How to Change Large Shed Plans to Include A Shed Garage Door

You can install a shed garage door on your storage shed even if your large shed plans do not show it on the drawings. Even if you have an existing large shed you can modify the shed wall to install the new door. Larger sheds usually hold larger equipment; this is probably why you want to add a shed garage door. Being able to move bigger things in and out of the shed like motorcycles or lawn mowers is one of the great reasons to have a larger door on your shed. If you have a small shed with long walls and want to have better access you may be able to install bigger doors and make it easier to get in and out of the shed. The space requirements for an overhead panel door are about a foot on each side of the door and a foot above the door as well as space for the door to sit when it is in the open position. The following is a brief primer of shed garage door options, what is involved when sizing and installing the header beam and how to install the door.

Shed Door Options

The most common door being used as a shed garage door is the overhead panel door. It is made up of 4 rigid panels that are connected to each other by long hinges. The door rolls on tracks up out of the way. It is stored in the open position laying horizontal just under the shed ceiling. Panel doors can be bought as a insulated or non insulated. The second option is a roll up door that rolls up into a coil. It is much more flexible. They are made out of plastic or metal. They also roll up on tracks on either side of the door but the coil is stored directly above the door which allows easier hanging storage in the shed.

Installing the Header Beam

When an opening is created in a shed wall there needs to be a beam installed to hold the roof up over the opening. The bigger the opening the bigger the beam needs to be. Since most shed garage doors are six feet or wider the beams tend to be big enough to warrant using a beam sizing chart or calling the engineer who knows about beams to verify that it will hold the roof structure. The manufactures of beams have a special engineering department that provides free beam sizing information to customers. Contact them directly or through your local lumber salesman. You may need to send them a PDF of your large shed plans. To make sure they understand the exact application you will be using the beam for. Once you get the proper size of beam you can then purchase the beam.

How to Install the Door

This is really some tips on installing the door. You will most likely have the company you purchase the door from install it. The framed opening for roll up panel type doors is typically exactly the same size as the door. The rails on either side of the door attach to the boards holding up the beam. Because the opening is the same size as the door there is going to be a gap around the door. This gap is covered by trimming the door opening using 2x6 boards as a trim piece. This makes the opening 1 ½" smaller in the vertical direction and 3 inches smaller horizontally. It will give the door a nice finished look.

Using these tips you will be well on your way to update your large shed plans to accommodate the shed garage door. If you have designs for a 12x16 shed plan or similar large shed you can use these tips to add the ultimate in large shed accessories, the shed garage door.

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A Guide to Garage Organization Systems

The main purpose of garages is to be able to park your cars. However, most people have this area full of items such as tools, toys and other miscellaneous items. If this is the case in your household, it is probably time to look into some garage organization systems.

In order to start organizing, you need to have a starting spot. The easiest way to do this is to ask yourself what is working, what is not working and why you are in this position. If your tools are put away in a big tool chest, then that is something that's working. Next, ask yourself what is not working. That answer should be obvious; that your garage has turned into a storage area. And then ask yourself why you are stuck in this position. That answer should be rather easy as well. The reason that you feel stuck is because you have no idea where to start and you feel a little overwhelmed.

To begin tackling the cleaning out process, you need to remember six words: sort, toss, assign, contain, keep it up and simplify. You have to remember to do each step one at a time and do it in order.

Step number one is to sort. You can sort items such as automotive stuff, cleaning supplies and children's toys. You should also have garage organization systems readily available for the sorting process. One box or shelf should be for donations to places such as the Salvation Army, another can be for trash and another for items that belong somewhere else in the house.

Most people do not like to throw away items because they feel that they may need it somewhere down the road. When you come across an item and you're not sure what to do with it, ask yourself if you really need it. Chances are you will never use the item again so you can either donate it or just toss it out. You also want to throw away anything you haven't used in the past six months to a year. Don't forget to include anything that is broken.

The assigning step is where you figure out where your items will go. This step is pretty easy as you can designate areas and add garage organization systems to those areas to store your automotive items, gardening equipment and sports equipment.

The containing process assists you in creating a functional space. Garage organization systems also have containers that you can use such as big bins, shelves, metal bands, pegboard and pegboard accessories and overhead suspension systems. Label everything. Also, once a year do a quick cleanup of the garage.

Simplifying has you making choices about what will stay and what will not stay. Simply ask yourself do you need this item, will you ever use the item again and do you have room for it. If the answer is no then toss it.

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