There are many different home projects which can improve the value of a property, and one of those is building a storage shed.  Building a shed from scratch is also a popular project among many handymen because this is a project that takes a lot of planning, a lot of skill, and building a good shed is one way of confirming just how skillful and individual really is.  While there are many different types of sheds and various designs and plans to choose from, if you’re planning on setting up your first diy shed, there are several things you need to consider before getting started with the ground breaking of an actual project.

Type of shed

One of the major early decisions to make is what type of a shed you want to build.  Do you want a permanent structure that involves creating a concrete base or are you okay with having a shed that stands on a couple of stilts or a wooden base?  This decision early on changes which shed designs will work for you and which won’t.  In addition, there are basic storage sheds, garden sheds, lean to sheds, and designs that use all wood while others have basic metal roofs.  Making the design decision early on will determine how to start the project.

Roofing options

There are several different options when it comes to creating a roof for the shed.  Three major types of roofs can be used and each requires a different type of material for the roof design.  The first is using wood boards in a traditional roofing set up.  This is an especially popular with the full wood or “cabin-style” of outside shed.  Another method is to apply plywood as a roof and attach shingles to it on both sides.  Finally, the third option is to go with metal sheet roofing, which is a low cost alternative to create a nice roof while under a tight budget.

Local licenses & permits

If you live out in the country you don’t have to worry about things like licenses and getting building permits from the local government authorities, but if you live in a town or city then these are things that you need to consider.  Checking in with the town government is important to make sure that you don’t need any type of building permit.  The requirements may change depending on whether you are creating a permanent or a temporary structure.

This also might help influence your decision of what type of base to use.  If a permanent structure with a concrete base means a $2,000 building permit while a shed built on a couple wood stilts as a base might not require any type of a permit at all.  This is obviously a huge difference and can be a deal breaker for an individual who is looking to build a shed from scratch for the first time.

Looking for help

If you don’t have a lot of experience with your own at home or construction projects, then it might be a really good idea to find some friends who have much more experience than you do.  This is especially a good idea if you want a light in the shed and say have no electrical experience.  Deciding early on to get some help from friends and neighbors who have the experience to help with such a project isn’t anything to be ashamed of.  In fact, it’s a very smart move to make sure everything goes smoothly.

In conclusion

Building a shed from scratch doesn’t have to be a difficult undertaking.  With a good amount of planning and some help from experienced hands, you will be well on your way to setting up an excellent storage shed that fits all of your needs.

Building a shed isn’t a completely simple project, but by the same token it’s a pretty good beginner project for someone who wants to get more experience with home handyman projects.  You can’t just toss up some plywood walls and a roof and expect that structure to work as a functional building.  However the good news is that learning how to build a shed doesn’t have to be a long or painful process: there are many great plans to follow online and there are other ways of learning the ins and outs of building a quality storage unit.

There are several aspects to building a shed which you need to learn before jumping head first into a major project.  One good way to think about learning how to build a shed is to see the process as having several important and independent steps that go in order.  This makes it easy to organize each step and to learn the specific skills needed in order to build a brand new shed from the ground up.

Step 1: Learning to Set a Foundation.  The very first step to building any new building is to set up the foundation.  If you want a permanent foundation that means using concrete and learning exactly how to measure out the space where the shed is going to sit, how to dig even holes, and how to pour and smooth out the cement evenly.  If you don’t know how to use a level, you will need to learn as this step is critical to the process.  Another popular option is to dig a 6 to 12 inch hole for the foundation, cover the bottom with gravel, and then have concrete blocks on each corner which keep the shed propped up over the foundation without having to mess with concrete too much.

Step 2: Building the Floors.  Building floors involves several steps in and of itself.  Not only do you need to be able to take the pieces of lumber to create your base frame and floor supports, but you will be attaching plywood to the top to serve as the basis for your actual shed’s floor.  If the supports are too far apart or the nailing/drilling uneven then you are going to lose a lot of quality and have an inferior floor more prone to damage and eventual breaking.  Building the floors properly sets the stage for everything that comes after.

Step 3: Creating the Walls.  The next obvious step is creating the walls.  This sequence is one that many people find the most natural to figure out using instinct and common sense.  However, just because walls go up doesn’t mean they use the optimal design and if you truly want an excellent shed that is built to last the test of time you need to learn how to properly measure and frame the walls, as well as creating even measurements of support beams to provide the most stability and structure.  This can take some time to perfect, especially if you want to add windows.

Step 4: Building and Finishing the Roof.  This might be the last step, but that doesn’t make it any less important.  The exact skills needed and steps you need to take will vary based on the type of roofing you want to do.  Shingles are going to be different than layered sheet metal, for example.  However, setting up the structure of a roof is easy to learn, as the limited options all revolve around support beams followed by plywood and shingles or else layered sheet metal.

What’s This All Mean?

While this isn’t a step by step guide for people who want to learn how to build a shed, it does break down the process into four easy sections which allows you to concentrate on mastering one set of skills before moving on to the next.  For many people, this type of teaching process allows them not only to learn faster, but to master that information and keep their skills sharp for future projects.

If you’re not normally a do it yourself type of individual or you have limited construction experience then one of the hardest parts of setting up the shed can be handling the door.  There are several different types of shed doors to choose from, and the style that works best might depend on the plans.  Are you looking to build a shed double door, with one side of the door opening to each side or are you looking for a smaller shed with a more traditional door set up?  The design you choose can radically change the best way to set up the door.

Types of shed doors

If you haven’t gone through this process before, then you need to know that there are actually several different types of doors you can use and that you will need slightly different materials and techniques.  Then there is the issue of creating hinges or double hinges, which can be a little complicated for people who have never had to work on these doors before.  There are even different styles such as ledged doors, ledged and braced doors, or framed and ledged doors.  These are some of the most common designs for single shed doors and describe the construction that goes behind them.

Ledged doors

Ledged doors are the simplest type of braced doors you can make.  This is where you make a door from several vertical boards and brace them using either three or four smaller boards.  This results in a stable door as the vertical boards placed near the top of the door, the middle of the door, and the bottom of the door help to make sure the door is more solid.  Hinges with long metal supports are attached to the top and bottom vertical support boards.

Ledged and braced doors

This is the most common shed door by far.  If you are planning on building a shed door and you want something strong, solid, and inexpensive then the ledged and braced doors are the way to go.  You many have noticed that this sounds very similar to the first type, and that’s because they are very close.  Literally this design is a simple ledged door, but two additional boards are added to further brace them.  These boards are set diagonally between the vertical braces to create two backwards Z shapes, one on top of the other.

Framed and ledged doors

These are stronger and more rigid doors, and are sometimes referred to as “framed doors” since there is an outside frame which encompasses the ledged door design.  This frame, which still includes the middle support beam, results in a very strong door that can be hinged on in a variety of ways and should last the full test of time – while the other designs of doors are more likely to crack or wear down at some point.

Double doors

Some people like to go with a double door design when they are building their shed doors.  This requires being able to set up hinge boards on both sides to have the ability to swing both doors open and then back to place.  These are most common for large outdoor sheds that have enough storage room for riding lawnmowers, four wheelers, and other large vehicles or equipment.  The double door option is more difficult to build and install from scratch, especially since these doors have to be set perfectly on hinges to make sure they close perfectly to seal the shed when shut but also swing open as necessary when opened.

In conclusion

As you can see, there are many different styles to choose from when it comes to building a shed door.  While each one presents its own set of challenges, these are the most common styles of doors to choose from.  Any one of them can work as an excellent way to create an entrance way for your new shed.

There are many different types of shed plans out there, and one specific style that gets a lot of attention from people is the lean to shed.  If you’re looking for good lean to shed plans the good news is that you have a lot of different options.  From looking around at online websites to using a neighbor’s old plans, there are many different ways to go about creating a solid lean to shed.  If you’ve already decided that a lean to or lean to style of shed is the way to go, then the next step would be settling on specific plans and using the best materials to fulfill those instructions.

Video lean to shed tutorials

Believe it or not, there are actually plenty of free tutorials online that can show you how to build a shed and go over in detail some of the most important steps.  For visual learners who aren’t into construction or don’t have a lot of handyman experience, seeing the lean to shed built from plans to completion on video can really help the learning process.

Even if the issue you have is just on one or two little things, being able to see a video of everything worked out can be a major help in teaching you how to get over those problem points.  Checking out just YouTube alone will bring up dozens of videos all revolved around building a lean to shed.  Other video websites also provide detailed how to videos, and then there are many do it yourself or home improvement websites which may also have video tutorials to help you fill in the gaps about what you don’t know.

Pictures and blueprints

If the video tutorials aren’t quite your cup of tea, then there are many pictures and blueprints online which can also be printed out.  This can be a great option for finding good lean to shed plans without having to pay for them.  However, there are limitations as you will be stuck with the plans, which can be printed clearly, so if you can’t find a good set of designs online then you may have to look for lean to shed plans that are available for sale.

Discerning between available lean to plans

There are several different styles of lean to sheds and the best fit depends on need.  Many people build a two sided open faced design that is really basic in nature if they just need a place to store a lot of dry firewood and keep it from inclement weather.  If you’re looking for something easy like that, it can often be built right off of another out building and using basic wood and sheet metal for roofing.  Some people might make a “wall” out of tarps pulled tight, but whether or not that’s necessary depends on your region and expected weather.

Basic design

Regardless of what specific style of design you go with, most lean to shed plans will all involve a few common traits such as a slanted roof where the front support beams are longer than the back.  A few pieces of plywood go a long way to serving as side walls and roofing, and these sheds aren’t made to be attractive, they are generally designed simply to be functional and to serve their intended purposes.

In conclusion

There are many different lean to shed designs to choose from and which one works best for you will depend on your specific needs when it comes to building a new shed and where you are going to build it.  Whether as an addition to another out building or as a new stand alone structure, you have several options when it comes to lean to sheds.

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Among the many different designs for sheds that exist out there, some can be separated from one another by being labeled heavy duty as opposed to just a regular shed design.  But what exactly is a heavy duty shed and how does it really differ from any other available design?  These are common questions and make sense considering that in some places the models or designs that are labeled “heavy duty” will cost considerably more than those that aren’t.  Is the extra money worth it?  In the end this decision needs to be made on a case by case basis as not every heavy duty shed is created equal.

What makes a shed heavy duty?

There is no single industrial or governing body which determines the exact definition of what is or isn’t “heavy duty,” there are several common traits that seem to pop up with this term.  Most companies involved in producing sheds only apply the words heavy duty to some of their largest models.  This isn’t always an all wood shed, but often times might refer to mostly metal constructions similar to industrial buildings, or combination wood and metal deigns.  In some cases, a heavy duty shed might even refer to a mostly concrete set up – although many people wouldn’t consider this a shed so much as an entirely new out building.

While the details will differ from one shed design to another and one company to another, there are two very common traits that are shared by virtually all heavy duty sheds:

• They tend to be much bigger than the average shed design
• They are strong and constructed to stand the test of time and weather

No matter which company you go with or which design, if the shed is touted as being heavy duty then in all likelihood it should match both of those descriptions.  Any shed design that does not provide a large amount of storage space or is not constructed to be bigger or stronger than normal should never be labeled as heavy duty.

Which heavy duty shed designs are best?

This is a tough question to answer.  Are you looking for a shed that has a nice aesthetic value and just happens to store a good number of tools on the shelves or walls?  Or are you more concerned about having a place to store a couple of lawnmowers and all the odds and ends that maybe normally go into a garage that you’re trying to keep clean?

Whichever one of these questions applies to you can go a long way towards determining the ideal shed design.  You might want to go for a less expensive sheet metal based design if your only concern is having plenty of space and not having to worry about termites or spending too much.  However if you want a large shed with plenty of storage space but also want it to aesthetically fit in on a property you intend to keep for years, then a heavy duty wood garden shed complete with a concrete foundation might be the way to go.

Where to find advice

One of the best ways to find advice that isn’t sales oriented is to ask trusted friends about any type of shed or shed design you’ve seen and admire.  Pick their brains about what they like or don’t like about different sheds or shed companies.  Try to get recommendations.  If this doesn’t work, take a look at review sites online or check out the consumer review section of specific sheds on Amazon.com.  Do plenty of research ahead of time to determine what heavy duty sheds will be the best fit for you and you’ll be much happier with the final results!

When it comes to finding an inexpensive option for a high quality garden or storage shed, you might be tempted to take a look at what second hand sheds are available.  This isn’t necessarily a bad decision.  In fact, if you’re careful in doing your research, know exactly what you’re looking for, and beware of a few specific potential landmines then going the second hand route could be the best option.  While you always have to be careful to make sure you’re buying something used which will still be useful and hold up over time, following the advice given in this article will help you determine if this is the best route to go.  First, let’s look at the potential pros and cons.

Pros of second hand sheds

There are several potential and obvious benefits to buying your shed second hand.  The first is avoiding the hassle of having to build a shed yourself.  By getting one that is already made you don’t have to worry about building materials, concrete, setting a foundation, or finding the time to put everything together in one weekend.  This is not only a major time saver but it can also be a major stress reliever as well.

A second benefit is cost.  Many times when someone is selling a shed it is because they are moving, improving to a better model, or simply need to be rid of it.  This can mean substantial savings compared to having to buy a brand new kit or all the materials brand new and then going through the process of setting them up.  If you can get the shed you want and save a couple hundred dollars in addition to most of a day’s time, why wouldn’t you consider this option?

A final potential pro of buying second hand is that you get to see the shed in its finished state.  You know what to expect as far as shape and functionality, and there should be no surprises since you get to check it out ahead of time.  You should know fairly quickly whether or not it is a good fit for what you need.

Cons of second hand sheds

There are several obvious negatives to buying a shed second hand.  The first has to be concern over condition and whether or not the shed is worth the money.  A shed might look good, but if you feel pressed for time or can’t look it over closely, there might be some hidden patchwork or “jerry-rigging” which makes the shed look a lot better than it actually is.  There’s always the risk that you find out later the shed is damaged, and at that point you probably can’t get your money back.

Another negative are hidden costs.  While buying a second hand shed might seem like a good idea at first, once you figure in the expenses of getting guys to help you move the shed, transportation, and those types of costs then you might find it’s just not such a good deal.

Finally, there’s the obvious issue of condition.  It stands to reason that a second hand shed that has been out in the elements is going to have taken more of a beating than one that has not.  You’re going to have to carefully inspect any second hand shed to make sure there is no serious damage.  Pay special attention for any sign of termites or roof damage as these two can be devastating to the overall life span of your shed.

So what’s the verdict?

At the end of the day, whether or not a second hand shed is the best option will depend on a variety of factors which include overall price, condition, and the models of sheds available.  If there isn’t a used model for sale that fits your needs, then this is an easy decision.  However, looking at what used sheds are available locally can be a great way to find a special deal and save yourself both money and time while still ending up with a quality storage facility.

There are many different types of garden shed designs out there to choose from and for the beginner this variety can be a little bit overwhelming.  Wooden garden sheds are a popular choice with many individuals because they look good and add that perfect little bit of aesthetic touch to a garden or outdoor area.  However even if you have really good plans and some experienced friends to help you out, there are a few specific things you will want to consider before jumping into any do it yourself wooden garden shed project.

Choose your wood carefully

Choosing the wood is not just about aesthetics (although different types of timber can vary greatly from one another) but also about what will hold up in the environment.  For example, pine will often be one of the most inexpensive choices, but pine is also a weaker wood that is not known for holding up very well to the elements or major use.  Cedar can work well as long as it is not set in the ground.  Oak is a classic choice, but it’s not the only one that can work.  Make sure to do your research so you don’t build a great shed with inferior products.

Build with termites in mind

Too often people don’t think about termites until it’s too late.  One of the most common ways that termite infection occurs is because the wood is set in the ground, making it easy for the insects to find and burrow into the wood without any resistance.  A second preventive step is to make sure any wood pile or mulch pile is not stored near the shed.  To eliminate moisture, many people will remove the grass at the foundation and lay concrete or even remove the grass for gravel, which is not as encouraging an environment.  Finally, if you’re investing a lot into building the perfect wood garden shed then consider getting professional treatment upon completion as an extra little bit of insurance.

Think about the finish

There are several reasons to think about how you’re going to deal with a finish.  Is the wood fine as is?  Are you going to add stain at the end, or a finish which is going to change the overall appearance of the wood by making it darker?  These are important questions to ask since they will affect the final product.  Most people in normal climates will want to finish the wood shed with at least one coat of water seal of some type.  Paint is also another option in some circumstances, but once again this comes down to personal preference and maybe even the materials used.

Plan the space

This sounds like a pretty basic step, but you might be surprised how often it is overlooked.  Many first time or even experienced do it yourself handymen make the mistake of finding excellent plans but then they make the mistake of building the shed without thinking about whether or not the plan calls for enough space for their specific needs.  For some people a shed that measures 6 x 6 x 8 feet might be more than enough space, while for someone in the country with a huge number of items needing storage might want something quite a bit bigger.  Not having an estimate of the space you want or need ahead of time is a major rookie mistake.

Planning for a wood garden shed, in conclusion

These four considerations shouldn’t be considered an all inclusive list of what needs to be done before building a garden shed, but by focusing on these issues early on you definitely increase your chances of being very happy with the final product.