After round and round with our neighborhood family of raccoons, we’ve spent the last week or more researching trash shed plans and found some great information to share with you.
Nothing ruins the look of your homestead, like gaudy blue, green, orange, or brown plastic trash cans. It is not attractive, no matter how beautiful your home may be. Not to mention, exposed trashcans are vulnerable to prowling animals such as raccoons that love to get into the garbage by moonlight and strew it all over the yard, leaving a mess for you to pick up in the morning. A trash shed is the answer that quickly solves each of these issues. Let’s take a look at things you should take into consideration when building a trash shed.
What is a Trash Shed?
Trash sheds are enclosed structures that serve to hide and protect trash bins from environmental elements and animals. It also provides a more aesthetically pleasing way to store your garbage cans, so they are not always on display for everyone to see. A garbage shed can either be dedicated solely to trash bins or serve a dual purpose for storage, hobbies, etc.
What is the Best Material for Your Garbage Shed?
You have three main types of material to choose from:
Plastic
Metal
Wood
As with all things, each material has its pros and cons.
Plastic
Plastic is probably the most common type of material used in trash shed construction because of all the options available. Plastic comes in a variety of colors and sizes. They are durable and require hardly any maintenance. However, often plastic does not fit in with the existing décor.
Wood
Trash sheds made of wood can be extremely attractive and can be made in just about any design you can think of. As long as they are appropriately treated, they can last for many years to come. Best of all, you can choose any siding you wish and make your outdoor building match your home. Wooden structures are often labor-intensive and require more maintenance to ensure they stay protected from insects, rodents, and rot. However, wooden garbage sheds are easy to construct when you choose shed building plans.
Metal
Metal is the third material and has definite advantages over plastic and wood. This material is extremely durable, fire-resistant, termite resistant, and, best of all, cost-effective. On the other hand, metal structures can be challenging to put up and may not have as appealing of an exterior as wood structures.
What is the Best Size Garbage Shed?
The size shed you need depends on how many trash bins you need to store and what size each can is. Steps you should take when determining how big your shed should be:
Measure the height and circumference of your trash bins.
Determine how big of a door you will need to easily remove and replace garbage bins after being emptied.
Decide if you will use your trash shed for more than just garbage can storage. For example, will you store lawn equipment or use a different section as a place to garden or engage in your favorite hobby.
When deciding on the final shed size, be sure to leave yourself a little wiggle room. You will thank yourself down the road.
What Door Configuration Should You Choose?
You have two door figurations to choose from. The first is a standard front opening door, just as you find in your home. The second is a top opening door that either lifts or slides to allow access to the garbage bins inside. The front door opening is the most straightforward configuration, making it easy to roll trash bins in and out without worrying about how heavy they are.
What is the Best Base?
Your trash shed needs a strong foundation. The base you choose will depend on personal preference and how much weight the floor must be able to support. You have several different options when it comes to shed bases. Concrete is the most robust and labor-intensive option, while wooden bases are easier to construct, but they cannot support as much weight. Of course, there are alternatives such as stone pavers and plastic grids.
Do You Need a Lock?
If you plan to keep valuables in your trash shed, you will certainly want to install a lock on the building. You may still want to consider a lock. Animals, especially raccoons, can be skilled and crafty when trying to get into the garbage. They can even open doors and lift lids off trash cans.
Top Lid Mechanism
If you choose to have a top opening lid, it can get cumbersome to juggle a trash bag and the lid simultaneously. Installing a top-lid mechanism will keep the door open without you having to prop it open manually.
Final Thoughts
A well-thought-out garbage shed is a great way to improve the look and feel of your homestead, increase your property’s value, and add convenience to your life. These considerations will ensure your shed works perfectly for your needs!
Hidden away in the Upstate of South Carolina is a little farm where we call home. Surrounded by century-old pecan and oak trees, we live on a 120-year-old homestead. By the grace of God, we were called to restore this 1890 farmhouse along with its barns, gardens and long-forgotten cotton field to its original working farm. Dedicating ourselves to reusing, recycling and making do we are living a very simple life building our backyard farm.
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