Updated date:

Oct 23, 2019

What You Need to Know About DIY Shed Building and Design

Author:: Jim Brown

I've built dozens of wood sheds and now know exactly what to focus on and what's a waste of time.

This article will break down the ins and outs of designing, planning, and building your own DIY wood shed.
wesley bond, Public Domain, via Flickr

You've Decided to Do-It-Yourself and Make Your Own Shed—Now What?

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 readymade, mail order kit solutions. Been there, done that.

Plus, free means lack of user feedback, and you get absolutely no customer support. Store-bought and readymade mail order sheds are 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.

So instead, I advocate starting 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.

Read on to learn how I get professional results every time and how you can too.

Professional Shed Plans Are 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 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.

Visualize Your Storage Space and What Will Go in It

It's not enough to buy a shed plan just because it'll look good in your backyard. It must be functional and meet all your present and future needs. Take plenty of time evaluating and make a list.

My advice is to 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.

Note: When you're finalizing your space planning and overall shed dimensions, stick to even numbers (for example: 8' x 10', 10' x 10', 10' x 12', 12' x 12', 12' x 16', etc). Even dimensions will help to eliminate wasted building materials.

Be sure to visualize the layout and setup of your shed by physically arranging all the tools and equipment you plan to store in it.
Fred Fauth

Shed Location 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 backyard, 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.

Here's a few tips about how to choose the best spot:

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.
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 Necessarily Mean "Do All of It by 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 $40,000 cars in the driveway and save your garage space for unused furniture, bicycles, unpacked boxes, garden rakes, and lawn mowers. Because the biggest enemy of DIY projects is not the lack of carpentry skills or ability to follow directions, but a lack of planning and failure to schedule the time it takes to get the job done. But, there's still hope.

Consider Getting Some Outside Help

My advice is that you don't do-it-all-yourself. Novices and professionals alike can benefit from each other in DIY projects.

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.

Make sure to develop a good relationship with your local Building Inspector, and don't be afraid to ask lots and lots of questions.
G&K Development

Before You Build, Become Friends With the Local Building Inspector

It's important not to underestimate how intimidating the whole permitting process can be. And if I'm being honest here, I've never been comfortable dealing with the city and all their codes—seems like they're always moving the line on me.

But, I always make it a point to be friendly with the Building Inspector. They're there to help and can be a fountain of information when it comes to 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.

If you want to get a permit to build your shed, you'll need to put together detailed plans for what you want to do.

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.

3 Key Steps to Choosing the Perfect Shed Design

High-quality wood shed plans will not only show you how to build, but they'll also 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 three 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 anything built over 100 sq. ft.

Step #2: Is the shed used for everyday (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 they're the least expensive options and tend to look cheap. Natural wood and prefinished wood products will add character and value, but they're 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.

A pent shed is most suited for fast storage solutions or when your location is narrow.
California Custom Sheds

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 your location is narrow.

Lean-to sheds are the most cost effective and easiest sheds to build—they're particularly good if you're short on land and need to stay close to a building, garden wall, or fence.
Philip Selbie

Shed Designs: The Lean-To Roof

Usually built against another structure, lean-to sheds are the most cost effective and easiest sheds to build. With only three 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.

Gable sheds work well with most climates and house styles, and they give you an abundance of space within the roof rafters.
Brian Tanana

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 20–70° in pitch. The steep roof design allows snow and tree leaves to slide off the surface with ease.

If a back-home, country barn look is what you desire, then a gambrel shed might be for you.
California Custom Sheds

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° at the joint.

A saltbox shed can hold up against heavy winds and snow.
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 against heavy winds and snow.

What I've always liked about the saltbox, is that I can keep the overall shed height low while still using a set of double or sliding doors.

What Sort of Base or Foundation Is Best for Building a Shed?

Here are some of the benefits of using pier foundations, especially 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.

Smart Shed Building Tips

Here are some additional assorted tips to help you on your DIY journey:

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.
When in contact with the ground, wood 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 of your shed, 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 weatherproof.
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.

Get Building: Step-by-Step Pier Foundation and Floor

The pier foundation and pressure-treated floor framing is done.

Plywood sheeting is nailed down and ready for the walls.

Before framing the walls, take advantage of the flat, open floor to build the trusses.

The pier foundation and pressure-treated floor framing is done.

Get Building: Step-by-Step Shed Wall Framing

After framing each wall, nail on a diagonal board to keep the wall square.

Have the windows and doors on site to assure the rough openings are right.

After framing each wall, nail on a diagonal board to keep the wall square.

Get Building: Step-by-Step Shed Roof Framing

Bring the trusses inside and lift them upside-down—setting them on top of the wall.

Use a makeshift pole to rotate the trusses upwards and lean them into place.

Once all the trusses are up and ready, slide them across and nail into place.

Use wood drops to keep the trusses in place after nailing them into position.

The roof trusses are in place and ready for siding and windows.

Bring the trusses inside and lift them upside-down—setting them on top of the wall.

Get Building: Step-by-Step Shed Siding

The upper area of the wall siding will be easy to nail into place without the roof sheathing.

Nail through each corner of the rough openings from inside, marking to cut the openings.

Time to finish up the lap siding and trim. Up next: the roofing.

The upper area of the wall siding will be easy to nail into place without the roof sheathing.

Get Building: Step-by-Step Finishing Up

We're just finishing up on the windows, doors, and trim. Up next: the shingle roofing.

Shingle roofing is done and ready for final painting!

Here is a 3D cut-away view of the gable shed plan, with the door and window placements moved around.

We're just finishing up on the windows, doors, and trim. Up next: the shingle roofing.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Share with us your thoughts and comments - What's your favorite wood shed design?

andreas on October 12, 2017:

If you want you can learn from WoodPrix woodworking plans how to make it yourself.

Daniel on October 17, 2016:

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.

Rodney on May 06, 2016:

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.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on June 11, 2013:

@JosephRo: Hi Joseph, thanks for stopping by... glad to know:)

JosephRo on June 11, 2013:

You Lens provides some great tips and advice for building a Do it Yourself shed. Great information for building a roof and foundation.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on March 24, 2013:

@anonymous: Thanks for stopping by:)

anonymous on March 23, 2013:

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.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on October 22, 2012:

@Babbages: thank you:)

Babbages on October 15, 2012:

Planning my own shed/man cave for the new year, so this lens has been very useful, thanks

Lee Hansen from Vermont on October 05, 2012:

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!

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 30, 2012:

@ArmchairBuilder1: Thank you. Good luck with all!

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 30, 2012:

@BradKamer: Thank you. The barn style is one of my favorites, too.

Best to you.

Totus Mundus on September 30, 2012:

Lovely, unique lens. I'm not really into DIY but your info made me linger.

Allison Whitehead on September 28, 2012:

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!

ArmchairBuilder1 on September 26, 2012:

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.

BradKamer on September 19, 2012:

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.

GSTS GSTS on September 17, 2012:

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.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 17, 2012:

@TimeOnYourHand LM: Thank you for your kind words:)

Best to you, my friend.

TimeOnYourHand LM on September 16, 2012:

Great lens! Congrats on lens of the day!

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 14, 2012:

@Franksterk: Thank you, Frankster! Best to you.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 14, 2012:

@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!

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 14, 2012:

@DebMartin: Hi... nothing to be intimidated by. If you're needing the space, try using local help:) Best to you!

Frankie Kangas from California on September 13, 2012:

Excellent lens. Great examples, explanations, step-by-step instructions. Definitely deserving of the LOTD. Blessed. Bear hugs, Frankster

DebMartin on September 10, 2012:

Wow. Can you come over to my house? I'm a little intimidated about building my own shed.

justmelucy on September 09, 2012:

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

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 08, 2012:

@ae dc: Thank you ae_dc :)

Best to you, my Squidoo friend.

ae dc on September 08, 2012:

this is expert craftmanship. thanks for sharing your tips. i'm sure other builders would find this very handy. *blessed* :)

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 06, 2012:

@kgracie: Thank you for your kind words...

best to you!

Kieran Gracie from United Kingdom on September 05, 2012:

This is a really useful Lens written by an expert! Bookmarked for future use, and thank you.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 04, 2012:

@TTMall: You're welcome... glad I could help :)

Best to you.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 04, 2012:

@lovetolink: Good luck with your coop :)

Best regards.

TTMall on September 04, 2012:

Great lens with excellent pictures. Thanks for sharing!

lovetolink on September 02, 2012:

Great lens! Maybe one day this info. will help me make a really cool chicken coop!

anonymous on September 02, 2012:

@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.

anonymous on September 02, 2012:

@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.

Emily Tack from USA on August 31, 2012:

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.

EpicFarms on August 31, 2012:

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!

kayla_harris on August 30, 2012:

Thanks for sharing! It is a very useful article about DIY shed building! The pictures are very beautiful!

eccles1 on August 29, 2012:

I can see why you won Lens of the day ! I love the shed with the red door how cute is that !

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on August 29, 2012:

@CoolGamesOnline1: Thank you Cool! Best to you, my friend.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on August 29, 2012:

@catherinelovestv: Thanks for your kind words :) Good luck, if you decide to build!

catherinelovestv on August 29, 2012:

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!

Mary from Midwest on August 29, 2012:

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.

CoolGamesOnline1 on August 29, 2012:

GREAR GREAT LENS! welcome to squidoo!

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on August 29, 2012:

@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!

lewisgirl on August 29, 2012:

This is an excellent lens!

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on August 29, 2012:

@blessedmomto7: Thank you BlessedMom :)

blessedmomto7 on August 29, 2012:

Congrats on your LOTD

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on August 29, 2012:

@BowWowBear: ...yes, wood is my life... but, I love it, so!

Thank you for your visit, my friend.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on August 29, 2012:

@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.

Jim Brown (author) from Atlanta, GA on August 29, 2012:

@anonymous: Your welcome back anytime, denise... it was my pleasure :)

anonymous on August 28, 2012:

Thanks, you have a great lens.

anonymous on August 28, 2012:

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!

BowWowBear on August 28, 2012:

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.