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It's a pretty safe bet that if someone says "outdoor shed" you think about a place to put lawn care tools Sure, it's practical. But it's also pretty boring. Instead, try to think outside of the box. What could you do with a little extra space? Chances are, you've got ideas. And if you don't, the following list might open your mind to the unlimited possibilities.
But before you begin, you'll want to check local regulations to see if you'll need a permit for the type of work you're doing. And make sure to start with a top-quality shed that will last for years to come!
Man cave or she shed
Kids aren't the only ones who'll appreciate a space of their own. You or your spouse might enjoy an outdoor man cave or a she shed to de-stress and escape the household chaos. Fill it with your favorite hobbies — maybe a dart board, pinball machine or a crafting table — and embrace that blissful solitude.
If that sounds selfish, you should know that it might actually help your relationship. Writing for The Science Times, Hannah C. notes that man caves and she sheds give couples some much-needed space, which can ultimately strengthen their bond.
"Several studies have proven that alone time is beneficial for mental health, creativity, and even intimacy," she writes.
Home office
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, 58% of Americans have the opportunity to work from home at least once a week. If you're one of them, consider converting your outdoor shed into a personal office space. You can go as big or basic as you'd like with this one. And if you need a little inspiration, Homes & Gardens magazine has a few ideas to get you started.
Home gym
Turning your storage shed into a home gym is a piece of cake. Whether you want to use it as a yoga studio or a place to pump some iron, all you need to do is make sure there's enough room for you and your equipment inside. And depending on how much sweat you'll be working up, a little air-conditioning may not be a bad idea either.
Playhouse
If you're tired of tripping over your kids' toys and apologizing for the constant clutter when guests come over, an outdoor playhouse may take care of all your problems. Not only will your kids love having a separate place to call their own but you'll benefit from having a slightly cleaner house. It's a win-win!
Game or theater room
Your teenagers might have outgrown the playhouse phase, but they'll definitely think a game or theater room is a cool place to hang out with their friends. Take a look at this garden shed cinema on SheKnows and prepare to be amazed!
Chicken coop
Raising chickens is all the rage these days and if you're ready to jump on that bandwagon, you're going to need a coop first. And if you've checked how much a custom chicken coop costs at a farm store, you probably wondered if there were a better option.
It's actually pretty easy to convert a durable shed into a well-appointed chicken coop. Check out this example to see how one family did it.
Bring your backyard dream to life with a Lifetime shed
This list barely scratches the surface of what's possible with a storage shed in your backyard and hopefully, it sparked a few ideas. Whatever you decide to do, the most important component will be the shed itself — and you can't go wrong with a Lifetime shed!
Lifetime introduced its revolutionary line of outdoor storage sheds in 2005. What started as an idea for cubicle wall dividers soon became a product that redefined the market. As the first blow-molded polyethylene sheds with steel reinforcements inside the wall panels, Lifetime sheds are far more durable than others in the market. What's more, the company continuously enhances their designs and features, so there's a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit any consumer's needs.
Best of all, Lifetime sheds are reasonably priced.
Several features make Lifetime sheds a great choice for the long haul. Depending on the shed model, here's what you can expect:
- High-impact door handles.
- Screened vents for improved airflow.
- Steel roof support trusses.
- Skylights.
- Shatterproof windows.
- Adjustable shelving system.
- Slider latch locking.
- Upper and lower door deadbolts.
- Lockable doors (lock not included).
- Wall hooks for organization.
- Impact-resistant floor.
These sheds are built to last for decades and are vigorously tested to withstand the elements. Consumer support and satisfaction is extremely important to Lifetime, so the sheds come with a 10-year limited warranty, printed instructions and a step-by-step assembly video on YouTube.
If you like the idea of having a shed in your backyard but are intimidated by the setup, Lifetime has a professional installation team available for an additional fee.
Check out lifetime.com and get started on that playhouse, man cave, home gym, or whatever else you're dreaming of for your backyard, today! Of course, if your idea of a perfect shed is as a place to park your lawnmower or yard tools, that's okay, too.
