Shabby isn't chic: If the shed looks shabby, it will make your yard look that way, too. If you're not willing to pay a bit more for quality, you might as well keep your equipment where it is. Typically, the difference between attractive and ugly is only a few hundred dollars. And remember, an outdoor shed is an investment in your property, like a kitchen or a powder room - you don't want to create a stumbling block to a quick and profitable sale in the future.
Sheds made of cedar siding are the most expensive, followed by those made of vinyl. Whichever you choose, the shed's design should complement the style of your house. If you live in a 1950s airlight rowhouse in Northeast Philadelphia, a Victorian-style shed will be more than jarring to the eye.
Too cute: You don't want the shed to look too precious either - it's a utility structure, not a dollhouse. So skip the porch feature unless there's a critical need for a place where you and your lawn mower can get out of the sun.
What will it cost? Be ready to spend a minimum of $350 on a shed. Good quality and good looks can be yours for about $2,000.
Material world: Some people consider metal sheds ugly, but one made of aluminum will hold up a long time. Steel tends to rust quickly, although some is coated to reduce, though not avoid, corrosion.
Wood sheds - especially cedar - look better, so there are more of them available. They aren't fireproof, though, and are subject to mold and rot, so they need regular maintenance. Squirrels and other rodents can easily chew through wood, too. Cedar sheds should be recoated with a special sealer/preservative every other year to protect them from ultraviolet solar radiation.
