Groove Siding

Building A Shed? Here Are Some Good Starting Tips

 

Starting With a Shed Plan

 

Design a plan first as to where you want to locate the shed and the size that you want the shed to be. Design a rough sketch of the shed with dimensions, type of roofing and flooring, such as concrete or wood. You can, if you choose, to actually go to a local home improvement store where they will take your information and prepare shed plans for you. null Having a good shed plan is extremely important when you want a DIY shed. Most folks are capable they just need a little guidance to complete the task. Follow your DIY Shed plan closely and here is a general overall guide for construction of your shed.

 

Starting the Foundation

 

So you have your building materials and your plan and you are ready to start building a shed. You would first level the ground before starting your foundation. You can choose either to prepare a foundation frame to hold a concrete slab or you can lay gravel to be used to support treated timber skids that will support your shed. For this example we assume you are going to use gravel for the foundation. Make sure the gravel is flat and level and then position your treated timber skids (4X4) on the gravel.

 

Building the Floor

 

Check your framing plan for the construction of your floor frame. Your flooring materials will include treated joists, nails and metal clip angles. Upon completion, position the floor frame on top of the timber skids. Make sure the flooring is squared by measuring the diagonals. Begin installing the tongue and groove floor sheathing.

 

Constructing and Framing the Side Walls

 

Again referring to your shed plan, begin the construction of your side walls. Frame them on the ground so you can put them up after their construction. Leveling lines need to be drawn on the floor for the wall plates. Draw the positioning of the studs on the plates according to your floor plan. Cut the studs and build the headers for the windows and doors. Once assembled, raise and brace the walls one at a time and finally position the double top plates.

 

Constructing and Framing the Roof

 

You will need to build your trusses so start out by building one rafter template. Test this template and check to see if it is correct. Then cut the remaining like rafters based on your designed shed plans. A ridge board will be cut next. Draw a rafter layout onto the top plates and ridge board, using 16″ on center- spacing. Install the rafters using metal anchors for reinforcing the rafter-wall connection. Install gable-wall plates that can reach from the ridge to the wall plates. Install gable studs and secure the bottom end of the rafters to the wall plates with metal anchors. build the overhangs for the gable.

 

Install the Fascia, Sheathing and Roofing

 

Install the subfascia and fascia along the eaves keeping the ends flush with the shed overhang rafters. Put plywood sheathing on the roof. Begin at the lower corner of the roof. Run metal drip edge along the eaves and cover the sheathing with building paper. Install asphalt shingles beginning at the edge of the eaves. Keep going you are making great progress on your DIY Shed.

 

Siding Installation

 

Position the top of the siding up against your soffits. Along the sides of the shed you must use plywood siding that covers the plywood that is on the floor. In order to cover the floor framing you should use longer plywood sheets. To properly cover the exterior wood you should use a stain, paint or a varnish.

 

Installing Doors, Trim and Painting

 

You will have to cut out the bottom plate for a door opening. You can buy a pre-assembled door or build your own from scratch. To assemble the door frame, secure the head jamb with screws and do likewise for the side jambs. Place the door frame in the rough opening and with shims square up the frame on the sides, top and bottom. If building your own door, use tongue and groove boards for assembly and fit the boards with their ends flush. Trim the boards for the proper fit. Install the hinges and hang the door. Install flashing and trim around the door.

For additional information and details for how to build a DIY Shed visit e DIY Home Projects

 

 

 

 

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