As we approach summer, many people are spending time in their gardens and slowly discovering that they’re severely lacking outdoor storage space. Of course, the simplest solution to a lack of outdoor storage is a shed; however, the shop bought solutions aren’t always suited to everyone’s garden space. Therefore, you may opt for building your own shed, which couldn’t be simpler when you have the right tools on hand. Read on to learn how to build your very own shed.
Level the Ground
It’s unlikely that the ground you’ll be working on will be completely smooth, so it’s always wise to level the ground before you start any construction work on it. This levelling is achieved via the use of deck piers, which will sit in the ground ready for you to build your foundations atop.
Stringing Supports
Once the ground is level, your support beams need to be strung across the deck piers, as these are the foundations that will support your floor joists. These joists will run in the opposite direction.
You should attach your beams to the piers using metal straps with nail holes, and the length that you choose will depend on the desired size of your shed.
Attaching Joists
Before installing the floor joists, rim joists must first be attached along the outer edge, and you should ensure that these are the same length as the below beam. Following this, you can start to install your series of floor joists in the opposite direction that must nicely slot in between the two rim joists. In order to prevent the joists from moving, a blocking will be required between each.
Nailing Sheets to the Joists
Once the joists are in place, the shed floor can be formed. In order to minimize the appearance of seams, the wooden sheets should be misaligned and screwed down with deck screws.
Building the Framework
Upon the floor being laid, the framework for the four walls can be built. Make sure you allow room for a doorframe in the front wall and ensure your side walls are sloped to prevent rainwater collecting on the roof. The easiest way to do this is by starting with the back wall, as this is the simplest to construct. Following this, the front wall should be built, and then both sides. Similarly, the back wall should be lower than the front wall to facilitate the slope that drains away rainwater. Once all the framework has been built, it can be nailed to the support from the bottom up.
Building Rafters
The rafters across the roof should overhang, as this contributes to your shed’s ability to withstand wet weather conditions. These should also be separated using blocking.
Nailing Sheets to the Roof
As with the floor, you can then go on to nail wooden sheets onto the top of the structure to form the roof.
Covering the Walls
Following this, the walls will need to be covered with even more wooden sheets; however, you might pay more attention to the appearance of these sheets, as these will form the appearance of your shed.
Papering the Roof
Finally, your shed will need to be protected from the threat of rain, meaning that roofing paper will need to be laid across the roof. Ensure that all cracks are covered before nailing the roofing material down, or you’ll run the risk of a leaky roof upon completion.
Bring in Your Tools and Get Working
That’s it! Your shed is complete. You can now fill it with all your tools and get going with any projects you have in mind.
