A Pro's Perspective: What to Ask When Shopping for a Shed

Anyone who shops for a new shed wants to ensure they're getting the best bang for their buck. Yet it can be a challenge to know just what to look for to achieve this goal - should you look at materials, construction, dealer reputation or something else? Check out our shed shopping checklist to ensure you get great value and peace of mind with your next shed purchase.

Your Shed Shopping Checklist

Joey Delapp, Chief Information Officer for Premier Portable Buildings, recommends evaluating several components of a shed, including the roof sheathing, flooring and siding. He also advises investigating warranty terms when comparing shed options.

1. What is the roof made of? When it comes to a shed, the roof sheathing does double duty: it helps to hold the roof together and keeps the roof trusses properly spaced. Because it is a part of the shed interior, it also plays a role in visibility and temperature control. “With the roofing, make sure it is made of material that resists flaking and keeps you cool, like LP ProStruct^® Roof Sheathing with SilverTech^®,” Delapp advises. SilverTech is a durable radiant barrier that brightens the interior and reflects summer heat for a more comfortable shed.
2. What is the flooring made of? Without a sturdy floor, it will be difficult for a shed to withstand the elements while maintaining its structural integrity. Termites are a big threat to wood floors, and can cause considerable damage in a relatively short period of time. Shed floors are also subject to a lot of abuse from moisture, foot traffic and heavy equipment. “For flooring, ensure it is strong, durable and resists decay and termites,” says Delapp. LP ProStruct^® Flooring with SmartFinish^® features SmartGuard^® technology to resist fungal decay, termite damage, warping, splitting and cracking. It offers a beautiful finish but can take all the abuse that's thrown at the average shed.
3. What are the walls and siding made of? Both the exterior and interior of a shed should be constructed with strong yet attractive material. “For walls and siding, look for the same type of attributes in terms of strength, but also make sure it holds paint well and has a good aesthetic,” recommends Delapp. Durable LP^® SmartSide^® Panels are available with SilverTech^® or SmartFinish^® for a clean appearance, while LP^® SmartSide^® Trim and Lap Siding offers your choice of rich cedar grain texture or smooth finish, and can be prefinished in any paint color you choose.
4. Is the shed covered by a warranty? “The longer the warranty, the more confidence you can have in the product's longevity,” says Delapp. LP products come backed with some of the best warranties in the industry, including up to 50 years of coverage on some materials. Why waste money on a wood shed that won't last as long as those constructed of engineered wood?

Learn More About Products from LP^® Outdoor Building Solutions^®

If you are considering the purchase of a new storage shed, we believe you will get the most for your money when you purchase a structure built with LP shed products. Find out where to buy a shed from a local dealer who builds with LP products today.