When you make the decision to build a 10x10 storage shed, you will find yourself spending a lot of time choosing where to locate the building and just what it will look like. What most people forget is the same attention to detail must also be considered for the interior space. Just as an attractive exterior draws the eye to the shed, a finished interior lends the shed a polished look that you will want to visit time and again.

A Shed for All Seasons and Uses

Sheds today are constructed to withstand the cold of winter and the heat of summer for year round use. A key to enjoying a shed regardless of the weather is to ensure it is properly insulated. This is particularly important to maintain the interior of the shed; in addition to keeping the temperature regulated, insulation can help keep moisture at bay.

Just as wood siding can rot on the exterior, the interior is equally susceptible to rot when improperly constructed. However, there is no reason the inside of a shed cannot be made as nice or as comfortable as that of any other indoor work space. Ideas for interior finishes include:

• Wood Panels

• Drywall and Paint

• Wainscoting (also known as Bead Board)

Wood panels in particular make for a homey feel, and they can be installed on both on the walls and the ceiling. For the architect or artist, steel doors give a shed a modern studio look and feel. On the opposite end of the spectrum, adding antique hardware is recommended to complement the quaint, cozy feel of a garden shed.

A Number of Finish Options

Choosing the right finish can make or break the look of a shed. For instance, using a high-quality wood like cedar lends a shed a rich, tan color. Over time, however, cedar naturally weathers to a light gray finish. To keep the look of the original cedar, simply stain the wood with a clear stain that protects the wood from harmful elements like ultraviolet rays and moisture from rain and snow.

Wood lends itself to a variety of paint applications. Give yourself permission to experiment with your 10x10 shed if a full-color shed is the goal. When a color falls within the palette found in nature – think greens and browns and yellows – even the boldest of shades can blend in to the environment.

A compromise between natural finishes and brightly painted boards are semi-transparent stains. These finishes add some pigment to the wood while allowing its natural look to show through. A white-wash is a good example of this type of finish.

As you have read, it is wise to give a good deal of consideration to a shed’s exterior. Making sure the building fits in with the scenery and is sited in the right spot can make the difference between an attractive upgrade and a backyard eyesore. Spending some time and money on these details will maximize both the comfort and use of the 10x10 storage shed over the long run.