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Is a Suncast Storage Shed a Good Choice?

Suncast Storage Shed

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Suncast is becoming a well-known brand among storage shed options. They feature a wide assortment of resin sheds, not only varied in size but in style. They offer regular gabled sheds, tall vertical sheds both narrow and wide, suitable for installation against a building, and horizontal storage shed for smaller or shorter items such as bicycles.

The Suncast storage shed is a good choice for those wanting a maintenance free storage solution that is finished and will blend in nicely in its surroundings.

Many of their models feature double doors for easy access. Some feature windows in the doors and vents in the gables and/or roof for ventilation.

Their sheds are also suitable for lock installation. Some of the smaller models feature top lids that lift off as well as side doors. Many, if not all, models feature an inner metal framework. This adds durability as well as providing a framework to attach shelving and brackets.

Suncast offers various accessories, including various shelving choices, storage baskets and tool holders.

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Does a Suncast Storage Shed Need a Foundation?

Like any shed, a Suncast shed does need a foundation. The warranties on their sheds require having a foundation, and the assembly instructions will state this. In fact, their website gives you tips on what to consider in a foundation, following building codes, and urges finishing the foundation before even unpacking or starting to assemble your Suncast shed.

A proper foundation will prevent future problems, such as eventual sinking, tilting, warping, distortion, and moisture problems.

One important factor is that in many localities, any resin shed must be anchored to a foundation. Sometimes further anchoring is required by local building codes, especially in places prone to windstorms or high winds.

Since resin sheds tend to be lighter weight than some other types, they can be damaged by high winds or even blown away if they are just sitting on the ground. Suncast recommends learning the building code regulations prior to starting a foundation.

Of course, you need to check with the building code authority to see if a building permit is needed. The smaller sizes may not need one, but the larger sizes may. Get more information on foundations in my article What’s The Best Shed Foundation Option For You?

Is the Suncast Storage Shed Waterproof?

Suncast sheds are built to be waterproof unless there is a screen or something similar on the outside to allow for ventilation. As long as you assemble your shed and attach it to the proper foundation correctly you should have no problem with leaks.

Is Suncast a Good Brand?

Suncast is one of the leading manufacturers of wood and resin products, and they have a worldwide customer base. The corporation started in 1984 in Illinois. Their sheds have a good reputation. Suncast sheds have the reputation of having strength and stability.

They are relatively easy to assemble, and you won’t need a lot of tools to do so. They list the tools that are required in the instructions. Their assembly instructions are detailed and cover other information, such as urging buyers to check with their local building codes as to foundation types allowed and anchoring requirements for resin sheds. You can checkout Amazon’s full line of Suncast Sheds Here.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Suncast Shed?

This depends greatly on the size and style of the shed you purchase, of course. The time also doesn’t include the building of a foundation. Suncast estimates assembly time for the vertical and horizontal models at an hour or two, with the regular storage sheds taking three to four hours or perhaps more with two people.

That being said, when looking at user stories, some of the smaller horizontal models take from 45 to 90 minutes to assemble. Many only take one person to put together, while the larger models may require a helper. One of the 8 x 10 models is said to take three to four hours with someone to help. One good thing is that everything you need to assemble the shed will be included in the kit, except for foundation anchors. No need to run to the hardware store for fasteners.

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The assembly instructions will tell you what tools you’ll need. Typically, for the vertical and horizontal models, you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver and bolt driver, the latter of which may be included. For larger storage sheds, additional tools needed will include a mallet, level, scissors, long-nosed pliers, adjustable wrench, flashlight and ladder.

Safety equipment recommended consists of light work gloves and safety glasses. Instructions will also tell you if you need a helper for assembly. Parts are all labeled with numbers that go with the assembly diagrams. Even the types of fasteners have part codes, so you know what to use where.

As an example, an internet article describes assembling one of the 6 x 5 ft. sheds. It was set up on a concrete patio up against the house. The tools used included a Dremel cordless electric screwdriver, and two sizes of Robo grip pliers. All the parts and fasteners were included. A mother-daughter team assembled it in five hours.

Closely following the assembly instructions is very necessary. If you have problems with your shed in the future, the warranty will likely be voided if the shed was not assembled correctly.

How Do You Build a Foundation for a Suncast Shed?

Either a concrete slab or a wooden platform is recommended. Suncast sheds provide recommendations in their instructions for needed dimensions of the concrete slab or wooden platform foundations for each model. The instructions for a wooden platform also include framing sizes and a layout, urging the use of exterior grade construction materials.

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In addition, as with any shed, excavating and leveling an area at least a foot wider than the foundation will be all the way around, then filling this area with tamped gravel is a good way to keep rain running off the roof from eventually digging a ditch around your shed. It will also help steer the water away from the shed and help it to evaporate more quickly.

Conforming to local building codes is essential when constructing a foundation. Some locations may require more anchoring in addition to anchoring the shed to the foundation. One of the simplest foundation to build is a skid foundation, check out my article How to Build a Portable Shed on Skids for more information.

How Do You Anchor a Suncast Shed?

Suncast sheds with floor panels have special flattened areas specifically for lag screws or anchors to attach the floor to your foundation. It is recommended that holes be drilled through these flattened areas to hold the lag screws or anchors prior to inserting them.

For a concrete slab foundation, the company recommends securing the shed to the slab using 3/8″ masonry anchors with one-inch flat washers. The assembly instructions will indicate the number of anchors needed for the size shed you have purchased. In fact, the instructions even recommend the size of the slab needed for the particular shed model.

Wooden platform foundations are also addressed if this type is permissible with local building codes. They also require lag screws and washers for attaching the shed to the platform. The instructions will tell you how many screws you will need.

Some building codes in wind-prone areas may require you to tie down the shed, using cables or strapping over the roof to secure the whole shed. In high winds, plastic sheds can be blown apart, leaving the floor securely attached to the foundation, but the rest of your shed spread into your neighbor’s yard.

Even though resin sheds are built to be sturdier than they used to be and can withstand more wind than previously, your building codes may require further anchoring than attaching the shed floor to your foundation. If so, there are several ways to do this. Again, follow your local building codes for this, as they may specify certain types of anchoring.

Concrete posts – These are formed by using a post hole digger to dig holes off the shed corners. Depending on the size of the shed, you may need another pair along the long sides. The holes should be about four feet deep. Pour six inches of gravel into each hole for drainage. Use tube forms to hold the concrete.

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Make sure the tube tops extend at least six inches above the ground and are all level with each other. Pour concrete into the forms, setting anchor ties into the tops before the concrete is dry. You can use cables or strapping to these ties, going over the roof.

Auger anchors – These are long metal rods. They have auger blades on one end to enable them to be driven into the ground and an eyelet at the other for attaching straps or cables. The eyelet also enables inserting a length of pipe to aid in turning the auger when putting it into the ground. One good tip is to water the ground the day before to soften the soil. Let the hole run slowly over each space to get the water deep into the ground.

Drive rods – These three-foot rods have a chisel-shaped end to enable driving them into the ground. They are driven at an angle tilting away from the shed at each corner. Once the rod is pounded deeply enough, the outer rod gets pulled out and the top loop is pulled up.

An anchor at the other end swivels to a horizontal position, anchoring the rod into the ground. This type is good for stony soil and may be easier to install than auger anchors in stony ground. You can get more information and options on anchoring a shed in my article What Are the Different Types of Shed Tie Downs?

Conclusion

Suncast sheds are known to be well made, and the explicit assembly instructions and diagrams make assembly fairly easy. If you’re unsure as to what style and size you need, their website can tell you what kind of items can be stored in each of the main styles. If you’re in the market for a shed kit or a resin shed, this is one brand worth checking out. You can see a full line of Suncast sheds on Amazon here.

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