The Vertical Storage Shed: A Unique Space Saving Design

The Vertical storage shed is built with space saving in mind. If you've only got a small backyard or want some extra storage in your garage or balcony, then this type of shed could be just what you need.

Usually up to 6' tall, a vertical shed is often two to three feet wide and provides plenty of storage that doesn't take up a lot of floor space. These types of shed usually don't have any windows but still have a double or single door, allowing you to store your things easily. They fit snugly into any corner and offer great value for money, with prices from just a couple of hundred dollars.

Aside from storage space that doesn't waste floor space, there are a number of other advantages to a vertical storage shed:

Fast assembly

If you're buying a vertical storage unit in a kit, the materials used are typically plastic, vinyl or metal. You'll find them really quick to assemble and the panels just snap together.

If you really want a shed made from wood, you could have a vertical tool shed custom-made for you by a local carpenter. Or if you are good at DIY you can buy vertical shed plans or design and build your own shed. You can then use the style of wood you like and create a vertical storage cabinet to suit your garden.

Tool storage

Vertical garden sheds really come into their own when it comes to long-handled tool storage. They're tall and narrow, so perfect for keeping your rakes brooms, spades etc inside. Some have built in floor grids to hold tools upright neatly and you can add shelves in many designs to maximise your storage space along the walls.

If you only have a small garden, a vertical storage shed is a good choice for keeping things looking neat and tidy, with your tools away from potential thieves and weather damage.

Protect against high winds

Just one word of warning when it comes to vertical storage sheds - the wind. Due to the extra height of the shed and small area of the base, they're more likely to topple over! This could be particularly dangerous if you're putting your shed on a balcony, where high winds could knock it over and tools fall over the edge, putting pedestrians underneath at risk. To solve this potential problem anchor your shed to the wall it is standing against. If it is a pre-fabricated shed it will most likely come with a fixing pacl for this purpose. Also consider placing it in a location sheltered from the wind by placing it next to your home or garage.

Vertical storage sheds on the market: a quick review

• The Suncast GS1250B vertical tool shed is great if you're really limited for floor space. It gives you 20 cubic feet of storage but is only 31" wide. It comes with a floor ramp and foot lock for easy access and built in supports for shelves. Amazon are selling this shed at just $134.99.
• The Rubbermaid 3746 vertical storage shed gives you 52 cubic feet of space but is still small enough to put into the corner of your garden or inside your garage. You'll find there's enough room for patio furniture, a small lawnmower as well as your garden tools. It's very easy to put together, just a good bang with a rubber mallet and the sides slot together. It comes with a floor grid for tools up to 5 1/2 foot long, with grooves for extra shelves. It's an olive sandstone colour. Shop around on the internet and you'll be able to get it for a few hundred dollars.