Sustainability is Important: How to Build an Eco Shed

When you stand at the foot of your backyard, looking out over the outdoor space you call your own; chances are there’s one thing missing. One thing that would help take your outdoor area to a new level. Beyond the flowers, you’ve been meaning to plant and maybe a lawn that is a day or two away from cutting, your yard could likely use a shed. From storing your lawn and garden equipment, freeing up valuable space in the garage, to an area for you to work on art projects, read the latest crime novels, or just kick back and soak up the sun and the refreshing summer breeze, a shed can do it all.

And yet, you don’t want to invest in a shed that will harm the environment or increase your carbon footprint. You want something that will upgrade your outdoor space while being one with nature. All of that is possible to do.

How To Make An Eco Shed – A Guide

If you’re looking at how to build an eco shed, you might be surprised by how easy it is, especially with the help of our team here at Barnyard Utility Buildings.

What Makes An Eco-Friendly Shed?

A shed, like any other construction, can be built with all kinds of materials. Over the years, there have been several improvements, and upgrades, not only to the structural integrity of outdoor buildings (like sheds), but many materials have moved away from harmful plastics and other carbon-producing products. It is now possible to go as green as you and your budget would like. And, as more people begin turning away from plastics and invest instead in these eco-friendly alternatives, the prices have continued to drop as well.

There are several shed designs you may want to consider. There is a more traditional shed that simply keeps tools and outdoor equipment protected from natural elements like rain and wind. Also, there are insulated sheds that have electricity and have more similarities with a modern house than a traditional shed. Whatever you decide on how to build an eco shed, just know that there are eco-friendly building materials available.

Foundation And Flooring

You’re going to want a foundation. Whether you decide to install flooring over top of the foundation that’s another question, but a foundation is a must. Cement remains the best option for this. It’s sturdy, durable, and beautiful-looking when properly laid, and can last decades. Plus, if you’d like, you can polish the concrete for a beautiful-looking floor. Many modern homes take advantage of polished concrete for a fantastic-looking stone floor that’s affordable, easy to create, and doesn’t have the kind of carbon impact as other building materials.

Now, maybe you don’t want the colder look of concrete. When that’s the case, you should consider a flooring option like bamboo or cork. These are lightweight and do well when exposed to moisture. Wood can be used, but that’s more expensive and isn’t as durable when exposed to changing temperatures and moisture. Of course, if you’re considering a fully insulated shed with its own HVAC system, just about any flooring option can be considered, and our staff at Barnyard Utility Buildings can help.

The Walls

But what about the walls of the shed? It depends on the material you’re considering. Some composites contain a plastic PVC material, so you’ll want to look further into what is used to create composite siding. Realistically though, you’ll want to skip composite or vinyl materials and instead look for something else.

Wood is always an option. Wood requires some additional maintenance over other materials as you need to apply new water protective applications and paint or stains to ensure the shed remains waterproof and beautiful. If that sounds like too much work for you, aluminum is a great building product. Many new homes are built using aluminum thanks to its durability, ease of use, and the material can hold its shape well. Shipping container homes have increased in popularity thanks to the strong structural integrity of the container (framing is often the most expensive part of any new-home construction, whereas a metal shipping container already has the frame ready to go).

Insulation

If you want to use your eco shed throughout the year, you’ll want to consider insulation. To stay on top of your reduced carbon footprint construction, look for insulation built using sustainable materials. Wool, for example, is one option you may want to take advantage of. Wool can cost more than other insulation kinds, but you’re not insulating a large square footage area, so the cost difference can be kept to a minimum. The beauty of wool insulation is that it is about as all-natural as you can get (without using a straw), but with straw insulation, it does require a thicker insulation footprint, and it takes longer to install. There are also special soundproof “blankets” that are made using an assortment of fibers. These are excellent forms of insulation as well. If something holds out sound, it generally does well at holding in the desired temperature of a building.

If you have specific questions regarding the use of insulation material or how you should install the insulation, as it can vary based on what you’re using, our team will provide you with all the necessary insights and help you might need.

Any Shed For Any Yard

Putting up any outside structure can initially feel daunting, but it doesn’t need to. With our help here at Barnyard Utility Buildings, we want to help you with all your outdoor building needs. It doesn’t matter the size of your yard or what specific build requirements are in place for your property; we are here to help. From the ultimate she-shed to a garden tool sanctuary, let us help you plan, design, and how to build an eco shed, sustainable shed. It’s all possible with one single phone call. We look forward to helping you.

Proudly serving customers across North and South Carolina including Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC, Lake Wylie, SC, Lancaster, SC, and beyond.