ULTIMATE GUIDE TO Shed Upgrades

Breathe life into a shabby shed with easy ways to give your structure a whole new purpose

- BY ALLY CHILDRESS

It's time to give that old shed a makeover. Sure, sheds are a great place to store lawn equipment and tools—or all of your garage overflow—but they can be so much more with a little planning and ingenuity. If you’re ready to turn that eyesore into a backyard treasure, follow this advice.

Make a Plan for the Space

First things first: What do you want your shed to be? If you want to house a riding lawn mower, putting in a ramp and a big barn door makes sense. If it will be used to store boxes or furniture, you’ll need insulation and drywall to keep out pests and moisture. Looking to create a backyard yoga studio? Ventilation and lighting will be key.

Start your renovation with structural fixes and roof repairs.

Inspect the Structure

No matter what updates you’re planning, you’ll first need to check your shed for soundness, rot and pests. Dilapidated wood framing or siding should be reinforced or replaced. If the foundation is crumbling or the shed leans or is unsteady, consider getting it professionally inspected or starting from scratch.

Add Skylights, Windows and Ventilation

Skylights are a great way to brighten up a dark shed, letting in natural light and making small spaces feel larger. Operable windows give you control over airflow when needed.