5 Steps to Find the Perfect Shed for Your Home and Lifestyle

Buying a shed doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With so many styles, materials, and options to choose from, it helps to break the process into a few clear steps. At Plants and Things, we’ve created this easy guide to help you choose a shed that fits your needs, style, and budget—all while ensuring lasting quality and value for years to come.

Step 1: Choose Your Shed Style and Door Placement

Your shed’s shape and roofline aren’t just about looks—they influence storage space, accessibility, and how the structure complements your home.

Here are three classic styles to consider:

• A-Frame: A traditional design with doors that can be placed on either the gable end (the pointed side) or along the long roofline.
• Quaker: Features a 16-inch overhang on the front and doors placed along the long side, giving it a charming, cottage-like appearance.
• High Wall Barn: Offers the most vertical space, ideal for taller items or loft storage. Doors can be placed on either the gable end or the long side.

Each style offers unique architectural appeal, allowing you to match your shed to your home’s exterior or create a distinct focal point in your yard.

Step 2: Decide How Much Space You Need

Before choosing a size, think about what you’ll be storing now—and what you might want to add later. It’s easy to underestimate storage needs, so it’s smart to plan ahead.

Common items people store in their sheds include:

• Lawn mowers, tractors, and snow blowers
• Bicycles, motorcycles, or ATVs
• Outdoor furniture, camping, or fishing gear
• Boats, trailers, or gardening tools
• Workbenches and hobby equipment

Tip: Always size up. Choosing a slightly larger shed ensures you have room to grow without feeling cramped later.

Step 3: Pick Your Siding

Your shed’s siding influences both its durability and aesthetic appeal. Each type of siding has unique strengths, and the right choice depends on your preferred look and maintenance expectations.

• Smart siding: Engineered wood siding with marine grade fibers that resists moisture damage. It provides a classic wood appearance with a durable, paintable surface.
• Vinyl Siding: Virtually maintenance-free, available in a wide range of colors and textures. Installed over smart siding for added strength and weather resistance.
• LP Smart Siding: A horizontal wood-composite material that can be painted in any color. It offers a clean, residential finish and strong durability against the elements.

Step 4: Customize Your Shed

Your shed can be so much more than storage. Whether you dream of a garden cottage, a hobby workshop, a home office, or a cozy “she shed,” customization lets you make the space your own.

Popular customization options include:

• Windows and doors in various styles and placements
• Dormers, shutters, and decorative trim
• Roofing materials to match your home
• Interior finishes and shelving for organization

Our team can help you design a shed that blends function and beauty—perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

Step 5: Do You Need a Foundation?

A strong, level foundation ensures your shed stays stable and protected for years. The good news: most sheds don’t require complicated foundations.

If your yard is relatively flat, the shed can often be placed directly on the ground, as long as the wood in contact with soil is pressure-treated. Leveling blocks can also be used for fine adjustments.

For the best long-term results, we recommend setting your shed on a crushed-stone base, which provides:

• Even support and stability
• Excellent drainage
• A cleaner, more finished appearance
• Protection against moisture and unwanted pests underneath

Step 6: Delivery and Setup

Once you’ve designed your shed, our professional delivery team takes care of the rest. Most sheds arrive fully assembled, and installation typically takes about an hour.

We use a specialized shed mover that transports your building smoothly across the yard without damaging the grass. For properties with tight access or unique challenges, we also offer on-site assembly for added convenience.

Why Buy Your Shed at Plants and Things 

When you purchase a shed from Plants and Things, you’re investing in quality and peace of mind. Every shed comes with a 10-year warranty, giving you confidence that your structure is built to last. Each unit is constructed from high-grade materials with attention to detail in every joint, wall, and panel.

Our sheds are designed to withstand Minnesota’s changing seasons without compromising strength or appearance. From durable siding to solid framing, every component is built for longevity and reliability.

See the Difference in Person

Buying a shed is a big decision, and seeing them up close can make all the difference. We invite you to explore our full selection of sheds online and in person at our 16-acre Elk River campus.

Walk through a variety of models, compare siding options, and experience the craftsmanship firsthand — our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.

Start your search today by browsing our Sheds Collection, then visit our 16-acre campus in Elk River, MN to see our full selection in person. Discover inspiration, expert guidance, and the quality craftsmanship you can count on.