How to build a shed the 8 main steps
1. Find out if you need a permit
First of all you need to check your local building laws in order to know if it’s required a permit to build your shed. Laws may vary from place to place and depend on the building characteristics, specially the size.
2. Delineate a plan
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| How to Build a Shed Picture Owner |
Once you have knowledge about the building laws, it’s time to trace a plan.
Decide what type of shed you are looking for: storage shed, garden shed, tool shed…it depends on what you’re going to use it for.
Then find out what will be the proper size for it. Correctly analyze the space you have and the things you want to put on it: dispose them on the ground as if it was your future shed and take the right measures. It’s smart make the shed a bit bigger than the ideal because later you may want to store more stuff. It’s better to have extra space than lack of space.
Once you have the measures, make a scheme of the building. It’s really important to make something functional.
Make a list of all tool and materials you’re going to need. Organization is essential to avoid problems during the building process.
3.Build the foundations
The building stage starts from the bottom. Foundations are truly important because they will ensure your shed will not move and will keep it away from the humidity of the ground. You have many options, being the most used concrete piers or skid foundations. Find out which will be better for your shed: it depends on the weight you’re going to put on it, the size of the shed, the type of soil of place where you live and many other factors. To learn more about foundations check this post.
4.Build the floor
Make sure you build your floor using treated wood, because it will prevent it from rot and wood-destroying insects. It’s nearly impossible to guarantee your tools or tractors to be dry before store them. In fact, the most treated wood you use the better, no matter the section. But for low budgets using it on the shed’s floor is essential.
5.Build the walls
Build the wall structure and then apply the outside plaques. It’s important to fortify all the corners with plywood or other material to make the structure strong enough to resist to forces that tend to twist your shed, specially the wind.
6.Build the roof
You can make your own roof structure but be sure you know how to properly build it first. If you feel capable cut your own beams and go ahead. If not, in alternative you can buy already made framework.
7.Add secondary structures
Add the door and windows (if it‘s suppose to have them). Make sure you have spacious access to your shed. The main goal is to take the best advantage of it.
8.Finishes
Besides applying treated wood, a good way to prevent rot is using asphalt felt paper in the walls and roof plaques. Once you have applied it, cover the shed with siding. Asphalt felt paper will isolate your shed from any water that may penetrate in the future.
Final notes:
If you have no experience in this kind of work and you want to learn how to properly do it, I recommend you to talk with someone who is experienced. A good tool may be get plans which may have material lists and complete guides with step-by-step instructions, images and diagrams. Visit this post to know more about online paid plans.
Get your outdoor shed plans
Other helpful posts:
Building your outdoor sheds ramp
The importance of planning
Building your outdoor sheds foundations
Common mistakes during the building process
The advantages of DIY
The importance of planning
Building your outdoor sheds foundations
Common mistakes during the building process
The advantages of DIY
How to build a shed the 8 main steps
