and playing a game like Jenga? Now, you can make a backyard puzzle with just a few boards and a saw. You may have noticed some restaurants and parks have added an interactive space to their patios and open areas with this game, among others. Now it's your turn to build the game yourself.

Giant Connect Four

If you loved Connect Four as a kid, you're going to love it even more as an adult in XL size! It makes a great game both for the kids, as a family or for those late-night backyard parties. Home Depot has everything you need to DIY.Here are 8 more projects for backyard fun.Photo: Courtesy of Imgur

Backyard Bowling

Bowling isn't just meant for a rainy day. Take the game outdoors by building a lane in your backyard! This backyard trend is sure to keep the kids in the fresh air too! Here's some inspiration for building your own private lane.Photo: Courtesy of Imgur

Life-size Chess Board

Ready to take your game of chess to the next level? Make it an active event by creating your own life-size chess board that will wow your guests. Just be sure you can beat them! Check out this tutorial.Here's how to build a chessboard for your home, too.

Horseshoes

Horseshoes is a classic summer fun game that's perfect for entertaining guests at a party, or just passing the time with your family. Strike up some friendly competition by installing a court yourself. Here's a great tutorial to check out that's fun to look at, too!

Lawn Yahtzee

Are you up for a game of lawn Yahtzee? Why not! Get the family together to play this exciting game outdoors on the grass. This tutorial shows you how to whip the game in no time. (Or you can buy the dice here.)If your type of pastime is playing a good game, then you'll love these 26 cool ideas for game rooms.Photo: Courtesy of Walmart

Lawn Scrabble

Wordsmiths rejoice! You can take your love of Scrabble to the backyard and when you play this version of the game, you exercise your body and your brain. Here are the easy peasy instructions. (No time to DIY? You can buy the game here.)Speaking of Scrabble, here are some fun gifts you can make with original board game's tiles.

Ladder Golf

Ladder golf is the kind of game that's fun for all ages. You'll need a little hand-eye coordination, but pretty much anyone can play. Here's how to make your own DIY ladder golf game.If regular golf is more your speed, work on your golf game at home by sectioning off a piece of your yard for a putting green.

Life-size Fooseball

If you're planning on having some big parties this summer, or even if you just have a big family, life-size Foosball is almost a must for your backyard games. It's interactive, entertaining and makes for a lot of laughter! Check out this tutorial to make it yourself.Photo: Courtesy of imgur

Cornhole Set

Cornhole, or bean bag toss, is a fun game that's great for buddying up with a friend and playing against another duo. And while you can find the game online or at many stores, it's also really easy to make. In fact, you can likely make a much better one than you can purchase!Here's how to build a set that will last you for many backyard games to come.

Lawn Twister

Twister is always fun but you may not want to get your indoor game dirty by using it outside. So, keep your store-bought set indoors and try out this super easy project!Speaking of your lawn, here are 11 tips to keep it lush all summer long.Photo: Courtesy of Instructables/stevemoseley

Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed Plans

We built the shed to measure 15 feet high, 16 feet wide and 20 feet deep to provide plenty of room for guests to move around in the pavilion. Here are the full project details on how to build an outdoor kitchen pavilion shed.

Why We Chose LP Outdoor Building Solution Products

This project includes a lot of cedar lumber, which is mostly sheltered from the weather. For the more exposed elements, we chose LP Outdoor Building Solutions shed products. They’re made with LP SmartSide, offering all the warmth and beauty of traditional wood along with outstanding durability. LP SmartSide Trim and Siding products are also easier to work with and come in both smooth and cedar textures, which nicely matches the rough-sawn cedar.

Watch how we built the outdoor kitchen pavilion shed in the video below.

Check out some of the amazing sheds we’ve built through the years.

The post Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed appeared first on Family Handyman.

Pavilion Shed Plans

Travis Larson — Mon, 20 May 2019 19:57:53 +0000

Materials, time and tools overview

Our DIY materials cost was about $5,000. We hired a contractor to pour the 30 x 32-ft. slab, which cost another $5,000. This is an advanced building project that requires a lot of attention to detail and experience with layout and complex framing.

Three carpenters and occasional helpers spent eight long days on the construction, while the prepainting and staining work took one person two full days. Youll need a complete tool arsenal:

1/2-in. hammer drill
Chain saw
Scaffolding.

Here’s the complete materials list for the outdoor pavilion shed.

Here are the project drawings.

Start with a flat slab

You could go with a perfectly level slab; no slope. But the best slab would be level at the shed area, then slope away slightly so rainwater runs away from the building. Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, make sure the building area is flat. Ours wasnt, and that cost us hours of complicated compensating. A 4-in.-thick slab will be fine, but thicken the slab under the four sets of 6×6 posts to a 4 x 4-ft. area 8 in. deep.

Prepaint and stain everything!

It will take many hours to paint all the siding, trim and ceiling panels and stain the cedar parts. But its worth doing before starting construction. Its a much larger job after the construction is complete, and the finished project wont look nearly as crisp. Youll still have touch-up work to do, but that will take only a couple of hours.

Project plans

Timber framing simplified

Traditional timber-frame construction requires huge timbers, special tools and rare skills. But we skipped all that. Instead, we got the heavy-timber look for our gable and beams by using three layers of standard framing lumber. This technique requires only basic framing tools and know-how. Better yet, we didnt have to heave massive parts into positionwe just sandwiched up lighter materials in place, adding them one at a time.

Mark the layout

If your slab is square, with straight edges, you can measure from the edges to lay out the buildings footprint. Otherwise youll need to use the 3-4-5 triangle method. Snap lines for the long walls of the shed first, then snap lines for the short sides, extending them all the way out to the post locations, supporting the outside of the pavilion. Those lines will mark the pavilion side of the outside posts. Then snap lines to mark the inside and outside edges of all four pavilion post locations (Photo 1).

Lay out the footprint

Snap chalk lines outlining the shed walls and extending to the post locations. To mark the post locations, lay out a corbel and some offcuts of the posts. Double-check the accuracy and squareness of your layout; mistakes will waste time and cause frustration later.

The post Pavilion Shed Plans appeared first on Family Handyman.

Tips and Methods for Adding Solar Power to a Shed

Ally Childress — Tue, 14 May 2019 04:00:52 +0000

Do you have a shed or other outbuilding that could use some lighting? Are you sick of stubbing your toe on the lawn mower and knocking over shovels and rakes every time you walk into your shed? It’s time to stop fumbling for a flashlight and look into installing some power.

If this sounds easier said than done, don’t worry. Adding solar power to a shed is a great DIY project, and you don’t have to be a licensed electrician like me to take it on. Below, I’ll explain the basic concepts and options, and you can do the rest!

Getting Power to a Shed

If you’re trying to power your shed on the cheap, running an underground cable from your house to the outbuilding is the way to go. One hundred feet of 12/2 underground feeder (UF) cable costs less than $100, but digging a trench is a lot of work. You’ll need to rent a trencher or grab a shovel, and believe me, your back won’t like the latter option.

You also have to worry about how much power your shed will draw. If you just want to power a few lights and receptacles for charging batteries and putting away lawn tools, adding a 20-amp GFCI-protected circuit will suffice. But if you plan to run large tools and appliances, you’ll need larger wire and a larger breaker. If your main panel is full, you may need a subpanel. Both add cost and complexity.

If that all sounds like a lot of hassle, consider a solar-powered system instead.

Why Solar Power Is a Good Choice for Sheds

Sheds and solar power are a natural fit. Solar power is environmentally friendly, quiet and requires little maintenance once installed. Solar panels have no moving parts, so there’s nothing to break (on that component, anyway). Reputable solar kits also come with warranties for the products and power distribution, sometimes as long as 25 years. They might last longer than your shed!

Once you’ve put solar panels on the shed roof, or next to the shed if your yard is sunny enough, all you’ll need to do is clean them off a couple of times a year. And it’s easy! Just spray them with a garden hose. Clear off snow and ice to maintain their efficiency during the winter.

Choosing a Solar Kit

There are a few ways to convert energy from the sun into usable energy for your shed, but one of the easiest is to buy a solar kit. Sure, you can cobble together a solar system from individual parts, and that’s a good option if you’re looking to customize, or you want to design your own system. But kits are all-inclusive, and a lot easier for a novice.

Here are the basic components. Depending on your setup, all of these may not be included or needed:

Solar panels. Also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar panels collect energy from sunlight and convert it into electrical energy.
Storage battery. Batteries store energy for later use.
Charge controller. A controller regulates the amount of electrical current sent to the battery. Overcharging or discharging a battery too much can damage it and shorten its life.
Inverter. Converts the energy stored in batteries from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Some off-grid lights can run off DC, but tools, appliances, electronics, and regular household lighting require AC power.
Cables, connectors and accessories. Connect your kit together with these needed components.

Portable power station

Another option for solar power is a solar generator, also called a portable power station. A solar generator uses solar panels to charge a compact, portable cube that you then plug your tools and lights into. These can be less expensive than a full-on solar kit, but they’re a little more hands-on since they don’t hold a charge indefinitely. Choose one with a single battery or multiple, for longer life between charges.

Installing a Solar Kit in Your Shed

Installing a solar kit is a DIY-able task, but make sure you follow the instructions that came with the kit. The manufacturer may have videos and how-tos to help, too. If you run into trouble, call a licensed electrician, and always check to see if your city requires a permit.

The basic steps are below:

Decide where you want the power distribution center (inverter, battery and controller).
Mount the components to the wall, and build or buy a simple shelf for the battery to sit.
Wire the shed with lights and receptacles (if adding).
Install the solar panels on the roof or in the yard.
Drill a hole and add a waterproof connector called an entry panel, which protects the cables between the solar panel and the power center.
Make the connections between the components.
Let the batteries charge, and enjoy your solar-powered shed!

Sources:

Satpathy, R., & Pamuru, V. (2021). Solar PV Power: Design, Manufacturing and Applications from Sand to Systems.

The post Tips and Methods for Adding Solar Power to a Shed appeared first on Family Handyman.

How To Build a Storage Shed With an Amazing Backyard Bar

Ryan Van Bibber — Fri, 10 May 2019 04:00:16 +0000

We’ve built a lot of sheds over the years at Family Handyman, and I’m positive we’ll build a few more before it’s all said and done. But this pub shed project from the July/August 2017 issue of the magazine has to be one of my personal favorites. Not only does it give you a massive amount of storage, when it’s time to put away the yard tools, you can flip up the bar door and admire the backyard with an ice cold beverage. The party’s up front in this shed; business inside.

This is a big shed, but it’s no more complicated than a small one. If you have experience with deck building or other small carpentry projects, you can probably build this.

Pub shed features

Shaded patio and bar: The built-in bar with swing-upbar door providesplenty of seating andcounter space for yournext backyard party.

Inexpensive windows you can DIY:Barn sash mounted in easy-to-assemblepine frames provides abundantlight and ventilation for a fraction ofthe cost of factory windows.

Tons of loft storage: Strong 2×8 joists support two huge loft areas that provide lots of storage space.

Project cost

There’s a lot of material here, and we priced it out at $6,500 when it was initially published in 2017. It’s safe to say that it’ll cost more than that now, probably closer to $10,000 if you build the exact version you see here. Do note, however, that you can always adapt this, downsizing it to fit your budget and your yard.

What you’ll need to build the pub shed

In addition to common building materials you’ll find at most home centers and lumber yards, we used some special products from Louisiana-Pacific that you may have to order to duplicate our pub shed exactly. You’ll find in-depth material details in the project pdfs at the end of this story.

We built the windows in the shop using plastic utility window sash we found at a local home center. The swing-up bar door is site built. The entry door on the side is a standard prehung exterior door that’s readily available at most home centers (about $220).

You’ll need standard DIY tools including a circular saw and drill. A framing nail gun and compressor will speed up the framing. Since there’s a lot of trim and siding to nail up, we used a coil siding nailer loaded with galvanized ring-shank siding nails. You can rent a coil siding nail gun, if you don’t have one.

Miter and table saws aren’t required but will make your cuts more accurate.

Expect to devote five or six weekends to the project. There are a lot of materials to cut and hoist, so round up a few helpers.

Take the materials list with you to your favorite lumber yard or home center and go over the list with the salesperson to see what items you may have to order. Then set up a delivery so you’ll be ready to build when your help arrives.

Project PDF Files

Click the links below to download the materials list as well as thedrawingsfor this project.

Project drawings and materials list: Double-Duty Pub Shed PDF.
Louisiana-Pacific materials list.

Building permits

Check with your local building department to see whether you need a permit. Also find out if there are rules about where your pub shed can be located on the lot. Don’t for get to check with your HOA too. Many homeowners associates have restrictions about the size of sheds you can build in your yard.

Call before you dig

A few days before you plan to dig, call 811 to have someone come out and mark buried utility lines. Once that’s done, it’s time to start building your pub shed.

Lay the foundation

As we’ve done with many of our recent sheds, we built this pub shed on a wood floor supported by treated 6x6s. One shed-building tip: You could substitute a concrete slab or provide footings or another type of support for the floor joists.

Start by laying out the perimeter of the shed. Use stakes and a string line, or a rectangle built with 2x4s to represent the outside edges of the 12- x 16-ft. floor. Now measure in 8-3/4-in. from the short sides and drive stakes to mark the center of the trenches. Drive a third pair of stakes to mark the center beam.

Dig trenches about 12 inches wide and about 10 inches below where you want the bottom edge of the joists to end up. Pour four inches of gravel into the trenches and level it off. Make sure the gravel in all three trenches is the same height. Then cut the 6x6s to 12 feet long and set them in the trenches.

Measure to make sure the 6x6s are parallel. Then measure diagonally from the ends of the outside 6x6s to make certain they’re square. The diagonal measurements should be equal. Finally, level the 6x6s. (See photo above and Figure B in the project pdfs. To access Figures B through V, click on the pdf link at the end of this story.)

The post How To Build a Storage Shed With an Amazing Backyard Bar appeared first on Family Handyman.

DIY Garden Closet Storage Project

Gary Wentz — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 04:00:52 +0000

If you don’t have room in your yard for a large, freestanding shed, you can still create plenty of space for garden tools with a shed attached to the back or side of the house. If you’re an experienced builder, you can build this shed in a couple of weekends. Ours cost about $400, but you could save about $75 by using treated lumber, pine, and asphalt shingles instead of cedar.

The shed is made from three componentsthe roof, the walls and the doors, with edges covered by trim boards.

Assemble the Walls

Nail together the side walls, then square them with the plywood side panels.
- Pro tip: Overhang the panels 3/8 in. at the frontthis will hide the gap at the corner when you hang the doors.
Join the two sides with the top and bottom plates and rim joists.
- Note: The sides, top and bottom are all mirror images of each other except for the top front rim joist, which is set down 1/2 in. from the top so it stops the doors.
Use screws to fasten the framework together except in the front where fasteners will be visibleuse 2-1/2-in. casing nails there.
Screw the 4×4 footings to the bottom plates, then nail on the plywood base.

The post DIY Garden Closet Storage Project appeared first on Family Handyman.

What to Know About Sliding Shed Doors

Family Handyman — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 05:00:00 +0000

For several years now, I’ve been in charge of designing and building our annual shed. The photo here gives you a look at the shed that appeared in our July/Aug. ’12 issue.

Types of Shed Doors

One of the details that always demands my attention is the number and type of doors to include. Several of the sheds I’ve designed have two doorsa regular entry door and a large door for riding lawn mowers and other big stuff. Entry doors are easy. I usually just buy prehung exterior shed doors like you’d install in a garage or house. Big doors are a little more challenging. After experimenting with various methods, I’ve settled on a sliding shed door as the best solution.

Sliding Shed Door Advantages

Sliding doors have several advantages over hinged doors for wide openings. First, there’s practically no limit to the size of the door you can use. And since the doors hang from the top rather than from one edge like a hinged door, they don’t have to be quite as strong. Plus, they don’t require as much room to open as hinged doors. I had a pair of hinged doors on a shed at my last house, and in the winter I had to keep a large area in front of the shed free of snow and ice buildup or the doors wouldn’t open. This isn’t a problem with sliding doors.

Building Sliding Shed Doors

The key to building a good sliding shed door is using the right hardware. I think the heavy-duty bypass door hardware from Johnson Hardware (johnsonhardware.com) is the perfect solution. The system consists of heavy-duty three-wheel ball-bearing hangers (Part No. 1025) that can support doors up to 150 lbs. and an aluminum track Part No. 111). An 8-ft. track and a pair of hangers for a 4-ft. door cost about $70.

For the bypass hardware to work on a shed, you have to have a strong place to anchor the top track. I accomplish this by ripping a 2×4 down to between 2-1/2 and 3 in. (depending on how thick the door is) and attaching it to the shed wall with lag screws. Then I screw the aluminum track to the 2x support. The last step is to mount the hanger plates to the top of door.

Sliding Door Drawbacks

Sliding doors offer a good alternative to hinged doors, but they do have a few drawbacks. First, they’re harder to lock. I haven’t found an elegant solution for locking a sliding door and usually end up using a hasp and padlock or a lockable gate latch if there’s a pair of doors. The other problem with sliding doors is that they’re trickier to seal. If you’re worried about bugs or small creatures getting into the shed, consider hinged doors instead. But if you want a door that’s easy to build and install, easy to operate and doesn’t take up much space, then it’s hard to beat sliding doors.

Jeff Gorton, Associate Editor

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The Easiest Way to Color Code Keys

Elizabeth Flaherty — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 18:28:53 +0000

Identify Your Keys at a Glance By Color Coding Them with Nail Polish

It seems the older I get, the more keys I carry around. Between the car, house, shed and garage, I have a whole pocket full of keys. To make it easier to quickly find my most used keys, I paint both sides of the key head with brightly colored nail polish. I use a different color for each key. The nail polish is extremely durable and youll be surprised how much longer it lasts than spray paint. Joseph Grayson

Color coding to match a key’s intended use can make for quick access vs simply looking closely at a ring of keys all of the same color. Nail polish is designed to be durable and long-lasting which makes it a great cheap way to add a little organization to your life.

Ever wonder what that mysterious feature in your old home was once used for? Find out now:

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Metal Plates on Old Homes

These metal plates, which often are shaped as an "S", an "X" or a star, are called anchor plates (or wall anchors). They are often seen on the outside of old bricks homes and are used to help prevent walls from bowing outwards and collapsing.

Ice Door

Are you puzzled by the funny little door in your home's pantry? This is an access door the ice delivery man used to use. Homes had an area in the pantry or kitchen dedicated to the icebox. Access was created for this door on the exterior, allowing for the delivery of fresh ice to the house without coming inside.

Phone Niche

Landline telephones used to be an essential means of communication, but they weren't always so compact. Because of their big, heavy stature, they required quite a bit of space. Homes used to have niches in walls for this purpose. Today, however, they're a place to store things like mail or display a plant.

Tiny Iron Door Leading to the Basement

While natural gas is the heating fuel of choice for many today, up until around 1940, most families heated their homes by burning coal.Coal delivery men traveled door-to-door to provide people the fuel they needed to power their furnace. They shoveled coal through the small door and down the chute into the basement. Once in the basement, homeowners could shovel the coal directly into the furnace. Today most of these chutes have been sealed, though you will often still see the iron doors on older homes. What was once a functional part of the house is now a great conversation starter and history lesson.

Some Features in Old Homes are Still Useful!

Although technology has brought homeowners huge advantages in improving their homes, theres a lot of untapped wisdom in some of the old home features that have been phased out over time. Some of these inventions brought great use and quite a bit of charm to a home, but theres one feature, in particular, that should return to homes because it would save many people trips up-and-down the staircase: Laundry chutes.

Landline Phone Jacks

Take a look around your dated apartment or home. How many unused phone jacks are there in the walls? Once essential, today you'd be hard-pressed to find someone using all those phone jacksthanks to the invention and advancement of cell phones! Ready to modernize?

Random Toilet in the Basement

Usually found in pre-World War II-era homes, this lone toilet looks entirely misplacednot just because its in the basement, but because there is nothing around it to make it feel like a proper, private bathroom! And while many dont even have a sink nearby, others are paired with a crude basement shower apparatus and large sink.Its often referred to as the Pittsburgh potty for the abundance of them in that city. Legend has it that the historically industrial towns steelworkers and miners used them after a long day of work. Theyd enter their basements to clean up before entering the main part of the house, to avoid tracking in grime.

Knob and Tube Wiring

This early standardized method of electrical wiring in buildings began around 1880 and lasted until the 1930s. The system consisted of single-insulated copper conductors run within wall or ceiling cavities. They passed through joist and stud drill-holes by way of protective porcelain insulating tubes. For support along their length, porcelain knob insulators were nailed down. Knob and tube wiring was displaced from interior wiring systems as a result of the high cost of installation in comparison to power cables.

Why Do Old Homes Have a Bed in the Ceiling?

Unlike the famous Murphy bed, which folds into a closet or wall to save floor space when not in use, the Sorlien ceiling bed is stowed in the ceiling! The Sorlien, the Murphy beds forgotten competitor, was patented in 1913. The bed was lowered from the ceiling via a crank, with hidden weights in the wall working to counterbalance the bed. Transmission drum is concealed in the wall by means of a hinged door 15 by 16-1/2 inches set flush with the wall, according to an ad (from 1917) for the Sorlien bed.Folding legs on the bottom of the bed made sure sleepers enjoyed a properly grounded nights rest.The bed was marketed as taking up no closet or wall space, with floor space used only when in service. When not in use, it may remain in the ceiling without collecting dust or getting the mattress and bed clothing disarranged, the ad reads. Of course, the ceiling bed only worked for houses with an attic above.

Push-Button Light Switch

Push-button light switches emerged in the mid-19th century, but eventually gave way to the toggle switch. Issues with push-button light switches are no secret, including the buttons easily getting stuck in one position. How inconvenient!

Hoosier Cabinet

A Hoosier cabinet is a free-standing kitchen cabinet that doubles as a workstation. These cabinets were common in the first few decades of the 20th century. They declined in popularity with the advent of built-in kitchen cabinetry and countertops.

Boot Scraper

If you've ever walked up to someone's front door and seen a strange ground-level cast-iron contraption, it's a boot scraper! Known as a "decrottoir" in French, which refers to the need to remove excrement (yuck), boot scrapers popped up in the 18th and 19th centuries alongside the invention of walking paths. With modernism came less mud in the streets (as well as less dog, human, horse and pig excrement), so the boot scraper declined in necessity and popularity.

Root Cellar

Root cellars existed to store vegetables, fruits, nuts and more for long periods of time. Some were simply an unfinished room in the basement while others were built into the ground a short distance from the house. Present-day food distribution systems and refrigeration have rendered root cellars unnecessary for most people. But if you have one, you can certainly still put it to good use!

Razor Slit in Medicine Cabinet

Decades ago, medicine cabinets had a tiny slit to dispose of old razor blades. Where might those dirty razors go? Nowhere, really. They merely went into the wall. Out of sight, out of mind!

Dumbwaiter

Dumbwaiters were most often used to move dishes and food when the kitchen and dining room were on different levels of the house. If you have one in your old house, you could use it as a clothes chute.

Servant Staircase

Does your old home have a strange staircase? In old mansions, household servantsand pre-Civil War, possibly slaveswere often directed to stay out of sight. The solution was a separate staircase in the back just for the servants to use. This is why your kitchen or pantry might be accessible by two staircases.

Servant Floor Button

Also known as a butler's call or ring, a servant floor button was situated in the middle of the floor of the formal dining room. It was used to summon the butler by stepping on it. Today, if an old house has one, it's likely hidden beneath a rug under the table.

Milk Door

You probably haven't had milk delivered to your door in a long time. It used to be common, with a milk door standard in many homes. The small door was situated on the outside of the house and was used by the milkman, to pick up empty bottles and leave fresh ones.

Old Homes Often Have Transom Windows

Those panels of glass you'll still find on old homes are called transom doors. Their main purpose was to let in natural light in the front hallways and interior roomslike keeping roomsbefore electricity became the norm. Today, they still allow in natural light, but they're more aesthetic than functional. Who doesn't love natural light?

Picture Hanging Molding

Picture rails or picture hanging molding became common in the 1840s as a way to hang from a movable hook while not damaging the wall surface. By the 1940s, the picture rail was outdated, and the invisible hook standard. You can still purchase molding and install a picture rail if you like the look.

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24 Tips for Turning a Shed Into a Tiny House

T. Lacoma — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 04:00:01 +0000

Paint Your Shed

Since many standard storage sheds have a drab brown or neutral wood-colored interior, spruce it up with some colorbut not just any color.

For the exterior, select outdoor paint that’s durable while giving the building a pop of color that fits in nicely with your yard. Consider color theory when you’re deciding how to paint the interior of your shed to make it a relaxing space. Ocean blue is one color that can create a calm space and make it feel welcoming. Other calming colors include light gray, pale green, and lavender. While you’re at it, check out these shed house ideas.

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13 Tips for Building a Shed

Chris Deziel — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 04:00:00 +0000

Build a raised foundation

Construct your shed on a solid foundation that’s a minimum of two inches off the ground. If any part of the floor is in ground contact, it will rot, provide easy access to rodents, and probably won’t stay straight because the earth has a habit of shifting and eroding after heavy rains.

Here are three options:

Build on horizontal 6x6s:The shed doesn’t necessarily have to rest on deep footings. A pair of trenches filled with gravel and topped with treated 6x6s is often adequate in areas with well-drained soil. Level and square the 6x6s, and you’re ready to build and attach the joist system.
Build on posts – If the ground is sloped, build your shed floor like a deck, with footings, posts and a wood frame covered by plywood. If you don’t like the opening under the shed, build a skirt to cover the space between the shed floor and the ground.

Pour a slab:For a shed floor that’s strong, long-lasting and closer to the ground, it’s hard to beat concrete. Surprisingly, if you pour the slab yourself, the price is comparable to that of a wood platform. Just be sure to mix and pour it properly so it sets correctly.

Pro Tip: Before digging, avoid an expensive mistake or worse yet, a tragedy by mapping out your underground utilities. Call 811 a few days before you plan to dig to have your buried utilities marked. It’s free in most places, so skipping this step doesn’t make sense.

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8 Fall Landscaping Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Dan Stout — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 13:40:26 +0000

Once Summer Turns to Fall, it’s Time to Stop Mowing

This is one of those myths that appeals to everyone who’s just plain tired of mowing their lawn by the time fall rolls around. In fact, it’s important to keep mowing your lawn well into the fall season. As long as your grass keeps growing, keep cutting it!

The ideal length of your lawn depends on your climate, but most experts agree you should keep your grass about 3 inches long, with the last cut of the season taking it down to between 1-1/4 inches to 1-1/2 inches in length. That final cut serves two purposes: it prevents a build up of organic matter which can lead to disease, and it makes raking easier.

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