The Handyman’s Guide to Building a Shed You Can Be Proud Of

Now that the weather is getting warmer, you’ll probably be spending more time outside. That means you’ll need a place to work on projects. Having a shed is the ideal way to create extra space for projects, storage for tools, and to simply enjoy being outside following a long winter inside the house. Don’t have a backyard shed? No worries, we’re here to help.

This article takes a look at a simple plan for building a shed that you can enjoy year-round. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on how easy it is to construct a DIY garden shed without spending a fortune.

Make Sure the Ground is Level

Before starting construction, the ground needs to be as level as possible. Clear the area of debris and create a grid for laying out your piers. These wood piers should be spaced 6 feet apart, each facing the same direction. The idea is to create a gridwork area that measures precisely 12 x 8 feet. The ground needs to be level so that the structure of your shed will be level. That’s why it’s important to make sure that each support pier is level before cementing each post in place.

Place Support Beams Joist Across Piers

The second step is to place beams lengthwise across your deck piers to provide support for the weight of the shed. Now place floor joists on top of each support beam. The joists are designed to provide support for the floor. This intended to provide maximum stability. Start by creating an outer frame by nailing joists to the outermost beams, then fill in the frame by placing a series of joists 14.5 inches apart from end to end.

Nail Plywood Sheeting to Floor Joists

Once your floor joists are nailed in place, it’s time to install the plywood sheeting for the floor. The best method for creating a strong floor is to place two full-size sheets of plywood at opposite ends and on opposite sides from each other. When positioned correctly, only half the surface area of the edge of each sheet will touch the other. Now you can cut a third sheet in half to fill in the remaining portions of exposed joists. For best results, use H-clips to connect the four sheets of plywood. Now the decking can be nailed into place and the floor will be complete.

Frame Your Walls

Now it’s time to start framing your walls. Construct your walls one at a time by first aligning your top and bottom plates parallel to each other. Next, set your studs in place, spacing them 16 inches on center down the entire length of the wall, being sure to leave a space for your door. Nail the studs in place. With the studs in place, build the header for your door.

Stand the Walls In Place

According to the experts, as you complete the construction of each wall, you can begin to stand and assemble them on the floor structure. This is done by nailing the bottom plate of the wall into the subfloor plywood. When all four walls are standing and secured to the subflooring, go ahead and secure the walls in place by connecting them with nails at each corner. This will provide extra strength and stability for the entire structure.

Build Rafters Across the Roof

Next, you’re ready to build roof rafters. These are 1 x 5 or 1 x 10 boards that will run widthwise down the length of the roof. They should overhang the walls to provide the shed with extra strength, as well as protection from rain and snow. Make sure that your roof rafters match the spacing of the wall studs for maximum strength and stability.

Nail Plywood Sheeting to the Roof Rafters

Once the roof rafters are in place, cover the roof with 3 full sheets of plywood decking. This will cover everything except for the overhang from the rafters. You’ll need to cut pieces of plywood to feet the overhang, and then nail everything in place. Another option is to simply purchase a shed from these metal building suppliers.

Cover the Walls

Now you’re ready to cover the walls. You can choose from a variety of materials, including siding or textured plywood. Your choice of material should be based on personal taste, as well as staying within your budget. Keep in mind that you can spend as much as you like. And you have the freedom to go back and upgrade your wall material as funding becomes available.

Add Tar Paper and Roofing Material

Back to the room. It’s time to add tar paper for protection against moister and extreme heat. Once your tar paper is nailed in place, you’ll be ready for roofing material. Again, you have a few types to choose from. These include asphalt shingles and metal. You also have the option to stick with plain tar paper, though shingles or tin are preferable for aesthetic and protective reasons.

Paint the Walls and Add Hardware

Lastly, you’ll need to paint the walls if so desired. This isn’t essential, but it will take your shed’s appearance to the next level. Once that’s done, you can add hardware such as a doorknob, and then you’re ready for action.

A Guide to Building a Shed for Your Backyard

Creating a workspace in your backyard might seem complicated and expensive. Fortunately, this guide to building a shed will make the process less stressful and a lot more fun. Keep scrolling to discover more great home improvement tips and advice.