What You Need to Know About DIY Shed Building and Design
You've Decided To Do-it-yourself and Buy Wood Shed Plans... Now What?
Can do-it-yourself builders really benefit from premium wood shed plans? Read this free tutorial to learn how I get professional results every time.
I consider myself a wood shed plans expert, having built dozens of wood sheds. And, the two most important things I consider when buying DIY shed plans are: space planning and shed location. At this point in the process, I don't get distracted thinking about matching home colors, character, or building styles.
I don't waste my time on free plans, store-bought sheds, or ready-made, mail order kit solutions... been there, done that. Free means lack of user feedback and you get absolutely no customer support. With store-bought and ready-made mail order sheds: they're flimsy, profit-driven solutions that I've always had to tear apart and modify too much to get the storage space to work or to match the character and style of the home.
Start out on the right path with a set of the best shed plans you can find and do it yourself. Why? Because it matters. You'll be creating something that lasts - something to be proud of.
Garden Shed by York Timber Products
"What I've discovered over the years is that regardless of whether you're a do-it-yourself novice or professional builder, you want to be good at it." ~ DIY-Plan
Professional Shed Plans: Essential For Success
Before a hammer hits a nail: plan, plan, and plan some more. All too often people visit local home centers to get shed ideas. They go inside the prebuilt sheds in the parking lot and decide their own storage needs right then and there. Even worse, they'll grab a few brochures and use those ideas to find a shed design online without doing any proper space planning.
I've lost track of the count on how many calls I've gotten from people asking me for help, after they've built and forgotten to add space for this and that... when it's too late. Unfortunately, I often have to reply, "Sorry, there is no way to easily fix things." There's no reset button.
It's not enough to buy a shed plan just because it'll look good in your back yard, it must be functional and meet all your present and future needs. Take plenty of time evaluating and make a list.
My advice... Simply put all the things you'll be storing in the shed outside in the yard and arrange them the way they would be hung, shelved, parked, or stored overhead in the rafters.
Arrange things that will take up floor space, such as: a workbench, tools, wheelbarrows, mowers, walkway, door swing, etc. - creating an imagined square or rectangular shed floor area. Then, stake out the corners of the imagined shed floor to get the overall dimensions.
Interior Storage by Fred Fauth
Don't cut your plan short during this step and allow a little extra space for growth. It's only natural that the longer you own your home, the more you'll have to store.
When finalizing your space planning and overall shed dimensions, stick to even numbers (for example: 8'x10', 10'x10', 10'x12', 12'x12', 12'x16', etc). Even dimensions will help to eliminate wasted building materials.
Have You Decided Where You Plan To Build Your Shed? - Selecting the shed location just might be the most important step.
Now that you have a good idea of how many square feet you'll need, grab a comfortable lawn chair and a cool beverage, pick a shady location in the back yard and relax for a bit... don't take this advice lightly as you're going to be choosing the best location to build your backyard wood shed.
Choose a location that's mostly level and has good water drainage. The spot should also work well with the surrounding landscape. Avoid low-lying areas that collect water because excess moisture may cause premature wood rot, make your hinges rust, and promote mold and mildew growth.
Signal Shed by Ryan Lingard
If you're planning to add area lights, plumbing, a security system, or a dehumidifier inside the shed, you'll want to build close to the house or where utilities are nearby.
DIY Building Does Not Mean "Do-it-ALL-yourself"
As the old saying goes, "Many hands make light work."
If you're always in a hurry and terrible with commitments, I might suggest you rent a storage space or continue parking your forty thousand dollar cars in the driveway and save your garage space for unused furniture, bicycles, unpacked boxes, garden rakes, and lawn mowers. Because, the biggest enemy in do-it-yourself is not the lack of carpentry skills or ability to follow directions, but lack of planning and failure to schedule the time it takes to get the job done.
But, there's still hope...
My advice... Don't do-it-all-yourself. Novice and pro alike can benefit from each other in DIY. You might have the shed location leveled by a landscaper; get a referral to outsource the shed's foundation to a building subcontractor; you can even have the roof's trusses made by a local truss company and the shingles installed by a handyman or roofer.
Building a shed can be a lot of work, but the process can be made more enjoyable if you include a few pros or have a few eager friends to contribute a helping hand. Work smarter, not harder. Turning off the DIY at times should keep you moving forward.
Before You Build: Become Friends with the Local Building Inspector - Make this time count by asking plenty of questions.
To be sure, the whole permitting process can be a bit intimidating. And, if I'm being honest here, I've never been comfortable dealing with the city and all their codes - seems they're always moving the line on me. But, I always make it a point to be friendly with the Building Inspector. He's there to help and can be a fountain of information, when building your wood shed.
During the review and permitting process, the Inspector will most likely visit your home to approve the location and put the final stamp of approval on your plans. Make this time count: ask plenty of questions and you'll avoid having to correct any code violations.
Building Permit by G&K Development
Please be careful, when working with subcontractors! if you're told their work doesn't need a permit, you should check with the Inspector.
Can I Use My Shed Plans To Get A Permit?
If you need a building permit to build a wood shed, you'll need to submit detailed plans to the local building department to show what you intend to build. If you're not sure how to draw your own plans and don't want to pay to have an architect do it for you, professional wood shed plans can be submitted for the permit.
You will, however, need to follow the approved plans and details without making changes. Also, a basic site plan that shows the outline of your property, house, and proposed shed location will need to be submitted, along with the plans. Be sure to indicate all existing structures (pool, fences, retaining walls, etc.) on the site plan. Forms are usually available for completing the site plans. Two sets of plans are typically required, for the approval process.
Watch out! A common oversight occurs when a DIY shed builder—with a current permit—makes changes to the building without a new permit.
Choosing the Perfect Shed Design - 3 Key Steps Help Me Decide
High quality wood shed plans will not only show you how to build, but tell you what tools and materials are right for the job. From creating a firm foundation to installing the doors and windows, you'll be taught everything you need to know.
There's quite a variety of premium plans online, but my "go-to" place is My Shed Plans Elite. Once you become a member, you'll be able to look through each design, analyze the pros and cons, and choose the one that best fits your needs.
There's a lot to choose from in the member's area, so I came up with 3 key steps to help me decide:
STEP 1. What's the primary use for the shed?
In most cases, storage space is the reason for a shed, so do a little space planning. A smaller, 4' x 8' lean-to style can provide sufficient space for hand tools and a push mower, but larger items (like a riding mower, RV, or boat) may require more space. I strongly recommend the largest shed size that you can afford.
Maybe you need a place to keep firewood for the fireplace you're planning to build next year? Don't forget to plan for the future and keep in mind that city building permits will be required for any built over 100 sq. ft.
STEP 2. Is the shed used for every day (or nighttime) activities?
If so, make sure you have a style with options that give you good interior access (and walkways) and if used at night: adequate lighting. Windows provide plenty of sunlight, but if you need lighting or interior power, build as close to the source of utilities as possible.
STEP 3. How important is the style and appearance of the shed next to your home?
Remember that anything you build will either add or detract from your property's appearance and may impact your property value. Metal and vinyl materials may be easier to maintain, but are the least expensive options and tend to look cheap. Natural wood and prefinished wood products will add character and value, but are typically more expensive to buy and maintain.
Once you've thought through the primary use, design and overall appearance of your shed, you'll want to take your time deciding on the shed's foundation. It can be a temporary solution, like: timber framed skids or a pier foundation. But, if you're going big, a permanent concrete slab may be your only choice.
Shed Designs: The Shed or Pent Roof
The classic look of the single sloping pent roof, reminds me of the old west, with roof angles that slope downward from front to rear (or side to side, in this example).
Should you live up north and get a lot of snow, increase the pitch (how steep the slope is) so heavy snow buildup slides off easier. That said, this type of shed is most suited for fast storage solutions or when you're location is narrow.
Pent Shed by California Custom Sheds
Shed Designs: The Lean-To Roof
Usually built against another structure, lean-to sheds are the most cost effective and the easiest sheds to build. With only 3 sides and a single pitch roof, this shed design is good if you're short on land and need to stay close to a building, garden wall, or fence.
The slope will be governed by what you select for roofing material, local code or planning restraints, and limitations created by the strength and span of your roofing timbers.
Lean-to Shed by Philip Selbie
Shed Designs: The Gable Roof
Besides working well with most climates, the "A" shape of a gable roof will give you an abundance of space within the roof rafters and will look good next to any style of home you might have.
Gable roofs will generally be built with both sides equal in length, sloping down from a single roof ridge. The angle the roof will vary from about 20 degrees to 70 degrees in pitch. The steep roof design allows snow and tree leaves to slide off the surface with ease.
Gabel Shed by Brian Tanana
Shed Designs: The Barn or Gambrel Roof
While the roof may appear to be too difficult for a novice DIY builder, don't be discouraged. A good set of plans will make building a gambrel shed easier than you might imagine. If a back-home, country barn look is what you desire, then this is it!
With a single peak and each side having two angles, a gambrel shed roof resembles the Liberty Bell. To be truly authentic, gambrel roof rafters are all the same length and the angles for each of the rafters is 22.5 degrees at the joint.
Gambrel Shed by California Custom Sheds
Shed Designs: The Saltbox Roof
Similar to a gable style roof, a saltbox roof has a peak and two sides. The difference is that the sides are not equal in size and length - one side is very short and steep and the other is long and flat. The main upside of this roof is that it can hold up to heavy winds and snow.
What I've always liked about the saltbox, is that I can keep the overall shed height low - while using a set of double or sliding doors.
Saltbox Shed by California Custom Sheds
What sort of base or foundation is best for building a shed on? - The Advantages of Pier Foundations: Useful for Large and Heavy Sheds
- They're a lot cheaper than a concrete slab and can be purchased ready to use.
- They are simple to use so specialized knowledge is not required.
- There's only a small amount of excavation required, before you begin to build.
- A pier foundation helps to safeguard your shed from ground moisture.
What I like is that when I'm building on a sloped site, the piers can be easily adjusted or cut to the proper height for leveling the foundation. And, as an added bonus, the piers can be removed and moved along with the shed.
Gabel Shed Photos by Brian Tanana
Get Building: Step-by-Step Pier Foundation & Floor
Get Building: Step-by-Step Shed Wall Framing
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Get Building: Step-by-Step Shed Roof Framing
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Get Building: Step-by-Step Shed Siding
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Get Building: Step-by-Step Finishing Up
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Smart Shed Building Tips
- Always check with the local Register of Deeds office for any deed or plat restrictions during your planning and prior to shed construction. Most Building Inspection Departments will not have this information.
- Store your building materials inside your garage or under a tarp - not openly exposed to the weather.
- Wood, when in contact with the ground, must be pressure-treated or naturally resistant to decay. Treat all cut ends with an "end-cut" solution.
- Not all lumber labeled as "pressure-treated" is rated for permanent contact with the ground.
- Fasteners, hangers, nails, etc. must be hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or as required for the specified wood preservative used.
- If you've built your shed on a raised platform, install wire hardware cloth between the ground and the bottom of your shed to keep out small critters. This will also allow air to circulate freely beneath the building.
- If you value the contents, build it with safety and security in mind. Always install strong locks and heavy-duty latches.
- Add a ramp to your shed plans, for stumble-free/drive-up access.
- Have a regular maintenance plan to ensure screws, doors, windows and parts are kept tight and weather-proof.
- Snow load ratings will vary by geographical location. If you get heavy or wet snowfall, it's advisable to sweep the snow off the shed roof.
Related
Share with us your thoughts and comments - What's your favorite wood shed design?
I like the pent roof shed with the red door. Very cute! Love your suggestion to take everything that you want to store and arrange it so you'll see what type of space you'll need. Excellent idea!
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@SusanDeppner: Ah, yes... that first shed is a gem. And, how it's been decorated with a little red is what I like, too.
The Barn or Gambrel Roof is very nice. All of them are! Lens is well laid out and effective.
Nice detailed lens!
I want a shed so badly. I will probably wind up buying one before I build one. Great lens!
This is nearly identical to the steps my dad followed to build his shed. Great information and extremely thorough! He bought a set of professional plans to build a two story, barn style shed that would match the look of his house. Location was an issue as he has a lot of slope in his property and some marshier spots he had to avoid. He also did some of the work himself and contracted out parts of the work to save time and money. It came out beautifully.
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@Sojourn: I can relate to having a craftsman father. He enjoyed working with his hands as much as I do. Best to you!
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@youthministry: Good luck with your shed project (soon?)... I cannot do without one, myself:)
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@MrMojo01: thank you, MrMojo.
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@Gypzeerose: Barn building was my very first job, as a kid--though, I'd have to say my pay is a little better, now...
Great lens with lots of info. A few suggestions though, the video at the end, no one will view because most will stop here at the guestbook and not scroll farther. Also the intro image, Squidoo likes square images, in fact if you don't have a square image you won't ever be featured on the homepage.
I've never built a shed, but I am sure once I get around to buying a house and not just living in an apartment I'll be building my own shed, and for that I'll be back to read in more detail.
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@CuAllaidh: Wow.. thank you so much for your visit and advice... I'll look into the square image immediately ... and, thank you for the video advice. I am planning to have a series of videos out, soon--plenty of room for growth and improvement... hope to help as much as I can with DIY projects.
Best regards and good luck with your storage-shed-to-be :)
Great article! I was going to suggest the same thing about getting rid of the Comments further up in your article and have it at the bottom of your article. You could replace the one further up with a Poll Module instead. Wonderful info for those looking to build their own sheds! :)
I've been involved in tons of building and still got some nice advice here. Thanks.
what a fantastic lens! I will be using this after I move!
Great info, if you are a handyman, or a handywoman :) but if you are not, get a reputable company, like Idaho Wood Sheds to build it for you.
Very descriptive and the images drive it home. Good Job.
-Blessed by a SquidAngel
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@newbizmau: Thank you for your visit and your kind comments:)
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@IWS LM: I agree on getting a reputable company (BBB rated, locally owned, and operated), if you cannot build yourself... but part of the reason for having the article is to help those who have "already" made that decision... but, I do understand you own Idaho Wood Sheds and wanted to get the word out.
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@Heather426: Bless you Heather:)
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@BuckHawkcenter: Thank you... glad I could help, today. Best to you. too!
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@ItayaLightbourne: Great idea about the poll. I wasn't sure about that, but I'll look into it, soon:)
Love them all! SquidAngel Blessed for helping others, great photos, and being awesome!
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@JJNW: Thank you so much for stopping by... I'm happy you enjoyed it:)
Awesome shed plans and great tips!
wow what a beautiful lens, soo much info here : ) If i ever need a shed- i'll be back!
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@anonymous: Thank you... I'll be here to help with your shed plans :)
I hope I can build a woodshed one day. Thanks for the helpful lens!
Very thorough and packed with info ~ I can see why you are called the wood shed plans expert ~ and a DIY'er, too! Great tips and info, and pictures ~ great work! SquidAngel blessed! B : )
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@BLemley: Thank you, BLemley... I had a lot of fun sharing.
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@Rosaquid: I am so happy you stopped by... glad I could help:)
Great lens..you've covered everything.
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@Ardyn25: Thank you for stopping by:)
Excellent! Much of your advice is what my dad (master woodcrafter) would say. *blessed
Great lens. I am forwarding to my sister who is in need of a shed soon. Congratulations on your purple star. Blessed.
Great lens. Really useful information and lovely photographs. Looking at the photos of sheds with windows, I was thinking that some of those sheds would make great play houses for some lucky kids.
GREAT lens! I'm hoping to build a garage behind my house. It will mean doing a real concrete floor, but I'm pretty intrigued by the unique, penthouse shed designs you are showing here... Giving me some good ideas!
Nice Lens. I like how you cover all the major concerns people may have in woodworking. I have a blog to and sure is gonna add this to my blogroll. Great Job...
This is a very nice lens. Wood working seems like an enjoyable hobby that gives you that sense of accomplishment when done. Great work!
Congratulations! Thanks for this needful information with lovely photographs.
Wow! So awesome, around of applause for this lens..
fantastic lens
Hey! Thanks for sharing great information to build up wood shed. Also Good Photograph and also like video. Such a Great Lens
Thanks for sharing this. We are having a small shed building party in a couple weekends time. All the family are coming to help.We already have one shed up and this will be number two.
I knew this was a great lens. Congratulations on LOTD!
wow. amazing lens..
You have thought of everything. This is the reason LOTD was created. . .you deserve it!
This is the most amazing lens I have ever seen, Very neat and nice.
amazing lens
I like your advice to become friends with the local building inspector... LOL
Congratulations on becoming LOTD!!
I like the Pent Roof shed. All the steps needed to build your shed and more are all on this lens. Great lens. Great advise.
I love watching my husband does woodworking in the yard. So sexy!!
Your expertise really shines through with your detailed instructions for planning and building a storage shed. Location, size, appearance and design -- you've covered in all in a well written and interesting lens.
Great photos the wood shed looks awesome, its nice you have plenty of yard space for it.
Wow! Quite thorough info - positively awesome! Congrats on your well-deserved LotD, and here's some Angel Dust to top it off with! :)
Very impressive lens, love the detail. Congratulations on your Lens of the Day!
I think that I like the traditional gable roof best. This is an amazingly thorough first lens well planned and written you are very thorough. A well deserved LOTD.
Congratulations on Lens of the Day. Great lens. A lot of people can benefit from your very complete information.
Great lens! Useful tips! That's just what I need :) Really! I'm looking for an idea for my backyard and here are plenty of them. Thanks for that. Blessed.
Awesome lens, Informative tips.
I love the Saltbox design the best, although no doubt all your sheds look great. Super helpful tips if I ever need a shed, I'd use your plans for sure. I also love your layout of this lens and congratulate your hard work and LOTD:) xoxo
wow nice lenses...congrats on the LOTD
This is a great lesson on wood building. Blessings!
I feature your lens in my "wood-working-hand-tools" lens.
Great lens! Lots and lots of good information for folks.
Very nicely done. Congratulations on LOTD.
Highly informative lens congrats
very nicely written and well crafted thanks fro sharing this information
beautiful lense with great thoughts
Right...where's my hammer?
Very nice lens and instructions on building a wooden shed! Welcome to Squidoo!
Even an unhandy guy like me understands how impressive this lens is. Congratulations on getting LoTD!
Cool lens- but I do not know if I could do all of this!
Great Lens It is so Informative.
Jim, I predict a great future for you here on Squidoo. For a newbie to create such a fabulous lens is remarkable. Congratulations on getting Lens of the Day. Well deserved! I look forward to reading more lens from you. All the best.
This lens is so comprehensive you can actually see your expertise in this lens. Good work
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@Im Horse Crazy: Im_Horse_Crazy ... part of the enjoyment of building is involving your local carpenters and neighbors. It's a time for sharing your love of community and if the spirit moves you, have a backyard BBQ or celebration of the seasonal vegetables & fruits with a cooling salad buffet... of course, don't forget the ice-cold lemonade .
Best to you, my friend:)
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@anonymous: Thank you for your visit and kind words. Best to you!
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@anonymous: Thanks Dave... your words of support are encouraging :)
Best to you, my friend!
Welcome to Squidoo. This is an excellent step by step article, and although I myself do not need a shed, I will definitely refer people to this page. :)
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@Coffeebreak9am: Hi coffeebreak... thank you for stopping by... what a cooincidence... I just happen to be sipping an ice coffee, right now.
Best to you, my friend:)
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@Paula Atwell: Thank you, for stopping by... we'll leave the lights on for your friends:)
Best to you.
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@anonymous: Thanks! "unhandy" + need a shed + local carpenter = less unemployment :)
Best to you, my friend.
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@shellys-space: Thanks CosmeticMom... coming from a Mom means a lot to me. Best to you, my friend!
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@SpoiltVictorian: Speaking of hammers... here's a favorite joke about hammers:
No. Billy, you can't play with the hammer. You'll hurt your fingers.
No, I won't, Dad. Sis is going to hold the nails for me.
Best to you, SpoiltVictorian.
I am glad I live in and Apartment and no longer need one of these. My bad but true.....but great step by step plans.
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@PAVION: Yeah, but I bet you could have used a shed to store all the things you couldn't have in your apartment... although, downsizing can make us all get real about what's important to keep around :P
Best to you, my friend.
I live in an apartment but liked your designs.Welcome to squidoo.Congratulations on Lotd.Please do visit mine.
thank you for the info am looking at building a shed and/or buying then assembling. will definitely come back to this for reference, especially the flooring bit. very informative. will be back soon
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@jbhumbug: Thank you for visiting:)
I'll be around, if you have any questions... and, tips or advice, too!
Best to you, my friend.
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@shahedashaikh: Thank you, shaheda... I'm glad you liked them:)
Best to you!
Welcome to Squidoo. congratulations on your LotD and purple star. Great info.
thank you for details. are really great and very useful !
My husband will love this! I really like the base that doesn't need a cement slab. Congratulations on Lens of the Day ... :)
Great! Sheds are pretty much the greatest thing since slice bread. I have several and wish I had one for every area of the property. It really helps with organization.
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@soaringsis: Thank you! I hope this article comes in handy, when they decide to get some DIY shed plans.
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@accfuller: Thank you for your kind words:) ... and yes, cement slabs are more work, but if the shed is permanent or you plan to use it for heavy equipment, a cement shed floor is a real plus.
Best to you.
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@ViJuvenate: ...yes, they are a must... I have a "man shed" that's become my second home:)
Best to you!
Fantastic lens, great topic!
Awesome job on this! And congratulations on your Lens of the Day & Purple Star Honors! My hubby is also a carpenter, and he'll enjoy seeing this lens - outstanding step-by-step details! Bravo! :) Squid hugs and Squid Angel blessed!
Wow, what a wonderful lens and the description to build a wooden building. It's amazing. I am sure you need a lots of patience to work on your project.
Congratulations on winning the Lens of The Day (LOTD)!!!
This is great. I would love a shed like one of those. They are very American! Here in Australia we mostly use steel for our backyard sheds. You will rarely see a shed made from any other material other than steel. Congrats on LOTD.
Nice, logical and practical ideas.
One at the bottom of the page seems nice but really I like all the tools and other things too what a fantastic job you have done.
Awesome Sheds.
Interesting lens. When I was growing up on a farm, I had to help when my father built a double-car garage, pighouse, machine shed, doubled the size of the barn etc. They all required foundations and he had us kids place rocks between the shovesl of concrete to save on the cost of cement. Please check out my "Flower Power" lens 'cause I need more Squid likes.
You are indeed a great craftman, way more than a carpenter. Thanks for sharing.
This is such a wealth of information. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on LOTD.
What a massive amount of info --- great job. Congrats on the LOTD and Purple Star.
Awesome and very complete lens! Welcome to squidoo.
Congrats on your LOTD! This is a very thorough and clearly written lens. You deserve it.
I'd lose a finger if I tried, but you certainly are talented!
Your lens goes so very well with the wood background. Very sharp lens my Squidoo friend!
I would not even try this - but I do appreciate all the great advice, details, and pictures you used putting this together. Great job - blessed.
Welcome to Squidoo. You sure have made a great start, with 2 lens, purple star and LotD. Congratulations, looking forward to more of your lens. Blessed.
have you read about tiny houses - fascinates me
Actually planning on making a shed myself for my senior project, will be revisiting this page!
Impressive lens, good work!
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@theallin1writer: Thank you, Thalia. Best to you, my friend:)
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@Strawberry_Soda: Good for you... glad to hear you're having a go at doing it yourself... I'll be here if you have any questions.
Best to you, my friend.
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@Frugal-UK LM: Yes, I have to agree... tiny houses are so interesting... and, the people that build them are usually just as fascinating :p
The last story I read was about a young man in high school that was building one with the help of a local craftsman. Usually, I've found the underlying desire to build was their hope for a better, cleaner environment... makes me want to be aware of my own wasteful habits and what I ca do better.
Thanks for stopping by and best to you.
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@Elsie Hagley: Thank you for your visit, yesterday... and, yes... I was just as surprised and elated at the accolades and the resulting warmth I've received from the Squidoo community.
Best to you!
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@anonymous: Thank you, so! It was my pleasure.
Best to you!
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@anonymous: Thank you Stimulus... it took a while to figure things out here but I think I'm getting the hang of it:)
Best to you, too, my Squidoo Friend!
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@maijame: Thank you, maijame.
Best to you!
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@NightMagic: Thank you for your words of inspiration.
Best to you!
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@BarbaraSellers: Yes... I have childhood memories of building with my family and the many days I spent crafting my own little things. Wow... that brings back some interesting thoughts :)
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@anonymous: Thank you, TandC :) Best to you!
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@anonymous: Thank you for visiting and your kind words, Susan:)
Best to you!
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@RawBill1: I like metal buildings, too... just not for small, personal spaces... they seem to get a lot colder in the winter.
Best to you!
Excellent lens! Covers from start to finish with great illustrations along the way. I like to work with wood but am not very good at it. I look forward to seeing more of your ideas for wood working projects.
I like to use the hip roof design, it is pleasing to the eye, it is the best roof for high winds, certainlly a good idea with the hurricanes and tropical storms found in South Florida. I always build my sheds on a raised concrete slab for stability, I also use double hurricane ties. All studs and rafters are pressure treated because of the area's termite problems. I always anchor the shed to the concrete slab with expoy bolts. I never use T11 siding it does not hold up well in a subtropical climate. I use OSB under the siding and I often cross brace. I prefer a metal roof screwed down not nailed using water gasket screws. I generally use ridge vents or a wind turbine to help cool the shed and I also use Bahama shutters for the same reason. I build with rafters not trusses so I can keep the celling open to also cool the shed. This makes the shed expensive but after twenty years of use one of my oldest sheds which received proper up keep is still perfect. So which is cheaper one shed for life or one after every major windstorm? I know the answer because I had one shed stand up to a huricane!
Thanks, you have a great lens.
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@anonymous: Your welcome back anytime, denise... it was my pleasure :)
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@anonymous: Thank you for sharing some of your building experience. I am going to be adding a tips area (soon) and will include your advice. Best to you, my friend.
PS. I see you just dodged a bullet with hurricane Isaac... my prayers go out to those who's lives were interrupted and changed by this natural disaster.
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@BowWowBear: ...yes, wood is my life... but, I love it, so!
Thank you for your visit, my friend.
Congrats on your LOTD
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@blessedmomto7: Thank you BlessedMom :)
This is an excellent lens!
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@lewisgirl: Thank you, Lewisgirl. I'm glad you enjoyed it... my hope is that you're going to find it useful, when you tackle building your own shed... I'll be here to answer any questions you might have, too :)
Best to you!
GREAR GREAT LENS! welcome to squidoo!
I really like this lens and i guess i love it more is because this is what my best friends do for a living. There sheds are on Lowes parking lots. from Indiana to Ak.
That is a lot of states and let me say they make an awesome living at this. I am talk more then upper crest. It totally shocks me.
Nice site can't wait to show them.
Brilliant lens! I was looking for this type of lens for a wooden outpost for my kids, the wooden playhouse on stilts, I really want to build one, this lens makes me want to get started!
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@catherinelovestv: Thanks for your kind words :) Good luck, if you decide to build!
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@CoolGamesOnline1: Thank you Cool! Best to you, my friend.
I can see why you won Lens of the day ! I love the shed with the red door how cute is that !
Thanks for sharing! It is a very useful article about DIY shed building! The pictures are very beautiful!
I love the barn style roof. We really, really need a shed and I'm finding it seems a lot less expensive (and sturdier ;o) if you build it yourself.
Nice lens!
I also like the barn style roof. When I was only 20 or 21, my ex-husband and I drew out plans for a shed, on a piece of paper, and built it. We were quite pleased with the results. If I remember correctly, it was only about 16 x 16 feet, but we had it sectioned off, for our pony's shelter, and a workarea.
One half was air-conditioned with lighting and a lovely floor. It was hard work, but really beautiful when it was finished When we sold the pony, it sufficed for our dog pen. Sheds can be an enhancement to your property, and are certainly a useful addition to any outdoor living area. Loved the Lens.
@diy-plan: Thank-You for your best wishes on the Isacc, believe we always lose sleep when one is on the way. Your advice on not buying factory kit sheds I am 100% in agreement with, they are poor quality lumber, never pressured treated, steldom last more than ten years, here they are lucky to make it six years. I was asked to put one together by a friend after her son bought it for her as a gift, I almost had to rebuild it and when I was finished I thought what an ugly building. Five years later it had termites. When a shed is built on a wood base the base must be anchered into the earth, I have seen sheds flipped upside down after a storm when they are not anchored. I built a shed for a workshop a few years ago to build custom canoes in it, to make it storm ready I used OSB under the siding, then cross braced the studs, insulated it, then covered the studs on the inside with 5/8 inch plywood. The windows have storm shutters that I built for them, if this building fails in a storm I hope I am near the Canadian border.
@RawBill1: You see steel sheds in Australia for the same reason as we see steel sheds here in my part of the USA, South Florida, Termites and your nation does not have the vast forests that we have. I most tell you though I enjoyed every minute I spent in your country when I was there.
Great lens! Maybe one day this info. will help me make a really cool chicken coop!
Great lens with excellent pictures. Thanks for sharing!
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@lovetolink: Good luck with your coop :)
Best regards.
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@TTMall: You're welcome... glad I could help :)
Best to you.
This is a really useful Lens written by an expert! Bookmarked for future use, and thank you.
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@kgracie: Thank you for your kind words...
best to you!
this is expert craftmanship. thanks for sharing your tips. i'm sure other builders would find this very handy. *blessed* :)
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@ae dc: Thank you ae_dc :)
Best to you, my Squidoo friend.
Great Lens. I hope to build a shed/home as I downsize and hope to travel more. Do you have a material list and or cost per square foot on the last shed in this lens? I hope to use some recycled materials in mine such as old solid wood doors, french doors and old windows. You could e-mail me through contact button. Thanks
Wow. Can you come over to my house? I'm a little intimidated about building my own shed.
Excellent lens. Great examples, explanations, step-by-step instructions. Definitely deserving of the LOTD. Blessed. Bear hugs, Frankster
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@DebMartin: Hi... nothing to be intimidated by. If you're needing the space, try using local help:) Best to you!
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@justmelucy: Using recycled materials can be a good choice... especially if you're around an area where Habitat for Humality operates. I've gotten lots of building materials (doors, windows, hardware, etc.) in the past from them. Best to you!
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@Franksterk: Thank you, Frankster! Best to you.
Great lens! Congrats on lens of the day!
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@TimeOnYourHand LM: Thank you for your kind words:)
Best to you, my friend.
I don't do much DIY. I simply came to study your lens. ;) Thanks for your critique on my lens. I appreciated it a lot. This is a great lens. Congrats on being the lens of the day.
I always preferred the barn style (gable). I enjoyed reading your lens. Nice use of the green caution flags. Use novice's need those! Congrats on LOTD.
Great post. I'm new to squiddoo...I've only created one lens... about building your own home. I think I could learn a few things from you lens layout. Thanks for sharing.
Inspiring lens. We're just about to order two sheds for the back garden and this has given us some food for thought, so thanks for that!
Lovely, unique lens. I'm not really into DIY but your info made me linger.
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@BradKamer: Thank you. The barn style is one of my favorites, too.
Best to you.
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@ArmchairBuilder1: Thank you. Good luck with all!
We do lots of DIY construction and we're planning to build a garden shed next summer. Lots of great tips and resources here. Thanks!
Planning my own shed/man cave for the new year, so this lens has been very useful, thanks
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@Babbages: thank you:)
Thanks for sharing, the shed building looks so good, i wanna make it but i am a person with poor manupilative ability, so i admire you so much.
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@anonymous: Thanks for stopping by:)
You Lens provides some great tips and advice for building a Do it Yourself shed. Great information for building a roof and foundation.
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@JosephRo: Hi Joseph, thanks for stopping by... glad to know:)
I went to Menards and used their computer to build my shed. My problem is that the town needs detailed blueprints to approve it. Menards doesn't offer this. What are my options? I have all the material and can't build it. Help.
I used these designs for inspiration for my current back yard shed. I did a lot of research before choosing one. If you've never built a shed before from scratch, it can be a little daunting, especially if its a larger shed. I also documented my whole process from the laying the foundation to putting the last nail on the shingles. Here's the link for you to my blog post:
http://www.justmeasuringup.com/blog/the-shed-proje...
Good luck with your build! It was a lot of fun for me, and a huge wow factor to impress your friends ;)
Thats an awesome DIY project. I think that the traditional gable style roof will be most beneficial even tho its a shed it still will be better for snow and rain to run off. http://www.homeevolution.net/
Be careful of moss on your roof. It can hold moisture and rust metal roofing, allow dirt and moisture through asphalt shingles, reducing lifespan and creating leaks, and can look unsightly. Check out www.mossremovaleverettwa.com for more info on keeping your roof clean.
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