HARDWIRING VS. MESH: LONG-TERM PAYOFFS
I’m with you on the long-term benefits of hardwiring, especially if you’re using the space for work or hobbies. I’ve seen mesh systems get finicky with older buildings or thick walls, and nothing kills a creative session faster than spotty WiFi. That said, aesthetics matter to me—running conduit neatly along a fence or underground can be tricky if you care about how things look. Sometimes it’s a trade-off between clean lines and convenience... but for reliability, hardwiring wins almost every time.
NO MORE DEAD ZONES: HOW I GOT WIFI IN MY BACKYARD SHED
Couldn’t agree more on hardwiring for reliability—nothing beats it if you’re serious about your connection. I’ve run Cat6 through crawlspaces and even under patios for clients who wanted their backyard studios totally seamless. It’s a pain sometimes, especially trying to hide conduit or keep things tidy, but the payoff is real. Mesh is fine for casual use, but if you’re streaming, gaming, or working, a buried cable just gives peace of mind. Visually, though, it’s a challenge... I’ve had folks get creative with landscaping or custom trim to keep things looking sharp.
Totally get where you’re coming from—running cable isn’t glamorous, but once it’s done, you forget about it and just enjoy the speed. I did something similar for my home office in the garage. Hiding the conduit under gravel worked out way better than I expected, honestly. Mesh is decent, but nothing beats a solid wire if you’re working from the shed every day.
