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A storage facility is a light structure (generally made of wood) in a back garden used for storage of tools, vehicles, or useful items and is very often used to pursue hobbies like gardening and light engineering. Storage facilities are available in a variety of designs and materials in the market.

Types of Storage facilities Based on Material. The materials used for storage facilities are wood, plywood, vinyl, metal, steel and Rubbermaid. The materials have various advantages and disadvantages. Wood is the preferred material as it gives an aesthetic appeal. However wood needs to be treated for ultraviolet protection every year and sometimes treatment is also given for protection against pests and borers. Cedar wood is preferred material. Particle wood and plywood are very popular for storage facility sidings. However they are least resistant to water as they get out of shape after repeated wetting and drying. Hence plywood should be avoided in places where it rains frequently.

Vinyl has the advantage of being maintenance at no cost. However vinyl is lower on the visual attractiveness scale. Metal sidings include aluminum, which is light and when anodized gives a good look and lasts a long time. Steel sidings, though cheap, should be avoided as they rust easily. Metal sidings have the least appealing look. Vinyl coated steel has a long life and gives good strength. Rubbermaid and poly vinyl chloride sidings are maintenance at no cost ,requiring no painting, no rust treatment and no rot or pest treatment. One thing that should be looked into while selecting siding material is that the siding material should match with the main building siding material. A different siding material may give a contrasting look to the storage facility.

Do It Yourself Kits Vs Professional Installation. Storage facilities can be professionally installed as well as self assembled. Usually for easy assembly, the parts are numbered in self-assembly type storage facility kits. Also assembly instructions are provided with storage-facility kits. Self-assembly may save cash and can be a satisfying though difficult experience.

Sizes & Accessories. The usual sizes of storage facilities are, 12’ X 24’, 12’ X 30’, 12’ X 10’, 10’ X 14’, 10’ X 8’, 8’ X 6’ etc. It is better to opt for a double door. For those who want to keep light engineering machines, a good foundation is necessary. Other accessories that come with storage facilities are windows, shutters, weathervanes etc. Hooks and shelves increase the capacity of the storage facility by utilizing vertical space. The windows should be so designed that they match with the main building.

Building Codes and Laws. In various states there are laws on facilities like zoning ordinance, building codes, deed restrictions, building permits, siding materials etc. It is prudent to go through these before installing a storage facility.

Storage facilities are available in various shapes, colors, patterns and sizes. They can be customized to suit an individual’s taste. Smaller facilities are called tool facilities. Larger facilities called barns are used to house vehicles, boats and other large items. The prices range from $300 to $4000 depending upon size, material and accessories in the storage facility.