Sheds And Storage

Wood is the most traditional material used in constructing sheds. Wood storage solutions come in the form of pole barn sheds, wooden sheds, wooden garden sheds, cabin sheds, and gazebo sheds. Wood is a natural material so it is useful if you want a shed that blends into its surrounding environment. Nothing blends more naturally into the garden than a wooden garden shed. The aging of the timber compliments the different colors of the garden beds and trees. This is especially true when comparing to artificial materials such as plastic and metal.

Most people choose wood to build storage buildings and sheds with because it retains a natural look and also because wood can be used for tapering roofs, arched windows and other architectural features that add to the ambience of existing homes. Wood contains contours and hues all of which enhance the existing structures. Wooden sheds can be painted in chosen colors or stained to bring out the natural colors.

Wood does have its disadvantages. Unlike metal and plastic, wooden sheds are prone to rot over time. Rotten wood can bloat and crumble, and is a moisture haven for fungi and other nasties which present health hazards to humans.

The wood can also splinter and crack – especially in gazebos where the wood is completely exposed to the elements.

Wood is susceptible to termites, which if left unchecked, will slowly eat away at the structure until one day it just collapses. Wood is also flammable. This makes it less suitable for storing combustible material such as hay.

Despite this you can buy pre-treated wood that is designed to protect against termites and rot, and which is also flame retardant. You might also consider choosing a type of wood that is naturally rot resistant such as cedar.

Wooden storage sheds do require more maintenance than metal or PVC sheds. For instance you should consider giving your new wood shed some kind of protective coating such as a stain or sealer. Annual maintenance is also required whether you choose to paint your wooden shed or not. If you do choose to paint it, then you will need to give it a new lick of paint every year and this will require sanding and priming before painting.

If this type of maintenance doesn’t appeal to you, but you still want the look of a wooden shed then cape cod cladding might be for you. This usually comes with a 15 year guarantee, already comes in numerous colors and is low maintenance. You can also get Western Red Cedar cladding which is naturally resistant to moisture, rotting and insects and does not require painting, instead ages to a lovely silver-grey color.