Where Should I Put a Shed In My Yard?

So, you’re building a shed? Great choice! While you probably have a reason for the shed, like cleaning out the garage, creating a man cave or maybe even using it for pool storage, have you thought about where to put your shed? It might seem like a no-brainer, but there are several things you need to think about. It is easier than it sounds, but it does take some planning. You need to consider your shed’s purpose, HOA rules, drainage, access, etc. 

So, we’ve laid out everything in one place to help you plan what type of shed to build. 



What Will You Use Your Shed For?

Okay, the first thing to think about is your shed’s purpose. Are you using it for a workshop, maybe extra storage, a she shed, a gardening hub, a pool house, etc.? While the shed’s purpose isn’t the only thing that matters, it is important because sometimes the purpose of the shed helps determine shed placement in your yard. 

For example, if it’s a gardening shed, you’ll want it to be close to your garden. If it’s a pool shed, you don’t want to have to walk back and forth across the yard just to get pool toys and towels. So, it should be next to, you guessed it–the pool. Thinking about the purpose and keeping this in the back of your mind as you plan is an important part of shed placement in the yard.



Check Your Local Rules and HOA Guidelines Regarding Backyard Shed Placement

Quick heads up–before you start building your shed, you need to consider the semi-boring but very important things such as permits, property lines and HOA rules. You might think that since the shed is in your yard on your property, it should be fine. In some cases, it can be. However, before you start building, make sure you check everything out. There is nothing worse than spending a bunch of time and money on a shed project just to get fined or have to take it down for some reason.

So, how do you find this info? It depends on where you live. Every neighborhood is different, but if you have an HOA, they will have bylaws and rules. Many HOAs have websites. So, that’s a good place to start. If you can’t find the bylaws, you might want to ask a neighbor or someone on the HOA Board to direct you to the bylaws. Some HOAs have rules about colors and the heights of sheds. You might even need to get an approval.

When it comes to city permits, it’s always a good idea to call city hall and ask the operator to connect you with someone who can get you more information. They might have this information on the city website as well, but emailing or talking to someone at your city can be a huge help. Above all, don’t stress; it’s not scary, just something that needs to be done before you build.



Think About Drainage and Ground Slope for Shed Placement in Your Yard

Have you ever looked around your backyard or walked around it after a rainstorm? Is your yard on a slope? These are important things to consider when choosing where to put your shed because no one wants their shed built in the middle of a flood zone. That’s why flat and well-drained ground is your shed base's new best friend! Water pooling around your shed’s foundation could damage it. So, you need to pick a spot that doesn’t get a lot of flooding. You also want to pick a flat spot on stable ground so water doesn’t rush down into your shed if there’s flooding. No one wants a shed that’s leaning over or flooded.

So, if you haven’t already, go outside in your yard after it rains and see where the water pools. If there’s a lot of standing water there, it’s not the best spot for your shed.



Sun, Shade and the Elements

Another thing that you need to observe about your yard for shed placement is where the sun and shade are located. It might not seem like a big deal, but if you intend to have a shed that’s being used for something like a workshop, you don’t want your shed to be in direct sunlight all day long. If you do, your shed will get hot easily and be uncomfortable to work in. The sun can help keep things dry, though. So, for things like storage or a pool house, a sunny spot for shed placement in your yard might be ideal! 

As a bonus tip, consider having your shed door face away from the direction where the wind blows most often. Wind can put pressure on your door and make it fly open and shut when you’re trying to get in and out.



Keep It out of the Way, But Not Forgotten

We get it–you probably don’t want your shed right in front of your pool or deck or blocking your view. However, you also don’t want to put your shed far out of the way. Shed placement is really important. There’s a happy medium between not getting in the way and not needing to bike across your yard every time you need a screwdriver. Also, consider how far you’ll want to go to get big yard equipment like mowers or snow blowers. Again, you probably don’t want to hike across the yard for that.

We’d suggest putting the shed against your fence line or maybe even getting a shed in a lovely neutral hue that complements your yard.



Plan for the Future

It might seem silly, but planning for the future of your shed is important for longevity. So consider the following questions:

• Are any nearby trees and plants going to be a threat to the spot where you want to put your shed?
• Do you want to add electricity to your shed later?
• Are you adding things to your yard, like a pool, a deck or a trampoline?

People don’t always think about these things, and it can really throw a wrench in your future plans if you don’t think about it beforehand.

Okay, so we get it–there’s no perfect spot for your shed, and you can’t plan ahead for everything. However, by taking a few careful steps, you can ensure that your shed is in the best place possible, which means more longevity and ease of use.

If you’re in the market for a new shed, be sure to check out our wide selection at Keter.com. We have small, medium and large sheds all made of a durable resin. Our weather-resistant sheds have included floors, come in easy-to-assemble kits, are versatile and come in beautiful neutral colors!