FAQs – Tuff Shed (2024)

Can I use a Tuff Shed building as a Tiny Home?

As sold, Tuff Shed buildings are not designed for nor intended to be used as a permanent, full-time dwelling. Local building codes or other laws may also prohibit use of sheds as dwelling places.

What if I want to finish out the interior of the building with electrical, drywall, flooring, etc.?

Customers have discovered countless ways to create useful space on their property that may not be defined as a permanent full-time dwelling. While we disclaim fitness for any specific use, Tuff Shed recognizes that customers are excited about the many different possible uses of Tuff Shed buildings, and that some customers may choose to modify the structure by adding things like electrical service, insulation, drywall, fixtures, etc.

It’s important to note that Tuff Shed does not provide any of this interior finish work, and that should a customer choose to make any such modifications that Tuff Shed bears no responsibility for any of the work, costs or related permits that may be required. Altering a Tuff Shed building in any way that compromises the building’s structural integrity voids the product warranty.

Do I need a concrete slab for a Tuff Shed storage building?

This can vary by market. Some markets require anchors set in concrete, while others do not. Our customer service center agents and local sales representatives can help answer these questions definitively. For our typical single story storage buildings, you won’t need a concrete foundation. Our floor joist systems have more than adequate strength and moisture resistant qualities to provide a solid foundation for your single story shed on most ground surfaces. Only when your shed is to be located in an area that is below the grade of the rest of your yard should a concrete pad be considered for extra height and drainage. If your intended use for the building requires a concrete floor due to the weight or type of materials to be stored in it, a concrete pad may be ordered from a professional contractor. Typical Sundance and Keystone Series storage buildings come with a foundation that is designed to: a) sufficiently support the load of the building; b) resist insect and moisture damage; and c) lift the floor decking off the ground. A concrete foundation IS required for garages and is recommended on larger TUFF SHED buildings that have a second story (i.e. TR-1600 & TBD-800). Call 1-888-TUFF-SHED (1-888-883-3743) for exact specifications for proper fit and to ensure long term user satisfaction.

Is this a kit?

No. The Keystone Series™, The Sundance Series™ and The Tahoe Series buildings include on-site installation by authorized installers at no additional cost.

What do base prices include?

Base prices on this website include the basic building, including installation. There is NO additional assembly cost on installed models. All construction costs are included in the base price, except for concrete slabs or footings, any required permits and work done outside the normal installation process such as hauling away an existing structure or debris, site leveling, etc. For delivery addresses located in High Wind Zones or other jurisdictions with known special building requirements, mandated items will be added to your order, thus increasing the building price. The specifications of the base building may vary according to the building code requirements of the jurisdiction where the job site is located. Required variations from our base building plans may increase building price. Building accessories may be added to most models, but at an additional cost to the customer. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Please refer to Tuff Shed® building configurator at homedepot.com/tuffshed and enter delivery zip code to see available products and current prices.

What are the delivery charges?

The first 30-miles from The Home Depot store nearest to the building installation site are free. Any one-way miles beyond the 30-mile radius from The Home Depot store where you purchased the building will be charged at a rate of $2.00 per mile. Additional charge is $5.00 per mile for any one-way miles traveled off paved road.

Will I need to get a permit for this building?

This depends on the local building department regulations and what they have determined as the square foot limitations for on-site buildings within their jurisdiction. The customer is responsible for obtaining and paying for any required permits. Permit costs are determined by local building departments. Garages and Recreational Buildings almost always require a building permit. Smaller storage sheds and sheds installed on rural building sites are less likely to require permits. Permit regulations vary according to location, and the customer should consult with the local governing body in the area where the building is to be constructed. Additionally, there may be covenants in your neighborhood regarding acceptable building size, style, height, location, etc. that should be considered as well. For customers in Florida and certain other high-wind zones, f a permit processing fee will be automatically added to the base price of all sheds at the time of purchase. The permit processing fee is determined by the square foot of the building and the delivery zip code. This permit processing fee covers the cost of the permit and a permit pulling fee. In some cases, additional documentation, engineering or other fees may be required. In these cases, any such additional required documentation will be the sole responsibility of the customer, and any associated additional fee(s) will be added to customer’s order. Fees for required permits and engineering on garages and 2nd story models are handled on a case-by-case basis. Customer is responsible for neighborhood covenants and site preparation. In some areas installation of storage buildings is not permitted. Please determine your local building rules and regulations concerning installation before considering a purchase.

How long must I wait for my building to be delivered?

In normal circ*mstances, delivery times typically vary between 1 and 6 weeks due to seasonal demands and the type of building purchased. The Covid-19 pandemic, combined with historic wildfire and hurricane seasons, have increased our lead times, and significantly in some markets. As a result of these challenges, our customers are typically waiting long than normal for their Tuff Shed building to be installed. We continue to make progress on our backlog of orders, and remain committed to our goal of creating customers who are Extremely Satisfied with Tuff Shed products and services.

After you purchase your building from The Home Depot, your nearest Tuff Shed factory will receive a notice of your order, prompting Tuff Shed representatives to contact you to coordinate a date for installation/delivery. The call that you receive will include questions about your selected site and its readiness for the installation. Your personal schedule and your site preparation are important factors in determining the actual delivery/installation. Delivery and Installation days are Monday through Friday, except on holidays. We ask that someone responsible be at home on the day of the build to help determine the exact location of the building and sign the final paperwork upon completion.

How many hours will the builders be on my property?

For installation of storage sheds, you can typically expect the builders to finish and clean up the job site in less than a day’s time (8 hours). Floor joists, door, wall sections and rafters are pre-cut or assembled before delivery to expedite the actual installation and to assure that the building is square and weather-tight. If you chose to have your building painted by Tuff Shed, all exterior surfaces and edges will be painted prior to assembly to provide maximum protection once erected. Choosing the “with paint” option allows you to “move in” and enjoy the benefits of ownership from the moment the installers finish their work and hand you the keys. Garages, and in markets where they are available, Recreational Buildings and Cabin Shells can take considerably longer, depending on the scope of work involved. For these more custom projects, be sure to ask your Tuff Shed representative about projected start dates and completion schedules.

What about accessories?

There are numerous accessories available for The Sundance Series and The Keystone Series building models. Being able to customize your project is a big advantage of buying a Tuff Shed. The Tahoe Series buildings, available exclusively online at homedepot.com, do not allow for accessories to be added.

What kind of siding do you use?

We use premium LP® SmartSide® OSB siding that is covered by a manufacturer’s 50-Year Limited Warranty. Its vertical grooves and deeply embossed wood grain face will provide the look and feel of quality for many years.

What kind of roof will I get on my shed?

Our proven construction materials and methods are the same ones used in most homes. The rafters are precut 2″x 4″s positioned over the wall studs and joined at the center with 2″x 4″ steel truss plates on both sides. This assures maximum load capacity and weight distribution. Roof decking is 7/16″ OSB with a baked enamel steel drip edge attached to the perimeter to protect the edge of the decking from weather and to support the asphalt/fiberglass composition GAF® 3-tab shingles from breakage. Sundance Series products also include roofing underlayment vapor barrier between the roof decking and shingles.

Can I purchase this product with my Home Depot Credit Card?

Yes, depending on your personal credit limit and present balance. If you purchase price exceeds your current limit, you may call the phone number printed on the back of your Home Depot Card and request a raise in your credit limit. Credit promotions indicated on this site subject to rules governing the Home Depot Credit Card program. Details can be found here at Home Depot online.

What should I do before the delivery/installation?

Research and be able to provide compliance to any and all neighborhood covenants and obtain the required permits. Then determine where your property lines are, and select an appropriate building site. Finally, you need to prepare a “clean and level” build site. This step is the most important and lasting impact that you can have on your building project. It is best if the site is located in a high spot of the yard to provide drainage away from your building. If you have to “build up” a site, but sure that the soil is tamped or compacted to avoid later settling. Provide at least 24″ of workspace between your building and any fences, trees or other immovable objects, on all sides and above. If your build site is not clean and level, our only choice is the “shim” the foundation with concrete or wood blocks that can detract from the appearance of the building.

What does “clean and level” mean?

“Clean” means that the installation site, the surrounding area and the pathway to and from where the delivery vehicle parks and the installation site are clear and free from all obstructions, debris, boulders, branches, animal droppings, etc. To attain the maximum performance from your Tuff Shed building, the structure needs to be built on a “level” site. For our building installation purpose, “level” is defined as the entire installation site surface being leveled to within 4″ This means that throughout the entire installation site, the highest point of the ground surface area to the lowest point is no more than 4″. Watch our video to guide you through how to determine your out-of-level distance as well as some suggested leveling methods for you or a professional landscaper.

What type of warranty comes with the building?

Tuff Shed stands behind its products, and offers warranty coverage varying in scope on its different products. The Sundance Series storage buildings, garages, and recreational building come with a 5-Year Limited Warranty that covers material defects and workmanship. The Keystone Series storage buildings include a 1-Year Limited Warranty covering material defects and workmanship. Some materials, such as siding and shingles have their own manufacturer’s warranty that may exceed the Tuff Shed warranty. Display building purchases also include warranty coverage, with the warranty on displays covering defects in workmanship and materials with regard to the roofing and siding only.

How do I register my warranty?

You don’t need to fill out a card, although we’d love it if you took the p0st-installation survey from The Home Depot via email. Tuff Shed is committed to the goal of creating customers who are Extremely Satisfied with our products and services.

Who do I call should I have a warranty claim?

Should you experience a problem with your building which is covered by warranty, simply call our Customer Service Center at 1-888-TUFF-SHED (883-3743), option 2. Detail the problem so they may adequately plan for the warranty repair. Customer Service agents will relay this information to the Tuff Shed factory nearest you to coordinate the appropriate repair/solution. If you chose not to have Tuff Shed paint your building, keep in mind that you will need to have proof (i.e. dated receipts for labor and/or materials) that you painted your building within 90 days of its installation, in order for your warranty to be in effect.

FAQs – Tuff Shed (2024)

FAQs

What should I put under my Tuff Shed? ›

Do I need a concrete slab for a Tuff Shed storage building? No, in most cases. While garages do require a concrete slab, our exclusive steel joist system has more than adequate strength and moisture resistant qualities to provide a solid foundation for your shed on most ground surfaces.

Do Tuff sheds need to be anchored? ›

Does this need anchors/can it be anchored? This largely depends on local building rules. Check with your local municipality if it requires a shed to be anchored to the ground. If so, anchors can be added to your Tuff Shed building order for a small fee.

Can I put flooring in my Tuff Shed? ›

Protect your Floor – Do not add rubber mats or vinyl flooring inside as they can create a serious moisture and rot issue.

Do Tuff sheds need to be painted? ›

TUFF SHED buildings are built to last. But as with any outdoor structure, regular maintenance can go a long way to help protect your building. One simple way to add years of performance to any structure on your property is to paint or stain it regularly.

Should I put gravel or dirt under my shed? ›

We recommend gravel for your shed pad. Here is a complete guide to what makes gravel one of the best shed foundation options for your new backyard structure.

Do Tuff sheds need concrete foundation? ›

A concrete foundation IS required for garages and is recommended on larger TUFF SHED buildings that have a second story (i.e. TR-1600 & TBD-800).

Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy a Tuff Shed? ›

Pre-built sheds tend to be more expensive upfront when compared with building your own; you are paying for the convenience and expertise of the manufacturer, which often results in a higher price tag compared to sourcing materials and building it yourself.

Will Tuff Shed install in the rain? ›

installation. Rain, snow, and sleet will most likely not prevent installation.

Can you use Tuff Shed as a home? ›

“Tuff Sheds are sheds. Not living spaces,” user tonydiethelm said. “A proper wall has sheathing installed, then a moisture barrier, then siding. If you get fancy, you get a rain wall, which is a good idea.

Does a Tuff Shed add value to your home? ›

Additionally, a Tuff Shed is a better investment as opposed to paying a monthly fee for a temporary building. A Tuff Shed is more than a building; it's an asset that can add value and versatility to your home.

Should a shed be on a concrete slab? ›

Generally, a well-constructed and level foundation is crucial to ensure the shed's stability and longevity. Concrete slabs are a good choice as they provide a durable and long-lasting base suitable for heavy or larger sheds. However, another very popular option is a gravel base.

What is the best color for a shed? ›

If you want it to blend in with your landscaping and yard, it's best to choose neutral colors like shades of white, brown, and gray. If you like nature-inspired colors, try hues of green, yellow, or orange. If you love a traditional feel, matching the colors of your shed to the colors of your home might be better.

What is the best base to put under a shed? ›

Gravel foundation is one of the most popular materials used to create a shed foundation, as it is cost-effective and provides good drainage. You should ensure the surface is even before installation to ensure your shed stays securely fixed.

Should I put anything under my shed? ›

A gravel foundation is an excellent foundation for a shed with a built-in floor. Gravel is cheaper than concrete and relatively easy to install. Gravel will properly allow water to drain, preventing your wooden shed from rotting.

What do you put down before a shed? ›

When installing a timber shed you must ensure that you have a even and level surface onto which you can build it. This can be made using either concrete, garden slabs or even timber decking. Failing to prepare a level surface will lead to your shed warping, which can result in damaged timber or even broken windows.

Do I need to put something under my shed? ›

Doing Ground Preparation For Your Shed Without Landscape Fabric. Gravel alone might not be enough to keep all the grass and weeds away from your shed. It's a good idea to add landscape fabric as part of the ground prep for your shed.

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