Ditch The Shed: IKEA Has An Easy Solution For Instant Garden Storage

Getting your garden to look its best isn't an easy feat — it requires hours of planning and effort, as well as plenty of storage for everyday garden essentials. If trudging through the yard to your dirty, spider-ridden shed is grating on your nerves, it might be time to look for another garden storage solution. One instant option is IKEA's new shelving solution, the NÄMMARÖ outdoor kitchen; it offers plenty of space in an aesthetically pleasing package.

Retailing for $370, the NÄMMARÖ outdoor kitchen is made from a combination of materials, most prominently a stainless steel tabletop and a solid acacia wood frame. The piece features a large, flat surface on the top and a large shelving unit underneath, as well as a slatted, trellis-like rack at the back. The entire fixture measures 63 inches long, 24⅜ inches wide, and 55⅛ inches high, making for a sizable storage solution. Since it is made from acacia wood, the NÄMMARÖ is suitable for outdoor use, while the stainless steel surface provides a sturdy workstation that can withstand the elements, too.

Currently, customers have given the NÄMMARÖ a 4.6-star average rating. Its highest marks are going to its appearance and performance. A couple of reviews mention that the unit is actually two individual pieces that are placed side by side, leaving a seam between the kitchen's stainless steel top; that being said, it is regarded as a worthwhile purchase by the majority of buyers. Now might also be a good time to check out another IKEA outdoor storage solution that rivals your old backyard shed.

No single piece of furniture will magically solve your storage problems — instead, you have to think creatively about how to outfit it with the right resources to serve your purposes. The same goes for the NÄMMARÖ outdoor kitchen. This piece has good bones that are easy to convert into sustainable and open-ended garden storage, meaning it can easily be adapted should your needs change. 

Since the kitchen unit has an open form, it will be important to keep certain items in sealing bins to prevent moisture and pests from invading. Seed packets can be sealed in airtight baggies, while bags of potting soil or earthworm castings could be placed within an IKEA SAMLA box with lid ($4.99). Sealing bins can also be helpful for tool storage, especially of items that are not suitable for exposed storage. Remember that opting for see-through bins will allow you to easily grab what you're looking for.

The hooks on the back of the trellis rack can be ideal for the storage of everyday tools; however, it is advisable to store only powder-coated or plastic tools on these, or they may rust over time. While the stainless steel worktop is ideal for repotting and dividing plants, it's worth noting that some reviews mention the surface gets very hot in the sun. Therefore, it might be best to work at your garden station before or after the heat of the day, or to position the piece in a shady spot. If you're craving even more space to work on your plant projects, you can attempt this wood pallet DIY that results in the perfect table for gardening tasks.