Checking the Different Styles of Two-Story Storage Sheds

 

Are you thinking about adding a storage shed in your backyard, but are worried about all extra space you would need to accommodate that? Don’t worry about it, because you could easily invest in a two-story storage shed or barn. It will not only double the storage space but provide you with a better aesthetic feature on your property as well. The good news is that there are different styles of two-story storage sheds, which allow you to buy the perfect one for your property.

Traditionally two-story storage sheds come in the barn roof or A-frame style, with double doors, a ladder, windows, and is prefabbed. At Keen’s Buildings, we also provide custom designs and styles for two-story storage sheds, to provide you with most options for the layout you want. We can design single-wide or double-wide storage sheds, or a modular model that offers excellent space saving. There are a lot of different types of two-story storage sheds, and we are going to try and cover the most commonly used ones.

So, here are the different styles of two-story storage sheds that you can purchase and install on your property:

1.   Gable:

The gable style is the most common and popular styles of two-story storage sheds in the market. They come with a traditional roof with an even or unbroken pitch and sloping sections that join to create a triangle. This unique style is common on most properties and is generally used for playhouses, workshops, offices, and backyard sheds.

2.   Quaker:

The quaker-style storage shed is common in the northern part of the country, and what is unique about this style is that the roof is longer at the rear, and shorter at the front, but still manages to hover on the edge of the front wall. It provides a finished look, and it is preferred mainly for its visual aesthetic, instead of the storage space. If you want to increase your property value, then the quaker-style is good.

3.   Barn:

One of the most common styles of two-story storage sheds is the barn style, which presents an old-school look on your property. Barn sheds are huge and come with a lot of space to store all manners of goods and tools. You can choose between different styles in barn sheds, which include Dutch barns, gambrel, and colonial.

4.   Dormer:

The Dormer style of two-story storage shed comes with a peaked roof, and what makes it unique is that it has a third gable right above the front door. It is also called the Victorian dormer, which features a peak on the front wall, and another short peak near the main peak.

5.   Lean To:

The lean-to style of two-story storage sheds is one of the simplest designs and comes with a sloping roof. You can also have it constructed with an existing structure, which is one of the main benefits that this style offers.

6.   Potting:

If you want to use your two-story storage shed for storing gardening supplies and tools, then the potting style is the best choice. These sheds also come with oversized windows, skylights, and a workbench.

 

Tips to Buying a Vinyl Shed

Storage sheds come in many different shapes and sizes. In fact, storage sheds come with so many options that our customers are often faced with the choice of purchasing a shed with aluminum siding, T1-11 siding, Hardi-plank siding, steel panels or vinyl siding. Each type of siding has its benefits to the customer but when a  shed is to be used for at-home-storage, many of our customers like to use vinyl siding. So to help you decide if vinyl siding is the right choice for you, we’ve created this post to discuss what does vinyl siding does for you and what are some things to look for when purchasing a vinyl shed.

Maintenance Free

The beauty of vinyl siding on a storage shed is that it is virtually maintenance free. However, to ensure that it will continue to be maintenance free for several years of storage, there are a few things to look for.  If you are storing larger and heavier items, it is important to look for pressure treated shed joists as well as make your floor a thicker concrete slab by about ¾ of an inch more. If for some reason the floor will be getting wet, (this could be because of wet items being stored immediately or just to hose off the interior of the shed occasionally) then purchasing a floor with water sealer of pressure treatment is ideal. By ensuring you have these things, you can know that you will have a beautiful shed that is maintenance free and that will protect and store your items for the years to come.

Is There Enough Room?

Sometimes we get caught up in the idea of a storage shed and forget to remember if we have enough room for one. The most common base for a vinyl storage shed or building is a base of ¾ inch stone that is 2 feet wider and longer than the shed. This creates a good base with plenty of space for the shed. If you can fit the base, you’ll be able to fit the shed. Also, it is important to consider that while getting a vinyl shed that is already put together and ready for installation is the best way to buy a shed, it can also mean trailers and large trucks needing space to deliver it to your intended spot. So be prepared to accommodate the extra space needed for delivery.

Customizable Benefits

Vinyl siding is perfect for at-home-storage because not only is it maintenance free and durable during all weather, it also has a more stylish look that adds to yards or at home storage areas. Vinyl comes in a large variety of color choices and are completely customizable (metal trim, roof shingle and shutter colors) to match your home. This makes your shed look like it was meant to go with your home and add value to your yard.

Sheds can also be created with windows, window screens and even shutters to create an even more cohesive look with your home. Sheds can also be customized with security systems and temperature control when you are storing temperature or expensive sensitive materials.

The benefits of vinyl for at-home storage is almost immeasurable but hopefully with this quick post and these tips, you can see how a vinyl sided shed may be the right choice for you and you will be able to chose a quality vinyl shed from Keens Portable Buildings.

The Difference Between a Shed and A Storage Building

Sheds are perfect for storage, and that’s one of their main purposes. The question then might be asked, what is the difference between a storage building and a shed? A shed to a certain degree is a storage building, after all it is a building, and it does store things. There’s a very strong difference though, and it’s important to know the difference.

The Differences

Size– Sheds are usually smaller, although there are some storage buildings that are smaller than some sheds but for the most part, you can notice that storage buildings will usually be bigger.

Design- Storage buildings look like actual buildings where someone can have an office in if they wanted.  Sheds look like they’re just designed to store things. Storage buildings will usually have more windows, and a roof that looks like a real building. The doors can be very different as well.

Purposes- Both the sheds and storage buildings do a great job storing objects.  Storage buildings have more space so they can store more.  Storage buildings can do many other things if you want to be creative.

There are other things different about how they’re built. Each storage shed and storage building can be completely different. These differences don’t apply to all. However, you should have an idea now on the difference.

How to Optimize Space in Your Storage Building

t’s easy to set up a steel storage building to store everything from garden tools, furniture, sports equipment and camping gear to children’s toys and Christmas decorations. Leading portable building companies can provide you with a high quality state certified and DCA inspected durable steel building. They can also help customize and install it to meet your needs. However, to make the best use of your building, you have to optimize storage space. Some tips:

  • Put the stuff you need to use on a more constant basis where it is easily accessible.
  • Put in shelves on one side and store whatever you can on them. The more things you get off the floor, the more space you have.
  • Stack all your crates in a corner and label them to identify their contents.
  • Don’t put boxes too close against the wall or windows as this would affect ventilation.
  • Make a list of everything you store in your shed
  • Important: don’t store anything flammable in your storage shed.
  • Dismantle furniture and other items if possible as this saves a lot of space. You can assemble the stuff when you need to use it.
  • A door that opens outwards or a roll-up door is ideal as this would help you move in and take out large objects easily.

Make sure that your storage building is properly vented so that your belongings are safe from damage by seasonal temperature extremes.

Set up Storage Sheds to Meet Zoning Requirements

Recently, the Brentwood City Council, CA, rezoned a neighborhood of 78 single-family townhouses to alter the building standards for the existing patio covers, arbors and storage sheds there that fail to meet Brentwood’s accessory building standards. With the rezoning, only six or seven homes will now be out of compliance with the newly approved rezone.

Storage sheds are extremely useful and even necessary to store recreational equipment, play items, lawn mowers and other investments. However, setting up storage sheds to meet zoning requirements is important. Building standards and zoning regulations ensure that a minimum level of safety is ensured for all. Moreover, a uniform set of building standards will provide your property with value and protect your investment.

Every state and town has its own zoning requirements to ensure that their residents do not set up structures that can endanger others or put their safety at risk. There are specific rules on where your storage building can be located. For example, there could be rules that:

  • it may not be set up in the front and street side yards
  • it may not be closer to the street than your main building
  • it cannot exceed a certain height
  • it shall be set back a minimum distance from the rear property line, from interior side property line adjacent to the alley, and from all other accessory and main buildings on the lot, and more

Zoning and building rules vary from state to state. So make sure you are aware of what applies to your area. The best way to ensure compliance is to have your storage shed set up by the company you purchase it from. A reliable dealer can provide you with a quality solution and set it up with the least hassle. Improperly built storage sheds can cost their owners time and money.