How to Build Your Own Shed

I recently moved into a temporary living arrangement and needed to store a lot of boxes. I didn’t want to store my boxes at a storage facility because of the cost. And I didn’t want to construct a metal storage shed to take up residence at a house that wasn’t mine. So when I saw the Flower House Storage House I thought it was just what I was looking for.

I have been using it for about two months now and it is perfect. It holds a lot. I mean a lot. I am storing 25 medium sized boxes, a TV, several trash bags full of items, some other loose items like brooms, fans, etc., and I still have room to walk inside. I set it up on an outside patio which is covered across the top, but rain still gets to it. I am happy to say that it has withstood southern California rain and wind. Now the storage house did get wet, and I could see the wetness on the outside of it. But the items inside stayed dry.

The setup was simple and made sense even if there has been no instructions. The bottom is made out of pretty tough material, and the rest of the shed is made out of a lighter weight but still sturdy material. It is a nice looking storage house, and I like the fact that when I no longer have use for it, I can fold it down and store it away in a canvas like drawstring bag that came with it. So I will have a portable storage unit that I can use again if need be. Not bad for $149.00.

Pros: Easy to assemble, sturdy, holds a lot, portable, reasonably priced
Cons: Nothing

***UPDATE***
Okay, we just had a week straight of torrential rains in southern California. There was literally a small river flowing around the front of my Flower House storage house. We haven’t had a rain like that in quite a while. And I honestly did not expect my items to be dry. Let me tell you, after the seventh day of rain I went outside and unzipped it and looked inside. All of my boxes were absolutely dry. I am extremely impressed. I feel I have gotten more than my money’s worth. This was a good purchase.

We bought this to store bicycles in because we live in a rainy climate. We didn’t really have room for one of those bulky metal sheds, and this cost less. In case anyone has the same idea, this easily fits 2 size bicycles, 3 children’s bikes, and 2-4 kick scooters. It also sets up quite easily.

Although the instructions to putting this unit up was a little vague, managed to get the store house up in less than an hour. It is amazing how much the unit will hold. The items are dust and insect free. Love this unit and would recommend it to anyone looking for another option to renting a storage unit.

FlowerHouse SHSM655 Spacious Stand-Alone Design Storage House L 78″H x 60″W x 60″D Exceeded expectations, lot of room for all my camping equipment and professional catering equipment. Considering buying another to convert into outdoor shower and bathroom for camping trips.

I originally purchased this at Wal-Mart in 2009, so this is my review from there, written in May 2010. I added pics to that review, so I’ll upload them here as well.

But first, a quick update: I am *just now* noticing, after almost 2yrs of using it, that there is some stretching & straining of the fabric that will eventually turn to tearing – right along the bottom right next to the zipper.

Now my review from WM:

First off – I live in Seattle & we had a mild winter this year (2010 was also mild, not much snow), so I cannot rate this product for winter use/sustainability. But it does rain all-the-time in Seattle and we can get some pretty high winds with some major gusts – and the shed held up beautifully in the 10 months or so that I have had it (purchased fall 2009).

It *does* take on a bit of water – although I am not sure from where – but to be honest, considering where I live and how much it rains, the small amount of water on the floor was not a problem for me. At first, I just mopped it up, but after a few times of that, I just decided to poke a hole in the floor at the lowest point so the water could drain – this has worked out well.

Also, when I put it up, I noticed a tear near the front vent – instead of struggling with taking it back down and shipping it back for a replacement, I just put a piece of tarp over that vent (see pic).

The only critters I noticed that gained access to the shed over the winter months were a few spiders – and while it took on a bit of water, that water pooled on the floor at the lowest point and drained – so my lawn mower, etc was not damaged and was well protected from the elements.

It was a bit difficult for me to put up – but only because it was awkward – 2 people should have no problem whatsoever.

As I said, we get some high winds here – and all I really needed were the tent stakes – 8 of them, I believe – to keep it in place this past year.

I have 2 sheds – this one, which is fully enclosed, and a different type with no floor – while the other has metal pieces for its “skeleton” instead of fiberglass poles, this one is by far the better of the 2 as it really keeps things protected from the elements – and it is a great shed for the money – it is not permanent, so dont expect it to be, but it is $150, has a floor, is somewhat waterproof, and isnt a huge metal or wood structure that requires a foundation, which is perfect since I am renting my house, I dont own it.

I would recommend this product – I gave it 4 stars because of the initial damage and the fact that it takes on a bit of water.

This little shed met my needs perfectly. My only suggestion is that a stronger vinyl should be used. A couple of weeks after I received it…we had a bad storm and a rotten tree limb went thru the roof and tore a 2 foot 3 corner tear. I mended with duck tape and is holding so far. I wrote to the dealer for a better mend suggestion, but the dealer never responded. I still love my little shed!

The quality seems OK at first glance, but I had some problems pop up. The floor mysteriously leaks. Also, I found the stake loops used to hold the tent down can rip off if you pull it to tight. Unfortunately, I am not aware of another storage tent that is fully enclosed. Thus, I decided to order another and repair the previous one.

My advise is to be very gentle and to be ready to make repairs if needed. Also, assembly is quite a chore, and requires two people.

But on the other hand, I’m glad these tents are available because the alternative is drowning in a sea of useless junk!

Ordered this in the Summer to store a bicycle and some odds and ends.
It is perfect for the purpose!
I did make somewhat of a sub-floor by putting down some treated lumber
I had left from building a fence and put a tarp over that before putting
the storage unit on it.
We have since had some pretty hefty storms (one with winds over 50 mph)
and the shed/tent held up perfectly (I should mention that this is Florida
and we know to REALLY tie things down because of frequent storms. I made
sure to put the stakes into the ground at an angle with the bottom 2/3
actually ending up under the sub-floor).
Getting ready to order another one for the lawnmower, etc.
I did deduct one star because the unit is a hassle to set up.
Those folks who said they had it up in half an hour must be body builders.
Ended up asking a neighbor with major muscles to help get the ribs
into place. Neither I nor my handyman nor combined effort could get
that done.