How to Build a Shed Step By Step

Building a shed for a workshop, as an entertainment area or for storage purposes, is a rewarding task. Shed construction can be a headache if you don’t think about planning and materials. Here are some tips on how to build a shed step by step, focusing on both researching and planning your project.

Shed Use and Location

You first need to think about what you will use your shed for. Do you just need extra storage room protected from the sun, wind, rain and snow, or are you wanting to create an office or workshop that will need power and running water? What about the location of your shed? Do you want it hidden away in the back of your yard or near to your house? What is the ground like – do you have problems with standing water or flooding? What about large trees – shade that prevents the sun getting to the shed can cause wood to remain damp and rot.

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Permits

Before thinking about the design of your shed you need to check out local building codes and home owners’ association restrictions and requirements. Make certain you know what you are permitted to build and what restrictions there are on location and design before you start to build.

Shed Plans vs. Shed Kits

Your biggest decision will likely be do you use a shed kit or use shed plans. There are many varieties of kit available. They provide preassembled frames or panels, which reduces the woodworking skills needed, as well as letting you build your shed faster. There are a few drawbacks to kits including limited material and style options, especially if you intend to match your shed to already existing buildings. Shipping costs are also quite high, and there is a risk of damage during transport.

Using plans to build a shed step by step provides flexibility both in design options and materials used. Sheds built using plans are typically cheaper as all the work is done by you. There are many plans available in books, magazines and online. When selecting a set of plans be careful not to focus just on the look of the finished shed. Be sure that the plans you chose have step by step instructions, materials lists, and a cut chart that tells you the precise size to cut your wood before you begin to build.

Materials

Before you start to build you need to carefully read the plans or kit instructions and gather the materials and tools that you will need. You might be surprised to know that for a simple storage shed, a regular toolbox will contain most of the tools required.
For example, for a simple wood shed you will need:

  • Wood for the frame, floor, and walls
  • Nails, screws, and hinges
  • Cement, gravel or wood for the foundation
  • Roofing materials (plywood, felt and shingles)
  • Tools

Building

As with any building, start your shed from the ground and work upwards. Your first task is the foundation, which can be either a permanent concrete or gravel base or moveable skids on which the shed is built. Next place the floor and then frame the walls, either building them on ground before they are put in place or, if you have enough friends to help, frame walls, doors and windows in their place.

The final step is to put on the roof, using beams and rafters on top of which plywood sheeting, roofing felt and shingles will be placed once windows and doors have been installed. After your shed is complete you need to take time to weatherproof your shed. Use caulking to seal any small holes and then paint the wood or put on siding to both protect your shed and make it appealing to the eye. With the help of a couple of friends and a set of quality shed plans, using a step by step approach, you can build a shed that is functional and appealing in a couple of days.

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