Have you ever wanted to build your own storage shed, but hesitated because you didn't know exactly what steps to take? Well, now you can build that storage shed, because I am giving you the easy steps to build your own storage building.
The items that you intend to store in your shed will help you determine what type and size of shed you should be building. Sheds can range in size from enormous structures designed to house complete workshops to small rooms that may only hold garden and yard tools. As in any construction project, it is a good idea to enlist a friend to help you build your shed.
The very first thing you need to consider is location, location, location. Don't just have a general idea for where you want to put a shed. Measure it out, and know exactly where your shed will go. This will require you to determine the dimensions of the shed before you actually begin your project.
Once you have your location chosen, you need to make sure that you will be working on a flat surface. A flat and sturdy foundation is essential to a long lasting storage shed. You can accomplish this by using pre-cast concrete fence posts, deck piers or skids of pressure-treated lumber. Just be sure that the foundation is sturdy and level. You won't want your shed to be lopsided after all of your hard work.
Once you have your basic foundation laid, you need to add floor joists. The floor joists will be the strength and stabilizer for your plywood sheets that make up the floor. Of course, you can bypass all of that by installing a concrete slab as the floor of your shed instead.
After the floor come the walls. It is easiest to nail together the wall while it is lying on the floor. Once the wall is all nailed together, raise it into position and brace it until all the walls are completed. The walls should be constructed with a series of 2"x4" studs. When all the walls are completed, you will need to nail them together.
The roof is next in line. The roof rafters are best made with 2"x6", since they are a bit stronger. Plywood sheeting over the roof rafters and the wall studs is a good base for your desired roofing and siding materials. Laying tar paper over your roofing plywood is highly recommended.
What you choose to use as your final roofing and siding material will depend on how you want your shed to look. Also, you can finish the inside of the shed if you chose to, but it is not necessary. Again, this will depend on what you want to use the shed for. Your budget and construction skill might also be contributing factors to how you finish your shed.
If your shed requires steps, consider using a ramp instead. This will help if you will be moving anything with wheels in or out of the shed. Also, consider adding shelving in your shed if your storage requires shelves. A desk or work area is only feasible if you are also installing some sort of power supply and lighting to your shed.