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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' SmartSide Deluxe Estate 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.
 
Caves as storage sheds
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.		 Early 1900’s shed
Shed Used in the Early 1900's
 
Shed Designs at CedarStore.com
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.
 


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