Preparation is key to successful shed selection and assembly!

Location

• Just like anything having to do with real estate/property, it's "location, location, location" when choosing where to site your shed.
• The most important thing is to select a location where you can create a base that is square and level.
• If the area you need to use is sloped, it is likely that you will have to build up support on the downhill side of the site. How you do this depends on the material you choose, which could include cement, cinderblock, timber or other materials.
• Be sure that the entrance location you have chosen for your shed will allow the door to open freely and fully at an accessible height.
• To help keep your shed dry, choose an area with good drainage.
• Make sure you choose a location that allows enough working space for moving parts into place and for fastening panel screws from the outside during assembly.

Note: Check local ordinances, homeowner or community bylaws, or landlord for guidelines or approvals

Type/size

• How much storage area or workspace is required? Take inventory of items you intend to store, as well as assess the available area in which you intend to erect the shed to make sure you have enough space. Then choose a model that suits your needs.
• Will you be storing items that require a wide opening, such as a riding mower? Choosing the correct-size door opening minimizes the possibility of damage to the shed or stored items when moving things in and out.
• Will you be storing tall items, such as ladders? Will you be spending a lot of time inside the shed; if so, make sure to select a shed with sufficient height and space.

Appearance

• Style/roof design: What appeals most to you: gable (peaked), gambrel (barnstyle), or another style?
• Color: Do you want to match the color of your home or to blend in with landscape?
• Finish: Select from electro-galvanized steel (standard models) or vinyl-coated, electro-galvanized steel (premium models)

Preparation and Assembly

• Base: Choose your shed base. A square and level base is critical for a square and level shed. There are options suggested in the assembly instructions. A continuous, unbroken plastic vapor barrier with a thickness of 6 mil. between the ground and the building's base will help control moisture. An Arrow base kit can help you create a square and level base.
• Floor: Consider installing a floor if dirt or grass will serve as your base – this will keep items better protected. An Arrow floor frame kit can help you quickly create an excellent floor using 5/8" exterior grade plywood (wood not provided; match dimensions to your floor frame).
• Assistance: Have a minimum of two people ready to work together – at least one to position parts or panels, and one to handle fasteners and tools.
• Time: Make sure you have a continuous stretch of time to dedicate to assembly, possibly a whole weekend. Estimates for the time required to assemble your shed after the completion of your selected base are provided on each product page. Time will vary depending on your skill level, number of people participating in the "shed raising" and whether you are using power or hand tools.
• Tools: Check the Arrow Sheds FAQ for a list of required and optional tools to have on hand.
• Weather: Assemble your shed on a calm, dry day. Do not assemble on a windy or wet day.
• Instructions: Before beginning to assemble, read the instruction manual, regardless of your skill level.
• Anchoring: Your shed must be permanently anchored to the ground for safety when fully assembled. Choose the appropriate anchoring kit for your base as part of the preparation phase of shed construction. Arrow offers several permanent anchoring options, including concrete ones. If you need to leave your building before it is completely assembled, you will need to temporarily anchor the corners of the shed to your base, and place weights, such as patio blocks or sandbags, on top of the floor frame.

Regional Considerations

If you're in an area where there is heavy snow accumulation, you'll want to give your shed additional support with the Arrow roof strengthening kit. If you're in an area where there is expected severe weather, you'll want to look at the Arrow Homestead shed. The Homestead is the only steel model that meets South Florida building-code requirements for severe weather conditions; so it's worth considering if you live in a similar climate.