Outdoor Structures

Start with the footprint. Measure the space you have, not the space you wish you had. A 20-foot cedar gazebo is inviting on the page, but it will swallow a small yard whole. The first measurement that matters is the structure’s footprint, and that number is set by the level spot you can dedicate to it. Forget the roof height for now. If the footprint fits, the rest usually follows.

After size, material is what you will touch and maintain. Cedar is warm and quiet, but it asks for a coat of stain every few seasons. Galvanized steel roofs on our gazebos and carports cost more and are worth it where snow and rain are heavy. A solid wood potting bench with a sink puts water right at your hands, but if a hose is already nearby, the simpler bench does the same work. Polycarbonate and resin pieces need almost no upkeep, though they are lighter and must be anchored firmly in a windy spot.

These structures are not wired for light or power, and they do not include built-in shelving. They are shells, ready for you to add your own storage and electrical runs. If you need a shed that arrives with a full set of shelves and a switch on the wall, this department will not suit you.

Some of our pieces are labeled easy to assemble, but all of them still need a second pair of hands and a level base. A steep or uneven yard calls for groundwork first, and a foundation pad is not included. Get the site flat and firm, and the structure will stand for years.