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Why build your own? Why not by a kit? In my opinion building your own wooden shed just looks more attractive than a metal or vinyl shed kit. You can add details to your shed to blend in with your house or landscape.
When building your shed, having detailed plans with step by step instructions are a necessity.
Having shed plans or a book with details and illustrations will make building your shed allot easier, and it will turn out better results.
When looking for plans keep in mind how you plan to use this space, this will give you an idea how big you will want to build.
So where do you get these plans? When I need to build something I usually hit the bookstore for ideas. There are some great books with nice illustrations and instructions that will come in handy when building a shed. There are also many sites online with free storage shed plans.
Once you have the design and style you want, take your time to study the plans. Having plans will not only make building easier, it will also give you a good idea of the amount of money you will need. The plans you use should have a material list, with the material list you can get a good idea of the cost of this project.
Sheds are pretty basic structures that many homeowners can build themselves. You will start with the foundation. If you are building a small garden shed, the most common foundation type will be a skid foundation. Building on a skid foundation will make your shed portable, in case you ever need to move it.
Prepare the area by leveling and adding about four inches of gravel. Setting your shed on gravel will protect the foundation from moister and wood decay.
Once you have your foundation finished, you will frame the walls and install your roof rafters. Next you will install the siding, roof decking shingles, doors, and trim.
Take your time to familiarize yourself with the plans you have chosen. Study the material list, once you are ready you can pre cut all the material and assemble the shed.
Some things you will want to consider before building are your local zoning regulations. Make sure you are aware of any regulations or permits that might be required.
If you have never built anything before, this is a great project that can be accomplished even for a beginner. By having patience and preparing yourself from the start, you will achieve great results. By having plans that are simple to understand, and following the instructions you are sure to build a great looking storage shed.
If you feel you don't have the carpentry skills required, there are other alternatives. Find the plans you want and have a local handyman build it. Another option is buying a shed kit. Building with a shed kit will be more expensive, but it will make building easier. You will still need to prepare an area for building, and follow the instructions. Some of the materials used for these kits consist of wood, vinyl or metal. All parts will be pre cut and ready for assembly. Most of these kits will also include doors and windows.
Personally I would not buy a shed kit, I prefer building from scratch. Like I mentioned earlier, a shed is a simple structure, with some good storage shed plans, this project can be built even if you are a beginner builder.
First, you will separate the potentially harmful chemicals, such as fertilizers, in your shed and keep them away from children & animals. Second, you can create a space specifically designed for storing garden accessories, tools & equipment. Deciding which shed to choose can be overwhelming-one Google search for “garden sheds” brings up over 1.2 million websites!-so I have devised a checklist that will streamline your storage shed plan.
First, decide what type of material to for your storage shed; various types of plans exist to build a shed from scratch, or you can use the readymade sheds, also available in many different types of materials. Sheds have traditionally been made out of wood, but recently companies like Rubbermaid have been selling “click-together” sheds made from vinyl or plastic. Metal is a material to consider for your shed design, especially if you live in hurricane-prone areas, because it allows for a durability and protection not provided for by wood & vinyl. You can even choose a greenhouse for your shed design plans and keep growing plants all throughout the winter!
Second, you need to decide on the purpose for the shed-are you going to use it for storing small items like flower pots & gardening utensils? Then you should choose a small shed design; however, if you want to store a lawnmower, weed eater & other large tools, you should choose the larger shed design.
Third, consider your personal design style when choosing storage shed plan. Storage sheds come in a variety of architectural shapes that will compliment your home & outdoor design. A traditional gable roof style can provide additional storage for larger equipment such as bikes or pool supplies. A smaller, 20 cubic feet shed has a lift-top roof and provides smaller, more compact storage for lawn cushions & flower pots.
Fourth, when choosing a shed design, you want to consider the dimensions of the shed. Take into account factors such as the amount of storage the shed provides (small -20 cubic feet; large-400+ cubic feet), the interior dimensions & door opening (especially if you are going to store larger items such as a riding mower), the recommended foundation size for the shed (if the foundation has to be poured before installation), as well as if the shed comes with a floor. Before you install your storage shed, plan to contact your local code authority, as laws vary from state to state on if permits are required to build a shed.
Finally, consider the price. Garden shed plans can rage from $300 US to over $3000 US and your budget will determine which style, type and brand of shed you choose.
So in conclusion, when choosing a shed plan for your garden be sure to consider the sheds
1. Material
2. Purpose
3. Your personal design style
4. Dimensions
5. Price
If chosen properly, a garden shed can provide useful storage and satisfaction for years to come.