When I was building my first shed, that’s when I learned that the old saying was true… “If you can build a house, then you can build a shed.” Leaning how to build a shed takes planning, a bit of patience, and some hard work. But, if you have the time, it’s a monumentally rewarding experience.
The first place that you have to start is with the government. Do they have local ordinances? Do you have to get a permit? Your local zoning and building codes may require certain things. Or, if you are like me, they may restrict the type of shed due to historical society stuff. Annoying, but manageable.
Once you’re OK with the legal stuff, it’s time to get to planning. The biggest decision you will need to make is whether your shed will have a concrete foundation or a cement one. Since this was my first shed, we build a wood framed one. Since then, I’ve learned that a cement floor can be more sturdy and durable. But, many people only build wood shed floors. So, the choice is really up to you.
The next things you need to do when you learn how to build a shed, is realize that you need to determine whether you live in a frost zone. If the ground freezes, you’ll need to put in a frost protected foundation. A frost protected foundation will help your shed withstand the winter environment better, and should strongly be considered before starting to build a shed.
In terms of lumber, always use treated wood. Treated wood will resist wood rot and wood eating insects. Pressure treated lumber is great as well. Using pressure treated lumber will keep the shed from being as susceptible to “warping” due to its dramatically different climates.
Another tip that I learned on building my first shed, is to reinforce the lips of the door, especially when building a wood framed building. The door will get a lot of wear and tear. Especially if you are using the shed to store outdoor items like lawn mowers, going in and out of a door will cause a lot of damage. So, install into your shed a small metal frame over the edge of the door. This will keep the door edge from getting damaged.
Another great how to build a shed tip is to make sure your roofing material is high quality. When we are building a shed, we often think of the inside, and even the sides, and skimp on the roof. But, the roof takes the brunt of the weather. So, make sure you install both flashing, underlayment, and the same roof materials you would install the roof of a house.
And, make sure you also cover the exterior of the walls and roof with asphalt felt paper. This material will help catch any leaks that are formed with age.
But, the most important tip when building a shed is learning to be safe. Take your time and be sure that you’re not in danger of injury. If you are planning your shed to be built in a weekend, build it in 3 weekends. That way, you’re not in a rush and can build the shed correctly and safely.
These tips are only a few of how to build a shed. With time, patience, and hard work, your shed will be a long testament to your handiness and a great addition to your home for many, many years to come.
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