Forget what you think you know about sheds. These stand-alone structures in the yard are not just for stowing bicycles and lawn mowers. Think of them as detached cottages that can stretch your living space. Whether you need more room for a hobby, a home business or a guest retreat, installing an upscale shed can be easier on your budget -- and your nerves -- than building an addition to your home.
In Backyard Getaways, we detail the pros and cons of prefabricated sheds. Here, we've put together a gallery of ten surprising spaces that will make you feel right at home. (All come as do-it-yourself kits requiring assembly unless otherwise noted.) Take a look.
-- By Joan Goldwasser
CUSTOMIZED COTTAGE
- Manufacturer: Spirit Elements; Coeur D’Alene, Idaho
- Price: $18,430(as pictured)
Perfect for a home office or a guesthouse, the 10-by-14-foot Liberty model offers up plenty of charm. To make it even more spacious and homey, an option b-by-3-foot wing was added to the shed pictured.
And if that isn’t roomy enough, you cottage can be as large as 12-by-20 feet with two 8-by-6-foot wings, which adds up to 336 square feet of space. That means you can transform the cottage into an in-law or grandparents suite with its own bathroom and kitchenette.
Sponsored Content
PLUSH BACKYARD BOX
- Manufacturer: MetroShed; Orlando, Fla.
- Price: $7,995
This 9-by-13-foot “shed” offers 100-plus square feet of living space. It comes with aluminum sliding glass doors and ventilation shutters with bug screens so it’s both airy and filled with light. Installation is simple, requiring only a screw gun, ladder and gloves.
Sponsored Content
PORCH AND GABLE
- Manufacturer: Summerwood; Toronto, Ontario
- Price: $7,395 base, $10,595 as pictured
The rustic charm of this 12-by-12-foot Canmore cabin makes it a truly cozy sanctuary. The optional double set of French doors in natural cedar and casement windows let in plenty of daylight.
And when you tire of working or lounging inside, you can laze in your rocker on the covered porch, rain or shine. Summerwood offers a semi-assembled option which will generally raise the price by 30%.
Sponsored Content
SLEEK SUNROOM
- Manufacturer: Modern Cabana; San Francisco
- Price: $11,500, $16,375 (as shown)
The upgraded version of this 10-by-12-foot cabana comes with cedar siding, a rear window that opens and bamboo flooring. The maple wall boards enhance the feeling of camping in comfort in the woods. Option include operable side windows, redwood siding and a French door.
Sponsored Content
STYLISH HOME STUDIO
- Manufacturer: The Shed Shop
- Price: $10,000
The owner of this shed found it the perfect place to accommodate her pottery hobby. It’s roomy enough for her studio complete with pottery wheel, workbench and built-in shelves for all her materials.
It was constructed over six days- including installing the electricity and painting it to match her house. Delivery and assembly in the San Francisco area in included on all Shed Shop units.
Sponsored Content
GARDEN GAZEBO
- Manufacturer: Cedarshed; Langley, British Columbia
- Price: $8308, $9091 as pictured
The Minnesota owners of this all-season Whistler gazebo enhanced its attractiveness by adding the two-tier roof and cupola. The 12-foot octagonal structure includes screened windows to let summer breezes blow through as well as sliding Plexiglass to keep Mother Nature out when necessary.
Sponsored Content
ONE WITH NATURE
- Manufacturer: MetroShed; Orlando, Fla.
- Price: $14,495
Take in your surroundings with this roomy 9-by-17-foot custom shed that’s fun to inhabit both day and night. Its one-inch thick clear acrylic roof lets in both daylight and moonlight, and the cedar posts add to the outdoor feeling.
Sponsored Content
PLAYTIME HIDEAWAY
- Manufacturer: Summerwood; Toronto, Ontario
- Price: $2,995 base, $3,795 as pictured
Fulfill your child’s fantasy and create a multi-colored playhouse out back as these parents did. The 8-foot pentagon is roomy enough to accommodate your children and their playmates. The Dutch door lets in additional light while allowing the easy transfer of snacks. Shutters, a dormer and window boxes can be added. Semi-assembled playhouses are also available.
Sponsored Content
COUNTRY RETREAT
- Manufacturer: Spirit Elements; Boulder, Colo.
- Price: $15,285
This 10-by-14-foot Bartlett custom cottage comes with cedar shuttered glass windows, window boxes and a nine-lite door. Fill your window boxes with colorful flowers and you’ll feel as if you are slipping away to a country garden. Options include additional windows, a cedar door anda porch overhang.
Sponsored Content
SNUG STUDIO
- Manufacturer: Modern-Shed; Portland Oregon
- Price: $15,110
You’ll feel inspired to create a masterpiece in this cozy wood-paneled studio shed. The full length French doors, glass transom and two operable windows make it light and airy.
Parts arrive pre-painted in a color you select. You can add an 8- by10 foot exterior cedar deck and additional windows if you desire. Other models range from $7440 to $10,900. Shipping is free in the Pacific time zone.
Sponsored Content
-
Stock Market Today: S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit New Highs on Retail Sales RevivalStrong consumer spending and solid earnings for AI chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing boosted the broad market.
-
Higher Summer Costs: Tariffs Fuel Inflation in JuneTariffs Your summer holiday just got more expensive, and tariffs are partially to blame, economists say.
-
12 Great Places to Retire in the MidwestPlaces to live Here are our retirement picks in the 12 midwestern states.
-
10 Cheapest Small Towns to Live InThe cheapest small towns might not be for everyone, but their charms can make them the best places to live for plenty of folks.
-
Best Cold Weather Places to RetirePlaces to live Some like it hot; others, not so much. Here are the 12 best places to retire if you can't stand the heat.
-
The 24 Cheapest Places To Retire in the USWhen you're trying to balance a fixed income with an enjoyable retirement, cost of living is a crucial factor to consider.
-
The Six Best Places to Retire in New Englandplaces to live Thinking about a move to New England for retirement? Here are the best places to land for quality of life, affordability and other criteria.
-
Best Cold Weather Places to Retire
places to live Some like it hot; others not so much. Here are the 12 best places to retire if you can't stand the heat.
-
15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winterhome There are many ways to prepare your home for winter, which will help keep you safe and warm and save on housing and utility costs.
-
Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Need to KnowBecoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what your insurance will and won't cover to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
