Outdoor sheds are an excellent solution for storing gardening supplies, tools, or simply adding to your overall square footage.

Outbuildings can function in a variety of roles. You may wish to transform your outdoor shed into a backyard escape, playroom, or workshop; it can be whatever serves your lifestyle best. Extra usable space is always a valuable addition to your home.

When it comes to materials, the three most commonly used for prefabricated sheds are wood, resin (plastic), and metal. You may also choose to customize your shed, wherein you could also use stone, glass, brick, or stucco for a more elegant façade.

Here are some pros and cons to consider when contemplating building a shed in your backyard.

Related: Types of Sheds | Properly Secure your Backyard Shed | Ryan’s Shed Plans Review

Pros:

Storage – It’s no secret that a shed can house a variety of equipment and tools, often de-cluttering other spaces in your home or garage, improving their utility.
Protection from the Elements – A shed can prove a useful place to keep small rust-prone belongings such as bicycles, grills, and lawn mowers in good condition during the winter months.
Enhanced aesthetic – Bringing interesting architectural and structural elements to your shed can make your backyard both more functional and beautiful.
Grow House – By installing large windows, a glass roof, or even wiring for grow lights, you can use your shed as a the perfect place to maintain your garden and grow healthy fresh food all year round.
Functional Space – Storage is only one of many possibilities for your outbuilding. A fitness enthusiast may wish to install a home gym. Just as well, an artist may appreciate a dedicated studio away from the distractions of the house. The possibilities are endless!

Cons:

Space – While sheds can provide some much needed storage, they also require space for installation, which may prove tricky for those with smaller yards. There are some models of vertical cabinet sheds that can be mounted on to the side of your home to minimize their footprint.
Materials – Some materials can be tricky to work with and require upkeep. Metal sheds tend to be difficult to modify, and can be prone to rust. Wooden sheds without finished interiors can be difficult to clean, and resin sheds, while durable and long lasting, are difficult to customize, and may not match the style of your home
Visually Unappealing – Many of the prefabricated sheds available are, in a word, ugly. They may not match the style of your home, and the materials used are pretty blasé. However, there are lots of ways to make even the plainest of sheds pop with small touches like fresh paint or flower boxes.

Costs for a project like this will depend largely on the type of materials you choose for your shed. Generally metal kits least expensive, followed by resin, then wood. $100 to $900 will cover the cost of most resin and metal kits. Small vertical cabinet units average about $240 to $560. Wooden shed kits run between $2,000 to $19,000. (Source: Cost Helper)

Cost also varies depending on overall square footage and the complexity of the build. Naturally, the larger the shed, and the more features, the higher the cost. Also, if you require helping hands to assemble your shed, you will also want to factor in labor to your overall budget.

Finally, some counties may require a permit for any permanent structures that will connect to municipal water and electrical lines. It is always wise to check with your local planning department for permitting information.

In this post we feature a variety of exquisite shed designs that will hopefully inspire your next home project!

Not sure if a garden shed is right for you? Check out tons more awesome backyard ideas!

We love this rustic design that features geometric windows and cleverly mixes textures by using both vertical and horizontal siding.

Complementary lattice work and a mixed stone and cement front porch paired with french doors add architectural interest to this shed.

For those with smaller yards, these vertical cedar cabinets provide much needed storage without taking up precious backyard space.

Train climbing plants like ivy, morning glory, or roses to envelop your shed in greenery.

Simple touches like shutters, planter boxes, and a paving stone entrance warm up this cozy garden shed.

Resin and composite shed materials are long lasting and require very little upkeep and often come in neutral colors.

Hexagonal structures increase square footage when compared to traditional square floor plans.

If you are looking for something simple and classic, consider the old-fashioned log cabin construction of this backyard building.

Add a pop of color for interest by painting doors or trim an eye-catching color. Window boxes are another great way to add color.

Sometimes it’s the accessories that make the look. In this case dark iron hardware is a nice complement to bare cedar planks. Learn more here.

Square awning windows provide ample light for potting projects in this slant-roofed gardening shed.

Carriage house door panels and shake siding add a touch of pastoral appeal to this traditional barn structure.

The river stone siding on this backyard shed blends it into the overall landscaping of the yard. Source: Zillow Digs™

Opt for striking reclaimed doors to make your structure unique.

The soft red and beige color combination used on this barn gives just enough contrast without being too garish.

Bright and serene, french doors act as both walls and windows for this picturesque backyard escape. Source: Zillow Digs™

A traditional shed with a modern home would not make much sense. Opt for a design that will complement, not clash, with your home. Source: Zillow Digs™

Fun colors and tasteful stonework transform what would otherwise be a plain structure into something spectacular.

Thatch roofing and dutch doors are perfect accents for this cozy cottage-style shed. Source: Zillow Digs™

If a level surface is difficult to find in your yard, consider constructing foundation like the one featured in this image.

Tucked in the back corner of the yard and framed in greenery, this unassuming shed is both attractive and charming.

This bright spring green shed has adorable white details and a cedar roof. Tucked into the corner of this garden, it’s surrounded by color or natural beauty.