Sheds from Glick Structures are great for outdoor storage, but they are not limited to that purpose. They can be converted into whatever space you need, and she-sheds and man caves are becoming popular with Pennsylvania homeowners, allowing them to get away from life’s stresses. When using a shed for these spaces, there are a few things to do before you can use it. You’ll need to ensure the shed is stable, add utilities, and finish up the interior depending on your preferences. Below, we’ve detailed all you need to know about turning a shed into a she-shed or man cave.
Prepare the Shed
You’ll need to ensure the shed is stable enough to hold the required furniture for your she-shed or man cave. This is mainly necessary if you have an older shed you’re converting; however, if you’re buying a new one from Glick Structures, you can skip these steps. Our Standard and Garden Sheds are perfect for a she-shed or man cave, but if you require more space for storage and a personal retreat, we recommend our Two-Story Buildings.
Empty Everything and Clean the Shed
If converting an older shed, you’ll need to remove everything from it and clean the floors and walls before adding new features in. Clear everything out, then decide what you need to keep and find another place to store them in your garage. Then sweep the floors and wipe down any surfaces that may be dusty. This will help you start with a blank canvas for your she-shed or man cave.
Maintenance
You’ll need to complete any necessary maintenance before converting the shed. When cleaning, if you see any leaks or cracks in the shed, make sure you repair them by sealing them with caulk. Make sure the shed is weatherproof by checking all the felt roof panels, adding new siding, and using weatherstripping on the doors and windows if needed. Maintaining the shed will extend its lifespan for its new use.
Check the Foundation
Inspect the current foundation. If it is not stable, we recommend demolishing it and buying a new, more durable shed from us. The shed’s floor must be level to properly hold everything inside the shed, and that starts with the foundation. Concrete foundations are best for she sheds and man caves, cause they are designed to hold heavier furniture and equipment. Our sheds have a durable floor already for heavy lawn equipment, but depending on the furniture you want, you may need to add an additional floor for more stability.
Add Features
Features like electricity, insulation, and ventilation will be necessary to make the structure more comfortable for relaxing or entertaining guests.
Electricity
You’ll need to have electricity installed to add lights to the space. Overhead lights and task lighting with a lamp are necessary for both style and functionality. Electrical work can be dangerous if not installed properly, so we recommend having a professional electrician install this to make sure you’re following local building codes and safety laws. Check with your local Pennsylvania municipality if you need any permits before installing. We have an electrical package available for our sheds, which includes two outlets, two lights, one light switch, and fifty feet of electrical cord.
Insulation
Vital for climate control, insulation regulates the temperature inside the shed to maintain comfort. It’s especially beneficial for a she-shed or man cave, as you’ll likely be using the space year-round. Insulation will help the shed stay cool during Pennsylvania summers and warm in winters, and protect your belongings inside from extreme temperatures and moisture damage. It will also provide some soundproofing, which is necessary if using the space for a workshop or music room.
There are a few insulation methods you could use, like spray foam, fiberglass, and batt insulation. We recommend insulating the walls, ceiling, and floor, and having an insulated door for maximum temperature regulation. Check out our Types of Insulation for Sheds blog for more information.
Ventilation
Ventilation circulates fresh air inside the shed to prevent moisture buildup. Our team can add gable or ridge vents to the shed for proper airflow to help regulate the inside temperature. Pennsylvania has fluctuating temperatures, so ventilation is necessary. Windows will also provide some ventilation, and clearing away any vegetation from the exterior will help air circulate properly and resist dampness. If you want the space to be more comfortable, you can add an HVAC system to control the heat and cooling of the shed.
Finish the Interior
Finally, you’ll need to finish up the interior so it will function to your needs. For more information, check out our How to Finish the Interior of a Shed blog.
Walls and Floors
After insulation and electricity are installed, finish up the walls and floors of the shed. We recommend adding drywall, then painting it for a clean finish. For flooring, you can add carpet, hardwood, vinyl planks, or laminate flooring to the shed to make it more durable. For a cozier function, choose a carpet or add rugs to make it more comfortable. For a project space, get an easy-to-clean flooring like vinyl or laminate.
Styling a She-Shed
Styling a she-shed will be determined by your tastes and preferences. Style it for what you want to use it for, like a reading nook, office for your small business, yoga studio, craft room, etc. No matter what you want the purpose of the she-shed to be, design it in a way that is personal to you and will facilitate relaxation, focus, or calmness in your life. We recommend decorating with calm colors, comfortable furniture, plants, rugs, and windows for natural light.
Include the appropriate furniture for the function of the shed. Have a comfy couch and bookshelves for reading nooks, a desk setup for an office, or simple workout equipment and rubber mat flooring for a yoga studio. Additionally, make sure there is plenty of storage for your items when not in use. Whatever you choose, make sure the space resonates with you.
Styling a Man Cave
Similar to she-sheds, style the man cave to your desired look and purpose. Will it be used as a workspace or for entertaining guests? For a workspace, we can add a workbench for any woodworking or DIY projects. Just make sure you have proper storage for this space. For entertainment, generally, a man cave will have a bar area, gaming or TV setup, or a desk for an office space. We find it best to decorate with wood tones, dark, moody colors, or neutral ones, and hang sports memorabilia. Have comfortable furniture like leather couches, and add TVs, a bar, and a mini fridge to entertain guests.
Build a Custom Structure Today
Converting a shed into a she-shed or man cave is easy. After converting, make sure you have good security with sturdy locks to protect the structure from theft. If you’re looking to build a custom structure, Glick Structures builds high-quality, durable sheds that are perfect for converting into a functional space. Check out our in-stock inventory of pre-built sheds ready for delivery, or design a custom shed with all the features you need with our 3D Builder. Contact us today to get started.
