Wooden Shed
Maybe you have a storage problem, need more space, or you just want a little area that is entirely yours, made with your own two hands and you’ve decided to build a wooden shed. A wooden shed can be quite an invaluable investment with all the extra storage space it provides; you will now have a place for all your gardening and outdoor items without having to worry about the excess dirt.
So you are ready to break out your saw and hammer and get started; but before you begin, it is probably best to check with your zoning department and make sure that you can; you will prefer to know whether or not your shed is within zoning regulations before you start, rather than when it is completed.
Another issue you will have to resolve is whether or not you are going to build your shed from scratch following your own design, buy a pre-made shed that requires minor assembly or buy the plans for a shed and just follow those instructions. If you decide that you want to build your own shed with no pre-made help, then these guidelines are for you.
Choose a suitable site for your shed, you want a spot that is level, firm and has good drainage, the location you choose will probably help you to decide whether you want a concrete or wooden floor; if you choose to use wood, remember that it must be treated to resist insects and rot. In fact it is best that all the wood you use from top to bottom is treated.
Next, decide on the dimensions of your shed, measure it up and lay out the outline of it with cord and stakes, taking care to ensure that the outline is squared by measuring diagonally – from top left to bottom right and vice-versa; both measurements have to be the same.
The foundation is the most important part of any building including your shed; whether wood or concrete you want to ensure that your foundation is strong and won’t be moving anytime soon. The freezing of the ground can cause many problems for your wooden shed if the foundation is not frost-protected; so if you live in an area where it snows, you may want to consider raising your shed off the ground using wood or concrete posts.
Next comes the floor and walls; as said before, make sure that your flooring is treated so that insects and water dripping off your tools won’t damage it. When building your wall frames remember first, to mark out the doorways; ensure that plywood is used in the corners of the shed to make the walls stronger and better able to resist high winds or roof loads.
You can choose to buy a pre-fabricated roof structure or you can build your own. Once the roof frame is up the final steps are to cover it with the material you choose, attach your door and then paint or stain your walls.
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