How to build a shed

When you're wanting some extra storage space, storage shed in your garden can make all the difference in the universe, and is simple.

Knowing how to build your own shed isn't a complicated process, but it does take a little education, some preparation, and some safety precautions. So get out your equipment and your measuring tape, and prepare to build yourself a solution to your storage problem.

Before you start

firstly, you will need to put some thought into the place that your shed will go in. You will need to measure the area and be sure that after it is built you will have enough space to store everything you need. If you are putting it close to the house, check the building safety measures for storing flammables and hazardous chemicals, or if it is going to be a specific distance from the house think about installing lighting, a walkway, or other things you need that will make it convenient to get it to from the house. Lastly, you will want to make sure that the ground is level and prepared for the construction, and if you need to do any digging that you check irrigation, gas lines, and wiring with the city and local companies.

Getting your equipment and materials ready

most sheds can be bought as ready made kit which will come complete with any wood, fiberglass panels, nuts, bolts, nails, and other materials that you will need. If you do choose to employ one of these kits you will have everything you need, but you want to make sure to follow all instructions. Workers at the garden center of your local hardware store can likely offer helpful tips and advice.

If you are building from nothing, some of the common equipment you will need are among:
- A hammer and nails of different lengths
- Both flathead and Phillips' head screwdrivers
- A cordless power drill and a selection of bits
- A level

Irrespective whether you're using a kit or constructing your own shed from scratch, some of the more common safety tips to keep in mind are:
- Don't use tools when you've been drinking alcohol
- Use gloves if possible to guard your hands
- Consider steel-toe boots with solid soles in case something is dropped
- Don't work with equipment or large and dangerous materials without someone knowing
- In case of trauma, keep a cellphone and first-aid kit close

Step-by-step building your shed

1) Even the earth and place deck piers.
The deck piers will let you put support beams under the floor of the shed so it will be sturdy enough to support your lawnmower, bicycles, garden tools, and other heavy items. Put the piers in at equal intervals that will make it easy to grid the floor according to standard material dimensions.

2) Nail support beams lengthwise across the deck beams.
By using steel straps with nail holes you can easily attach 2x4 or 4x6 support beams over the deck piers to attach your foundation.

3) Attach joists and blocking
Attach a rim joist to the outer edge of each outside support beam. Then you'll need a series of floor joists across the support beams, between the rim joists. You'll have to make sure to work out the space you'll need for the plywood to line up totally over the outside joists, but only half over the interior joists.

4) Attaching plywood sheets to the joists
The floor of your storage shed will be created by plywood pieces, attached to the joists. If possible based on your storage shed's sizes, make sure to keep in mind structural weaknesses of seams across the floor.

5) Framework for the walls
Remember that the front and back walls are not the same due to the door, and the side walls must be angled to prevent the roof collecting rain. You'll want to build the 4 stud walls using 2x4's, nailing them together at the floor then raising and bracing them until finished.

6) Building rafters with blocking across your roof
To help protect from the weather, the roof should overhang the walls. To make it more easy, space them the same as your floor joists with pieces of blocking between each pair of the rafter.

7) Nail plywood sheeting to the rafters
The roof of your shed can be formed with simple plywood sheets, exactly as the deck. The only difference is that because of the overhang you will need more material.

8) Covering the walls
You might utilise siding, textured plywood, or corrugated metal to give your storage shed a more finished look.

9) Finishing the roof
You can utilise shingles or tarpaper to the roof to help protect it from weather. Make sure to overlap it so that rain cannot leak in through the openings.