Transforming a Shed into a Backyard Home Office

Jon Lantz • July 31, 2023

When you work from home it can be difficult to balance your work and home life. Designating an office space will give you an area that’s just for work, helping you separate your work from your personal and family time. With a home office, you’ll be more productive at work and more present in your personal life. Keep reading to see how you can create a backyard workspace with a shed.

Determine Size & Layout

Lean-To shed with beige vinyl siding, white trim, 2 windows, and a set of double doors with windows.

Consider what size home office you want and if this space will serve multiple purposes. You can determine what size shed you need for your home office by determining how much space your equipment will take up and how much extra room you have in your yard.


Think about the layout you want your office to have. Do you want your desk and chair in the middle of the shed? Or do you prefer placing them against a wall or window? You should also consider the layout of your yard. Where do you want your office to be placed? Will the shed be in the way of walking paths? Would you rather have more office space or more yard space? How far do you want to be from your house? Deciding on the ideal interior setup and yard layout can help you find the perfect shape and size for your home office.

Insulate Your Shed

Insulation is a necessity in your portable home office. When you insulate ceilings, walls, and floors, you keep your office from becoming cold in the winter and hot in the summer. You’ll also save money and energy because the air from your heater or air conditioner won’t escape. Insulation also prevents outdoor temperatures from affecting the inside of your office. With insulation, heat won’t get into your office during the summer months and cold air will stay out in the winter.

Install Electricity

When using a shed to create a home office, you’ll need an electrician to install electricity. With electricity, you can charge your laptop, power monitors, have more light, use a coffee maker, set up your own office Wi-Fi, and control the indoor temperature. Additionally, electricity enables you to add a mini fridge and hot plate in your home office for easy access to drinks, snacks, and lunches.


You’ll need to install sockets throughout your office for easy charging and powering up equipment. To make placing sockets effortless, go back to the office layout you decided on to determine where your electrician should add each socket. Don’t forget to place sockets in areas where you want extra light!

Improve Ventilation

10 by 14 Classic Garden Cottage with black wood siding, transom windows, windows with white trim, asphalt roofing, and double doors with windows.

While insulation and electricity keep your home office cool in the summer and warm in the winter, you still need proper ventilation. Ventilation is important for any space, especially when you are spending an extended period of time there.


Proper ventilation and air circulation have an impact on your health by preventing mildew and mold growth, providing fresh air, removing air pollutants, controlling humidity, and keeping indoor temperatures stable. Installing vents, like ridge vents, in your shed will help with ventilation and air circulation. You can also open windows and doors or place a fan in your home office.

Add Plumbing & Running Water

Plumbing is a convenient addition to backyard home offices. By hiring someone to install plumbing, you can add a bathroom and sink to your shed. This lessens trips to your house and keeps your office temperature regulated by not having to go in and out. You also won’t need to go far to wash out mugs or refill your coffee machine. Best of all, when the weather is bad, you don’t have to leave your portable office multiple times a day.

Organize & Decorate Your Space

Shed loft interior

Depending on how much room, equipment, and supplies you have, you can organize your items with freestanding bookshelves, pegboards, filing cabinets, and containers on shelves. Similarly, lofted sheds will give you plenty of extra storage room. To keep your indoor space clean, add a door mat to the inside of your backyard office. Keep a small broom and trash can in your office to quickly clean up any dirt or grass clippings that get inside so your space stays tidy and pest-free.


Adding plants to your home office can improve your mood and reduce stress in addition to livening up your space. You can also set up an outdoor area for your home office or install a porch to enjoy your breaks outside in nature. Once you get the basics of your space down, you can make it your own with rugs, curtains, wall decor, and decorative accessories.

Buy a Pre-Built or Custom Home Office

2 story Dutch Barn Shed with tan wood siding, white trim, windows with green shutters, white double doors, a white garage door, and gray asphalt roofing.

When you buy a shed from Jed’s Sheds, your backyard office will be turnkey and ready for use the moment it’s delivered. Your portable backyard office can be the style and color you choose, so matching it to your home and existing buildings won’t be a challenge.


When you use an old shed you already have in your backyard as a home office, you run the risk of leaks and exposure. Jed’s Sheds uses quality, durable materials so your home office will protect your equipment inside and last for decades to come.

Start designing your own backyard office from the comfort of your home with our free 3D builder. To learn more about finding the perfect office for you, browse buildings on our website or speak with one of our experts.

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