For the past few years, we’ve poured our hearts and energy into renovating the interior of our home. However, our backyard, unfortunately, became a neglected space, a testament to our busy lives and ongoing home projects. It was time for a change.
In an exciting partnership with Lowe’s, we embarked on a mission to revitalize our neglected backyard. With a focus on simple yet impactful improvements, we managed to transform the area, enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal tenfold. This is the story of our backyard mini makeover, a journey from overgrown mess to a usable and enjoyable outdoor space.
When we first moved into our house, the yard was far from inviting. Overgrown vegetation, a general sense of neglect, and months of heavy construction had turned it into an unsightly jungle. The presence of heavy machinery further exacerbated the situation, leaving us with a disorganized and unappealing space.
The jungle, indeed: A glimpse into the initial state of our overgrown backyard before the transformation.
Our backyard’s location, bordering the alleyway without a fence, made it highly visible to our neighbors. While they’ve been incredibly understanding and patient throughout our home improvement endeavors, the state of our backyard was undeniably an eyesore. It was a constant reminder of the work that needed to be done.
While I sometimes wish I could disregard the yard’s appearance, the truth is, I couldn’t. Finding a solution to its numerous problems became a significant challenge. I knew we had to address these issues to improve aesthetics, functionality, and my peace of mind.
Beyond aesthetics, a major issue was the lack of proper storage. While a garage for our vehicles would be ideal, our immediate need was a place to store outdoor tools, bikes, strollers, and other equipment. Since a full garage renovation was planned for the future, we decided a garden shed was the perfect solution, offering a dramatic improvement to our storage capabilities.
After careful consideration, we selected a modestly sized (6×9 foot) cedar garden shed, conveniently ordered directly from Lowes.com. Specifically, we chose the Cedarshed Rancher 6×9 model. This panelized shed arrived flat-packed on a pallet, designed for easy assembly. With a delivery fee of $80, it was conveniently dropped off right in our backyard.
With the shed delivered, we meticulously planned its placement in our yard. We opted for the southwest corner, the former location of an old garage (a foundation we discovered during site preparation). This corner offered a balanced aesthetic and convenient accessibility.
Before assembling the shed, Bruno, with the assistance of a friend and a concrete delivery, poured a solid concrete slab. Although sheds can be placed on various foundations (wood, concrete footings, etc.), we chose a concrete slab for its durability and longevity.
Clearing the brush and preparing the concrete molds: Readying the foundation for the new backyard shed.
The shed arrived prefabricated, requiring us to piece it together using a detailed instruction manual. Assembling the shed proved to be an engaging experience. The quality of the materials was exceptional, making the process relatively straightforward. It only took us a day to assemble the entire shed, with two people working collaboratively to improve efficiency.
Once the shed was fully assembled, we added plants around it, transplanting several from other overgrown areas of the yard and purchasing a few new ones. We then created a mulch walkway leading from our house to the shed, bordered by limestone leftover from a foundation wall removed during our home addition.
The result is a backyard transformation we are incredibly proud of, a space we no longer hesitate to admire. Take a look at the stunning results!
Our relocated plantings: They will continue to thrive and enhance the backyard’s beauty in the coming spring.
Here’s a glimpse inside with the doors open: You can see how much we can store in this 6’x9′ shed!
That’s three adult bikes, one child tag-along bike, two kids’ bikes, a snow blower, a bike trailer, a weed whacker, and more, with room to spare!
Since we opted not to use the cedar floor system that came with the shed, Bruno repurposed the lumber to create a handy tool storage locker on the alley side of the shed. It’s a clever way to maximize material usage and add even more functionality to the backyard space.
It’s not perfect, but it keeps those tall yard tools neatly organized and out of the way.
We’ve chosen to leave our shed unstained and unsealed. The cedar will naturally weather over time, developing a beautiful grayish/silver patina that will complement the color of our house perfectly. This decision allows us to embrace the natural beauty of the wood and create a cohesive look in our outdoor space. This also reduces the use of artificial products and keeps the project more environmentally friendly.
If you’re struggling with limited storage space and have room in your yard, I highly recommend considering adding a shed. It’s a relatively simple project that can significantly improve your yard’s functionality and aesthetics. And now, I’m off to enjoy some gardening!
Thank you to Lowe’s for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed are my own.