A narrow strip beside a fence can accommodate a Backyard Tool Shed—provided the doors still open fully and larger equipment can move through the access area.
At Yardgrace, we believe compact outdoor storage should begin with practical measurements, not advertised capacity alone.
Quick Answer: Small backyard tool sheds require a clever design to maximize the limited space. Consider the door design, footprint, and the materials used in construction, and the kind of storage the shed provides.
How to Select the Appropriate Backyard Tool Shed Size
In the context of backyard tool sheds, the number of cubic feet is not the most important aspect of capacity. The configuration of the internal space is more important to ensure equipment can pass through the doors.
Four Things to Consider Before Buying a Tool Shed
Measure the Space
Evaluate space available on your lot, including the space occupied by shed and doors and the space your equipment takes as it passes through tool shed doors.
• Evaluate size of tools to be stored and determine if it can pass through the doors of the shed.
• Choose location on lot for tool shed to allow storage of equipment and tools and provide for shed drainage and maintenance.
• Identify property lines and location of drains and utility services.
Practical Tip: Visualize the location of tool shed and try to imagine removing the largest tool to determine if it can fit.
6 Compact Backyard Tool Shed Ideas
1. Think Horizontally Along A Fence
One idea for utilizing space is to use a horizontal backyard tool shed to store yard equipment along a fence. Make sure to allow space for equipment door operation, as well as maintenance access.
2. Store Equipment In Corners
Store equipment in corners. Corners tend to become miscellaneous collection areas for planters and gardening equipment. Removing the equipment from the main area can increase line of sight.
A compact shed provides an immediate storage solution. Make sure you are not choosing a corner below a downspout or a low-lying area that collects surface runoff.
3. Think Vertically
• Add shelving units to increase layers of storage.
• Keep heavy items on the bottom. Keep tools and accessories on the upper shelves.
4. Store Frequently Used Tools Low
• Store infrequently used tools and equipment on the upper shelves.
• Store frequently used tools and containers on the lower shelves.
5. Store Equipment Based on Usage
• Daily-use tools and accessories in the front.
• Seasonal-use tools and accessories in the middle.
• Less-used tools and accessories in the back.
• Keep the front clear to avoid repeated unloading.
6. Select A Shed to Complement Your Outdoor Space
Storage structures can enhance the look of the yard with the appropriate color and scale in relation to fencing and hardscaping.
Storage structures can be positioned to keep lines of site clear to seating from pathways.
Which Backyard Tool Shed Material Is Best?
Consider the material's ability to withstand the elements, its behavior under load and expected upkeep.
|
Material |
Technical Advantages |
Potential Limitations |
|
HDPE Resin |
Moisture-resistant, corrosion-free, low maintenance |
Structure and durability can be effected by lack of ultraviolet (UV) stabilization and construction methods used. |
|
Coated Metal |
Rigid structural panels |
Corrosion protection can be undermined if a protective coating is scratched or otherwise compromised. |
|
Wood |
Repairable, customizable construction |
Without moisture and decay protection, premature failure of sheds constructed of wood can occur. |
Why Double-Wall HDPE Construction Matters
Higher density polyethylene (HDPE) does not absorb moisture like untreated wood and will not rust like steel.
A double-wall construction uses two molded panels to create a thicker structural section than a single-wall panel and therefore may be more rigid.
However, mere panel design does not determine wind and snow loads.
The Yardgrace 38 Cubic Foot Horizontal Resin Outdoor Storage Shed incorporates double-wall HDPE panels and a floor, as well as a lockable door, to help alleviate some of the issues associated with outdoor storage.
Backyard Tool Shed Installation and Moisture Control
Even the most weather-resistant materials require adequate site preparation.
Four Installation Priorities
• Stable foundation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to create a level, load-bearing surface. Support that is not level may affect door alignment.
• Surface drainage: Keep water from collecting under the shed by properly directing rainwater away from it.
• Moisture management: Check for condensation and ensure that tools are completely dry before storing.
• Storage safety: Materials that are classified as fuels, pesticides, or other chemicals that are deemed dangerous should be stored in an approved manner.
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service recommends checking local building ordinances as well as considering accessible and well-drained sites before constructing garden sheds.
Organizing Your Backyard Tool Shed
Yardgrace's horizontal resin model sheds support up to four optional metal shelves and offer a great way to store yard tools.
One way to organize your shed is:
• Flooring: Store heavy tools and equipment as well as wheeled containers.
• Middle Level: Store gardening tools and supplies, as well as watering equipment.
• Shelving: Store lightweight, miscellaneous supplies in containers.
The integrated floor helps to keep soil and dirt from tools from coming into direct contact with tools.
When considering a Backyard Tool Shed, be sure to verify the dimensions to make sure your tools will actually fit.
Explore Practical Backyard Storage With Yardgrace
At Yardgrace we work to design outdoor storage solutions to store equipment without requiring an unnecessarily large structure.
The Yardgrace 38 Cu. Ft. Resin Horizontal Outdoor Storage Shed includes double-wall HDPE construction, integrated floor and lockable door. It is also compatible with optional metal shelving.
For a compact Backyard Tool Shed, explore the Yardgrace Horizontal Outdoor Storage Shed to see if it works for your available space.
FAQs
Q1. Is the Yardgrace Backyard Tool Shed suitable for small yards?
Yes. Its horizontal design is suitable for compact outdoor areas, provided you have enough space for the shed's footprint and door clearance.
Q2. What are the dimensions of the Yardgrace 38 Cu. Ft. Storage Shed?
The listed exterior dimensions are 53.15"L × 33.07"W × 46.85"H. Measure your available space before installation.
Q3. What material is the Yardgrace Backyard Tool Shed made from?
It uses blow-molded, double-wall HDPE (high-density polyethylene) resin designed for outdoor weather resistance and low maintenance.
Q4. Is the Yardgrace resin storage shed water-resistant?
Its HDPE construction is marketed as water-resistant and weather-resistant. Proper assembly, drainage, and moisture management remain important.
Q5. Can I add shelves to the Yardgrace Backyard Tool Shed?
Yes. The 38 Cu. Ft. model supports up to four optional metal shelves. Shelving availability depends on the selected package.
