Frequently Asked Questions
Lifetime Product FAQ's
1-800-225-3865
Originally, the term "FAQ" referred to "Frequently Answered Questions" and listed answers that had previously been offered by customer support representatives. Whether they're frequently asked, or frequently answered, we're here to help you with anything you need!
Lifetime Deck Boxes have places for dividers. Does Lifetime make plastic dividers?
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It wasnt cost efficient for the company to manufacture the plastic dividers for the deck box, but we wanted to leave that option open for the do-it-yourself customers who may want to insert dividers made of wood or other materials.
Need help building your shed?
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If you have come to a difficult step and need some additional help. We have videos that will walk you through the entire process. Whether your stuck on the floor or roof, we can walk you through it. For a full list of videos, click here.
The screws won’t go through the holes in the lid hinges
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This is by design and not a problem. The screws will grip both the hinge and the polyethylene panels to form a stronger hinge assembly.
How do I start composting?
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From gardening remains and leaves to leftover food, composting is the natural break down of materials into rich fertilizer. Composting is a simple process where nature does most of the work for you. However, to make nice rich compost, there are five key items to remember: brown materials, green materials, oxygen, heat, and water. Providing a balance of these essentials will ensure you get the best quality compost. Here are some instructions on how to start composting and helpful tips to get the best results. (Link video)
How do I get rid of the maggots in my composter?
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Maggots are an indicator of two things: either the compost is too wet, so you should take the lid off and let it dry out. Or, there could be meat or dairy in the compost. Maggots arent necessarily a bad thing. They will simply hatch into flies or the high temperature in the composter will kill them. However, theres no damage done to the compost itself.
Am I supposed to have water in my composter?
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The liquid that may accumulate in your composter is just as valuable as the compost itself. You can drain it off and use it as a concentrated liquid fertilizer for your plants. However, the fertilizer will need to be diluted first. If you dont want to bother with that, just add newspapers, paper, or sawdust to the compost ingredients to absorb the extra moisture.
How long does it take for the compost to decompose?
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This depends upon the size of the composter and the ingredients in the compost, but the average is four to six weeks.
My composter has water in the panels. How did it get there and should I remove it?
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Liquid can seep into the panels through the blowhole plugs. The liquid is not causing any harm and does not need to be removed.
How many garden boxes can you stack on top of each other?
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They are designed to be stacked two high. It is possible to stack them higher, but you would need additional bracing which is not provided with the kits.
Can I paint a Lifetime shed?
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No, Lifetime sheds cannot be painted. One of the biggest advantages of the polyethylene plastic material from which its constructed is that it does not require painting
Does this shed come with a floor?
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Lifetime sheds come with interlocking polyethylene flooring panels. These flooring panels need to be supported underneath by a smooth, level foundation. We recommend a concrete slab or a wooden platform for the foundation. For information on how to build a shed foundation, click here.
Does the flooring need subflooring beneath it?
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You dont need subflooring for the shed, just the foundation.
Can I build the shed without using the flooring?
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You cannot eliminate the floor from the shed assembly because the wall panels insert into the flooring.
What type of foundation is recommended?
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A Lifetime Shed must be built on a flat level surface. If the foundation is not flat the shed will not assemble correctly. We recommend a concrete slab. Another option would be a wooden metal platform. Contact Customer Service at 1-800-225-3865 for dimensions.
Should I make the foundation the same size as the shed dimensions?
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No, the size of the foundation should be slightly smaller than the overall shed dimensions for drainage purposes. Construct your foundation according to the instructions provided in the Owners Manual or contact Customer Care if you plan to build the foundation prior to purchasing the shed.
What is the best way to anchor a Lifetime shed?
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For the 7, 8, and 10 ft-wide models, anchor the shed to the foundation through the four indentations in the shed floor. For the 11 ft. wide models, anchor the shed through the floor brackets attached to each wall support.
Do your picnic tables have umbrella holes already in them?
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Yes. All of our picnic tables, with the exception of the Childrens Picnic Table, already have holes in them to accommodate an umbrella. They also include a cap which can be inserted into the hole when an umbrella is not in use so the tabletop will have a flat surface.
What is polystyrene?
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Polystyrene is a type of plastic. Lifetime Outdoor Furniture is constructed of UV-protected, high-density polystyrene. The difference between our polyethylene products and our polystyrene products is that we can make polystyrene look and feel like real wood. Unlike real wood, the simulated polystyrene wood will not splinter, warp, or rot, and never needs to be painted or varnished. The high-density polystyrene furniture is lightweight, yet more durable than plastic commonly used for outdoor furniture. In addition, it is weather-resistant, stain resistant, and easy to clean - essential features in outdoor decor.
How do I clean Lifetime Outdoor Furniture made of polystyrene?
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Soak a lint-free cloth in a mixture of a mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Wipe down the furniture with the cloth and soapy water. You may also pour the soapy water directly onto the furniture if needed. Rinse with clean water, and then blot with a damp lint-free towel to dry it off. We dont recommend using abrasives on the furniture, as it could damage it. For more tips on cleaning Lifetime Outdoor Furniture, click here.
How should the concrete surface be prepared for anchoring?
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Holes of appropriate size for the type of anchors used will need to be drilled in the concrete after the shed is assembled.
Can I add an extreme weather kit to an existing shed or does it have to be installed during the shed assembly?
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Our shed extreme weather kits can easily be installed in an existing 8 x 10 ft. shed.
What is the warranty for this product?
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Lifetime outdoor sheds are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of ten years from the date of original retail purchase.
How do I file a warranty claim?
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Please visit Lifetimes main Warranty page for instructions and more details.
What is polyethylene and what makes it better than wood?
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Polyethylene is a plastic that is virtually indestructible. It will not chip, crack, or peel like wood products. Polyethylene is durable, easy to clean, lightweight, and is ideal for outdoor use.
What is the wind resistance factor for your shed?
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The heavy-duty steel reinforced construction makes Lifetime sheds strong, durable, and weather resistant with a wind speed rating of 70 MPH. However, some US areas (particularly in Florida) have wind force regulations regarding sheds. Check with your local building regulation department regarding specific wind force requirements. For areas with severe weather and wind, Lifetime offers an Extreme Weather Kit for our 8 ft sheds which has a wind speed rating of up to 118 MPH.
What is the snow load rating of your sheds?
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A Lifetime 8-ft Shed can support a roof load of 1800 lbs. total weight (22.5 lbs. per square foot). For areas that receive heavy snow, a Snow Load Kit is available which increases the 8-ft shed roof load to 2400 lbs. total weight (30.0 lbs. per square foot).
What sizes of sheds are available?
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Our 7, 8, 10, 11, and 15 wide models come in various depths. Click here to see our complete line of sheds.
Is it possible to enlarge your shed?
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Yes, an optional 2.5 ft extension kit will extend any 8 ft shed up to 15 feet deep, a 10 ft shed up to 15 feet wide, or an the 11 ft shed up 26 feet deep. Extension kits can be added during initial assembly or added to an existing shed if your storage needs grow.
What accessories are available for your shed?
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Numerous accessories are available for both the inside and outside of your Lifetime Shed.Click here to see our complete line of shed accessories.
Where can I purchase a Lifetime Shed?
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Visit the Where to Buy page for a list of some of the major retailers who carry our products in-store. For local Utah outlet store locations, visit the Lifetime Store, and for online sales visit the Lifetime Store Online.
Will a Lifetime Shed fade in the sun?
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All products left in the sun for extended periods of time will eventually fade. However, our polyethylene products have inhibitors that help prevent fading and maintain the integrity of the polymer when exposed to sunlight providing years of color.
Can I attach two sheds together?
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No, you cannot attach two sheds together because of the design of the roof.
Can I wire the shed for electricity?
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Lifetime sheds are not designed to be wired for electricity and any alterations to do so will void the warranty.
Can you send me shed blueprints to submit to my city office to get a building permit?
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Blueprints are not available for our storage sheds. Our sheds are assembled using the assembly instructions included in the Owners Manual. A copy of the Owners Manual is available through the Customer Care linkOr by contacting Lifetime Customer Care at 1-800-225-3865.
Can I get parts to add another door to my shed?
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It is possible to add another door to some shed models. Contact Customer Service at 1-800-225-3865 to see if doors can be added to your shed model.
I built my shed on a flat level platform but the doors do not align. What should I do?
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Door alignment instructions are included in the assembly instructions.