garden shed

A shed is typically a simple, single-story structure in a back garden or on an allotment that is used for storage, hobbies, as a workshop or an office. Sheds vary considerably in the complexity of their construction and their size, from small open-sided tin-roofed structures to large wood-framed sheds with shingled roofs, windows, and electrical outlets.

The word is recorded in English since 1481, as shadde, possibly a variant of shade, the root meaning being shelter.

Shed Construction

Metal Sheds

Metal sheds made from thin sheet metal sheathing (galvanized steel or aluminium) attached to a metal frame. Metal sheds are a good choice when long-term strength and resistance to fire, rot, or termites is desired. However, metal sheds may rust over time, particularly if they are constructed from steel that is not galvanized.

Plastic Sheds

Plastic shed kits heavy molded plastics such as PVC and polyethylene are more expensive than sheet metal sheds. PVC resins often have more resistance to denting and chipping than wood. Plastic shed kits sided with vinyl are typically among the least expensive types of shed construction.

Wooden Sheds

Wooden sheds have a natural look that can blend in well with garden environments. Despite the strength of wood, over time it can rot or become susceptible to mold and mildew, so it should be treated for protection. Some types of wood, such as cedar, are more naturally-resistant to water damage. Wood sheds are susceptible to termites and fire. It is easier to modify wooden sheds (i.e., than metal or plastic sheds) by adding windows, doors, or exterior trim because wood can be cut and drilled using commonly-available tools.

Small Domestic Sheds

The simplest, least expensive sheds are available in kit form. Both shed kits and "do-it-yourself" plans are available for wooden sheds. Sheds are used to store home and garden tools and equipment such as push lawn mowers, lawn tractors, and gardening supplies. In addition, sheds can be used to store items or products that are not suitable for indoor storage, such as gasoline, pesticides, or herbicides.

For homes with small gardens or modest storage needs, there are several types of very small sheds. These include corner sheds, which fit into a corner (3’ tall x 3’ wide x 2’ deep), vertical sheds (5’ tall x 3’ wide x 4’ deep), horizontal sheds (3’ tall x 5’ wide x 4’ deep), and toolsheds. When a shed is used for tool storage, shelves and hooks are often used to maximize the storage space.

A popular style for smaller storage sheds is the gambrel-style roof, which whimsically resemble a Dutch-style barn, and the high sloping roof line increases storage space in the 'loft'. Both gable and saltbox style sheds are gaining in popularity.

Larger Domestic Sheds

Larger, more expensive sheds are typically constructed of wood and include features typically found in house construction, such as as windows, a shingled roof, and electrical outlets. Larger sheds provide more space for engaging in hobbies such as gardening, small engine repair, or tinkering. Some sheds have small porches or include furniture, which allows them to be used for relaxation purposes.

A new industry in building sheds is growing up around the growth in teleworking. Increasing numbers of homeworkers, especially those in creative industries, are constructing small to medium sized wooden garden offices and a large number of specialised companies now caters for this market.

Shed owners can customize wooden sheds to match the features (e.g., siding, trim, etc.) of the main house. A number of decorative options can be added to sheds, such as dormers, shutters, flowerboxes, finials, and weathervanes. As well, practical options can be added such as benches, ramps, ventilation systems (e.g., in cases where a swimming pool heater is installed in a shed), and electric lighting.

Sheds designed for gardening are often called "potting sheds", and they typically feature windows or skylights for illumination, ventilation grilles, and a potter's bench for mixing soil and re-potting plants.

Other Types of Sheds

In a military barracks, sheds can also serve as auxilliary buildings, such as vehicle sheds.

In an agricultural setting, sheds and other outbuildings are used to store tractors, tools, hay, or supplies, or to house horses or poultry.

In Australia and, particularly, New Zealand the term shed can be used to refer to any building, that is not a residence and that may be open at the ends or sides, or both. Australia's passion for sheds is documented in Mark Thomson's Blokes and Sheds.

Other Meanings

The "Shed" style of architecture is a type of modern architecture from the 1960s and 1970s that emphasized multiple slanted roof lines.

In British and Australian contexts, the phrases "Behind the bicycle/bike shed" or "behind the woodshed" are euphemisms for carrying out illicit activities.

The "woodshed treatment" or "taking someone to the woodshed" is an expression for physical punishment, referring to the taking of a child to a shed or barn for a spanking. It can be used metaphorically to refer to severe criticism.

"Woodshedding" is a musical term (usually in Jazz) for an intense practice session on a piece or a playing technique.

See also

• Shanty
• Wendy house

Sources and references

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
• Gordon Thorburn, Men and Sheds, ISBN 1-84330-329-9
• Michael MacCambridge, "ESPN College Football Encyclopedia : The Complete History of the Game", ISBN 1-4013-3703-1, at 5,881.

External links

• Usenet newsgroup: [1]
• Outdoor Storage Sheds Information on the different types of storage sheds.
• www.readersheds.co.uk Share your shed and view other sheddie's sheds.
• geekbooks.com sheds and barns Backyard shed and barn resources for the do-it-yourselfer.
• [2] Description and image of "Shed" style of modern architecture.
• The Shed The online version of the electronic lifestyle magazine for shedworkers The Shed