If you have a large backyard and you like to build things or grow vegetables, you probably also need a proper place to store all your tools. Building a small garden shed is a complex project, but any person with basic skills can get the job done in just a weekend. Beside choosing proper garden shed plans free, this project requires a combination of quality materials, a good location and a skilled builder.
Before starting the construction of your backyard shed, we recommend you to study attentively the local building codes. There are some cases in which you need to get a building permit, while in other it is not necessary. Nevertheless, knowing the legal requirements will help you with the woodworking project, as you can find out useful information, such as the depth of the footings or the distance you need to leave from other constructions. Make sure you also read the article about building the roof of the shed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Part 1: Garden shed plans
Part 2: Garden shed roof plans
Building a garden shed
Building a garden shed
Materials
- 1 – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 120″ long SKIDS
- 2 – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120”, 9 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 93” long JOISTS
- 3 – 2 pieces of 3/4” tongue and groove plywood – 48×96″, 2 piece – 24 x 48″ FLOORING
- 4 – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89”, 2 pieces – 96”, 4 pieces – 120”, 2 pieces – 113” PLATES
- 4 – 22 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 84” long STUDS
- 5 – 8 pieces of 5/8” grooved plywood EXTERIOR SIDING
Tools
- Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry Square
- Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
- Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask
Time
- One Weekend
Garden Shed Plans Free
Building the floor frame
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the floor frame of the garden shed. As you can notice in the image, you should place the frame of the floor on several 4×4 skids to protect it from moisture. Drive in pilot holes trough the rim joists and drive in 3” galvanized screws into the intermediate joists.
PRO TIP: Check if the corner are right-angled before driving in the wood screws. In addition, we recommend you to measure the diagonals of the frame and adjust their position until they are equal. Toenail the frame to the skids, in order to get a professional result and a strong base for your garden shed.
Fitting the plywood floor
Next, fit 3/4” tongue and groove plywood to the joists, as in the image. After making sure the sheets are flush with the frame, we recommend you to drive 2” nails into the joists. The sheets have to be connected one to another properly, otherwise there will be gaps in the flooring.
Building the side walls
The next step of the project is to build the side walls of the garden shed. As you can notice in the plans, you need to build the frames with 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes trough the plates and drive in 3” galvanized screws.
PRO TIP: Check if the corners are right-angled after fitting each of the components. Place the frames on the floor and align it with good judgement. Secure the frame with several 2×4 braces until you fit the rest of the walls.
Building the back wall
Building the back wall is similar to the previous step. Work on a level surface if you want to get a professional result. As you can see in the plans, the top plate should overhand 3 1/2” on both sides of the frame.
Front wall plans
On the other hand, building the front wall is a little more complex process, as you need to leave enough space for a door. You could adjust the width of the door according to your plans, so make sure you plan everything from the very beginning.
PRO TIP: As you can see in the image, you need to install a double header and trimmer studs. In his manner, the front wall will be rigid enough to support the door and the weight of the roof.
Installing the wall frames
Fit the rest of the wall frames on the flooring and secure them to the joists with 3 1/2” screws. Nevertheless, you should first align them attentively at both ends. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are equal, before locking the adjacent frames together with galvanized screws. Make sure the top plates are horizontal, by using a spirit level.
Attaching the exterior siding
Next, attach the exterior siding to the wall frames, as in the free plans. In order to get the job done as a professional, we recommend you to use 5/8″ grooved plywood, as this materials is thick enough to protect your tools from bad weather and it also has a nice appearance. Place the sheets to the frame, align them accurately and insert 1 1/4” nails into the studs, every 6″.
Building the shed door
Building the shed door is easier than you might expect at first glance. Therefore, use the piece of siding you have cut it out form the front wall panel. Attach 1×3 trims to the edges of the sheet and lock it tightly into place with 1 1/4” and glue.
PRO TIP: Fit the door into place, align it with great attention and secure it to the jambs with metal hinges. In addition, fit a door latch to lock it whenever is necessary.
Garden shed plans free
Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, check if all the components are secured tightly into place before continue the project with the rest of the steps. As you can probably imagine, you need to fit the rafters and the roofing components, before being able to use your shed.
PRO TIP: Check out the other articles that cover this topic, as to learn how to build a garden shed by yourself, in just an weekend. In addition, there are many other garden projects on this site that could make your backyard a better place for your family.
This diy project was about garden shed plans free. If you have enjoyed the free project, we recommend you to share it with your friends, by using the social media widgets.
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