How to Build a Shed

If you are thinking about building a shed, the most important question to ask yourself before you start is whether or not you really know how to build a shed.  Many DIY backyard builders, myself included, often over-estimate their own abilities and jump into a project only to find out that we could have done it better with a little more planning.

So, whether you really know or just think you know how to build a shed, good easy to follow plans are going to make the job much easier.

How to Build a Shed and Where to Put it

The first consideration when building a shed, or learning how to build a shed is deciding upon the location.  Take the time to figure out exactly what you want to use the shed for and how big it must be for whatever you want to put in it.

Once you have decided on the actual measurements and footprint of your shed, choose your location.  Make sure that the area is flat or can be made flat fairly easily.  It is important that the site for building a shed is clear of all grass and level before you start to build.

It is also a good idea, depending upon where you live, that you check out the local zoning restrictions first to be sure that you are in compliance.

How to Build a Shed – Finding the Right Plans

Undoubtedly, the most important requirement when learning how to build a shed is a set of good quality plans.  The ideal plans should cover everything in complete detail.  Good woodworking plans will guide you through the complete project, starting with a complete list of materials and tools that you will need right down to the type of wood you should use.

Buying online is a good option, and I have run across quite a few sources for woodworking plans online.  The best plans that I have found for someone that wants to learn how to build a shed were from Teds Woodworking.  There were other plans available online, both free and paid versions, but the free ones weren’t all that great and the plans offered by Teds were just better than the others I looked at and very affordable.

A Few Tips On How to Build a Shed

Stay organized.  Once you have all the materials and tools needed for building a shed, keep everything together and close to your chosen site.  It is a very good idea to cut all your wood ahead of time according the dimensions outline in the plans.

1.     Start with the foundation and make sure that it is square.  This is an important step, as a foundation that is not square will throw everything else off when you build the shed.  Make sure that the corners are 90 degrees, assuming that your shed is either square or rectangular and has only four walls, and take diagonal measurements from corner to corner for accuracy.

2.     Build the floor first and check to make sure that it is square in the same way that you did with the foundation.  The walls should be built flat on the floor and then raised into place.  Once the walls are raised and tacked in place check the top of the walls to be sure that they are still square.  When you are satisfied that the walls are square, complete the nailing.

3.     At this point you have pretty much learned how to build a shed.  All that is left to do is add the roof and your basic structure is complete.

4.     All that is left are the final touches.  These will vary depending upon your shed design and needs.  Start with the roof, which is usually plywood covered with shingles or standing seam metal, or whatever material you have chosen.  Then do the exterior walls, hang the doors, and if your plan called for windows, install them.

Once you have learned how to build a shed the styles and options are endless.  You can build it as simple or elaborate as you like.  The best way to learn how to build a shed is with the best information and guides possible.  Visit the Woodworking Today home page and review what I consider the best shed plans online today.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL TEDS WOODWORKING SITE HERE