There are many things to consider when looking for a metal shed before making a purchase. One of the most important ones is choosing the right providers or vendors. However, when shopping for metal sheds, you first need to consider the purpose you need it to provide. Storage sheds can be big investments. You will be using and looking at the one you choose for many years to come. Therefore, you need to make the choice that will help you in the long run.
Metal sheds are quite popular for good reasons. People who choose them to want good weather resistance, bold colors, and minimum maintenance requirements. They are an affordable and effective option for backyard storage. Metal sheds, like most things, can come in a wide range of quality and prices. It is important, therefore, to read the details of what each provider is offering. This will help you compare apples to apples.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Metal Shed
The specific options and features of each metal shed vary. Some key features, however, are quite similar in the best outdoor metal storage sheds. Some of the most important things to look for before making a purchase include:
Choose The Right Provider
Metal sheds are a big investment. Therefore, you need to choose the best provider when shopping for one. This will safeguard your investment from the beginning. If you find a way to create a shortlist of the best vendors, you can rest assured you did your homework.
True Dimensions
When shopping for metal sheds, you need to determine the true dimensions rather than the nominal size. The last thing you want is to purchase a 12-foot by the 10-foot metal shed and have one delivered with a lower wall-to-wall measurement. This kind of scenario is more common than you might imagine.
Some providers, when advertising their metal sheds, use the nominal size. Essentially, they use the widest dimensions of the shed’s roof when quoting its size. When it comes to such structures, nominal sizes are roof edge measurements rather than shed-based measurements. They round off the nominal size to the nearest foot. Therefore, a metal shed advertised as 10 feet wide can be 8 feet and 11 inches wide, but with four feet eaves.
Quality vs. Price
When shopping for an outdoor metal shed, do not let the price be your only determining factor. In other words, please do not go for the cheapest without considering its quality and other important considerations. Instead, go for one with solid construction and high-quality materials that will last longer. It is better to pay more for a metal shed that will look better and last longer than the cheapest option.
Typically, providers measure the metal panels by gauge. You need to understand that the thicker the metal, the lower its gauge number. A good metal shed should have panels with a thickness of at least 0.14-inch or 29 gauge. The panel thickness, however, will affect the shed’s final price.
Design
One thing you need to understand is that metal sheds are not merely for storage. A shed’s appearance is just as important as its use because it will affect your home or property’s overall appearance. Therefore, when shopping for one, choose one that will complement your property’s look and style.
Shed With A Heavy-Duty Frame
Avoid investing in a metal shed with a lightweight frame. Instead, choose one with a frame that will offer adequate support for the roof and walls. If the provider is shipping the frame as a kit, ask in advance how strong its frame is. This is especially important if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow during winter. Some metal shed providers also offer a roof strengthening kit at an extra cost.
The right metal sheds will look great in any backyard or garden. They come in a wide range of designs and sizes, which offer a practical way to deal with your storage requirements. Before buying a metal shed, therefore, you need to know what to look for and what to avoid to get the best value for your money.
