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Your outdoor shed is an extension of your home, and it should feel like it. Whether you plan on building a space to garden, store outdoor equipment, work from home, or enjoy your favorite hobby, it should be both practical and comfortable. Designing your backyard shed is an exciting stage in the process because the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can do! Using stone in your design is a creative way to elevate the look and functionality of your space. This is your guide to 6 creative uses of stone in your backyard shed as recommended by Shedplans.org, the experts in DIY shed plan designs.
A solid foundation is the cornerstone of your shed’s structural integrity. Stone pavers are an excellent choice for your structure’s foundation. They are cost-effective yet incredibly durable, meaning you get high-quality without the price tag.
As with any foundation, the shed site will need to be level. Next, line the area with plastic to help waterproof your shed. This is a simple step that can protect your investment for years to come. Pavers work best with a gravel base. Adding a layer of crushed gravel on top of the plastic lining will help drain water away from the building, increase the foundation’s sturdiness, and add an additional layer of protection by preventing the pavers from sinking over time. It is pertinent to note that smaller pavers are more vulnerable to sinking than larger pavers due to their smaller surface area.
As you progress to building the body of the shed, you will need to anchor it to the stone paver foundation.
You have numerous flooring options, including wood, tile, vinyl, carpet, and concrete. Some offer elegance but little function and others offer function without elegance. However, stone flooring offers the best of both worlds – elegance, and function, not to mention high durability.
The most common types of natural stone flooring include:
Stone has different properties. It is essential to understand the characteristics of the stone floorings you are interested in to ensure it is appropriate for how you plan to use your shed.
Each type of stone has an absorption rating that tells you how porous it is. The more absorbent a stone is, the more vulnerable it is to staining, cracking, and breaking. The four types of absorption ratings are:
One of the best benefits of stone is that messes and spills can be easily cleaned up. They do not hold allergens and dirt like carpet. If you still want the homey feel of carpet, you can easily install area rugs. When they become worn, you can easily replace them.
If you plan on your shed being temperature-controlled, stone flooring will be advantageous and reduce energy costs. Natural stone will keep the space cool in the summer and hold heat in during winter. You can even install heated stone floors for additional comfort.
An accent wall is a popular design element that makes a space pop. Many people incorporate an accent wall into their bedroom, but they also work really well for the interior of outdoor sheds. This is especially true if the structure will be a fully finished space such as a she-shed, man cave, home office, reading nook, art studio, gym, etc. A stone accent wall can make your outdoor shed feel cozy and rustic or modern and chic, depending on the stone type.
The good news is that since the interior is safe from the outdoor elements, you will not be limited by absorption rating. However, you do need to be conscious of weight and make sure the wall will support the weight of the stone chosen.
A patio can be a fun extension to your outdoor shed. It can either be covered or uncovered and is a great place to work outside on nice days, curl up with a good book, or engage in your hobby of choice. Constructing your patio out of natural stone offers durability and elegance.
Since your patio will be exposed to outdoor elements such as rain, snow, wind, etc., it is imperative to choose a stone type with the lowest absorption rate. Natural stone has twice the strength of concrete pavers, comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles, not to mention; they are cost-effective. Your wallet will thank you.
If you really want to go all out, you can install a stone firepit as a part of your shed’s patio. A stone firepit is exceptionally durable and will emit more heat than other types of fire pits. Gather with family and friends to enjoy cool evenings. There are many different colors, styles, and textures to choose from. Since your firepit will be exposed to all of mother nature’s elements, it should have the lowest absorption rating possible.
Before beginning construction on your stone firepit, consider these tips:
A walkway makes it easy to get to your outdoor shed, especially during inclement weather. Natural stone walkways are ideal because they are incredibly durable, moisture resistant, and can handle just about anything that nature throws its way. They can accommodate heavy foot traffic, and best of all, look great!
Natural stone has long been admired for its beauty, strength, and versatility. The use of natural stone in your shed’s construction and design is sure to take its functionality and aesthetics to the next level. It is a great way to make sure you have a space to enjoy to the fullest for years to come!
