Why We Build a Better Shed

And 13 Insider Tips to Arm Yourself with the Facts

We know that you have a lot of choices about where to buy your shed -- the big box stores, the other retail locations, and the online stores. 

Some of the basic things to use when comparing a shed from Company X and us are the ability to either have something that suits your needs, in stock, or the ability to quickly handcraft your shed to every specification in a short period of time.

We also recommend that you work with a true shed expert who’ll take the time to find out first, what you intend to use your shed for, then coach you on style, colors, and the options that make sense for you.  Be wary of uneducated sales people who try to sell you just on appearance!

Of course we believe that our sheds are the best constructed, but we know it would be best if you reached your own decision in choosing the highest quality shed for the best value.
So we’ve put together some objective, unbiased advice to show you what to look for when storage shed shopping.

Insider Secrets on What to Look for in a Well Built Shed
Consider printing this up and using when you are shed shopping
wood dutch barn

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Roofing:
Do staples show on the shingles?  If exposed, stapes will eventually rust and shingles will leak over time
No
?
Tip #1: Visually inspect any structure you are considering to see if you can see any staples on the shingles.
Is there a Drip Edge? 
A drip edge-the piece of metal on the roof line gives a neater appearance and acts as barrier to keep water off the soffit and out of your building
Always
?
Tip #2: Before you buy, find out if a Drip Edge is used on any shed.
Fiberglass Shingles or Organic Shingles  
Two types of asphalt shingles are used:
organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles are generally paper (felt) saturated with asphalt then a top coating of adhesive asphalt is applied.  We use Fiberglass shingles because they have a base layer of glass fiber reinforcing mat. Fiberglass mat is made from wet, random-laid fiberglass, bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin. The mat is then coated with asphalt, which contains mineral fillers and makes the fiberglass shingle waterproof.
Fiberglas
?
Tip #3: Before you buy, make sure fiberglass shingles are used.
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General Construction:   
2 x 4’s not 2 x 3’s.
By using 2 x 4’s in the construction of our sheds, the finished product is stronger.  The roof won’t sag and the whole building will be a heavy duty structure.       
2 x 4’s 
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Tip #4: Find out the dimensions of the materials used in any shed you consider
We use Exterior Grade Flooring
We only use the top products on our floors and it’s actually an exterior upgrade because it’s smoother and has a much better appearance.  Because it’s 5 layers thick, our flooring is much sturdier
Always
?
Tip #5: Ideally, select a shed that uses an exterior grade-5 ply floor.
Our studs are 16 inches
Are the studs placed every 16 inches or 24 inches?
By spacing our studs closer together, we built in as many as 4 extra support beams in your structure.  A common way to cut corners is to use less studs by spacing them every 2 feet.  Most important, by using studs that every 16 inches, our floors are sturdier because there are more support beams underneath to hold the heavier items you will be storing. 
16 inches
?
Tip #6: Make sure to ask what the distance between studs is on any building you are considering.
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Ability to request 12” spaced floor joists? 
If you’re considering a garage or storing over 1200 lbs in your storage structure, we suggest selecting even more support by requiring the joists be placed every foot-giving you the best support available in the business.  In fact, any garage we build comes with this tighter spacing for added support as a standard feature.
Yes
?
Tip #7: Check to make sure the other places give you this option
We use #1 Grade of the 2 x 4 material.  
The 2 x 4’s are the most important piece in any shed. We only use Grade #1 premium - on 100% of the sheds. This higher grade gives you tighter spacing and added support.
Only #1
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Tip #8: Find out which grade of 2 x 4’s are used. If you want a long lasting structure, then you’ll only want #1 used throughout.
Double reinforced 2 x 4’s on the top sill plates 
Double reinforced 2 x 4’s on the top sill plates in the very top of the interior framing.  By using an extra set of the durable 2 x 4’s, our sheds’ walls won’t bow or sag, giving our structure a longer life and a neater look.
Yes
?
Tip #9: Ask to see if double 2 x 4’s are used in the top sill plates
All our doors are reinforced by bracing or 2 x 3’s
Some sheds are still built without any kind of bracing, but our sheds come with either bracing or 2 x 3’s to give your door added support and longer life without any sagging or twisting.
Bracing
2 x 3’s
?
Tip #10: Check to see if the doors on the shed are reinforced with either bracing or 2 x 3’s or your doors could quickly sag or twist.
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All doors come with locks as standard
There are still some sheds out there that don’t come with a lock, and even if they do, it could be an extra charge. Whether it’s to keep our prowlers, or little kids, a lock and key set should be a standard feature.
Yes - for free
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Tip #11: Does the Structure come with a Lock and Key Set for Free?
We use larger indoor latches.
By only using the larger sized indoor latches, your shed doors will be easier to open up.  We could have skimped and gone with the standard size, but the stronger latch makes it easier to get a hold of and gives your door better leverage. 
Yes
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Tip #12: Ask if the larger size door latch is used or if theirs are made with the standard size.
We use 2 coats of heavy paint on the exterior
By painting our wooden sheds with 2 coats of the heavier paint, our paint will last longer and stand up to the elements better, keeping your shed looking like new for longer.
2 coats Heavy Paint
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Tip #13: Ask how many coats of paint are used and if it’s the heavy paint.