DIY Builds
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Will a black shed get too hot?

Dark colors absorb heat, causing an overall increase in temperature. If your shed is a dark color, give it a lighter look. The light colors help reflect solar radiation and keep down the temperature inside. Paint the exterior of the shed a light color, such as white, beige or light gray.

Does adding a fence add value to your house?
Does adding a fence add value to your house?

Fencing increases the value of your home by a fraction of the price of the fencing. If you have a $10,000 fence installed, your home value is...

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How much weight will 3/4 plywood hold?
How much weight will 3/4 plywood hold?

50 pounds One of the most commonly-used plywood thicknesses is ¾ inch plywood. You can find 1-inch-thick fir plywood for use in heavy construction...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Jeanne Studio/Demand Media

The temperature of garden sheds fluctuates with the seasons. As the mercury rises in the summer, your garden shed turns into a backyard oven. You don't have to roast when you work in your outdoor shed during summer. A few modifications will keep your shed cooler to protect the contents and keep you comfortable. Lighten Up Jeanne Studio/Demand Media Dark colors absorb heat, causing an overall increase in temperature. If your shed is a dark color, give it a lighter look. The light colors help reflect solar radiation and keep down the temperature inside. Paint the exterior of the shed a light color, such as white, beige or light gray. If the shed has dark shingles, replace them with light-colored shingles. Your new light-colored shingles might even last longer since they won't expand and contract as much, according to Home Advisor. Add Overall Shade Jeanne Studio/Demand Media Shading the shed keeps it out of direct sunlight, which keeps the structure cooler. One option is to move the shed to a shady area of the yard if you already have established trees. Avoid trees that might drop sap or lots of debris on the shed throughout the growing season. If you don't have shade or don't want to move the shed, add your own shade. Consider planting trees in the area of the shed. Just don't plant them so close that the roots and branches damage the shed as the trees grow. Tall trellises with vines growing on them can also create some cooling shade. Another option is to install shade sails that provide shade over the shed. The sails can come down during the winter when you want the sun to heat the shed. Add Awnings If your shed has windows, awnings are an option for adding shade. The awnings block the sun that shines through the window, which helps cool the shed. The window covers also protect items in the shed from direct sunlight. Fixed awnings are usually the cheapest option. You can also choose retractable awnings that fold up when you want the sun to shine in. This allows the sun to warm your shed in the winter.

What is the proper technique to anchoring?
What is the proper technique to anchoring?

Head into the wind or current. Reduce speed and reverse the engine. When the boat starts to make a slight sternway through the water, lower - do...

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What do you mean by granny flats?
What do you mean by granny flats?

What is a granny flat? Traditionally, a granny flat is a smaller, separate dwelling that shares the same space and zoning as the main property....

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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Can I have a toilet in my summer house?
Can I have a toilet in my summer house?

Can you put a working toilet in a summer house, garden room or shed? YES! A toilet can be installed in a garden room, as it does not need to meet...

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What are the methods of anchoring?
What are the methods of anchoring?

Various anchorage methods include wind direction and strength, current and tidal current. Often a good knowledge of local conditions helps the...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Do you need permission to tarmac a driveway?
Do you need permission to tarmac a driveway?

This depends on the type of tarmac you use. Most tarmac is permeable or semi-permeable so check which type you will be using. If it is permeable...

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Are metal sheds mouse proof?
Are metal sheds mouse proof?

Wooden sheds are easy prey for rats and mice but metal sheds are rodent proof because they are impossible to gnaw through. With a metal shed...

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