When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, don’t overlook the shed! Often serving as storage for tools, gardening equipment, or a workshop, sheds can easily become neglected and visually unappealing, which is exactly what seemingly happened over time with the previous owners. However, with a little creativity and some simple upgrades, you can transform your shed into a charming focal point of your backyard. Let’s get into the why, the how and the end result below!
The Situation
Our shed was a selling point for our home as we do not have a garage – we need this storage now and as our family grows! While we are lucky to have an attic, basement and some crawl spaces, G needs the access to tools and maybe, over time, this space will transform. All of the above makes it important for us to preserve and maintain the shed!
The Before
We had a new roof put on months ago, so that was in top shape! As for the rest of the shed, there was no severe rot damage. The wood tone was visibly fading throughout, so paint was the answer! As for the dark spots at the bottom of the shed, that is due to dirt/mud splatter from rain fall given that it was just soil and mulch on the ground.
The Solution
We decided that putting down pea gravel would be the best solution, both aesthetically and financially. Pea gravel is a versatile landscaping material that consists of small, rounded stones. It not only helps prevent muddy messes but also provides a natural and inviting pathway to your shed.
To lay pea gravel, start by clearing the area around the shed and leveling the ground. Install landscape fabric or weed barrier to suppress weed growth. Optionally, you may outline the path with bricks or stone for added structure and visual interest. Then, spread a layer of pea gravel to a depth of around 2 to 3 inches. Use a rake to level the gravel and create a neat and uniform appearance. Pea gravel not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a touch of rustic charm to your shed’s surroundings!
We actually painted first, but wanted to keep the train of thought on the mud solution! To approach it best, G powerwashed the shed to remove any dirt and grime build up. We have this powerwasher and highly recommend it! He then used a paint spray gun to prime the shed with Kilz 2 All Purpose Primer (this one is BEYOND affordable and worked so well), followed by two coats of the color Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore in the High Build Flat Finish from the Regal Exterior line. It was the perfect creamy neutral as we wanted a bit of warmth over a traditional white shed.
As for the accent color, we were torn between matching our home’s exterior color or going with something we really loved. We went for what we love as they aren’t right next to each other and the contrast would have been too much to match. On top of that, of course – you should always go with what makes you happy! The color on the shutters and trim is Gray Mirage by Benjamin Moore in the High Build Low Lustre Finish from the Regal Exterior line and is the perfect subtle, muted green undertone of a greige.
Shop Tools Used
The After
A Comparison
Questions as you attempt your own shed revamp? Comment below or send me a message! Be sure to check in on socials and the blog for our next project – you can find the list here!