There are many things to think about when planning a shed. What are you planning to store? How large will the shed be? What type of material do you want for your shed? So it's easy to overlook one of the most important parts of the shed: the doors.

Your first concern should be a no-brainer. The doors have to be wide enough for whatever you're storing to fit through. And they should be tall enough to walk through. Do you need just a single door, or two? Double doors are practical if you have something large, like a riding lawnmower or a boat, to store. Check the space around the shed. Do you have room for the doors to swing open, or are sliding doors a better option?

But for a lot of shed owners, the doors are a place to add a little pizzazz. There are wooden doors made to look like quaint old-fashioned barn doors. There are also many vinyl and plastic doors that are molded to look like wood paneling or bead board. The hardware you use can also add to the overall design--there are different knobs, latches, or handles to choose from. Windows are another consideration. Do you need natural light in the shed?

Open the Door to Design Options

If you're building a shed from scratch, the main key to a fully functioning door is a perfectly square door frame. If that's off, the door will not hang correctly, and can warp and stick in humid weather. And whatever kind of shed doors you choose, make sure you can lock them. They are there to keep your items safe, after all.