A Keter shed becomes a workout escape for a DIY weekend project
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Space is at a premium in many Canadian households, and my home is certainly no exception.
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What started with a treadmill in the garage had slowly expanded to include a stationary bike, a power tower, free weights, and other assorted workout accoutrements. My home gym was steadily taking over an area where space was already in short supply.
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And something had to change.
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After searching for ‘home gym solutions’ online, I stumbled upon an interesting idea: the gym shed.
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Westcoast Homes
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The project proposed the creation of a functional workout space on a budget, in a relatively contained structure, that doesn’t require any city permits. Check, check and check.
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While we often look to outdoor sheds as a hideaway spot for patio furniture or garden supplies, the small structures are increasingly being reimagined as creative extensions of our main living spaces.
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“We’re seeing Canadians rethink how they use their outdoor space, with sheds becoming a natural extension of the home,” says Jennifer Tang, online merchant, seasonal at The Home Depot Canada. “What started as ‘she sheds’ and backyard offices has evolved into wellness-focused spaces like home gyms, yoga studios and meditation spaces, reflecting a growing focus on convenience and multi-functional living.”
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Rather than a repository for old outdoor gear or the lawn mower, I imagined a curated workout space that would offer privacy, as well as a reprieve from my current garage clutter.
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Checking on building size limitations for my area, I knew the gym shed could have maximum dimensions of 10×10 feet or 8×12 feet. Leaning toward a structure that was easy to assemble (read: didn’t take too much skill with power tools) and also had water-resistant capabilities, I selected the Keter Resin Outdoor Storage shed. Billed as a medium-sized structure, the model measures a sensible 9×7 feet.
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Made from the company’s composite material, which features a 10-year limited warranty and will not peel or rot, the stylish shed features functional details such as a steel-reinforced roof that can withstand a snow load of up to 50 kg/sqm, upper windows for natural light, a locking double door that opens wide for added ventilation and more.
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“Shed kits like the Keter model are designed with ease-of-use in mind,” says Tang. “The panels are designed to snap and lock together intuitively using the innovative groove‑and‑lock system. Once the main structure clicks into place, you just secure it with screws. This makes for a reliable and low-stress experience for customers who want to take on a backyard project without needing advanced construction skills.”
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Beginning my shed on a pre-existing concrete slab (as with any structural project, an even and flat base is essential), I kicked off my gym shed project around 9 a.m. on a Sunday and was finished about six hours later.
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“It’s manageable enough to complete in half a day, and many people turn it into a shared project with family or friends,” says Tang of the design.
