Shed Windows

Shed & Barn Windows

Windows can either make or break the look of a shed or barn. Great looking shed windows can take a shed or barn from functional to a building that adds value and beauty to your property. There are a few important facts to take into account before pounds nails and putting up framing that can help your finished project turn out to fit your needs and get finished quicker.

Shed Windows:
14″ x 21″, 16″ x 24″,
18″ x 27″,24″ x 36″

Shed Windows:
14″ x 27″, 18″ x 36″

Shed Windows:
18″ x 23″, 21″ x 27″,
20″ x 30″,21″ x 36″,
30″ x 36″, 36″ x 36″

Shed Windows
with out grids:
14″ x 21″, 18″ x 27″,
24″ x 27″,24″ x 36″

Designing Your Shed or Barn

Lets take a look at some questions that when answered will make the building of your shed or barn that much easier:

1. What is the purpose of the shed or barn?
2. If a shed, does this structure need to have year-round functionality? If so, you need to be looking at ventilation and insulation.
3. What is the minimum and maximum average temperatures in your area? This will guide you in choosing the proper ventilation and insulation.
4. How much space do you have for the structure?
5. Will neighbors be able to see the structure? If so have you gotten their input?
6. In most counties a structure that is under 10′ x 12′ does not need a permit. Have you checked with your local planning department about what type of structure requires a permit and plans submitted?
7. Do you want your shed or barn to be able to be reconstructed or moved at some point? This will make a difference in building plans and size.
8. What type of foundation do you want? Piers and posts or poured foundation?
9. How tall do you want your structure? What does your county allow?
10. Will the shed or barn be one-story or two-story? It makes a difference in the depth of foundation and the framing materials.
11. Will you want water or electricity to your shed or barn?
12. How much use will the structure get? This will have to do with the durability of the hinges, doors, windows, and hardware you choose. It is best to over buy for quality so that repairs and maintenance is kept to a minimum.
13. What do you want the pitch of the roof to be? Will there be gutters? Composition or shingle roof?
14. Do you want to add flower boxes, weathervane, or shutters.
15. What will be stored in the shed or barn? How large should the door opening be to easily accommodate movement in and out of the barn or shed?

We would enjoy seeing your finished shed or barn photos. Many of the photos contained within the pages of our website or in our gallery have been shared with us by our customers. We are inspired by their creativity.

About Us

Shed Windows and More Beginnings

Shed Windows and More, Inc. was started by Theresa Slack in 2001 with the website being added in 2008, so Do-It-Yourself builders would have a website giving them access to the best materials to build a small building, such as a shed, playhouse, tree house, chicken coop, or deer stand and find everything in one convenient place and at reasonable prices.

Shed Windows and More, Inc. offers a wide range of products at everyday low prices with shipping all across the USA and worldwide. Building materials such as, windows, hinges, shutters, vents, skylights, solar lighting, weathervanes and much more. We were dedicated from the beginning to provide the DIY builder with the finest materials and equipment to build their child’s dream swing set or play-set.

Craftsmanship, Quality & Service

Shed Windows and More, Inc. has also won the prestigious Camp Hill Best of the Year award two years running as a local business. We are a family-owned business helping other DIY builders create great DIY projects.

Our products have been seen multiple times on HGTV and the Discovery Channel and as part of various DIY shows, including and a show done about the Hobbit House of Montana, which is a very unique lodging facility.

Look no further for the materials you need to take your next project from an idea to finished project with the finest in craftsmanship. You can always count on Shed Windows and More, Inc.

Shed Windows and More Team

Theresa Slack-Founder

I started Shed Windows and More as way to fill a need for the average home owner to find the parts they needed specifically for building sheds or small barns. I saw a need for DIY builders to have access to the same quality and selection of windows that builders use for larger size sheds and barns sized for backyard sheds.

I also new that builders were looking for smaller scale windows at a reasonable price and great quality for building backyard sheds and barns for clients so I started Shed Windows and More. We supply both the DIY builder and contractors across the United States with a great selection of shed windows and accessories that they can count on to be delivered in a timely manner. Our builders don’t have to put in large scale bulk orders to get wholesale pricing like with other window suppliers, so we help them stay competitive in their pricing.

Shed Windows and More is a small family owned business and we love working with our customers to help them build their backyard shed, barn, chicken coop, or play set. We enjoy seeing the great finished products our customers and builders create and many of them send us photos of their finished projects that you will see on our website.

Most of our new products come from ideas that our small builders give us. We are always l ooking to add new products to the Shed Windows and More product line, so keep your suggestions coming.

When I’m not working at Shed Windows and More it’s my family, my dogs Molly & Abby, and time to relax with everyone I love that I appreciate the most. My favorite DIY project that my husband and I built was our grandson’s play set complete with large fort on top. He loves his play set and has spent many enjoyable hours playing outside with friends in his fort.

When you visit to the Shed Windows and More warehouse you are greeted by our two receptionists Molly & Abby with wagging back ends, they are more then happy to accept any attention and treats you are willing to share. We consider them our good will ambassadors showing our customers just how pleased we are that they have visited Shed Windows and More.

Thomas Slack

I came on the to Shed Windows and More in 2008. I started because Theresa needed extra pair of hands and to needed help with technology. What I enjoy working at Shed Windows and More is being part of a family owned business that helps DIY builders and contractors build some really great projects.

I’m always looking for the next challenge that we can take on with Shed Windows and More and enjoy growing the bond between family as the business grows. Like everyone on our team, I build DIY projects from renovating an entire house, back yards, even build animal enclosures and sheds! We are a hands on type of family, if we don’t know how to do something we learn and it keeps each of us growing and learning along with our business.

My hobbies and interests are teaching martial arts to kids and working with individuals and small businesses on building websites, branding, logos, marketing and advertisements though Tag Multimedia, Inc..

My favorite DIY project was building a cat house for a friend. She had a lot of fairle cats where she lived and always found abandoned kittens. She would nurse them and find them good homes but the older ones you could not find homes for as easily. Since they spent a lot of time in her yard and she wanted them to have a warm place in the winter to hide and I helped her build a house with several ramps and levels. The roof lifted open so you can see down into it as well as one of the short walls to clean it. I used our 14×21 brown flush windows and hinges that she purchased online from us. It was a fun build and now the cats and kittens fill it up when they want a safe place to go.

James Slack

I came aboard Shed Windows and More after working in litigation for the past 15 years. From a business that started from a garage to now, it’s amazing with hard work and having the great people on board how you can grow a company. I am blessed to work the people and family here at Shed Windows and More.

I have not personally built an outdoor structure but hearing all the creative ideas that our builders and clients have created, gives me a personal goal to one day build my own structure that I could display.

When I am not at work, I like to spend time with the family and friends. I play basketball through our church, Beach Church in Myrtle Beach.

Click on the DIY image above to be taken to the DIY Downloads & Directions Page.

How to choose the best shed windows for your shed?

Shed windows are something that we take for granted. Every day we look through a house, garden shed or office window but give very little thought to how the window frames are made, how they fit within the structure of the building or even the options that are available for the glazing.

Nice looking self build shed window

If you are building your own shed there are a lot of options to think about. Should it be double glazed, single glazed? What is the difference between toughened glass and horticultural glass? Is plastic fantastic or should you stick with traditional glazing types?

If your only experience of making glazing decisions so far has been with a double glazing salesman be prepared to be educated.

In this article I will steer you through many of the options that you may want to consider for your shed windows, including:

Before we move on to the various window frame materials and types of glazing be sure you are clear on how you want your windows to perform and why you want them in your shed.

What are the functions that you want from your Garden shed window?

Because you don’t necessarily need the same level of performance from a shed window as a house window it opens up many options that you might not have considered. The windows aren’t restricted to a certain percentage of the wall area, they don’t need to be as high specification in terms of thermal performance or ability to keep out draughts. This lack of restriction means that you have a much wider range of material choice and gives you much more freedom to create the look you want.

You do however have to be quite clear on what you want from your shed window. Here is a list of some of the factors that might be on your priority list:

• Let in light
• To see out of (lovely view or garden)
• Ventilation (should the shed window be opening or fixed)
• If opening do you want hinged or sliding
• Large or small window
• Appearance from outside/inside
• Keeping light out/in and security

This stained glass shed window lets in light and adds a sense of beauty

Windows are a vulnerable point in your shed

Bear in mind that with all of the above, sheds can be left unattended with valuable items stored in them. They can allow ‘undesirables’ to look in and see what is stored inside and they can also be a relatively easy way for people to break into a shed

Shed Security Windows

If you need to ensure that your shed can maintain a high level of security then you might consider using security windows. Security windows are horizontal, very narrow, non-opening and usually set very high on the walls of the shed. This style of window lets in light but is above most people’s eye level (so preventing the casual passer-by from determining the contents) and is too narrow a slot for anything to be lifted in or out.

These non-opening shed security windows increase the protection for your belongings. But they do look a bit forbidding.

If you are not looking for quite this level of security then smaller windows set at the standard height can improve security. Also steel bars set vertically into the frames on the inside of the glass will do the trick without being too intrusive.

Shed Window Frames

One of the first choices you will have to make concerning your windows will be what sort of material you will need for your window frames. The three main material choices for the window frame construction are: wood, PVC and metal.

Each of these have their own individual characteristics:

Wooden window frames

Timber shed window frame prior to installation in a log cabin shed

Wooden window frames for sheds offer a huge range of flexibility from simple diy shed windows to sophisticated shop made stormproof windows. Wooden window frames look beautiful when properly treated or painted. If they are not they will become weather damaged in the longer term.

To help you on your way with wooden shed windows I have made some plans to show you how to make some simple wooden shed window frames. (link to storage shed windows)

PVC window frames

PVC window frames are often used as replacement windows in the UK. They are mainly chosen for durability and low maintenance. In terms of longevity they are quite good but at an environmental cost. Better than they used to be as PVC can be recycled.

PVC windows are often thrown away, so look for them in skips (dumpsters), renovation projects or ebay, gumtree and craigslist.

Pre-used double glazed PVC windows

PVC window frames usually come in white or brown and don’t need painting. The problem with PVC is that over time it can become brittle, fade and is not so environmentally friendly at the end of its life.

Small shed using pre-loved PVC window frames

Metal shed window frames

Pre-used metal window frames were used for this characterful shed

Metal shed windows are available with powder coated steel or aluminium frames. These are a cheap, fairly basic design but just fine for a storage shed. Be aware that they are not a ‘thermally broken’ design that this means that you might end up with some condensation on the window frame if you are heating the shed in winter.

Aluminium is long lasting and does not rust easily. Aluminium windows are durable and can come in a variety of long lasting anodized finishes which give good corrosion resistance with little maintenance. Aluminium can be expensive but hey! this your shed you are building here so it could be worth it.

Suppliers in the US have a wide range of sizes and shapes from standard shapes, to transoms, arched and circular windows.

Each of these frame choices have their attractions as well as their drawbacks so it is a choice you will make based on your budget and the amount of upkeep you are willing to do.

Shed Window Glazing

Your next choice is the type of ‘glass’ you will use. Much of this choice is based on the intended use for your shed. The two main choices are glass or plastic window panes.

Types of Glazing

The range of glazing available to let light into your shed is wider than it would be for domestic windows.

Types of glazing include:

Horticultural glass — This is the thinnest most basic form of glass. It is typically 3mm thick. It can be cut into smaller panes by scoring it with a diamond cutter and then breaking it along the line. This benefit is partially counteracted by the relative weakness of horticultural glass. If hit by a ball or other object it shatters and the breaks into long dagger like shards.

Tempered or toughened glass — Much stronger than the horticultural glass. Also thicker at a minimum of about 4mm thick. Tempered glass is cut to the finished size and then heat treated and the edges polished to reduce the likelihood of cracking. If toughened glass is hit hard enough to shatter then it breaks into lots of tiny pieces. Which pose less of a hazard than the large shards of horticultural glass. However it needs to be ordered in standard size panes.

Opening shed windw with tempered glass

Double glazed shed windows — Double glazed windows are most often made from toughened glass. The two panes are bonded together with either a slight vacuum or filled with an inert gas such as argon. You can order readymade windows for your shed in the same way as you would ordinary house windows.

Double glazed unit about to be installed in wooden window frame

One way of making your own shed window frame to accomodate a double glazed unit

You can also use recycled windows (frame and glass) that you recover from a refurbishment project. Or if you want to just use some recycled glass then it is fairly easy to remove the double glazed unit from these windows and make your own timber window frames to suit.

Plastic for shed windows

There are alternatives to the relative inflexibility of glass, these are acrylic and polycarbonate. Both are types of plastic and have the advantage that in the types of thickness frequently used for shed windows (2-6mm), they are easy to cut using circular saws or routers. They both have excellent transparency 92 vs 88% (glass approx. 90%). One of the slight negatives for both is that they are less scratch resistant than glass and can become less transparent with age. To minimise scratching they should both be cleaned with soapy water rather than abrasive cleaners and avoid cleaning either with solvents at any cost as these will mark the surface.

One significant difference between the two types of plastic is the price. Cut price sheds use the thinnest material available which at 2mm is too flimsy and flexible.

Acrylic shed windows are more scratch resistant and rigid than polycarbonate
Available in thicknesses of 2-30mm

Very impact resistant, so much so that it is used for bus shelters and police riot shields
Polycarbonate is stronger and more crack resistant than acrylic
Available in thickness of 2-10mm

Finally polycarbonate is more expensive than acrylic, probably about 40-50% more for the thicknesses involved for windows.

Shed Window Shutters and more

One last thing that you might consider when installing your windows is whether or not you will choose to install shutters, blinds or curtains. These are used to control the views into (and out of your shed) they can also help with heat loss/gain and improve security.

Shed window blinds or curtains

Main purpose is to keep out the sun or make cosy at night. They also help to restrict the view of contents from prying eyes.

They protect from the sun and provide security by obscuring the contents of the shed from outside viewing.

So what are your options for windows, for keeping light out and obscuring the view into/out of your shed

• Curtains -net curtains
• Blinds — venetian or roller blinds
• Frosting/obscured glass
• Shutters can provide security due to the fact that they can be closed and locked. They can also provide shade from the sun.

Hinged shed window shutters with security bars

Removable shed window shutters secured from the inside

Installing trellis over the outside of this allotment shed window added somewhat to the security

Vertical steel bars installed in the shed window frame improve security without overly affecting external appearance

How to choose which shed window type is suitable for you?

I hope the above discussion has helped you to make a decision on the best type of window for your shed.

In my experience the the main decisions you need to make fit into the following categories.

Shed windows can be one of the most influential design elements of the shed, second only to the style of the roof. Sometimes it seems that when people set out to build their shed they pay a good bit of detail to everything except the windows. consider the fact that the windows can influence the look, feel and style of the shed.

Decide on use of building

heated vs. unheated

preferred window frame material

opening vs. non opening

premade,diy or recycled window

Fixed shed windows with board and batten siding

If all you are looking for a source of light, to be able to see out and ventilation is not too much of a concern then a fixed window may be exactly what you need.

For a simple window that looks nice but is more functional than beautiful then you might consider either a side hung or top hung casement.

Nice little side opening shed window

If you are looking for a beautiful looking window for your garden office shed then you might choose to install double hung sliding sash windows or horizontal sliding sash windows.