Shed Buyer's Guide
If you’re looking for a custom-designed Amish-built shed in Southern Maryland, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase. Here’s a step-by-step buyer’s guide to walk you through the most important decisions you’ll have to make. These are the steps we take with clients before every build.
How will it be used:
This is the first question we ask because its answer will determine everything about the build. Whether you intend your shed for storage, or to be a full-scale home office, Carvell’s Wood Works can build you a shed that meets your exact needs! We can make recommendations for different features depending on how you will use your shed, so bring your ideas!
Choose Your Style:
Style is more than just personal choice. The style of your build will also determine the size, footprint, and functionality of your shed. There are a variety of shed styles to choose from, including barn-style, Spa-style, Garage-style., etc. Each style has its own unique features, so you’ll want to choose one that fits your needs and personal taste. Check out our catalog to learn about the specifics of each of these styles.
Consider your materials:
Although wood is a traditional material for shed building, Carvell’s Wood Works encourages vinyl siding for all sheds because of its durability and ease of maintenance. Similarly, we use steel or fiberglass doors instead of wood, because this way the doors will not stick after weather and humidity changes. We build sheds to last a lifetime, and the exterior materials play a big part in your shed’s lifespan and durability.
Look for Quality Construction:
Amish-built sheds are known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, and for good reason. Sheds that are made with high-quality materials and are built to last! Carvell’s Wood Works uses all 2×4 construction, with upgraded 2×6 floor joists that are standard. We use 6-foot doors standard on all of our builds because this is the minimum size door for most needs. Everything we do, from the rafters to the floor joists, is built for maximum durability and functionality.
Size matters:
Building a Shed in Southern Maryland is an investment that can add value and function to your home. When we speak with clients, we encourage them to consider the size of the shed carefully, and not to underestimate their needs. Although we can build as small as 8x8ft, our most common shed sizes are between 10×14 and 12×24, because this is the range that most people find useful.
If you were to ask any homeowner what size shed they think is best, the universal answer would be “a bigger one!”
Pay attention to the details:
The difference between buying a pre-built shed from a big box store and having Carvell’s Wood Works build you a shed is the detail that goes into every build. Small things–like ending the siding a few inches above the ground to eliminate damage from weed whackers–matters a lot in the long run. For example, we build arched ramps instead of straight ramps for sheds that will involve a riding lawn mower. This is because arched ramps eliminate impacts from the mower deck. We also build our ramps attached to the same support as the shed. This allows both the shed and ramp to flex together, which eliminates doors catching after spring thaws. The se small details, over time, become more important in determining how much value and function you get out of our shed.
