One such use is to basically carry out the same functions as a garden shed whether in or near to the garden. There is a vast array of other uses such as a home office, a woodworking shop or an artist studio.

Building a wooden shed may sound daunting but it far easier than you may imagine. An available option is to buy a shed making kit. They can be bought in all shapes and styles from a number of manufacturers. If you want an easier life, you can buy them with pre-cut pieces so you only have to piece them together. If you want to save even more time, you can buy kits with the walls and roof components pre built so you are left with only having to bolt the pieces together.

If you are blessed with carpentry skills, you may decide to build one from scratch. In this case, you would need to get your hands on the appropriate set of shed plans. Along with these plans, you will need to purchase your tools and materials. If you have a decent set of plans, it will detail the materials you will need which will potentially save you a lot of time. The options available to you when constructing the shed are to build a frame from wood or to pour a concrete slab. The former has an advantage in that it is designed to be easily moved from one location to another. It acts as a sled and slides over to where you require it. The manufacturer usually has a floor frame that you have the option of buying with the main kit.

This is only the basics of building a wooden shed as we’re really only trying to whet your appetite so hopefully you will take this research and expand on it to building your own wooden shed.

Instead you could buy your own wooden sheds

Converting your shed from a storage shed to, say, a garden shed, or some other purpose is fairly easy. You can even use a wooden shed for a couple of purposes at the same time, if done correctly. As an example, you could use your shed as a garden shed with a potting bench as a place to pot your plants and also to store any chemicals that should be stored away from the main house.

You might be wondering why you should build one for yourself. Not only are wooden sheds fun to build, but for someone wanting to learn more about woodworking and building, they make a great starter project. And, usually it only requires one weekend of time from start to finish.

Once you know WHAT you will be using your shed for, now you may be wondering WHY a wooden shed? They may cost more than a shed made from plastic or metal, but using natural materials has a long-term satisfaction value. And, by building a shed from a set of good shed plans, you will have options that you just can’t get from other types of sheds.

Metal or plastic sheds are not as easy to modify or add on to as it is to wooden sheds. And, if repairs are required, they are quicker and less expensive to make on a wooden shed. You’ll know what I mean if you have ever tried to fix a dented metal shed.

The best wood to use for sheds is cedar. Cedar contains oil that occurs naturally. This oil is what gives the wood its distinct aroma and also protects it from insects and rot.

Another option you have is to buy a wooden shed kit that comes already cut to size. And, depending on the manufacturer, a lot of the assembly is already done. This makes for a fast and easy way to get a shed put up in your backyard.

You’ll find more information and tips on construction and how to use garden sheds to their fullest potential at: BestWoodenSheds.com. Also included are shed plans, wooden shed kits, and more!

Pros

The time it takes to build a precut shed is one of the biggest advantages. It takes a fraction of the time to put one of these kits together as compared to building from scratch they come with all the materials and step-by-step instructions. You also don’t need to be able to read a blueprint. Since all the pieces are cut precisely, there’s no need to measure each board – another time saver.

If you feel that you don’t have the necessary skills to build from scratch, then this is a great option. In most cases, all you need are a few basic tools. Having all the pieces precut helps in making everything straight and square. Manufacturers take great care in engineering their sheds to make sure everything fits correctly. An added benefit, by the way, is safety due to the fact that there is less cutting and less steps involved.

Cons

These kits aren’t for everyone. As an example, handymen or woodworkers would probably rather build their shed from scratch. And, although there are quite a few plans to choose from, you might not find the exact plan you had in mind or desire. Building from scratch does allow unlimited possibilities. In this case, you may already have plans you intend to use. Make sure your plans include a materials list. This will help save you the headache when it comes to shopping for all the pieces.

As you can see, there are a lot of advantages to building from a kit as opposed to building custom. In the end, your choice to purchase a precut shed kit or build one from scratch depends on your comfort level working with tools. But, even with minimal experience, a kit can be a great way to start learning.

Find out more on wooden shed kits, wooden sheds and shed plans by visiting BestWoodenSheds.com. You can also download a free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential.

You probably prefer to build from scratch if you have not only the carpentry skills, but also the tools and time it takes (though relatively small) to build a wooden shed. The time it takes involves the planning and the execution of the project. An important first step is finding a good set of shed plans. Since you can find so many wooden shed plans online, you should be careful in making your selection. The shed plans you select should include plenty of illustrations or photos and clearly written instructions. A materials list is important as well since you will need this when going to the supply store to purchase all the materials.

If you have the right set of plans, basic skills, and the necessary tools on hand, it should only take you a couple of days to complete your shed. If you are planning on building your wooden shed on a concrete slab instead of a wood frame, or “skid”, make sure to allow for the extra labor and time. For this part of the project, it might be best to hire a pro.

If you aren’t too sure of your skills as a handyman, then building a wooden shed kit definitely has its advantages. Some companies have shed kits that include walls that are already framed to make assembly that much easier. But most have kits with all the pieces cut to length. All you have to do is assemble it. The most time you will probably spend is waiting for it to arrive.

Since you may not have to buy or rent all the tools you need for building a wooden shed kit, you can also save some money.

As you can tell, either building from scratch or from a kit has its advantages and disadvantages. But, once its built, you will soon realize the potential this structure has.

Find out more on wooden sheds and shed plans by visiting BestWoodenSheds.com. You can also download a free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential.

Day 1 – A Solid Foundation and Framework

Site preparation is the first item on the list. Its OK if the site isn’t perfectly level as a slight downward pitch towards the back of the shed is optimum for water runoff. Make sure you now remove all large rocks and debris from the site where the shed will rest. Since this is only a one weekend project, instead of pouring a concrete floor, you will need to make a wood floor. If you really want or need a concrete foundation, allow a couple extra days for drying. Not only is a wood floor faster to build, it requires less skill, is less expensive and even portable. For this shed, rest the frame of the floor on cinder (or patio) blocks – making sure they are level.

Now you can begin work on the actual building. Measure and cut your first floor joist and use this as a template for the rest of the joists – this saves time and effort. Another tip, using deck screws instead of nails adds strength to your structure. By using a power drill, you can make very quick work of your project. When you are finished with the frame, make sure its square by measuring the two opposing corners diagonally. The measurements should be equal. If they aren’t, take one of the corners with the longer measurement and push in towards the opposite corner until they measure the same. Now nail the plywood subfloor onto the frame making sure to stagger the pieces (in a brick pattern). This prevents four corners of plywood meeting in the center of the floor making a weak spot.

Start building the walls by using the same process used for building the frame for the floor. Frame any desired windows at this time. Use T1-11 plywood for the siding. It has vertical grooves cut into it which gives the appearance of tongue and groove siding. But since it comes in sheets, it has a huge time advantage over nailing individual boards. Now place a piece of T1-11 (outside facing up) on top of one of the wall frames. Make the wall frame square by using the same method used to make the floor. Start nailing the siding to the frame by working from one side to the other. Trim down the siding to the outside of the frame by using a router. Now that you have all the walls put together, attach them to the floor and temporarily brace them with 2×4s to hold them up until you have them firmly screwed together. Take your level and check the walls for plumb. They should be perfectly straight up and down. Now rest up for tomorrow.

Day 2 – A Roof Overhead And A Door To Pass Through

Building the trusses is the first item for today. Using your plans, cut and assemble the pieces of your first truss but don’t nail it together just yet. Once you have all the pieces fitting together correctly, use each piece as a template for the remaining pieces of the trusses. Now screw (or nail) all the trusses together. Attach the trusses to the top plate of the shed walls. The trusses are now ready for the plywood sheeting that makes the roof. Installation of asphalt shingles is exactly the same as installing them on a house by first putting down roofing felt (tar paper). Be sure to start at the bottom and overlap each row as you go up. The top ridge is made from a couple of layers to add strength. When applying the shingles the seams should be offset. Just like the tar paper, work your way up from the bottom. Cut down a length of shingle into single shingles to make ridge cap. Shingles usually come in a line of three per sheet. Nail these down overlapping one another.

Another huge time-saver is to use a prefabricated door for your shed. Simply attach it with hinges. Finally, finish off the door and window with trim.

There are a few details that have been passed over in this short article but the intent is to show you how possible and simple it is to build a wooden shed in the matter of only a couple of days.

Find out more on wooden shed kits and shed plans by visiting BestWoodenSheds.com. You can also download a free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential.

The best plans are ones that are easy to follow. Step-by-step instructions should be very clear and help guide you through the process. Believe it or not, there are plans out there that simply have elevation views with measurements and that’s about it. They leave it up to the individual to know how to put it together. This may be fine for experienced carpenters but probably not for your average Do-It-Yourself person.

Look for plans that say they have detailed instructions. Some plans just offer blueprint-type drawings. At a minimum, every plan should have easy to understand elevation drawings. But, it also helps to have clear cutaways or even three-dimensional drawings.

Another aspect of good shed plans is attention to detail. Exploded views offer a better understanding of the more intricate areas that may require special attention. Color or shading added to the illustrations also help you to visualize better how the pieces overlap and fit together.

Another great feature to have is photos of the wooden shed either complete or at different stages of construction. This way, you can compare how your own shed is looking to how it looks in the plans.

And, finally, you should look for a complete materials list in your shed plans. Its important to have a list for when you go to the supply store to purchase the materials. You don’t want to try and figure this out on your own when its not necessary.

In conclusion, the real trick to finding the best wooden shed plans is to know what to look for in the first place. And, fortunately there are some great options available online.

Before choosing a set of storage shed plans for wooden sheds, check out Donald Rickerby’s web site: BestWoodenSheds.com where you can download a free shed plan and a free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential.

You should start with a cleaned out shed. When you have all the items out of the shed, carefully check for signs of termites or rot – this is a wooden shed after all.

Make the most of the exposed studs on the inside. This is one of the great features of wooden sheds. Spruce up the inside walls with a light stain or water sealant. This will bring out the natural beauty of the wood and give your shed a more comfortable feel.

You can always paint the walls as well. Try to keep with lighter colors since the space is so small. Be sure to use a primer first, otherwise, the paint will be soaked up by the wood.

Use the same steps as described above if your shed has a wooden floor. If you are fortunate enough to have a concrete foundation, you can leave it as is or you can stain it. Staining is a great solution for revitalizing old worn concrete surfaces. It is best for a professional to stain concrete if the area is large but you should be able to handle it for a wooden shed.

Its just as important to clean up and paint the outside of your wooden shed as well. Keep water from coming in by caulking around any spaces or cracks. This may be fine for storage purposes but since this will be a livable space, you don’t want any moisture to come inside.

Now that you have completed the shell, the fun part really begins. Add your own personal touches to the space depending on what you intend to use it for. A great starting point is to add the more permanent items like shelves and pegboards.

Before you start converting your wooden garden shed, check out Donald Rickerby’s free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential. BestWoodenSheds.com also contains kits for wooden sheds, shed plans, and a lot more helpful information.

If you do happen to have a wooden shed that really needs to be organized, start by taking EVERYTHING out. This way its easier and faster to start from scratch. I suggest starting early in the morning and try to pick a fair-weather day.

You may be one of those people who finds it hard to throw anything away (I’m one of them). If the item has no sentimental value and you never use it, its best to throw it out, sell it (or better yet, donate it).

When you are finished removing all the items from your shed, take time to group like items into piles. Like, your bicycle gear in one group, your gardening supplies in another, etc.

Small items can now be placed in containers or bins that will go neatly on shelves. Make sure you label the outside of the containers to you can easily find what you are looking for later.

Now you can start putting all your grouped items back into the wooden shed. Items used more often should be placed closer to the front of the shed or on shelves at shoulder height.

If you don’t already have one, purchase a good quality tool rack for long handled tools, like shovels, hoes, and rakes.

Workbenches are also a great item to have in your wooden shed. You don’t have to have the best one, just one that gets the job done. It should have sturdy legs so you can place heavy items on it and any hammering that you may need to do. There should also be storage room under the bench for easy access to tools.

To make it easier to wheel larger items in and out the shed, build yourself a simple ramp for the doorway. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but if you want it to be, make sure your build it from pressure-treated wood that won’t rot from moisture.

You’ll probably be surprised how you came up with all the extra space you now have in your shed. And, that is exactly what wooden sheds are ideal for. So you can see just how important it is to have a well organized shed.

Before you start organizing your wooden shed, check out Donald Rickerby’s free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential. BestWoodenSheds.com also contains kits for wooden sheds, shed plans, and a lot more helpful information.

Before you purchase your own set of plans, keep in mind a few of the following important considerations.

First, you will need to determine how you will be using your wooden shed. As an example, you might just need it to hold your snowmobile or riding mower. Or, perhaps you have a pool and want a place to store your pool supplies.

Knowing how you will be using your new wooden shed is an important first step in choosing the right plans. Since you know its intended purpose, you should know approximately how large of a space you will need to fulfill its purpose. When researching plans, you will need to look for plans that fit the size requirements of your needs.

Since you will most likely be searching online for your shed plans, the first thing you will notice is a either a photo of the actual shed or a three-dimensional drawing of it. Personal taste as to the style of the shed is another big factor in picking out your plans. If you know where you will be placing your shed (which you should), be aware of where the windows are placed and where the door will be located.

Take extra care to read the description of what is included in the set of shed plans. The best plans will make it easier to construct by including exploded diagrams of intricate areas. They will include plenty of reference illustrations or photographs of the wooden shed in progress. And, to make it easy to go shopping for the materials, every set of plans will include a complete materials list.

For over 20 years now, Dan Reiling has been fascinated with wooden sheds. He created a web site specifically about sheds, called: Best Wooden Sheds. Its full of more info, tips and resources so be sure to check it out.

Materials

For centuries, furniture makers have used cedar for building outdoor furniture and clothes chests since it is so resistant to bugs and fungus that can cause rot. So, naturally, the best wooden shed manufacturers use REAL wood such as cedar or even redwood. Cedar can be painted, of course, but its best to keep its natural beauty by protecting it with a high-quality water sealant. The sealant actually enriches the appearance of the wood.

You’ll have a strong, durable shed that will be able to withstand severe weather conditions by using the best quality hardwood.

Ease of Building

Most, if not all, manufacturers include step-by-step detailed instructions with their kits. There are a few manufacturers that supply wood that requires some cutting once assembly begins. Try to find a manufacturer that offers wooden shed kits that require NO cutting.

A shed kit makes a fun, easy project that can be finished in one weekend, especially if everything is supplied completely cut by the manufacturer. This helps ensure that all the pieces fit together properly and square. Also, be sure to look for pre-assembled window frames and doors.

Design and Engineering

Design is so important, and not just for appearances. The amount of space inside the shed can be increased dramatically by its height and by the type of roof it has. A shed with a gambrel roof (one that looks like a barn) actually has an extra pitch that gives it a lot more overhead storage space. From an engineering point of view, a well-designed wooden shed will be extra strong.

If you are stuck in your decision over a wooden shed kit, then remember these three points; what type of materials the manufacturer uses in its kits, how easy will it be to build, and what type of design will work best for your purposes.

Before you decide on your own wooden shed kit, be sure to visit Darren Reeves’ new web site devoted to wooden sheds: BestWoodenSheds.com