How to Rejuvenate a Garden Shed

Many homeowners have the luxury of having a garden shed tucked away in the corner of the back yard to house tools, mowers and many other items not desired in the garage. That luxury can become a burden if the shed begins to take on a very distressed appearance. It is this weathered and beaten look that discourages many homeowners from acquiring a shed in the first place. If the shed begins to show wear and tear or simply does not look good in the yard; do not abandon all hope. There are some quick and creative ways to spruce up the garden shed without breaking the bank.

Paint

Sometimes the shed is simply out of place due to old paint that is peeling and fading. Grab a willing helper or two and scrape off any areas on doors, sides and windows that are peeling. Prepare to sand any areas where there is bubbling or uneven surfaces. Apply primer coat and finish off with the color of your choice. Be sure to use exterior blend paint when completing this project otherwise the new paint may not even last the first summer.

When deciding to paint the shed, consider your surroundings or themes. Some people simply prefer to use a tone that matches the color of the home. Others may consider going with a shed theme whether it is a little red brick school house, earth tones, or even a white Victorian theme. The choices are unlimited and offer an opportunity for creativity.

Structural Enhancements

Take a look at that shed and consider little enhancements that will make this house of tools look a little more fun in the yard. Consider shed window accents such as flower boxes or shudders. Even consider changing out the window entirely with a stain glass version or consider painting the windows to match a stain glass appearance.

Door appearance is another key area to give the shed a better look. Visit scrap construction sites or even look at yard sales for old rustic door castoffs that would give the antique looking shed a fun look.

Roof decoration on the shed all starts with making sure the top of the structure is weather protected by use of shingles or some other roof protection. The top of the shed can further be enhanced by adding a cupola or weather vane. These artistic embellishments will also give your shed new height and will look a lot more appealing.

Natural Enhancements

Sometimes a shed needs a little helping hand from Mother Nature to give it a finished fun look. Consider planting a colorful flower bed adjacent to the shed with a colorful blend of annuals. If that sounds too labor intensive, consider planting a colorful perennial in the autumn that will provide a nice bloom that will last throughout the summer.

Other fun natural upgrades include planting climbing vines along the shed. The vines can be given a good head start with your shed by adding a trellis or two along the sides of the shed. Keep in mind a very healthy vine system may make it very difficult to repaint the shed in the future.

Whimsical Enhancements

There are dozens of quick fixes to giving the shed a better look. Consider adding some antique garden tools to hang on the side or front. Other fun additions include attachable bird feeders and bird baths. Another simple addition is attaching a fun garden flag or small patio light fixture next to the front door of the shed.