A storage shed can be both useful and beautiful. A robust and attractive shed may add to your house value, besides being an extra space in your residing area. You may create your own shed with some basic carpentry knowledge and skill. You can get a detailed plan for creating your shed either on the internet or at any home improvement store. You have the option of purchasing and assembling a prefabricated storage shed. But a customized one will give you better options to work on. You can find a quick guide here to consider while preparing to build yours.
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Complexity Level: moderate
Time required: 3-5 days
Resources required:
- Hammer
- Nails
- Plywood
- Miter box
- Measuring Tape
- Boards of required measurement
Instructions:
1. Prepare the plan, including the budget. – When you plan to build your own shed, it should essentially cost less and serve more. Prepare the spot where the shed has to be located. You may want to clean the area and remove any garbage or waste lying. Your choice of the shed largely determines the size and budget of the project. A plan may want the shed to be built solely on wooden skids rather than on a foundation. Else, you can use cable tie-downs or wooden posts to anchor the shed. Some plans include a layer of compact gravel. Others may use poured concrete for a foundation. Giving a strong foundation like concrete to provide a long lasting life to the shed. For cold regions, adequate protection from frost heaves is required.
Sometimes, a permit is needed to add a shed to your existing property. Prepare a detail list of all the materials you would use while working. It is good to check from a place or two before investing in your project.
2. Set the frame. – A strong foundation is necessary to sustain the entire structure. Get the floor right to build a robust shed. Begin from the bottom. Get the foundation and then the floor. The storage shed floor rests on two pieces of lumber, called skids. There gives the support to hold up the floor frame.
3. Work on the walls and roof. – Measure and build the wall frames. You can put on the wall at this point, while each wall rests on the surface of the floor. Alternately, it can be done after the skeleton of the entire structure is made. Get some one to assist you in lifting and placing the walls correctly. Ensure to set the walls straight upright. Work with the largest walls first. Use nails or bolts, for concrete, to secure wall plates to the floor. Corner-bracing can hold the walls plumb.
Follow the instructions on the wrap up for instructions on roof installation. Roofing can vary like the cedar or metal. Be particular to include roof ventilation, especially when building a shed in hotter climates. A simple roof frame has a single-roof beam. The roof beam rests on two supports sitting atop the middle of the front and rear wall frames. You may note that roofs can be assembled using prefabricated trusses or homemade rafters.
4. Include door and windows in your shed. – You can get cost effective exterior door for your storage shed. Although not as weather-tight as a pre-hung door, it can match perfectly to a shed. It can give the look of an expensive custom wood door without the cost. You can use easy arch-top windows in your shed. They are low on cost and high on appeal.
5. Finish your shed. – Just as you began nicely, you would want to end properly. Trim the boards and siding, if need be. Add siding and/or paint after trim. A ramp, leading to your shed door can be included in the shed. Simple pavers can do for buildings only a few inches above grade. Installing UF (direct-burial) wiring for power supply is good for your shed. You can use flower boxes, plants and other attractive things to adorn your shed.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How do I make shed ramp?
A: You have to measure the distance form the ground to shed’s threshold. Cut three sheets of wood (2X8 inch boards) to required dimension. Use the miter box to give 45 degree angle to the wood pieces. Measure the width of the shed doors opening. Cut the fourth piece of wood providing this width. Height should be same as measured earlier (ground to shed’s threshold). This should be the back support for the remaining pieces.
Fix together the three identical boards to the fourth one (meant for back support) using nails. The plywood has to be given precise dimensions to entirely cover the supports. There should be no overhang. Use three nails on each board.
This completes the ramp. You can either slide the ramp or attach it (in case you need to detach later).
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Quick tips:
- Use temporary legs for supporting the walls when working with them. This will provide ease in erecting them.
- Opt for the largest possible shed you can manage.
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Things to watch out for:
1. Protect yourself by wearing gloves and goggles.
2. Get suitable work shoes for yourself to avoid hurting your feet.
3. Exercise caution when using electrical cutting tools.
