Choosing a Proper Outdoor Storage Shed Plan For Your Garden
Your landscaping is completed for the season and it looks great, except for all the garden tools and equipment that are laying around. Obviously there is a need for a storage area. A storage shed would be the perfect answer. The question is how do you go about this? No doubt you are going to need a storage shed plan. First you will need to determine which type of plan you require. This you can only determine by doing your research as to what your requirements are regarding the shed.
You know you want to store all of your garden items. You most likely know what items you have now and what size storage area it would take. But consider any future garden purchases you may make in the future. For example are you thinking of purchasing a new ride on lawn mower, or a snow blower? This are items you may need to store and your new garden shed may become their home., but only if its big enough.
Then where are you going to put the shed? This will partly depend on what area you have available, plus what style you are thinking of going with. Lets say you have two choices of location. One is tucked away in the back of the garden almost out of site, and the other one is at the edge of the flower bed. The one tucked away will be more difficult to get at. They both will accommodate the size of the shed you have in mind. Here’s where your decision of style comes in. If you use the tucked away area, your style can be pretty basic because its not going to interfere with your landscaping. On the other hand if you choose the more open space, they you are going to want a fancier style that will complement your garden. You will have to keep this in mind when you pick your shed plans.
You will need to have at least a rough budget in mind. When you go to get your storage shed plans you may have the option of choosing your plans according to what materials you want to use. Different materials have different price ranges. For example if the basic plan falls well within your budget then perhaps a more deluxe version will be an option for you.
Be practical when choosing your plan. You are probably going to be surprised as to just how much you are going to have to choose from. If you aren’t careful and stick to your own plans you could get carried away quite easily. Most often the plans will give you a picture of the finished projects. You’ll see several that you really like. Some of them look like little cottages. Now look at them realistically, they have to meet all the needs that your have identified. Pick out two or three that you really like and see if they answer these questions.
1. Are they the size that you need?
2. Will it fit in with the area you have chosen?
3. If it requires a building permit will it meet the criteria?
4. Is it simple and easy to understand for the novice?
5. Does it give a complete list of materials, and will these materials be readily available in your area?
If you have gotten all the right answers, then you just need to choose the shed plans you like the best out of the group and get ready to work
How to Build a Storage Shed
There is quite a bit of preparation you need to do in order to get started!
Firstly you need to clear the area, making certain that the ground where the shed will be is flat and level. Lay down cinderblocks to support the foundation.
Pressure-treated 4×4 posts, cut to the proper length, are used for the structural members that support the deck floors. Cut the posts to length using a compound miter saw. Once cut to length, cut the ends of each 4×4 at a 45-degree angle. With the supports cut this way, if the structure ever needs to be moved, it can be dragged along the ground with greater ease. Set the 4×4 posts in position on the cinderblocks and use a 4-foot level to ensure that the posts are level.
Secondly you will need to create the deck which will include adding the main frame in place, create the deck using pressure-treated 2x6s set vertically and attached to the frame using a framing nailer. Install the two 9-foot side pieces first. Before installing the two 4-foot end pieces, lay the pieces side by side and mark the locations of the joists on each to ensure that the joists will be spaced evenly at 16 inches. Secure the end pieces. Then, with the 2″ x 6″ joists cut to length, begin securing the joists to the frame with the framing nailer.
Tip: Lumber pieces are seldom perfectly straight. Frequently there is some amount of “bowing.” When laying decking joists, if some pieces are slightly bowed, make sure to install them crown-side-up. In that way, the weight of the structure on top will tend to eventually cause the joists to settle to form a more even surface.
Once the joists are all in place, begin installing the 5/4″ decking, securing the decking boards to the joists using a screw gun. Inspect each piece of 5/4″ decking and install each with the nicer side up. When installing the first decking board along the edge of the frame, allow it to overhang the frame edge by about half an inch.
Tip: A screw gun with a long driver extension (available from rental or home centers) makes the job of installing decking easier since it allows you to install screws easily without bending over or kneeling.
Thirdly you need to create the walls of course once the deck is complete, use it as a level work surface for building the walls. For each 8-foot-tall wall panel, lay out the pieces to form the sides, a top plate, bottom plate and studs spaced between at 16 inches. Secure the pieces together using a nail gun. Repeat the process until all the wall panels are complete.
To raise the walls, nail each 8-foot wall panel to the decking below as well as to the wall panel adjacent to it. As you install the wall panels, check the overall structure for square using a framing square. For the wall that will hold the door, build two narrower panels. For these narrower panels, use two 2x4s on either side for additional strength.
4th step is to strengthen the framing, once the two front wall panels are in place and the wall structure is essentially complete, add 2x4s across the top on the walls to form a double top-plate that will further strengthen the framing. Once all of the wall panels are up, hang 4″ x 8″ sheets of OSB siding for the exterior.
5th Step is to add the roof -The roof rafters, cut from 2×6 boards, are 13 inches tall at their center and are secured with cleats made of OSB. Raise the rafters and attach them to the headers. Add 1×6 strips across the top of the rafters to tie them together and to add support for the corrugated roofing sheets. Nail the roofing sheets on with the self-sealing nails and washers designed specifically for this type of roof.
6th step is to add windows and sides once the roof is complete, cut holes for the windows and recessed storage boxes. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the OSB, making certain to cut between the studs.
Attach the vinyl siding to the shed exterior following the manufacturer’s instructions. Start at the corners with the trim pieces and work your way in toward the middle, securing the siding to the OSB with nails.
Finallly you will nee to complete the project including the main structure, create the doors, storage cubbies and potting bench. The two doors are made from a single sheet of 3/4″ plywood cut in half. Each is decorated with 1″ x 4″ wood trim for an outer frame and barn-style “X” braces. Recessed storage cubbies are fashioned from 1/2″ plywood fastened using glue and nails and are secured inside the openings cut earlier. The doors for the storage compartments are painted in a contrasting shade. A ramp for the front entrance makes it easier to access the shed with mowers, wheelbarrows or other large items.
