Build A Storage Shed

The 5 Essential Decisions

Here are some simple tips about how to build a storage shed using professionally-produced storage shed plans, and remember – you do not need to be a professional to build a practical and good-looking outdoor storage shed.

But you will need good-quality blueprints, or you will risk wasting a lot of time and money and probably end up with a building that does not look right or work properly.

You will soon know, if the doors don’t shut or the window glass won’t fit.

First, carefully choose the site where you will build your garden storage shed. For instance, if it will store your ride-on mower, there should be easy access between the shed and the lawn. The size of the backyard storage shed is very important, and it is better to err on the generous side – you will inevitably find things that you want to store in the shed after it has been built, and that you had previously overlooked when you bought your storage shed plans!

Click here to check out great plans to build a storage shed

The second step in building a storage shed is to decide on its size.  Make a list of the large or bulky things that will be stored, and allocate a space for them. Will you need an oversize door to get that tractor in? Will you be storing mainly small items that will need lots of shelves? Will you want a window or windows, remembering that many things such as paint prefer to be kept in the dark?

If you think that a small 6 x 6 ft outdoor garden storage shed will suffice, go for the next size up. You will be glad later.

The third decision is the design of your shed.  When you buy your storage shed plans you will get many options for the shape, size and materials. Apex or pent style roof? Wooden, metal or plastic construction? It is really easy to customize backyard storage sheds to be exactly the way you want, and any good-quality storage shed plan will give you complete lists of materials and tools needed.

The design leads to the decision on materials for making the shed.  In deciding how to build a shed you could choose to make it from metal or plastic, but wood is the preferred option for most garden storage sheds because it is a renewable resource, it is easy to use and it blends in well on any site. It should be treated with preservatives or, better still, be pressure-treated during final production.

Finally you need to decide on the base. Most storage shed building plans call for a wooden floor, made from exterior-grade ply or tongue-and-groove planks, and this will be satisfactory for light use. They are not suitable for storing heavy machinery or corrosive liquids.

A concrete slab is the best solution. It needs to be at least 4 inches deep and about 2 or 3 inches wider than the shed footprint. This will cost a bit more (perhaps $200 more than a wooden floor, depending on the size) but will last the life of the shed, take all the wear you can throw at it and be maintenance-free.

From our experience we have found that Woodworking4Home is an excellent source for all information and guidance on how to build a storage shed, including a great selection of outdoor storage shed plans.  For shed plans online that are suitable for both novices and expert woodworkers, these are hard to beat for any diy shed project.

The plans kit includes a huge range of outdoor storage sheds as well as many other backyard buildings and ornamental structures.  It costs only a few dollars, amazing value considering how many really useful plans, drawings, diagrams, photos and clear step-by-step instructions are included.  There is a full, no hassle refund guarantee as well, which we demand for all products we recommend.

We hope this has inspired you to go out and build that storage shed in your backyard.  It is an enjoyable project to do yourself, to save a bundle of cash and get the exactly the shed you need.

Click here to check out great plans to build a storage shed