--- title: Choosing an Outdoor Shed description: How to choose the right outdoor building for your needs. Old Hickory Sheds. Wooden Sheds. West Coast Metal Buildings. Metal Buildings. Carports. Garages image: https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/hubfs/Metal_Garage.jpg --- [![Idaho Outdoor Solutions Logo](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image/logo-idaho-outdoor-solutions.png?width=165&height=122&name=logo-idaho-outdoor-solutions.png "Idaho Outdoor Solutions Logo")](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idahooutdoorsolutions.com%2Fblog%2Fchoosing-an-outdoor-shed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idahooutdoorsolutions.com%2Fblog%2Fchoosing-an-outdoor-shed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idahooutdoorsolutions.com%2Fblog%2Fchoosing-an-outdoor-shed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idahooutdoorsolutions.com%2Fblog%2Fchoosing-an-outdoor-shed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Choosing%20an%20Outdoor%20Shed) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idahooutdoorsolutions.com%2Fblog%2Fchoosing-an-outdoor-shed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn2.hubspot.net%2Fhubfs%2F642183%2FHVH-logo_Color.jpg) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idahooutdoorsolutions.com%2Fblog%2Fchoosing-an-outdoor-shed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idahooutdoorsolutions.com%2Fblog%2Fchoosing-an-outdoor-shed%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) # Idaho Outdoor Solutions ## [Choosing an Outdoor Shed](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/choosing-an-outdoor-shed) Posted by [Mathew Heath Van Horn](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/author/mathew-heath-van-horn) on Dec 11, 2015 5:12:12 PM Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/idaho.outdoor.solutions?ref=aymt_homepage_panel) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) We've been supplying Idahoans with quality outdoor buildings for over 2 years.  In this time we've spoken with hundreds of customers and their families and helped them choose the best shed for their needs.  Here are some factors to consider when choosing an outdoor shed. ## Step 1: Identify the Storage Shed's Purpose It is important to know exactly how you are going to use the outdoor building.  The details will help you understand the various storage options and keep you focused on how you can use your shed.  Our [metal](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/outdoor-buildings/carports) and [wooden](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/outdoor-buildings/wooden-sheds) sheds are fully customizable to your needs, so it is important to know what your needs are!![Metal Garage](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Metal_Garage.jpg?width=300&name=Metal_Garage.jpg "Metal_Garage.jpg") ## Step 2: Research Local Building Codes Nothing is more frustrating than picking out the perfect metal building or wooden shed and you come to find out you violated the local building codes or Home Owner's Association.  Building codes vary depending on your address.  Each county, township, and city have their own codes to follow.  Call your local Building and Zoning Code Official for the rules for your property. ## Step 3: Know your Property  Once you know where you want to place your wooden or metal storage building, evaluate how it will be installed.  Generally speaking it is much more cost effective to have a building delivered all in one piece than to build it on site.  Sometimes gates are large enough to get the building through, but other times a section of fence needs to come down.  It is much cheaper to pay someone to take down and re-install a portion of your fence than it costs to pay someone to build the building.  ### Step 3a:  DON'T FORGET TO LOOK UP!  Buildings on trailers are 13 or more feet tall.  Eves, branches, and power lines can all interfere with the proper placement of your building.  It is a good idea to understand these issues ahead of time. [![Request an Appointment](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/642183/3054f0cf-bfa2-4ba9-913c-de65001f8bc1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/642183/3054f0cf-bfa2-4ba9-913c-de65001f8bc1) ## Step 4: Metal or Wood? Our[ wooden sheds ](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/outdoor-buildings/wooden-sheds)can be placed anywhere where there is not a risk of having standing water. The ground does not have to be level.  Our expert delivery drivers can level your shed using a variety of techniques.  Furthermore, these wood sheds come with a floor point-load capacity of  200 lbs. per ft².  Additional floor load capacities are available for purchase.  Finally, wooden buildings are limited by size, 14' x 40' is the largest we can deliver. If you need to go big, only need a roof, or you don't need a floor, a [metal building ](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/outdoor-buildings/carports)is probably best for you.  Your land will need to be level, which is not usually a problem in Idaho.  Don't worry if your ground isn't level, many garden landscapers can level the spot you need for your building.  Metal buildings can come in any size over 12'W x 21'L and up to 16' tall legs.  Metal buildings can be fully enclosed with doors, garage doors, and windows added according to your needs. ## Step 5: Shop Around Its a good idea to look at different building types and vendors.  The important thing to keep in mind is to compare apples to apples.  There is usually a reason why a price is significantly lower between vendors.  The price difference could be due to quality, point loads, limited warranty, or no warranty.  Bottom line: to make the best decision, make sure you understand why there are price differences. [![Signup for REPO Notifications!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/642183/f9d4fbcf-1400-4efc-a750-f07afccfc23d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/642183/f9d4fbcf-1400-4efc-a750-f07afccfc23d) There you have it!  Five items to consider when buying a new metal building or wooden storage shed.  If you need more information, please contact us and one of our expert building consultants will be happy to assist you.   Topics: [Old Hickory Sheds](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/old-hickory-sheds), [Idaho Outdoor Solutions](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/idaho-outdoor-solutions), [Idaho](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/idaho), [Metal Buildings](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/metal-buildings) ### Posts by Topic - [Idaho (39)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/idaho) - [Idaho Outdoor Solutions (36)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/idaho-outdoor-solutions) - [Playsets (22)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/playsets) - [Backyard Adventures (20)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/backyard-adventures) - [Play Grounds (17)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/play-grounds) - [Sale (13)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/sale) - [trampoline (12)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/trampoline) - [The Beast (9)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/the-beast) - [Off-Road (8)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/off-road) - [home trampoline (8)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/home-trampoline) - [Old Hickory Sheds (7)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/old-hickory-sheds) - [Solar (7)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/solar) - [Solar Power (7)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/solar-power) - [SpringFree (7)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/springfree) - [vuly (7)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/vuly) - [treehouse playsets (6)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/treehouse-playsets) - [Ultraskiff (5)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/ultraskiff) - [Outdoor Transportation (4)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/outdoor-transportation) - [play structures (4)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/play-structures) - [Greenhouse (3)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/greenhouse) - [Metal Buildings (3)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/metal-buildings) - [Street-Legal (3)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/street-legal) - [Wiseway Pellet Stove (3)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/wiseway-pellet-stove) - [cars (3)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/cars) - [heating (3)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/heating) - [pellet stove (3)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/pellet-stove) - [trucks (3)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/trucks) - [Fishing (2)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/fishing) - [TGOMA (2)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/tgoma) - [Ultraskif (2)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/ultraskif) - [vuly trampoline (2)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/vuly-trampoline) - [weathertech (2)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/weathertech) - [CJ Strike (1)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/cj-strike) - [Truck Storage (1)](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/topic/truck-storage) [see all](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/blog/choosing-an-outdoor-shed#) ### Recent Posts ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Site Map ### Idaho Outdoor Solutions  510 Airbase Road   Mountain Home ID 83647   (208) 580-9386 [About Us](https://www.idahooutdoorsolutions.com/about) ### Recent Blog Posts © 2015 Backyard Adventures Idaho, a division of HVH Enterprises. 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