The Best Home Depot Sheds For A Tiny Home Makeover

Whether you are intrigued by the concept of tiny homes just because of what they are, or are interested in designing one of your own in the future, you probably already are aware that many sturdy garden sheds can be successfully converted into a micro dwelling space. The realization that your favorite shed could one day become "home sweet home" means that you have nearly limitless potential. But, just because we know how to turn a shed into a tiny house doesn't mean that any shed should be one. So what are the best sheds from The Home Depot to consider for a tiny home makeover?

The answer to this question will boil down to personal preference in many regards; however, there are also objective requirements that any shed should possess. One of those factors will be sufficient square footage to live comfortably, and you'll also want to filter for sheds that already have a window installed, as these can be pricey to add later. Other additions (plumbing, electrical, and insulation, for example) will be purchased and implemented aftermarket, so you'll want to remember to budget for them upfront and not spread yourself too thin on the cost of the shed itself. While the number of options can be overwhelming, some of the best sheds at The Home Depot (in terms of size, windows, and overall price) for a tiny house conversion are the Hampton Wood Storage Shed, the Meridian Deluxe Outdoor Wood Storage Shed, and the Do-it Yourself Astoria Outdoor Wood Storage Shed.

One impressive option for a shed-to-tiny-house conversion is the Hampton Wood Storage Shed by Best Barns, which delivers a generous 192 square feet of space when finished. You'll pay $7,545.91 for this shed, but it's well worth the large price tag, thanks to its multiple windows to let in natural light and dormers for more illumination and improved ventilation — both of which are great ways to maximize the space of your tiny house— and its architectural appeal is also quite something. You'll also have the choice of ordering your shed without its deluxe wood floor, thereby allowing you to build it atop a concrete slab (which is a must for a tiny house you hope to last for years).

Another customizable option for the Hampton is the massive loft, which could be fitted for your sleeping space when paired with stairs or a ladder to access it, making for an incredibly charming tiny house. This shed also comes with the added benefit of specialty paneling, which has a 50-year limited warranty against decay or insect infestations. Like many sheds you'll purchase pre-made, this one does not come with paint or shingles. The benefit of this deficiency, however, is that you can choose whatever color best suits your tiny home, as well as the best shingles for energy efficiency and long-term performance. You'll get a 15-year limited warranty on this shed, which can provide some peace of mind if you're planning on using it for lodging in the future.

Designing and building a tiny house can be labor intensive. If you're looking for a less involved process for the beginning stages, the Meridian Deluxe Outdoor Wood Storage Shed by Handy Home Products might be a tempting choice. For starters, it's about half the price of the Hampton, coming in at $3,699, and that price includes installation costs as well as shingles. With the lower upfront costs, you could afford to splurge a little extra when it comes to choosing your fixtures and finishing touches. It comes with 48-inch double doors, which could make for an open and airy tiny house that measures 96 square feet. You can also choose to orient the door on the front or side of the shed, based on your preferences. 

The Meridian boasts quality building materials, including premium wood framing to provide you with extra durability even in inclement seasonal weather. Customers who have purchased this shed love that it performs well, is quite attractive, and that the installation process is seamless. One important note is that shed installation does not include site preparation. If you're building it as a tiny house, have your concrete slab laid prior to the shed's delivery and install, and you should have no problems. Another consideration with the Meridian is that it's a little sparse on windows, so you may want to budget in the addition of another window for ventilation and lighting.

The final — and largest — shed to mention is the Do-it Yourself Astoria Outdoor Wood Storage Shed ($4,239). All said and done, this shed will deliver 240 square feet, making it the most spacious of these offerings. The added space is not only a welcome resource for comfortable living, but it also will better accommodate the extra inches required for plumbing, electrical, and insulation (as well as even possessing enough space to build a decent storage closet). While this shed is nice and roomy, you'll probably want to be sure to budget for the addition of a couple more windows throughout, in order to deliver sufficient lighting in your new tiny house.

The Astoria comes with treated wood floor framing, which is a big convenience factor for finishing the floors later on, whether you're choosing tile, hardwood, or laminate for your tiny house. This shed comes with praiseworthy reviews from existing customers, who say that the shed is straightforward to construct and comes with quality building materials. While purchasing a shed as the starting place for your big house journey can be a clever idea, remember to investigate the regulations of your local jurisdiction. Some areas will have more stringent limitations as to how big your tiny house can be without acquiring a residential building permit.