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!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Building your Shed - Wall Framing
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Building a Shed - Construction Tips
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 . . .
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 . . .
Monday, May 12, 2008
Building a Shed - Some Helpful Tips
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Storage Shed Plans
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!
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!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
How to Build a Shed
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
