A Homeowner's Guide on How to Build a Storage Shed

It seems like a problem for every homeowner is not having enough storage space for all of their stuff. A great way to solve this problem is to build a storage shed. In this article I will take you through the step-by-step process of constructing a durable storage shed. We will discuss the storage shed design, shed layout, shed materials and shed construction. After reading this article you should have a good understanding of how to build a storage shed. The first thing we will discuss is the storage shed design.

There are many design issues to consider when you get ready to build a storage shed. You will need to decide what you want your storage shed to look like. There is the traditional gable roof style storage shed, there is the barn style storage shed, there is the lean to storage shed. You may even want a porch on your storage. You'll have to decide what type of roofing materials to use. If your neighborhood is covenant controlled then you will probably be limited to certain styles and designs that match existing house. Once you've decided on how your storage shed will look it's time to work on the shed layout.

Once you've decided on the storage shed design and materials that you will be using to build a storage shed, the next step would be to sketch the details of your shed layout on paper. Do a sketch of each wall showing all the framing and the shed layout. There are many how to manuals written out there that describe in detail what materials you will need and where each piece will go. These manuals can be purchased at your local Home Depot or Barnes & Noble stores. After you have a general idea of your storage shed design and have sketched drawings of your shed layout its time to make a shed material list.

Construct your walls with 2 x 4's every 16 inches on center. Use a single 2 x 4 bottom plate and a double 2 x 4 top plate. Construct your floor using pressure-treated 4x4's every 24 inches on center. Nail or screw ¾" plywood to the 4x4s creating a solid floor for the shed. Construct each wall one at a time and install each of them onto your floor connecting one wall to the next at the corners. Once you have all your walls installed you can start installing your siding directly to your 2 x 4 studs. Next install your roof trusses followed by 1/2 OSB for your roof surface. Next you will install your roofing paper and then your shingles. Finish up by installing ¼ pine or cedar trim on the corners and top/bottom edges of the exterior walls and the caulk all the seams corners etc. Now install the door and paint the exterior of the shed.

There you have the basics on how to build a storage. We walked through the process of storage shed design, shed layout, shed materials and the shed construction process. By taking things slow and paying attention to detail, you will be able to build a storage shed with no problems. Be sure before you start your construction that the area your storage shed will be built is the level and free of debris.