As I talked about in this post one of our current priorities is figuring out an outdoor storage solution. So, we’ve been brainstorming a lot of tool shed ideas. Everything from out of the box to DIY is on the table. Although, we’re currently leaning towards a DIY tool shed because we can customize it more and we think it will be less expensive. This is one of those things that we don’t really want to spend money on, but need to for our house to be more functional so we’re going to try and spend as little money as we can while also making it as nice as possible. But we are still searching for a pre-fab one, if we could find one for a good price I think we would go for it because of how much time it will save us. But, since we think we’ll be building one ourselves I thought I’d share what we’re thinking so far. Just click on any of the pictures for their source. 

Tool Shed Design Ideas

We want a place to store our lawn mower, outdoor equipment, and all our tools. So we’ll need to maximize the tool shed organization and storage. Right now we’re planning on doing something very simple and efficient. The area of the yard it will go in is very small, so we’re thinking the size will be 4’x8’. Also because that’s the size of a sheet of plywood and it means less scrap material which means reduced cost. Though a flat roof would be easiest we’ll probably go with shed roof instead to keep it from collecting water. There won’t be a door, but instead the eight-foot walls will be two pieces of plywood standing on their four-foot ends. And on one wall those pieces will just open out. I want to add a ton of storage and organization options inside to make as much room as possible. We’re also toying with the idea of having a work bench inside so we could have a place to work on messier projects. But, really it all depends on what we have room for.

I think the look will be modern, even though the house is a traditional farmhouse. Xan’s a fan of mixing architectural styles and over time I’ve come around to it as well. The explanation that’s made me appreciate it the most is that when building something to look like an old style it’s not really maintaining continuity because it’s still a fake. For many architectural styles the trademark is the time in which they were built. By instead adding current architectural styles you’re actually adding to the landscape and historical value of the area. That way in 50 years someone can tell exactly when and how it was built – it preserves the uniqueness of what’s happening right now in architecture. Plus, I’m just a big fan of mixing things that you wouldn’t think go together. We’d like the colors to be neutral and right now I’m really into moody, dark colors. Maybe that just because fall is creeping up on us. But I’m loving these black and gray sheds. And, that cedar shake is really calling to me too!

Tool Shed Storage Options

For storage I’m thinking different zones of options like pegboard, cubbies, shelves, and maybe even some jars. I’m a believer in organizing that’s beyond simple and that will definitely be my philosophy for this project as well. Since we’re still in the planning phase I’ve been gathering a lot of design and organization inspiration – see what I’ve found.