Pig Shed – Free DIY Plans

If you want to learn more about how to build a small pig shelter you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. This 8×10 shed features a lean to roof with a large opening to the front. Considering a pig needs 20 sq ft, this shelter can host up to 4 pigs. This swine shelter is built on 2×4 wall framing and it features a roof made of metal sheets. The exterior wall panels are made of 1/2″ plywood.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional garden project. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather.

Pig Shed – Free DIY Plans

Building-a–pig-shelter

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft long, 2 pieces – 10 ft long SKIDS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 120″ long, 8 pieces – 34 1/4″ long BACK WALL
• C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 120″ long, 8 pieces – 57″ long, 2 pieces – 48″ long FRONT WALL
• D – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89″ long, 10 pieces – 32 1/4″ long SIDE WALLS
• E – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 112″ long, 2 pieces – 18 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 11 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 5 1/2″ long RAFTERS
• F – 2 pieces of 12″ plywood – 36″x60″ long, 1 piece – 5″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 35 1/4″x48″ long, 1 piece – 35 1/4″x24″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x63″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x50 1/4″ long WALLS
• G – 8 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 132″ long PURLINS
• H – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 112″ long, 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 132 1/2″ long TRIMS
• I – 4 pieces of metal roof – 3’x10′ ROOFING
• J – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 55″ long, 1 piece – 62″ long DOOR TRIMS

• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10 ft
• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 22 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
• 8 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 12 ft
• 3 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 10 ft
• 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 12 ft
• 6 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 300 pieces 1 5/8″ screws
• 6 pieces of hinges, latch
• 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• 300 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
• 12 rafter ties
• 1 1/2″ structural screws
• wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One week

How to build a 8×10 lean to pig shelter

Skids

The first step of the project is to build the skids for the base of the pig shelter. Use 4×4 lumber for the skids and make notches to both ends, as shown in the diagram. Set the circular saw at 1 3/4″ and make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Remove the excess with a hammer and then clean the recess with a chisel. You can use sandpaper, as well, if you want a tight fit between the skids.

Assembling the base of the shelter

Next, find the perfect location for your shelter and level the ground. Set the skids and align the edges flush. Check if the corners are square, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to assemble the base tightly.

Front-wall-frame

Use 2×4 lumber for the wall frames. Cut all the components as shown in the diagram. Lay the components on a level surface and align everything with attention. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Leave 1/2″ between the double studs placed at both ends of the wall frame.

Use 2×4 lumber for the double header. Toenail the header into place and fit 1/2″ plywood between the boards.

Back wall frame

Use 2×4 lumber for the back wall frame. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center. Notice the double studs at both ends of the wall frame.

Side wall frames

Continue the garden project by assembling the side wall frames. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center.

Assembling-the-shed-frame

Fit the front and back wall frames to the base of the shed. Align the edges and plumb the wall frames with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the 4×4 skids. Next, attach the side walls. Check if the corners are square, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the adjacent walls together tightly.

Front wall panels

Use 1/2″ plywood for the exterior wall panels. Cut the panels at the right dimensions and then attach them to the exterior of the pig shelter. Insert 1 5/8″ screws every 8″ along the framing.

Attach the 1/2″ plywood panels to the back wall of the pig shelter. Align the edges flush and then secure the panels into place with 1 5/8″ screws.

Rafters – pig shelter

Use 2×4 lumber for the rafters. Make a 27.5 degree to one end and then mark the cut lines to the beams. Use a circular saw to make the notches to the rafters.

Fitting the rafters

Fit the rafters to the top of the pig shelter. Place the rafters every 24″ on center. Use ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws to secure the frame of the shelter.

Side roof supports

Use 2×4 lumber for the side supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends supports and secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Place the supports every 24″ on center.

Side wall panels

Use 1/2″ plywood for the side wall panels. Make the cuts to the panels and then secure them into place with 1 5/8″ screws. Align the edges flush. Leave no gaps between the panels.

Fitting the purlins

Use 1×4 lumber for the purlins. Fit the boards to the top of the lean to roof. Start installing the purlins from the bottom to the top of the roof. Center the purlins to the roof, so you get even overhangs on both sides. Use 2 1/2″ screws to secure the purlins to the rafters, every 16″ on center.

Side roof trims

Fit the 1×4 trims to the sides of the lean to shed. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the trims to the purlins.

Roof trims

Use 1×6 lumber for the front and back roof trims. Use 1 5/8″ screws to lock the trims to the rafters.

Fitting the roofing sheets

Fit the metal roof sheets to the top of the shelter. Install the drip edges, as well. Use appropriate screws (3/4″) to secure the metal sheets to the purlins.

Door trims

Attach the 1×4 trims around the door opening. Align the edges flush and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the trims into place.

Pig shelter plans

Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the pig shelter.

Pig-shelter-plans

This pig shelter is large enough for up to 4 pigs. As you can see in the diagram, this shed features a large 4 ft to the front and a lean to roof. You can see overhangs to the front and to the back of the shelter. This is a simple structure that is built with 2x4s and 1/2″ plywood.

Thank you for reading this article on how to build a 8×10 pig shelter. If you enjoy the plans, please consider sharing them with your friends. Spreading out the word about my website goes a long way for me. Also consider taking a look over my other project plans, because I have a large variety of designs you can choose from.