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Lakeside Storage Sheds And Everything You Need to Know About Them [Infographic]

by Dakota Storage Buildings, on January 17, 2017

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Whether you already have a Minnesota lakeside storage shed or are in the market to buy one, this post is for you!

Every lake house needs a storage shed. Since Minnesota is the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," there's no doubt there are plenty of lake houses in need of storage buildings. The first step to completing your lakeside getaway is making sure everything is in order. Read this article and study our infographic to understand what storage shed is best for your Minnesota lake house.

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Which of these items would you like to keep near your lake house? These are all items that need safe keeping when not in use.

Boats Bicycles Motorcycles Dirt Bikes 4-Wheelers
ATVs Kayaks Canoes Jet skis Water skis
Wakeboards Paddleboards Hauling Trailers Fishing Equipment  Cars 
Swimming Accessories Party Island
Floats & Lounges


Water Trampolines

Rods and Nets Trucks & SUVs 


No matter which lake you prefer or where your house is located in proximity, an outdoor storage shed, both nearby and waterfront, has limitless potential. A shed is great for storage, but it can also function as so much more.

Here are just a few ways a convenient storage building can make life easier and extend hours of fun on your lake. Read on to determine which lake house shed is best suited for your needs. From boat to jet skis to kayaks and fishing equipment, below are sheds styles and sizes to consider.

Boathouse

Storing your deck boat, fishing boat, or water sports boat in a garage-style shed, whether in between uses or for the winter, will help protect it from the elements and extend its life. A garage is a practical and logical storage solution. Additionally, it provides storage for equipment and extra room for maintenance work and detailing.

Storing both your boat and its trailer near the lake is ideal, but consider how easy it would be to load and unload your boat and trailer if you had a drive-through garage.

Suggested shed size and style

  • 16x40 ft.
  • High Barn Style*

Suggested shed features

  • 2 overhead garage doors for drive-through convenience
  • Ramps at each entrance for easy access
  • Advanced-grade flooring that resists warping when wet with 12" on center joists
  • Pressure treated skids and floor joists help wood withstand the elements and wards off insects, microorganisms, and fungal decay
  • 16 in. on center trusses for ultimate support and resistance against high wind

Water Sports Storage

If you own a kayak, canoe, jet ski, water skis, wakeboard, or any other water toy, you need a place to store them that's safe from theft and harsh weather. You also need space for the gear and accessories that comes along with these toys. What good is a kayak or canoe without paddles or waterskis without a tow rope?

From rafts and life vests to paddles and inflatable balls, every lakeside building needs plenty of accessible, worry-free, long-term storage.

Suggested shed size and style

  • 12x28 ft.
  • Ranch Style**

Suggested shed features

  • Double doors for easy entry with large or cumbersome items
  • Advanced-grade flooring that resists warping when wet
  • Pressure treated skids and floor joists help wood withstand the elements and wards off insects, microorganisms, and fungal decay
  • 16 in. "on center" trusses for ultimate support and resistance against high wind

Fishing Equipment Storehouse

If you're an avid fisherman, you own at least one rod for every possible fishing situation you'll ever come across. Keep surf rods, wire-line rods, fly rods, bait-casting rods, spinning rods, ultralight rods, and more neatly organized and stored in a dedicated space. A high-end storage building near the lake would be the perfect solution.

Suggested shed size and style

  • 12x20 ft.
  • Ranch Style

Suggested shed features

  • Built-in shelf to use as a fly tying table
  • Extra window for more natural sunlight; there's no point in having a workbench if you don't have enough light to see what you're doing
  • Advanced-grade flooring that resists warping when wet
  • Pressure treated skids and floor joists help wood withstand the elements and wards off insects, microorganisms, and fungal decay
  • 16 in. on center trusses for ultimate support and resistance against high wind

Changing Facility

Having a versatile building available for changing out of wet clothing or swimsuits is useful. By putting up a simple wall or two and adding locks to doors, you'll have a convenient and private changing facility ready for use all summer long. Add an outdoor shower for even greater accommodation. Stock up drinks and snacks in the mini fridge and sunscreen and dry towels near the door, and you're set.

Suggested shed size and style

  • 12x24 ft.
  • Ranch Style with Porch***

Suggested shed features

  • Railing with balusters are a great place to hang wet towels to dry
  • Decorative flower boxes and shutters to make this changing shed blend in with your house
  • Advanced-grade flooring that resists warping when wet
  • Pressure treated skids and floor joists help wood withstand the elements and wards off insects, microorganisms, and fungal decay
  • 16 in. "on center" trusses for ultimate support and resistance against high wind 

Vehicle Protection

Your vehicle will last longer if it’s kept in a garage when not in use. Lakeside locations can experience extreme conditions, both hot and cold, from harsh sun damage to damaging hail, so keep your car or truck protected. Harsh conditions can cause annoying, inconvenient, and costly problems that can be easily prevented if vehicles are sheltered.

Suggested shed size and style

  • 16x40 ft.
  • Ranch Style

Suggested shed features

  • Overhead garage door
  • Ramp at entrance for easy access
  • Advanced-grade flooring that resists warping when wet
  • Pressure treated skids and floor joists help wood withstand the elements and wards off insects, microorganisms, and fungal decay
  • 16 in. "on center" trusses for ultimate support and resistance against high wind

Bike Repository

It doesn't matter if you prefer a bicycle like a Merida, Trek, Raleigh, or Cannondale, or a motorcycle like a Harley-Davidson, Indian, Polaris, or Yamaha, you need a safe and clean place to store them when they're not in use. For maximum storage and space, keep them in a first-rate storage building that will shelter them from the elements, provides security, and supply optimal work space.

Suggested shed size and style

  • 12x20 ft.
  • High Barn Style

Suggested shed features

  • Ramp at entrance for easy access
  • Built in loft for storing gear and accessories
  • Advanced-grade flooring that resists warping when wet
  • Pressure treated skids and floor joists help wood withstand the elements and wards off insects, microorganisms, and fungal decay
  • 16 in. "on center" trusses for ultimate support and resistance against high wind

* This style combines traditional styling with generous overhead storage space. The roof has two slopes on each side of the ridge with a steeper, lower slope, providing extra headroom.
** A-frame sheds
***Adding a porch to a ranch style shed can complete the overall aesthetic of any of our outside storage buildings.

Configure Your Lakeside Storage Shed

It’s our mission at Dakota Storage Buildings to make high-quality buildings that exceed your expectations. Explore our storage buildings in person at our St. Cloud, Minnesota location, our Alexandria, Minnesota location, or any of our other South Dakota or Minnesota display locations.

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