When you’re a parent, every part of your home becomes a potential zone of exploration. While that’s a beautiful part of childhood, it also means you need to think carefully about safety, especially when it comes to backyard structures like sheds. A shed is more than just a place to store tools or garden supplies. It’s an important extension of your home that needs to be both functional and safe especially if you have children who love to roam and explore.
At TruPoint Backyard Buildings, we design and build high-quality, family-friendly sheds with safety, durability, and long-term value in mind. Whether you’re planning a new build or already have a shed in place, these shed safety tips will help you protect what matters most: your kids.
Why Shed Safety Matters More Than You Think
Many families don’t realize the potential risks a backyard shed can pose until something happens. From sharp tools to hazardous materials, there are many things inside a shed that curious little hands should never touch. Plus, sheds that aren’t well maintained or properly secured can become unsafe structurally.
Safety should never be an afterthought. When you take the right precautions, your shed can be a secure, organized, and completely kid-friendly part of your backyard.
Tip #1: Choose a Family-Safe Shed Design From the Start
If you’re still in the planning stage, you’re in the perfect position to make safety a top priority. The type of shed you choose, the layout, and even the access points can all impact how safe your shed is for your family.
Here’s what to consider when choosing a family-safe shed:
Sturdy, weather-resistant materials: Avoid sheds that use thin or flimsy materials. TruPoint Backyard Buildings offers sheds built with high-quality materials that resist wear and tear, reducing the risk of accidents caused by rot, warping, or damage.
Customizable layouts: A well-designed layout allows you to separate hazardous tools from family-access areas.
No sharp edges or exposed hardware: Our sheds are built with attention to detail, minimizing exposed corners or fasteners that can cause injury.
Need help visualizing a safe and stylish shed layout? Use our 3D Shed Builder Tool to start designing your dream shed today!
Tip #2: Install a Locking System
One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your shed safe for children is by installing a secure, child-proof locking system. This prevents unauthorized access when you’re not around to supervise.
Recommended locking options include:
Keyed entry door locks
Combination padlocks
Heavy-duty hasp locks
Door alarms for added peace of mind
Always make sure the locking mechanism is out of reach for small children. Remember, curious minds are resourceful!
Tip #3: Organize and Store Tools Properly
A cluttered shed isn’t just frustrating — it’s dangerous. Power tools, sharp objects, nails, screws, and garden chemicals all pose a risk if left accessible.
Keep your tools and supplies safe by:
Installing wall-mounted shelves and pegboards
Using lockable storage cabinets for power tools
Keeping hazardous chemicals in sealed, labeled containers
Storing sharp tools high off the ground or behind locked doors
TruPoint sheds come with optional built-in shelving and storage upgrades, making it easy to keep everything in its place.
Tip #4: Maintain a Clean and Clutter-Free Floor
Tripping hazards are one of the most overlooked shed safety issues. Toys, cords, tools, or even uneven flooring can lead to slips and falls, especially for active children.
Shed floor safety tips:
Sweep regularly to keep the floor free of debris
Use anti-slip mats if your floor tends to get slick
Secure loose boards or floor panels immediately
Don’t allow kids to leave bikes or toys inside the shed
Our team at TruPoint can help you choose flooring options designed for strength, comfort, and easy cleaning.
Tip #5: Keep Electrical Wiring Kid-Safe
If your shed is powered with electricity, special care is required. Exposed wires or improperly installed outlets can become a real hazard.
To make your shed’s electrical system safe:
Hire a licensed electrician for all installations
Use child-proof outlet covers
Tuck away extension cords and keep wires out of reach
Avoid overloading circuits with too many appliances
If you’re upgrading your shed with electricity, we can help you plan your space safely and efficiently from the start.
Tip #6: Secure Heavy Items and Shelves
Tall shelves or storage racks can become unstable, especially when bumped or climbed on. For families with toddlers or young kids, this is a real concern.
Secure items by:
Anchoring shelving units to the wall
Avoiding top-heavy storage
Keeping heavy items on lower shelves
Installing edge guards on low furniture pieces
Safety is always part of our design process at TruPoint. Ask us about custom shelving options that stay safe and stable over time.
Tip #7: Watch Out for Doors and Windows
Doors that swing shut quickly or windows that open easily from the inside can be trouble if little ones are nearby.
What to look for:
Slow-close or soft-close hinges
Window locks or childproof latches
Doors with handles that require adult strength or keys
No glass at low levels where kids can reach
We offer family-friendly door and window options on all TruPoint sheds, ensuring your structure is as secure as it is beautiful.
Tip #8: Don’t Store Harmful Chemicals in a Shared Shed
If your shed doubles as a family storage space and a workshop, it’s best to separate hazardous materials completely.
Common items to keep out of reach or locked away:
Paints and solvents
Weed killers and pesticides
Car fluids and fuels
Bleach or strong cleaning agents
Better yet, consider a dual-purpose shed design that includes separate zones for family storage and tool storage. With our 3D Shed Builder Tool, you can build it exactly how you want it.
Tip #9: Add Lighting Inside and Out
A well-lit shed is a safer shed. If your child accidentally ends up inside after dusk or if you need to grab something quickly, good lighting can prevent accidents.
Lighting options include:
Battery-powered LED lights
Solar-powered motion lights for the exterior
Interior ceiling lights or light strips
Path lighting leading to the shed
These options make your shed safer, more accessible, and more practical for the entire family.
Tip #10: Teach Your Kids Shed Safety Rules
No matter how many safety features you install, the best defense is always education. Teach your children what the shed is for and when they’re allowed to enter — and when they’re not.
Helpful rules for kids:
Never enter the shed without an adult
Don’t touch tools, wires, or stored items
Keep the shed door closed and locked
Report anything broken or unsafe
By making these conversations part of your routine, you’ll build a shared sense of responsibility and safety.
TruPoint Sheds: Designed With Families in Mind
At TruPoint Backyard Buildings, we take pride in building sheds that work for real families. Whether you need extra storage, a hobby space, or a combination of both, our sheds are designed to be safe, functional, and long-lasting.
Here’s what makes us different:
Premium-grade building materials
Custom layouts that suit your lifestyle
Family-safe options for doors, windows, floors, and storage
A team that cares about safety, quality, and your experience
Want to see your vision come to life? Use our 3D Shed Builder Tool to customize every detail of your future shed and explore upgrades that support a kid-friendly layout.
Ready to Build Your Family-Safe Shed?
There’s no better time to invest in a shed that’s as safe as it is stylish. Whether you’re creating a play-safe space for the kids or a clean, secure spot for your tools, TruPoint Backyard Buildings is here to help.
Get started today:
Use our 3D Shed Builder Tool to design your ideal shed
Contact our team for a free quote or consultation
Explore shed upgrades that support safety and storage for the whole family
Your dream shed is only a few clicks away and it can be one your kids will be safe around too.