Choosing Garden or Storage Shed Plans
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 plans for your garden or storage shed.
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 accomodate all of the items you will be storing?
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 garden or storage shed plans requires careful thought and consideration. Get more tips, ideas, and some of the BEST storage shed plans at The How to Build Blog
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Great Shed Plans
Is it time to build that shed you’ve always talked about? Are your backyard toys and paraphernalia multiplying like mushrooms and becoming an eyesore for your neighbors?Whether you decide to assemble a precut kit or choose a backyard shed plan from any number of sales locations, the addition of this small structure will definitely add value to your home.One important detail to factor in is the types of items you will be using the shed for. Will it be for large riding lawnmowers (which may need a larger unit with a garage door-style opening and a ramp), or a collection of gear such as weed whackers, rakes, or other lengthy tools?A shed can also be used by gardening enthusiasts as a place to do planting preparation, and store the variety of tools needed to create a spectacular, colorful yard that is the talk of the neighborhood.Backyard sheds can also be turned into a getaway room to relax and unwind, or write the next great American novel.There are a number decisions to make when choosing the style of your storage shed. Here are a few tips before you start:1. Buy a good set of plans (or a kit) that include both the drawings and step-by-step instructions so the building process is clear.2. Check with local zoning codes to see if you need a permit to build. Even a small shed could cause major headaches if it breaks the rules.3. Be absolutely sure where you want the shed, and why you need it there. If it is closer to the house, would the tools be put away more often? Or do you want it out of sight?4. Ensure the ground is level. This may require laying gravel or using a backhoe to create a flat surface. If this is not done, the entire structure could lean, causing problems in the future.5. Determine what type of things you will be storing in the shed. Will you need hooks for heavy items? Should the floor be concrete or would wood suffice?6. What type of foundation will you use? A concrete foundation will ensure a longer life for the building. If you choose a wood post foundation, use concrete for the base around the posts to protect the wood from frost or moisture.7. If you are using wood for any part of the shed, from foundation to roof trusses, use treated wood to avoid rot and wood-eating insects. If your budget will allow, choose cedar as it is naturally the most durable product. Pressure-treated wood will also protect the shed from drastically changing climates.
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Building A Storage Shed | Tips And Ideas For Do-It-Yourselfers
Great Shed Plans
When building a shed, wood is the most common material used. When you purchase lumber for your shed, inspect it for warping, twisting, and loose knots. You will also want to avoid buying unseasoned or green lumber. Unseasoned or green lumber can shrink and split as it dries.
Kiln dried lumber is a good for framing. Kiln dried wood is not as heavy as green, or unseasoned lumber. The better grades of kiln dried lumber won’t crack, or twist, as bad as green, or unseasoned lumber.
The grades of lumber are 1, 2, 3, 4 common. No.4 common is the cheapest grade and usually has allot of open knots, and weak spots. For building a garden sheds, No.2 offers the best quality and price.
When building the shed foundation, consider using pressure treated lumber. Pressure treated lumber will protects the wood from rot, decay, and insects. This lumber is strong and durable, it is also less expensive than redwood or cedar.
When using pressure treated lumber, take caution and wear gloves and a dust mask, when cutting, avoid breathing the dust. If possible, all treated lumber should be cut outdoors, to avoid indoor accumulation of airborne sawdust from the treated wood.
After working with treated lumber, wash your hands and all exposed areas thoroughly.
You can dispose of treated wood in an ordinary trashcan. Treated wood should never be burned because toxic chemicals can be produced as part of the smoke and the ashes.
Pressure treated lumber for the foundation will resist decay and rot, but adding a gravel base will be a good choice for more protection. The gravel base will provide a level, flat area that drains well. Adding a gravel base is a fairly simple process. Begin by removing about four inches of soil, and about twelve inches longer than the size of the shed. Fill the area with gravel, tamp using a hand tamper. Use a straight 2×4 eight feet long and a level to check, add or remove gravel as needed.
Plywood can be used for the side walls. Plywood is very strong, it will not split or crack, easy to install and the least expensive, making it a good choice to use for the side walls.
One of the best materials for the storage shed roof is CDX plywood sheathing, this is an exterior grade, good for asphalt shingles.
Remember to paint, stain or varnish your storage shed to protect it from the weather.
Before beginning the construction of any project check with local building and zoning department. By calling or visiting your local building and zoning department you can find out a few things about your project. Find out if your storage shed will be allowed by zoning regulations. Zoning might govern the size and the height of your shed and the location. Find out if you will need a permit to build a shed. If a permit is required, you might have to submit plans. If your project is approved you will need to buy a permit to display by the building site.
