Work Sheds: Using Storage Sheds for Work

Storage sheds have always been used for just that, storage. But for decades, storage sheds and garages have been used as work sheds and hobby spaces. If you are considering buying a garage or a shed for workspace, you are in good company.

Numerous large and small companies were launched in small backyard sheds or garages but converted into work sheds to change how the world works and plays. Walt Disney started his career in a very small shed/garage that he was paying $1 per month in rent! The work building still stands in LA.

Harley Davidson had a similar start in a 10×14 garden shed that was turned into a work shed for building their first motorbikes. The Wright Brothers, HP, IKEA, Google, Microsoft, and other large companies have similar stories to tell of starting their companies in a small shed or garage!

As was stated, if you are looking to turn a garden shed into a work space, you are in good company!

Turning a Storage Shed into a Work Shed

So the question must be asked, what is needed to turn a normal storage shed into a shed that is great for work? Every situation is quite different. Some will require extensive work, and others very little. 

If you are looking to turn a shed into a home office shed, then there is a lot involved. But if you just want a space to tinker and build small things after work (or before), then it is fairly straightforward, and your shed builder could likely just add a few extra options to get you started.

A few ideas on how to convert your shed into a work shed:

• How To Convert a Shed into an Office
• How to Convert a Shed Into a Soundproof Studio

Important Things for Your Work Shed

Whether you need a simple work shed for small projects or a home office to work from home in, there are certain things that are important. Here are a few.  

Ventilation for Your Shed for Work

First things first, make sure your work shed has proper ventilation. You can start with a ridge vent on the top peak of the roof to allow the hot air to pass through the tip of the roof. You can also add gable and maybe even eve vents to increase ventilation in your work shed. All of the Countryside Sheds come standard with gable vents that are screened to keep out bugs.

If you are planning for an office shed, then the needs will vary. Your ventilation, in that case, will come from opening the windows on a nice day and, if you want to stay comfortable, adding a mini-split for heating and cooling of the work shed. 

Important Insulation Knowledge for a Work Shed

If you want to use a portable shed as a space for work in the hot summer days or cold winter months, having it insulated is of utmost importance. A typical portable building tends to get very hot in the summer and even more so if the building has a dark-colored roof. 

Things to consider regarding insulation and temperature control

• The floor: if your floor is not insulated, your shed will get cold in the winter. This is likely not as big of a problem in the summer as in the winter. In addition, it is best to have your shed floor insulated while it is being built. Getting the insulation under the floor on your shed after it is the location can be quite challenging. If you have an existing shed you want to convert into a work space, you may consider simply adding a second layer of flooring to the shed to provide some insulation and closing in the ends to prevent airflow under the shed floor. 
• Windows: If you have an insulated shed with non-insulated windows, you could have a problem. The windows will tend to condensate during winter months when the shed is heated and the outdoors are cold. The constant condensation causes discoloring around your windows and could lead to rotting window sills. So be sure that your insulated shed also has insulated windows. 
• Foam insulation: There are multiple types of insulation you could choose to insulate your work shed, but foam insulation is going to be your best protection from cold weather and hot weather. You can use simple rolls of insulation or other forms of insulation, but the results will not be as good as if you use foam insulation. One benefit of closed cell insulation is that it will also protect your roof. Check out “Step 1: Insulation” section on our how to convert a shed into a soundproof studio shed blog post for more foam insulation ideas.
• One more great feature to add to any work shed (whether insulated or not) is Tech-shield sheathing. This foil-backed wall and roof covering will reflect the heat from entering your work shed and reduce the need for air conditioning in the hot summer months. 

Windows for your Work Shed

Having enough light is very important for your work shed. If it is a workspace, you want to have plenty of light streaming into it to keep you working in a bright space. Light can improve your mood as well as save on electricity bills. Make sure to add larger-sized windows so you get all the light you need.

Four Work Sheds For Sale from Countryside Sheds

The Tall Barn: A Work Shed with Plenty of Space

We begin with The Tall Barn since it offers the most space for your shed. You can buy this work shed which has plenty of overhead space and plenty of floor space to do your work and enjoy your day. 

Things to consider when designing your work shed are shelving and a workbench. If you plan to work on crafting items or repairing small items, then a workbench could be useful. There is always the option of buying an open building and then adding tables for your workspaces.

And by the way, the Tall Barn comes standard with Gable Vents!

The Gable Work Shed: An Economical Solution

The Gable Sheds is our basic shed that gives you workspace at a low cost. You will not have a high ceiling to work with, but it will give you a basic work shed that will create a great workspace.

Our Gable Sheds come with two gable vents that are screened, have heavy-duty construction, and have a choice of shed options to make it work for you.

A Cabin Shed for a Home Office

Go a bit more fancy and rustic with a work shed for your home office. A log-sided cabin shed will give you a unique backyard shed that looks really lovely. Your log cabin shed can be customized with more windows and all the amenities you need to make it a comfortable workspace.

Note the porch on this work shed which could even be expanded for a hangout spot to work or read on a beautifully work day afternoon. Learn more about converting a shed into an office space and get started soon!

A Custom Work Shed

Are you looking for a customized shed for a workspace? There are options for that as well. We would be happy to discuss your needs and work together on a plan that will meet your needs for a work shed, whether simple or complex. 

A Story of a Shed for a Unique Work Space

A Paraglider’s Shed Workshop

After his garage began overflowing due to his newfound passion for paragliding, Bryan purchased a shed for his paragliding business. His new workshop not only provides him with adequate storage space to maintain his equipment but also offers him a haven from the busyness and chaos of life. Bryan purchased this portable shed and finished the interior on his own to create the space he really wanted.

Whether you are looking to create a paragliding workspace, a home office, or some place to tinker and build things from home, a home work shed could be a great option.