Shed with a Porch

A shed can be much more than utilitarian building. The right design and a little extra touch or two makes all the difference. Adding functional architectural elements can turn a storage shed into a treat for the senses.

Dee wrote, looking for "an 8x10 backyard shed with a porch and windows"

That's a great thought, Dee!

It's not just about looks. Adding windows and a porch makes a shed a much more livable structure. Too many sheds are hot stuffy affairs, as ventilation and shade are often overlooked. Windows can be added to nearly any shed and they needn't cost an arm and a leg. I penned a post about finding cheap shed windows last summer.

Adding a porch to an existing shed is a bit more tricky. Some shed designs will tolerate a porch, but many will not. That's why it's important to have the porch roof designed into the shed from the git-go, whether you decide to go with a gable, salt box, or even a gambrel. The good news is that there are scads of sheds with porches. Good chance you'll want to look for one with the porch roof on the short (8 foot) side, to avoid the loss of too much storage space.

I usually recommend that folks build their sheds a bit larger than they initially envision. Jer's Pattern Projects have an inexpensive gable plan they call the "Fancy Storage Shed" that might fit the bill. The smallest size is 8x12 and the porch runs on the short side. Sheldon Designs "Wilderness One Cabin" is an interesting 8x12 gable plan with a 12-foot long porch.

Most of the shed kit manufacturers offer a shed with a porch in one shape or form, as will a great many local shed builders and dealers. Around these parts, it seems like all of the Amish shed dealers have prefab sheds with porches and windows (and little shutters) sitting on their lots.