The How to Build Blog

Find the PERFECT Pergola Plan for You!

2008-06-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Looking for a simple, small pergola? Or perhaps you want an extravagant size for entertaining. Whatever your needs, there is a pergola plan that is just right for your needs and purposes.

You may just want a small area to relax your worries away, or it may be that you entertain often. A pergola is a beautiful, relaxing place to entertain and enjoy your company. With the casual outdoor atmosphere, there is nothing more fun than an outdoor get together under a beautiful wood pergola.

Put on a little music, get the grill ready, and invite all your friends and neighbors. You will be the hit of the neighborhood! Your neighbors may be just a little jealous, too, when they find out you built it yourself.

From small to large and everything in between, there is a pergola plan that will suit your taste and your budget!

Shed Plans for Every Need

2008-06-08T03:39:00.000-07:00

Whether you need a small storage shed or an elaborate garden shed, you can find shed plans in just about any size and style.

Beautiful poolside cabanas can be found in sizes ranging from 10' x 10' to a roomy 16' x 24'. What a perfect way to relax on a hot summers day!

A simple gable roof shed will coordinate with just about any home style, and look nice with the clean uncomplicated lines. These also come in many sizes to meet any storage needs.

Barn style sheds are the most economical to build. With the side walls being only 6' tall, this minimizes the appearance of the shed in your yard. These shed plans come in many different sizes as well.

All of the shed plans come with explicit instructions, templates, door and window framing instructions - everything you need to build your own shed easily.

If you are looking for the BEST shed plans at very affordable prices, you will find them at Storageshed-plans.com

Pergola Plans - So Many to Choose From!

2008-06-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

Does it frustrate you when you look at the high cost of pergola plans that are being sold today? I’m sure you know it doesn’t really cost $2,500-$5,000 to build a simple garden pergola. By purchasing your own pergola plans, you can literally save THOUSANDS of dollars!

With the plans available these days, it's very easy for anyone to build their own pergola, even if you have never built anything in your life. Whether you want a small pergola or something larger, you are sure to find the pergola plans that suit your needs perfectly!

Pergola's add such beauty to your landscape, and a comfortable and peaceful place for you to relax and unwind.

Why not build your own pergola? You can easily do it yourself in one weekend!

Garden and Storage Shed Plans - How to Choose

2008-06-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Garden and Storage Shed Plans - How to Choose
By Philip'>http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Philip_H">Philip H

Choosing garden and storage shed plans seems easy when the thought first comes to mind, but there is some thought you should put into it. This article will make it easy for you to decide on the right storage and garden shed plans for you.

First of all, you should evaluate your needs. The best way to do this is to focus on what the main purpose of your new shed is. Is your garden shed going to be used simply for storage? How much space is needed to accommodate all of the items you will be storing? Consider these questions before deciding which garden shed plans will work well for you.

Many people use their storage shed as a workshop, in addition to storage. If you are planning to use yours as a workshop, make sure you have additional room and establish an area for ease of movement when you work. These are a couple of things you will want to consider when purchasing garden and storage shed plans.

Another aspect of planning is where your shed will be located. Most people place their sheds on an outlying piece of their property, away from the house. You will want to make sure there is enough ground area for the size shed you build. Consider how level the ground is, and if you need to make any adjustments to further level the area.

Finally, you will need to decide if you want windows in your storage or garden shed, along with where and how many. Also, make sure the doors on your shed give you ample room so that you can put riding lawn mowers and larger equipment inside. Using sliding doors or an overhead door similar to a garage door is also a consideration for ease of use.

One last reminder, if your shed exceeds 100 square feet, it may be subject to building code regulations. These are just a few things you might want to think about before you choose your garden or storage shed plans. Being prepared is half the battle!

Choosing the right garden and storage shed plans is something you need to think about! For help and guidance, along with the BEST shed plans and a FREE plan, please visit The How to Build Blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_H
http://EzineArticles.com/?Garden-and-Storage-Shed-Plans---How-to-Choose&id=1173518

Build your own Pergola - Plans and Designs for Everyone

2008-05-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

If you've never thought about building your own pergola, you should. It can easily be completed in one weekend, and you could potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars! And think of how much you will enjoy sitting under your beautiful pergola, taking in all of the amazing beauty and sounds of nature.

Of course there are different pergola plans to choose from, in many different sizes. They add beauty and function to any garden or lawn! Besides adding shade, your pergola can be used for entertaining, or just relaxing after a days work.

These plans are so easy that absolutely ANYONE can do this, and you've never seen more affordable prices.

Find out how easy and affordable it is to build a pergola, and add a touch of beauty and elegance to your property this weekend!

Groundwork for your Shed - Outdoor Drainage

2008-05-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

Before you start laying out the perimeter of your shed, you have to know the boundaries of your site. This will allow you to take into consideration any setback requirements that are specified by your local zoning ordinance.

Another thing you need to think about is outdoor drainage. To ensure proper drainage, you may have to adjust the landscaping to direct water away from the location where you are building your shed. You must make sure that water isn't going to pool near your foundation.

To allow for water to drain away from your shed, lay a perforated drain pipe around your shed. The pipe should lay on a layer of crushed gravel and lie below the level of the foundation. Cover your pipe with extra gravel, some landscaping fabric, and backfill. The purpose of the landscaping fabric is to keep dirt and debris from getting into the pipe and clogging it.

Here are a few tools you will need when locating the footings for your shed:

Claw hammer
Carpenter's square
Carpenter's level
Plumb bob
Tape measure

Lots of information for building a shed, but it's easy once you learn how! As always, just plan ahead of time so that you are well prepared.

Free Storage Shed Plans

2008-05-22T04:01:00.000-07:00

There are probably as many different types of storage shed plans and designs as there are styles of houses! You can find a few free storage shed plans online, but depending on the style and size you want your choices may be limited with free versions.

Vinyl, wood, metal - so many choices for your shed! It used to be that sheds were pretty much all the same, a square wooden box. I've seen sheds in the past few years that were prettier than the owners house. Boy, have times changed.

Anyway, if you'd like to take a look at some free storage shed plans, you need to check out Coastal Home Designs. They've got the best storage shed plans at the best prices, and a freebie you can download instantly! Check them out.

Building a Shed? Tools for marking - gotta have them!

2008-05-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking about building your own shed, there are several tools you will need. Let's go over some of the tools - be sure to have these handy BEFORE you start to build your shed! Nothing is more aggravating than getting started on a project, only to find out you don't have all the materials you need on the site.

Tools for Marking

Tape measure - Always need one of these

Line level - Used for reference when laying out large jobs

Carpenters pencil - Flat sided, stays put when you lay it down.

Plumb bob - This will be used to locate one point vertically above another point

Chalk line - Used for laying out reference lines and marking long cutting lines

Carpenter's level - Must have this to make sure all surfaces are plumb and level

Carpenter's square - This is used to lay out lines and check square on large stock

These are most of the tools you will need for exact marking. Of course there are other tools you will need such as power tools, cutting tools and building tools, but we will cover that in another post.

Being prepared is half the job!

Building your Shed - Wall Framing

2008-05-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ready to frame the walls of your shed? Lay your components on the ground, then raise each section into position. Check it out to make sure it is plumb, and brace each section securely. Fasten each section to the foundation and to each other.

Long exterior walls should be raised first. Tie in the end walls, then add any interior walls you may have. The framing will require a sole plate, wall studs, top plate and occasionally horizontal fire blocks between the studs. Use headers to span the opening of doorways and windows.

If you will be using interior walls to divide space, you can build using requirements for nonbearing walls. 2 x 4s on 24-inch centers are normally used for the interior walls of a shed. You would need interior walls only if you are dividing one section off to use for a workspace, office, etc.

Hope these framing tips have proven useful! Building your own shed is hard work, but the pride of doing it yourself and the money you save make it more than worth the effort!

Building a Shed - Construction Tips

2008-05-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Building your own shed is alot like building a garage. The biggest difference is that most sheds are smaller than the typical garage, and sheds don't have to withstand the stress that a garage requires.

Usually, the floor of a shed is made of joists similar to those used when building a house. Structural plywood will indicate the proper span on the material itself: 3/8" plywood, for example, can go over joists spaced 16 inches apart; 3/4" plywood is required for 24 inch spans.

A shed is done in much the same way as any other framed building, but the joists, rafters and studs can be spaced on 24-inch centers. Lighter stresses allow the use of 2 x 4's instead of the sturdier framing materials used in garages.

Just a couple of tips I thought might be useful! Check out some of these shed plans - so much to choose from . . .

Building a Shed - Some Helpful Tips

2008-05-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for plans to build a shed? The first thing you should consider is function. Most people under estimate the space they will need when they are deciding how big their shed needs to be. Choosing the shed design should be the last thing you worry about. You can add any look you want to the outside of the shed.

To make sure you will have all the storage space you need when building your shed, first lay out everything that you know will go into the shed on your driveway. Lay them out the way you think they will be arranged once in the shed. This will give you an idea of how large the shed should be. Add on some space for walking around and through your items. The last thing you want is to have to crawl over everything to get to the items in the back!

Even if you are building the shed yourself, having detailed plans is a good idea. A well thought-out shed plan will help you minimize waste, and get an accurate materials list so that you don't waste money buying things you won't need. Using these tips, you can build your shed with practically no waste, which is important in these days of green-building.

Hope you have found these tips helpful - read all the information you can, order your plans, and you will soon be an expert on how to build a shed!

Storage Shed Plans

2008-05-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for storage shed plans, there are many styles available. From the most basic shed to the most elaborate, you can find a storage shed plan that is perfect for you and your storage needs.

The barn-style shed is extremely popular. These usually have a gambrel roof design and double doors to make it perfect for storing large items. With the floor-to-peak height of over 9 feet, you can lay longer items such as lumber across the exposed ceiling joists.

A saltbox shed is a good choice if you are wanting to store items such as riding lawn mowers or patio furniture. With the long rear slope of the shed's roof and wide double doors, this type of shed is another great choice for storage of large items.

If you are looking for a more elaborate shed which contains room for a dressing room (perfect if you have an outdoor pool), and a built-in table for late afternoon snacks, a deluxe cabana may be what you're looking for! This has plenty of room for storing lawn furniture and pool or sports equipment.

These are just a few of the dozens of storage shed plans that are available for you to choose from. You will find many other plans here, so browse and enjoy!

How to Build a Shed

2008-05-04T04:05:00.000-07:00

Curious about how to build a shed? Here we will share a few tips and ideas to help get you started.

To begin with, it's a good idea to go browse some pre-built sheds at home supply stores such as Home Depot or Lowes, to get ideas on looks, how the shed is put together, the materials it's made of, etc.

Many people search for information on how to build a shed, and it's really not that difficult if you take your time and do it right.

Some of the things that are most important when building your shed:

1. Materials - You will want to make sure that you use a thick lumber for your walls and floors. You don't want the weight of your tools and items you are putting in your shed to buckle the floor. You will also want to overlap your boards to insure against leakage in your walls. Also be sure to use pre-treated lumber to guard against rotting, although you will still need to treat it yourself occasionally.

2. Foundation - Make sure you choose a level spot to build your shed. Excavate the area if you are using a concrete foundation. If your shed is to be above ground, using a wood foundation works well. Make sure your foundation is perfectly level, otherwise your walls won't match up correctly.

You don't have to purchase a kit to build your shed. If you use good quality building materials, install your electric correctly or have an electrician to it for you, and follow instructions carefully, you can build your own shed at a much lower price than buying a kit or a pre-built shed.

For easy to read building plans, materials list, door and window framing instructions and more, be sure to take a look at these shed plans from Coastal Home Designs. All the information you need to learn how to build a shed - the easy way! And you won't pay a small fortune for the best shed plans on the market.