5 Creative, functional uses for a garden shed (that isn’t storage)

Is your home feeling small? A creative way to make more space in your home doesn’t require sacrificing the home square footage you already have or investing in extensive, disruptive home remodels. Have you ever considered turning a beautiful certified Western Red Cedar garden shed into a living space in your backyard? It’s a project you could complete as quickly as a weekend!

The traditional garden shed can be used for more than storing your outdoor and gardening equipment and supplies. You can roll up your sleeves (or hire a contractor) to turn a garden shed into a more functional space in your backyard. 

Here are five cool ways you can turn garden shed structures into functional extensions of your home. 

The home office 

If you work from home, you know how the “main house” can be distracting. Kids running around, doorbells ringing, and your fridge being close by can be distracting for most of us. 

Having a professional workspace separate from your main living area helps you manage your work-life balance. This separation helps define work and personal boundaries, leading to increased work focus and productivity and a more balanced life. 

Many garden sheds can be converted into home offices, complete with power, heat or cooling, and office furniture. This provides you with a blank slate to decorate and theme your office to your heart’s desire!

A she shed, man cave, or rec room

As much as we love our family and spouse, having a space to yourself can be incredibly beneficial. That’s why modern families create separate spaces for each family member in their homes. These are lovingly known as “she sheds,” “man caves,” and even kids’ rec or playrooms. 

If your main house doesn’t have space for the “She Shed” of your dreams, you can convert a garden shed for that purpose.v

• Imagine escaping to the shed after dinner to do some quiet reading, meditation or your hobbies in peace. 
• Imagine your partner having a place to watch the big game on TV without disturbing the rest of the family every time their team scores.
• Imagine your kids having a place to play games or watch movies while you’re hosting dinner parties in the main house.

Kids playhouse

Speaking of kids, you could convert a garden shed into a playhouse. If you or your partner is handy with a hammer, you could install cabinets, countertops, and furniture in the playhouse. 

You could also insulate the shed, add power, and use the shed as a playroom with all your kid’s favorite toys! Imagine stocking it with art supplies for the kids to craft outdoors without a crafty mess spilling into your freshly vacuumed carpets in the house!

A bar or outdoor kitchen

If you enjoy outdoor entertaining, turn your shed into an outdoor bar or kitchen storage space? Install a bar counter, a mini fridge, space for your drinkware, and maybe some charcuterie boards for snacks. 

Using your shed as storage for your outdoor kitchen can save you many trips back and forth from your main kitchen during BBQ or entertaining season. 

A pool house

If you have a pool or hot tub in your backyard, drying off before returning indoors can be challenging. Your pool guests often track wet feet as they run inside to get changed after their swim. 

Instead, convert your shed into a private, comfortable pool house. Now, you and your guests have a place to change after their dip in the pool or hot tub, and you don’t worry about dripping pool water on your natural wood floors in the main house. 

Imagine the possibilities for your next “garden shed”

A garden shed doesn’t have to be for your lawn mower and bags of soil. It can be turned into an extension of your home, creating functional space for your needs. Whether you’re working from home, creating a personal space, or entertaining, a garden shed has so many uses beyond storage. 

Outdoor Living Today’s garde

n sheds are made from sustainable Certified Western Red Cedar. Our largest sheds are 12×16 feet, the perfect size to create the space of your dreams! We also have smaller sheds which are large enough for a small playhouse or home office space. Use your creativity to customize the inside (and outside) of your shed for any use you need, including adding insulation, power, and furniture.

What type of space is your home missing? A renovated garden shed may be able to fill the gap!

Check out our stunning selection of outdoor Western Red Cedar sheds and imagine the possibilities for extending your living space in the great outdoors!

🏗️ How To Build A Foundation

A solid foundation is the key to a long-lasting shed. At Outdoor Living Today, we want to help you create a sturdy, level base for your shed—without confusion or guesswork. Whether you’re a DIY pro or first-timer, this guide walks you through clear, step-by-step instructions and multiple foundation options.

 Three Recommended Foundation Types:

• Patio Stones (Fast & Easy)
• Pressure-Treated 4×4 Beams (Durable & Elevated)
• Concrete Slab (Permanent & Weather-Resistant)

STEP 1: Clear & Prepare the Site

Before your shed kit arrives:

• Remove grass, debris, roots, and rocks.

• Make sure the area is flat and drains well.

• The ground should slope away from the site (approx. 1/8″ per foot over 10 feet) to prevent water buildup.

• For best results, excavate 4 inches and fill with gravel or crushed rock.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a landscape fabric under gravel to prevent weed growth and soil shifting over time.

STEP 2: Mark Out the Shed Foundation

• Pick one corner (Point A) and drive a stake into the ground.

  Use the 3-4-5 triangle method (based on the Pythagorean theorem) to ensure your layout is square—this method works for any shed size:

  • Measure 3 feet (or any multiple) on one side, and 4 feet (or same multiple) on the adjacent side. The diagonal between them should be exactly 5 feet (or the matching multiple).

  • For larger sheds, you can use 6-8-10 or 9-12-15—just maintain the ratio.

  Once your corners are square, outline the full perimeter using string and batter boards.

📏 Need help squaring? There are apps and online calculators that can assist with right angles using your shed dimensions.

STEP 3: Choose Your Foundation Type

Patio Stone Foundation

• Best for small to medium sheds on stable ground.

• Level the soil or gravel, then place stones under key floor joist points (see your floor plan).

• Adjust using sand or soil for leveling.

• Space stones evenly to support the shed’s perimeter and any internal floor joists for balanced weight distribution.

• Use a long 2×4 and a carpenter’s level to ensure all stones sit flat and level across the entire footprint.

✅ Quick to install, affordable, and easy to move or adjust.

 

4×4 Pressure-Treated Beam Foundation

• Ideal for slightly uneven terrain or areas where airflow is needed beneath the shed.

• Lay beams perpendicular to joists on a gravel base.

• Use rebar (½”) driven through pre-drilled holes to secure beams in place.

• Leave space between beams to promote drainage and prevent moisture buildup under the shed.

• Ensure all beams are level and aligned before attaching floor joists for a stable, even base.

🪵 Leaves room underneath for ventilation and helps prevent rot.

 

Concrete Slab Foundation

• Best for large, heavy-duty sheds or long-term placement.

• Excavate 6 inches: 4″ of gravel, 4″ of concrete slab.

• Include a plastic vapor barrier between gravel and slab.

• Frame your pour with 2x4s, level and finish with a trowel or bull float.

🔒 Most permanent option. Offers unbeatable durability and pest resistance.

⚠️ Final Tips Before You Start:

• Always check local building codes and permit requirements.

• Call your local utility provider before you dig to avoid underground lines.

• Don’t skip drainage—it’s your best defense against rot and frost heave.

🔍 Need More Specific Foundation Guidance?
While this guide provides general best practices for preparing a foundation, individual product designs may have unique requirements. For a more tailored guide for your specific model, please refer to the provided product assembly manual included with your kit or available above .

Creating a Green Oasis:

How Urban Dwellers Can Embrace Patio Gardening with Outdoor Living Today’s Urban Raised Garden Beds

Living in a condo often means sacrificing certain luxuries, like a backyard or ample green space. But with Outdoor Living Today’s Urban Raised Garden Beds, condo dwellers can enjoy the joys of gardening right on their patios. Tailored for small, urban spaces, these raised garden beds transform patios into lush mini-gardens, allowing you to experience the serenity and satisfaction of cultivating plants in a manageable, stylish setup.

Why Garden on a Condo Patio?

Urban condo living brings many benefits—convenience, vibrant city life, and efficient spaces. However, access to private outdoor space can feel limited, leaving many longing for a personal connection with nature. Patio gardening with raised garden beds offers condo dwellers an easy way to enjoy fresh herbs, flowers, and even vegetables, creating a green oasis in the city. This shift towards condo patio gardening is more than just practical; it’s an opportunity to cultivate a calming hobby, improve air quality, and create a beautiful outdoor focal point right outside your door.

The Perfect Garden Beds for Condo Patios

The Urban Raised Garden Bed 4×1.5 and 6×3 models from Outdoor Living Today have been designed specifically with urban spaces in mind. Both models come equipped with floors, allowing condo residents to enjoy gardening on patios and balconies without worrying about water runoff or damage to patio surfaces.

• 4×1.5 Raised Garden Bed: This compact bed is ideal for smaller condo patios, providing just the right amount of space for a variety of herbs or small plants. It’s perfect for those new to gardening or anyone looking for a low-maintenance way to add greenery to their space.
• 6×3 Raised Garden Bed: For those with larger patios, the 6×3 model offers ample room to grow a wider range of plants, from leafy greens to flowers. It creates a lush, garden-like feel on any patio, bringing a touch of the backyard to your high-rise view.

Each model’s raised structure means plants are kept at an accessible height, making gardening enjoyable without the hassle of kneeling or bending, especially in a compact setting.

Benefits of Condo Patio Gardening with Raised Beds

1. Clean and Convenient Design

One of the biggest concerns with condo gardening is preventing mess on shared outdoor areas. The built-in floors of these raised beds help control soil, water, and fertilizer, ensuring that your garden stays tidy and manageable. This feature makes them an ideal choice for condos where you may need to be considerate of neighbors below.

2. Optimized Use of Space

For condo residents, every inch counts. These raised beds are designed to optimize small patio spaces, letting you cultivate a variety of plants without crowding. Vertical gardening options allow you to make the most of limited square footage, and the raised design provides extra storage for gardening tools underneath.

3. Easy Access and Minimal Upkeep

With the raised garden beds’ accessible height, tending to plants becomes easy and enjoyable. These models allow condo gardeners to experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening without requiring a large outdoor area. The compact, elevated design makes it easy to control pests, weeds, and watering, resulting in a healthier, low-maintenance garden.

4. Built for Urban Weather

Constructed from durable, naturally rot-resistant Western Red Cedar, these garden beds can withstand various weather conditions, making them perfect for exposed patios. Cedar’s natural resilience offers long-lasting beauty and function, even in urban environments where space and weather can be a challenge.

Building a Lifestyle with Patio Gardening

Adding greenery to your condo patio is about more than just beautifying your space; it’s about adopting a mindful, sustainable lifestyle. Patio gardening is a form of eco-friendly living, reducing your reliance on store-bought herbs or veggies while lowering your environmental footprint. Imagine the joy of cooking with fresh herbs you’ve grown or enjoying vibrant flowers as you relax on your balcony with city views.

Condo gardening can become a rewarding ritual that fits seamlessly into your daily routine, even in a busy urban setting. As you nurture your plants, you’re also nurturing a small sanctuary of calm and focus—a refreshing contrast to the city’s hustle.

Start Your Urban Gardening Journey

Outdoor Living Today’s Urban Raised Garden Beds make it easier than ever for urban residents to embrace the joys of gardening. With stylish, space-conscious designs that fit perfectly on a condo patio, these beds are designed to offer a taste of the outdoors, even in high-rise living. Embrace the beauty and benefits of a green space that’s truly your own, creating a vibrant, lush patio garden that reflects the best of city life—simple, beautiful, and alive with nature.

Growing Minds: Enhancing Education with Outdoor Living Today’s Garden Products

In recent years, the connection between nature and education has become increasingly evident, and schools are now exploring innovative ways to integrate outdoor experiences into the learning environment.

One impactful initiative gaining popularity is the setup of garden beds for students. Outdoor Living Today, a leading provider of quality outdoor products, offers an ideal solution for schools looking to cultivate a green thumb culture within their educational spaces.

The Educational Benefits of School Gardens:

School gardens offer a myriad of educational benefits, fostering a hands-on approach to learning that goes beyond traditional classroom settings. From science and biology lessons to practical math applications and environmental studies, students engaged in gardening experience real-world connections that enhance their academic experience.

Guide to Setting Up Garden Beds for Schools

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up garden beds for your students:

1. Plan and Design:

• Identify a suitable location for the garden beds. Consider factors like sunlight, accessibility, and water availability.
• Decide on the size and number of garden beds based on the available space and the number of students involved.
• Involve teachers, students, and possibly local gardening experts in the planning process to gather ideas and insights.

2. Get Permissions:

• Obtain necessary permissions from school authorities, ensuring compliance with any regulations or guidelines.
• Communicate the project’s educational benefits to gain support from the school community.

3. Gather Supplies:

• Purchase or gather essential supplies, including raised garden beds, soil, compost, seeds, and basic gardening tools.
• Consider reaching out to local businesses or community members for potential donations or sponsorships.

4. Educational Curriculum Integration:

• Integrate the garden project into the school curriculum, connecting it to various subjects like science, math, and environmental studies.
• Develop lesson plans that align with the gardening activities to enhance students’ learning experiences.

5. Student Involvement:

• Foster student involvement by establishing a gardening club or incorporating garden-related projects into existing classes.
• Assign responsibilities to students, such as watering, weeding, and observing plant growth, to promote a sense of ownership.

6. Plant Selection:

• Choose plants that are suitable for your region and the available growing season.
• Consider incorporating a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers to diversify the learning experience.

7. Provide Learning Resources:

• Set up a small library or online resources with books, videos, and articles on gardening to supplement classroom learning.
• Invite local experts or horticulturists for workshops or guest lectures to share practical insights.

8. Maintenance and Care:

• Establish a routine for garden bed maintenance, including watering, weeding, and pest control.
• Teach students about the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practices.

9. Harvest and Celebrate:

• Plan a harvest celebration to mark the culmination of the gardening season.
• Incorporate harvested produce into school meals or organize a farmers’ market to involve the broader community.

10. Evaluation and Reflection:

• Conduct periodic evaluations to assess the impact of the garden beds on student learning and engagement.
• Encourage students to reflect on their experiences, noting any challenges and successes.

By following these steps, schools can create an interactive and educational environment through garden beds, fostering a deeper connection between students and the natural world.

Painter’s Choice® Clear Siding: 

The Perfect Canvas For Your Outdoor Project

Selecting the ideal wood for your indoor or outdoor projects is a crucial decision. Western Red Cedar is a favoured choice for its stunning natural beauty, longevity, and versatility.

Painter’s Choice® Clear Siding, in particular, stands out as the perfect canvas for your painting endeavours. Its flawlessly smooth, knot-free surface ensures that paint adheres seamlessly. This high-quality siding offers exceptional durability, ensuring your artistic creation remains vibrant and pristine, even in varying weather conditions.

Why Painter’s Choice®?

What sets Painter’s Choice® Clear Siding apart is its premium composition of clear finger-jointed material. This means it’s made from top-notch, defect-free wood pieces expertly joined together to create a smooth and clear surface. This results in a top-tier canvas for both painting and construction celebrated for its unmatched quality and adaptability.

Painting with finger-jointed Western Red Cedar elevates aesthetics, providing a knot-free surface that guarantees even paint absorption, a consistently refined appearance, and structural stability.

This wood type allows for customization, making it an ideal canvas for precise paint projects. Maintenance becomes a breeze, allowing for easy touch-ups and refinishing.

Conclusion

For any woodworking and outdoor projects that demand beauty and longevity, Painter’s Choice® Clear Siding is the superior choice. When planning your next outdoor painting project, consider the practicality and elegance of Painter’s Choice® Clear Siding Western Red Cedar from Outdoor Living Today.