Building a simple shed

Planning the construction

Building a simple shed in your backyard will not only add value to your property, but it would also create a significant storage space for your garden tools and outdoor furniture. In addition, the best part about building a small shed by yourself is that you can save a significant amount of money and show your friend the result of your hard work. In this complex article we will debate the easiest construction techniques, as any beginner to be able to get the job done in several weekend.

When planning a shed, you should always start with the local building codes. These legal requirement differ according to your geographic location, so you must pay a short visit to your building department, before choosing the plans for the construction. As you might easily imagine, there are certain things, such as footings depth, the materials used or the distance you have to leave between the shed and the property line. After getting done with these preliminary steps, you should make a list with all the materials needed for the job and requests quotes from several diy stores.

Building a simple shed

The next step of the project is to choose the location and to prepare the construction site. Remove the vegetation and level the land, as properly as possible. Use a long spirit level and a straight edge to check if the surface is horizontal. Next, lay out the base of the shed, using batter boards and string. Check if the corners are right angled with a carpentry square or apply the 3-4-rule. Building a wood shed is time consuming, but it will pay off on the long run.

You can attach the frame of the shed to 4x4 skids or you could pour a concrete foundation or footings. You should take the decision according to the local building codes and the location of the construction. If you will attach the shed to a construction, you need to pour concrete footings deep enough to support the weight of the shed. Otherwise, we use usually 4x4 skids under the shed. 

Build all the frames on the ground using the basic woodworking techniques. Afterwards, ask a friend to assist you when fitting them into place. Use a spirit level to plumb the walls and to check if the floor and the plates are horizontal. Work with great care and attention, if you want to get the job done easily. Drill pilot holes trough the components, top prevent the wood from splitting. 

If you don't have the right skills or enough time to build the shed by yourself, you could just hire a team of professionals or buy a kit. Nevertheless, you should remember that building the shed on your own will save at least 30% of the total costs, as compared to buying a kit.  

Resources: 

Shed Plans