Live Customer Service
1-888-293-2339
Live Chat
Celebrating 25 years online 1999-2024
OUTDOOR LIVING
OUTDOOR LIVING
Outdoor Seating
Porch Swings
Garden Benches
Patio Chairs
Adirondack Chairs
Rocking Chairs
Porch Gliders
Chaise Lounges
Deep Seating
Seating Collections
Face-To-Face Swings
Shop All »
Outdoor Dining
Patio/Picnic Tables
Dining Sets
Bistro Sets
Bar Sets & Carts
Shop All »
Patio Accessories
Coffee & Accent Tables
Outdoor Covers
Ottomans & Footstools
Patio Umbrellas
Cushions & Pillows
Indoor & Outdoor Rugs
Shop All »
Outdoor Entertaining
Ceiling Fans
Deck & Patio Accents
Croquet Sets & Lawn Games
Fire Pits & Tables
Grills
Outdoor Play
Planters
Shop All »
Featured Product
Red Cedar Royal Highback Porch Swing »
Featured Product
Red Cedar Picnic Table w/ Attached Benches »
GARDEN STRUCTURES
GARDEN STRUCTURES
Structures
Gazebos
Pergolas
Ramadas
Cabanas
Pavilions
Sunrooms
Pool Houses
Greenhouses
Carport/Patio Covers
Storage Sheds
Playsets
Playhouses
Animal Shelters
Amphitheaters & Band Shells
Awnings
Bridges
Garden Bridges
Pedestrian Trail Bridges
Miniature Garden Bridges
Heavy Duty Bridges
Featured Product
Treated Pine Ramadas »
YARD & GARDEN
YARD & GARDEN
Garden Decor
Garden Bridges
Garden Benches
Arbors & Trellises
Birdhouses & Feeders
Lighthouses
Garden Accents
Bird Baths
Fountains
Weathervanes
Cupolas
Walkways
Wishing Wells
Windmills
Windspinners
Shop All »
Lawn & Garden
Mailboxes
Potting Benches
Fencing & Gates
Privacy Panels
Composting
Croquet Sets & Yard Games
Grills
Firewood Racks
Waste Receptacles
Animal Shelters
Pets and Animals
Shop All »
Deck & Patio
Patio Umbrellas
Planters
Cushions & Pillows
Indoor & Outdoor Rugs
Post Caps
Outdoor Covers
Bar Sets & Carts
Shop All »
Heating & Lighting
Outdoor Lamps & Lighting
Ceiling Fans
Fire Pits & Tables
Shop All »
Featured Product
Red Cedar Rochester Arbor »
Featured Product
Aluminum 53" Rectangular Fire Table »
INDOOR LIVING
INDOOR LIVING
Furniture
Dining Tables
Chairs & Benches
Dining Sets
Accent Tables
Rockers & Gliders
Ottomans & Footstools
Shop All »
Kitchen & Dining
Kitchen Islands & Carts
Bistro Sets
Kitchen & Bar Stools
Chair Pads & Cushions
Ceiling Fans
Indoor & Outdoor Rugs
Shop All »
Indoor Storage
Hope Chests & Trunks
Silverware Boxes
Quilt Racks & Hampers
Jewelry Boxes
Toy Chests
Shop All »
Featured Product
Rose Garden Cherry Chest »
KID'S CORNER
KID'S CORNER
Furniture
Rocking Chairs
Toy Chests
Chairs and Tables
Picnic Tables
Outdoor Swings
Shop All »
Playtime & Toys
Rocking Horses
Scooters & Tri-Cycles
Wagons & Trailers
Croquet Sets & Lawn Games
Playhouses & Playsets
Doll Furniture
Toys/Games
Shop All »
Featured Product
Everest Vinyl Swing & Slide Playset »
NEW & FEATURED
NEW & FEATURED
New
Outdoor Living
Garden Structures
Indoor Living
Yard & Garden
Kid's Corner
Shop All New Products »
Featured
Clearance Items
Quick Ship Products
Products with Personalization
Wheelchair Accessible
Featured Product
6 Player Croquet Set »
Start Here
Sheds by Size
Sheds by Siding
Sheds by Style
Special Services
Installation
FYI
History of Sheds
Shed Uses
Design Ideas
Important Information
Materials
Structural Details
Shipping Information
Site Preparation
Shed Assembly
Payment Options
Shed Maintenance
Related Products
Garden Bridges
Pedestrian Bridges
Arbors & Trellises
Pergolas
Gazebos
Cabanas
Gazebo Fans
Pavilions
Sunrooms
Shed Assembly
Design Professionals
Inquiry Form
Custom or Special
Orders Click Here
History of the Shed
Sheds have been used in one form or another by almost every society throughout history. From the ancient Romans to the Founding Fathers of the USA, people have enjoyed the usefulness of these underrated structures for centuries. Over the years they have only increased in their agency and versatility.
Like many Old English words, the origin of the term “shed” is not entirely clear. Old English spellings include versions of
shedde
,
shadde
, and
shad
which are derived from an Old Teutonic word meaning “separation” or “division.” The Anglo-Saxons sometimes used the word
shud
meaning “cover.” There is also speculation that “shed” may be a form of the word “shade” which is certainly plausible.
A shed from the early 1900's
Much like the name, the purpose of sheds has changed some over time. They began as a place to store tools and equipment that were deemed too dirty or too large to bring inside a home (and this is still one of their most popular functions). Some sheds were used to store food like grain and barley, or to harbor farm animals in the absence of a stable or barn. Other sheds found themselves protecting plants in a similar fashion to modern greenhouses. In more recent history, people started using sheds to store supplies such as gasoline, pesticides, or herbicides that are not suitable for indoor storage around children and pets. Many individuals utilize sheds for general-purpose storage to reduce the clutter in their home, attic, basement, or garage.
10' x 14' Estate Deluxe SmartSide Shed
In today’s world these structures provide a special place for numerous activities... a dedicated area for hobbies of all kinds, a home gym for a convenient workout, a storage vault for a vintage car, a backyard clubhouse for kids, a secure staging area for hunting or fishing gear, a winter home for a lawn mower, a summer home for a snowmobile, an all-year-round home for a golf cart, and so much more.
We aim to build our sheds with adaptability in mind. Featuring the best contemporary materials with numerous siding and roof styles, and a huge variety of customization options available in our Design Wizard, it is safe to say that our sheds are well above average.
We hope you will consider adding one of these enduring and versatile structures to your home today.
It didn’t take long before these modest abodes began to expand, as they were divided into separate rooms, and, eventually, hearths were added. Naturally, the larger they became, the more possessions the people gathered, and the next thing they knew – yep, you guessed it – their dwellings became over-crowded. Thus, the first separate storage structures were built, which, like the homes, were literally skin and bones.
Cave Used by Ancient Egyptians
Those who lived in caves were lucky – all they had to do was to keep digging new alcoves within the caves, every time they needed more storage space. Of course, the upper echelon probably had separate caves just for their stuff, depriving others of the chance to set up housekeeping there.
Ancient Egyptians dug underground bunkers, and lined them with reeds, for storing grain and other necessities. Every culture had its own way of sheltering itself from the elements, or, as in the case of the Eskimos, actually used the elements for shelter. They built igloos from snow and ice, to keep themselves out of the snow and ice. Ingenious!
Archaeological studies of ancient societies’ sheds have produced some of the greatest insights into their modes of living. The reason that their storage sheds are especially revealing is that, unlike in modern society, they were used mainly to store items that were vital for survival. Farmers used them for animals, crops, and equipment. Businesses used them for their inventory. In many cases, the sheds were used as workshops for making furniture, tools, clothing, shoes, and the conveyances of the time. The remains found in these types of sheds tell what crops the farmers raised, which animals they kept, as well as which ones they hunted, what they manufactured, and much more. What would your shed tell future generations about you?
Part of our language for centuries, the word “shed” has not strayed far from its Old English spellings of shedde, shadde, and shad, all of which are derived from an Old Teutonic/Anglo-Saxon word, meaning “separation” or “division.” The Anglo-Saxons, however, had another word, shud, which meant “cover,” which could also fit in with today’s meaning. There is also speculation that “shed” may be a form of the word “shade,” which would make sense – in a sense.
The exact etymology will never be completely clear, because Old English did not have stringent rules for spelling, or even the same alphabet that we know today. Instead, there were endless alterations of words, based on the preferences of different scribes, to whom it was more important to try to pinpoint regional dialects. Heck, they couldn’t even agree on how to spell William Shakespeare’s name, a few of the versions of which are "Shakspere," "Shaksper," and "Shake-speare.” (and, by the way, wouldn’t you like to know what was in his shedde?)
English lesson aside, the shed, in its many incarnations, has evolved throughout the centuries. Members of ancient Roman aristocracy had magnificent sheds built on their premises. For more modern examples, which are also closer to home, the expansive grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello are dotted with sheds that range from small and elegant, to large and elaborate.
Shed Used in the Early 1900's
CedarStore.com Shed Designs
Today’s definition of “shed” is simple, and, with few variations, described in most dictionaries as “a simple roofed structure, typically of wood, used for storage or shelter.” For most of us, it means “an old, crumbling backyard shack, with a leaky roof, and uneven doors, held scarcely closed by a rusty latch and padlock, and packed to capacity with tons of old household and garden junk, which is threatening to burst forth at any minute.”
At least, that’s the way it has been for as long as we can remember. However, over the past few years, the perception of the old backyard shed has slowly been changing. It is no longer considered only as a place to store lawn mowers, tools, rakes, shovels, fertilizer, rock salt, pool cleaning items, and broken bicycles. In fact, today’s sheds are available with enough creature comforts, including electricity and plumbing, to make creatures comfortable enough to live in them.
The look of the shed is also changing. Available in box styles or barn designs, with gabled roofs, cupolas, vinyl and cedar siding, skylights, shutters, and window boxes, they’re attractive and practical, and can even beautify and add value to your property.
So, come on in and take a tour of today’ shed – and prepare to be amazed.
Customer Service
Contact Info
Help
Payment Options
Shopping Help
Account Login
Personal Gallery
Gift Certificate
Company Info
About Us
Privacy Policy
Structure Warranty
Furniture Warranty
Tools & Resources
Affiliates
Site Map
Commercial Customers
Partner Program
Submit
© 1999 - 2024 Fifthroom.com • 5410 Route 8, Gibsonia, PA 15044 • Phone: 1-888-293-2339 • All Rights Reserved.