My heart is happy and full because I have relief to share with you all today. Friends, my garden shed has been a headache for years and it is finally had a makeover to make it new again. HOORAY!! I’m eager to share with you my garden shed remodel. Be prepared for a fun journey!
Many of you have been around long enough to know that I reworked my garden shed two summers ago with intent to finish it up last summer. However, that didn’t happen because of our neighbor fiasco. So…here we are finally at the time where we can do what is necessary to fix our little shed shack.
There were definitely bumps in the road that kept us from finishing on our desired timeline (like 6 weeks of repairing our family vehicle). But, we are finally able to call it complete. I’ve created a video tour of our journey below, and also share our story here.
THE BEGINNING
When we purchased our home 16 years ago, we learned the story of the shed being one of the coolest places to hang out in the neighborhood. Apparently it was not only used for garden tools, but also a playhouse. It has lights, outlets for garden tools, and even TV hookup. I’d say that’s pretty cool, wouldn’t you? Over the years, we’ve used it as the same (without TV though), and enjoy the whimsy it adds to our backyard environment.
Though, once it started to fall into disrepair, my kids saw fit to make the situation worse by creating messes that sent me into tears. I even bought a lock to keep them out. Yes, really! This “before” picture is from two years ago and is nowhere near how bad it was before we started.
Add into the mix 7 bicycles, wheelbarrow, more tools, and more rotting holes in the floor to the already existing ones. Plus, our soffit and facia had rotted out in the back due to a roof leak. The fact that we couldn’t get to it before winter last year just made the situation worse.
In the fall our daughter broke one of the windows, and both windows needed replaced. Also, the back wall was in need of repair as well.
REPAIR TIME
First, we began by repairing the roof. We originally wanted to take the entire thing off and create a gabled line, but that wasn’t logical. Financially, it would take the cost of repairs to the point of making sense to just buy new. So, we added new to the existing and are good to go.
Then, we rip out the floor, which we found is a floating floor. Our backyard is located over oodles of natural springs so we are always walking in a swamping situation in the spring. Plus, it didn’t help that our neighbor put in a swail that directs water onto our property as well.
Just as soon as we ripped out our shed floor, my truck brakes went out with break lines busted causing us to put this project on a 6 week hold. We only can work on projects like this on weekends, so it takes oodles of time. Finally, we were able to put down a moisture barrier and rebuild the floor.
Plus, we also had to jack up the walls as the roof was sagging causing the water to not run off properly. Who knew our floor jack would get so much use, eh? So not funny.
Now the floors are in and we are able to replace the rotted windows. Yay!
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure).
Plus, I filled an entire shop vacuum with hundreds of nuts and poo I cleaned out of the ceiling from chipmunks. It took me over an hour!
NEXT STEPS
Next, we were able to get the supplies to give our shed the much-needed storage adjustments and repairs to the rotted soffit and facia. Lemme just say that shopping after a full day’s work while also doing extensive math is not my favorite thing. So thankful that we didn’t run into any snags along the way. whew!
TOOLS & SUPPLIES:
- HomeRight Super Finish Max Extra
- stapler
- multi-purpose tool
- cordless drill
- jig saw
- circular saw
- Thomspon’s WaterSeal
- cedar shake siding
- thin recessed lights
My goal was to create a design that leaves the floor open and utilizes as much wall space as possible. With that in mind, I built a ball storage bin and also a bench for other athletic supplies.
Meanwhile, JC and kids helped install the floating shelves. We have the best helpers around here.
I’m thankful JC was able to take a few days off work to help me get the framework done. I even worked about 12 hours on my birthday so we could get this thing DONE.
Bonus is I’m reusing anything I can to make this a great use of resources. My little man is helping me bust up these shelves to build into floating shelves.
READY FOR PAINT
Here is our garden shed remodel in the rough layout ready for the next step…paint. Notice I also built boxes to house the recessed lighting. We are replacing the fluorescent lights that were broken. This will make things soooo much better.
As you can imagine, I didn’t want to spend another week painting this thing by hand, so my HomeRight Super Finish Max Extra came to the rescue. Seriously, folks, this thing rocks! You can see how I used it many time on furniture, but also to stain our new privacy fence, our backyard furniture, and even our DIY garden arbor (free plans HERE).
I filled it with a white paint that would brighten up this once gloomy place. You can see it in action in my video below.
The first coat is on! Now, I head to the exterior to wait until the coat cures and apply a second coat as well as paint the floor.
THE EXTERIOR
It’s now time for the exterior to get much needed love. You can see the colors our home has been. First, red. Then, green. Then, blue/gray. And currently green again.
This time around, however, I’m getting the cedar shake garden shed remodel I’ve always wanted. tee hee!
Siding with cedar shakes is simple, just time consuming and labor intensive to go around windows and doors. I’m totally game for it though as it will tighten up our garden shed as well as add value.
Then, once the shakes (and new vinyl soffit are up), I add a protective coat with my sprayer. This coat will add longevity to the wood, but won’t prevent that gorgeous patina I look forward to with cedar.
Then, I also wanted to change the door color to suit the cedar. This beautiful blue called Superstition was perfect for now until we side our house. (that is is we don’t sell first and get out of the city)
THE REVEAL
After much work and DIY spirit, we can now say that our garden shed remodel is complete. DONE, DONE, DONE.
Dare I say I did a happy dance? You know it!
I still have my changing table potting bench and my reclaimed coat rack to enjoy. Plus, my cheap glider swing got a new coat of paint and cushions. I was able to purchase those with coupons and discounts to get them for free. Also, see what I did with the potting rack HERE.
THE INSIDE
Are you ready to see the inside? Take a peek!
We are so delighted with the space and use of storage. It makes my sanity restored and ready to tackle the jobs in my yard.
Plus, I even having my lighting and outlets back. eep!
WRAP-UP
As you can imagine, we are relived to have this project behind us. The eyesore is gone and function is back. We hope we’ve inspired you to take the initiative to work on your own home projects.
Time for me to take a sip of lemonade, give huge hugs to my awesome family for helping us get it all done. In my daughter’s words…this is like a tiny cottage!
Also, do pin and share our garden shed remodel to inspire others. There is hope behind the worn out and broken.
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More DIY projects like our garden shed:
Larissa you have brought this sweet shed back to life, how gorgeous does it look, wow, fabulous job.x
Thank you! We are so happy to have it done and back functioning.
Your shed looks fabulous! Fresh, clean and cozy! This makes me want to remodel something to my shed. Maybe I’ll start with painting the shutters to match our house colors….with a paint sprayer 😉 Thanks for the inspiration and the opportunity to win this giveaway!
Thank you so much, Ginny. I have to stare at it each time I sit down to eat and this is a much better view! 😀 Sounds like you have some fun planned.
Your shed looks wonderful. What a transformation. And very inspiring. I have a shed that I cleaned out last week and thought, boy this needs some work. It is unfinished inside and the outside needs some love with paint. This sprayer would be so helpful as I do all my painting with a brush. Thanks so much for the give-away and the inspiration.
Thank you, Susie. Finally done! 😀 The sprayer will definitely be put to good use.
What a great revitalization! I love seeing things brought back to life instead of being simply replaced; hats off to you and your crew for a lovely job!
You got it! 😀 Thank you, Amanda. This was quite the job, but worth it to have it back.
Love the remake on the shed. It’s beautiful! I have a sewing table and bookcase I’d love to paint with the sprayer. It would save me so much time.
I’m so stoked to have it done and safe again. Thanks so much, Susan. The sprayer would be wonderful on the bookcase for sure. (those are one of my least favorite things to paint) 😛
Wow, Larissa, what an amazing job! Kudos to the family for making this shed an attractive, organized dream! 🙂
Thank you, Claudine. It truly was much work, but glad we did it.
Love the design! Would be perfect for a She Shed too!
Thanks! We call it a We Shed (more our style) 😀
You have knocked it out of the park with this project! Painting the inside makes such a difference. It really does look like a cozy cottage! The HomeRight Sprayer is wonderful for these projects. ?
Yay! We are delighted to have it back and even better than it ever was. Thanks, Dale.
Adorable and the organization on the inside made my heart go pittypat! If and when you list your house this will certainly be a selling point. Until then your family will definitely enjoy it.
Right? I’m an organizing nut! 😀 That was our thoughts as it was a mess otherwise if we wanted to sell. That’s why we wanted it done last year. At least we’re done, right? tee hee.
I love your garden shed remodel! Gives me so much inspiration for when I have my own! The first things I would do with my sprayer is refinish my current bed frame. It’s showing some wear and needs an update.
That’s the spirit, Cassandra! Thank you so much.
Larissa I have never seen such a beautiful shed before. The inside has left me speechless and jealous. Now I also want to redo my garage to look so organized. Enjoy your summer with your practical and pretty shed.
aww…you are so sweet, Mary. Thank you. We sure will since my sanity is restored. Woot!
Wow, what a difference! Your daughter’s right, it does look like a cute little cottage. That’s one sweet garden shed and a great size too. I don’t see the bikes, are you storing them elsewhere?
Right? Soooo much better and sanity restored. Thanks, Marie. Since we had to take down our bike shed for our fence, we are storing them in a makeshift setup. That project is next or MOVE. 😀
Wow! You have again inspired me, this time to clean our garage. It’s been full of our “leftovers” that we haven’t used, didn’t know what to do with, my “projects” garfen tools shoved into one corner and various “things” I just couldn’t face diving into after our move (18 months ago!) I DID clear out enough space to park my car and my husband’s truck, but you know this has got to be done when you know you’ve pulled in enough because you see the pile jiggle!
What a great makeover! Our property has an old metal shedthat can be organized and brought back to life, with some love and color and a few shelves.
Not having kids, it’s times like these that have me missing my “Team” of 6 brothers and sisters to get projects done, with a bit of fun.
Hope you are well and enjoying summer and ALL the fruits of your labor,
You go girl! Sounds like you’re well on your way to some purging fun. You gave me a giggle! I am so excited to have time back with my family. Thank you so much.
You have inspired me to tackle my own garden shed. It is structurally sound but could use some paint and reorganization. Thanks Larissa!
That makes my whole day, Jennie! Thank you so much for the smile.
Oh Larissa, YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN!! What a fabulous job, Ma’am! I’m so impressed.
Aww…thanks!! I just don’t know what to do with my clean space. tee hee!
Looks so good!!!! I love the door color!
I would use the sprayer to finish a buffet in my dining room that has been on my list for far too long!
How fun to hear, Audra. Thank you!! That sounds like a sweet project.
Yay! barely begins to express how you must feel about this project ? well done everyone
Right?? haha… thank you for the awesome love, Mary. We are so excited!
Oh Larissa!!! It’s wonderful!!! I’m so sorry about the neighbor problems. We had a similar issue years ago and it ruined my love for our home….. But, God always shows us the way and we ended up in the country in our dream home!! Just keep your heart strong and know you’re creating a dream home for someone else. I’m sooo thankful my husband is happy here as he fights the toughest battle of all. God has a plan!!! Just trust it. ❤️
Thanks!! Our family has lost that same love, unfortunately. We are thankful for God’s blessings here, but are looking to His plan for the next steps. Praying for you and your husband. He’s got you!!
Terrific project. I really like the blue door. My first project will be to spray my interior doors. I am so tired of the white doors and want to change to griege, Revere Pewter.
Thank you, Pam. That sounds like a beautiful color.
Larissa, your sweet shed turned out so awesome and I love how you have it organized. Great job! That project inspires me!
Hooray for sanity savers! 😀 haha! I’m so glad to have this eyesore gone and back to functioning again. Thanks!
very nice!!!
Thank you, Brenda. 😀
Beautiful!
It is just like a tiny cottage.
I’m ready to move in, how much is the rent?
Blessings and happy gardening to you!
Minnie
I love the floating shelves!
Thanks! They make it so much easier to clean.
It’s so pretty! I love the cedar shakes.
Thank you, Toni. They are my fave!
Looks much better! I love these kind of projects. Quite rewarding. My family and I are looking to move into a more private area as well. Trying to be content with where the Lord has us now, though.
No longer a huge eye sore for me to stare at while I’m eating. hahaha. Thanks! Yes, we are trying to see the positives until God sees fit to place us elsewhere – a great way to be.
You guys are awesome! The shed looks totally different! I love the floating shelves and the outside looks so good! I would tackle making a mud room station with bench seat out of an old dresser.
Thanks for the love, Amber. I’m so glad the shed makes sense now. You have a sweet spot with a mudroom. Fun!
What a beautiful project! You could rent that out for big bucks here in Southern California! A Homeright sprayer would be great for restaining my fence too! Great job!!
haha! My daughter wants it as her own cottage. 😀 Totally fun for me. The sprayer will save you oodles in time and energy.
I love classic cedar shake exteriors, which might get pricey on a home. So, the shed is a great place to incorporate it. Love this little gem. I do have a cedar fence that I stained when we moved I in. It needed it so bad and is much improved now. A sprayer would have made quick work of that and may be in my plans for next time.
They sure can! Yikes! My parents had a 6K sq ft home with cedar roof. It was gorgeous. I couldn’t wait to add some here. The sprayer will be a heaven-sent for you!
Lots of hard work and good memories in this project! Beautiful job…..enjoy!
You got it! 😀 Thank you, Gail.
It’s so pretty ! I would make it my little getaway .
Thanks! Gardening is my getaway, so it works for that too. 😀
Larissa, aren’t you just dumbfounded at what organization can do?? There have been times when I think there is so much “stuff” I will never get it to fit and voila, a little directed repositioning and it’s done with room to spare! You should know by now you are full of miracles and patience is a true virtue.
Yes!! I’m an organizing freak. I used to clean my sister’s room for her because she drove me nuts! haha. Thank you for the loving words, Mary.
Your shed is simply stunning!! I would use the homeright sprayer for my she shed project I’ve been wanting to tackle so badly!!!
Thanks ya, Lisa! 😀 I sure had fun with it. You will rock the sprayer for sure!
Love, Love Love!! The shed is great and I never would have considered white paint, but it sure opens it up and brightens it. And I absolutely love the cedar shakes on the outside. Perhaps one day it could become your own personal “she-shed” cottage! Cute as a bug.
Yay!! DIY sure makes you appreciate it more and hopefully we can enjoy it to the full as long as we’re here. Cedar is one of my favorite sidings and I was stoked we could add it this way. Thank you, Judy.
Looks absolutely amazing!
Wahoo!! Thank you, Lorene. 😀
I love it!! the cedar shakes really make it look great!
Totally was my wish to have it in shakes, and I am glad we went for it! happy dancing mama over heeyah!
I love your shed! We recently had major water damage in our home and lost a lot of furniture. I would use the sprayer to repaint furniture as we get it for replacement!
Thank you, Carol. Oh no! I hope you are able to find replacements and make it fun too. Hugs!!
Your shed looks Awesome
Thank you, Nancy. happy dance!
The makeover is awesome! We have 2 garden sheds my husband built but I lacked ideas for how to create shelves in them or how to hang tools without just using screws or nails that didn’t work well or create organization. And now I see how much painting the inside would help too – so light and EZ to see everything when the walls are painted a light color! I don’t have a sprayer and realize now that would really make the job doable and much easier 🙂 And I thought your shed exterior was really cute beforehand but the shakes just put it over the top awesome! Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing and inspiring once again!
You sound like us. We used the space so much, but finally needed to give it the love it deserved. You will LOVE the sprayer! 😀 We had to cover the siding due to all the damage to tighten it up and keep the weather out. Thank you so much, Mary.
I love your tiny cottage! And painting the inside really finished it off! You and your family did a great job!
yeehaw!! I’m so tickled to be able to share it with you. Thank you, Lisa.
Love this! I don’t have a run down shed, but now I wish I did! ?
hahahaha! You crack me up! thank you.
Shed looks great… so much work! But you always tackle hard things with amazing skills. How would I use a sprayer? Oh my… we’ve got a garage that needs painted… and a house. Need I say more? 🙂
You are so right…haha! I am often told this job or that job will be hard. It’s all I know. 😉 Thank you, Joyce.
You have inspired me to take on the ‘toy shed’. Our daughter and family live next door and have taken over one of our sheds for outside toys. What a mess! You have given me some great ideas and I can put the 3 grandkids to work on it, too.
That’s what I like to hear, Michele!! I hope you all have fun with it.
Thanks for the inspiration. I have been working on cleaning out my shed. Hoping for a week with no rain to get all the unnecessary stuff out. Love the idea of painting the inside white. It definitely brightened things up. I’ll keep that in mind when get to that point.
You’re most welcome. Sounds like we just went through that too. I am excited for you!
It looks fabulous! I would use the sprayer to paint the front door and shutters!
Thank you. Sounds good!
This looks fantastic! I’m so inspired. I hope to build a little shed when I finish building my cottage, and I’ll definitely be referring back to this post. You have so many great ideas. Thank you so much for sharing!
Congrats on the new build! I’m sure you will love a shed as much as we do. Our pleasure to share!
This is amazing! I’m speechless! I love how it’s a whole family project. We do that, too 🙂
It’s the best way to be…with family. Thank you so much, Jane.
Awesome makeover!
Thanks so much, Sherry. We still can’t believe it’s done.
I am in love. Omgawsh ♥️. How I picture this is my fantasy life, is a sweet little bakery where people stop by for coffee and fresh baked bread or pastry. before work in the morning
aww…wouldn’t that be fun?!? Love your vision, Amy.
OMG. Your garden / ‘She’ shed is Amazing.
Once again; a clever idea on using the cedar shakes. Love It.
Your whole family done a wonderful job in the make-over. It should last you many more years to come.
Great job done by all.
By the way; could really use the sprayer as it sure will come in handy as our fence sure could use it and a sprayer would be very handy in order to get the job done.
Thank U 4 this wonderful giveaway opportunity
That sounds perfect! 😀
We are so stoked to be done, Colleen. Thank you for joining us in our DIY fun.
Oh my, this is STUNNING as always!! You’re giving me great ideas for garage organization, too!
That’s what I love to hear! 😀 Thank you for the smile, Becky.
Love your little shed..so nice to have such organization!! I would love to win the paint sprayer to paint my wicker dresser and some patio furniture that has definitely seen better days!! Please keep inspiring us!!!
Yes! I’m definitely restless with mess like we had, so this is a huge improvement for us all. Safe and much more functional. Thank you!
Excellent job! It does look like a little cottage, and the organization inside is just lovely!
It would be so fun as cottage. tee hee! Thank you for the love, Shelley.
It is beautiful! I like that you fixed it and did not tear down and start new. Thank you for saving it!
Thanks! Yes, that’s pretty much our mantra…make do or do without. 😀
Once again-fantastic job!!! Love the organization and appearance of your shed. Might have to become she she’d (haha). Enjoy hearing how your family helps with some of your projects, not enough of that in today’s world.
Thank you so much. haha! I love the term we shed. I love being with family. They are the best!
Gorgeous ?
Thank you so much, Jo!
Great family project!
Absolutely! This was so much work made easy with many hands.
Wow!! Just wow. I love how light and organized it is inside? Are you keeping the lock on the door? LOL! The cedar shakes are beautiful too. I’m happy for you!
bwahahaha!! I have in on hold for now, but I am being an insane crazy garden lady about what goes in and what goes. out. My husband was the first to just drop stuff on the floor…grrrr….
I love the cedar shake siding! It adds so much rustic charm. I have an Amish built shed that I love. I’ve been planning on painting the interior to brighten it up,. Great job as always Larissa. I admire how you include your littles in projects. It’s so important for them to learn the value and reward of DIY and the skills they acquire are invaluable.
You and me both! 😀 We have Amish here and they helped build my childhood home, so you have a jewel. Enjoy!
I love it! I would give anything to have a shed like that only it would be my “she-shed”. I would have to have power to it though. It is a really adorable remake! I really love the color of the door!
Sweet! That would be fun. We do have power and lights and TV…haha!
WOW!!!!What a great shed. Love the blue door. I am sure a load is off your Mind as well as shoulders. Think of all the fun you can have now summer’s here. Great job
You nailed it, Charleen. Such a relief! Thank you.
Your hard work has paid off in making your “shed” a fun, happy place for all who see it. Great job! We have been away from home for over three months and are returning next week to one of the hottest COVID spots in the nation. I need to create a mask station by the door and it is going to require some repurposing and that will involve paint. That is where I will begin spraying..
Thank you, Sonja. I’m happy to hear you can finally head home. Enjoy!
Your shed looks great! Thanks for the opportunity to win a sprayer, I could make good use of that!
You are most welcome, Susan
I wish this shed was in my backyard! Great job!
I say every gal needs a garden shed…tee hee! Thank you, Janet.
A-MAZ-ING!!! It really does look like a little cottage. I love the cedar. Congratulations on finishing this job. You’ve done it again!
Sweet! My dad says I could rent it out…haha. Thank you for the love, Kim.
Absolutely 100 percent plus improved. I love the front out side decor and the cedar shakes! It does have a cottage look about it.
Thank you, Debbie. We just love it.
Looks great! Wish I had room like that for my garden tools.
Thanks! It makes all the difference in the world.
Your “new” shed is adorable! What fantastic storage on the inside! Don’t you hate what a gang of kids can do in a space without good storage systems?!? My goodness… it becomes a disaster SO FAST. Your new system should be a breeze to maintain!
I almost can’t wait for the son my husband “gave” our shed to, to move out so it’s mine again… except for the “moving out” part, haha! I think I need to show my husband your pictures and suggest we add some storage to our tool lean-to. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration!
Thanks! And my husband has already just laid stuff on the floor. ACK!! I’m going to be a crazy nut after people until they get it in their head. Gotta stay sane! 😀