How to Build a Shed Step by Step - However, the First Step is the Most Important Step

If you are ready to start building your storageconcrete floor and determine where to drill holes
shed, you need to read this first. It covers thefor the anchor bolts.
first step as well as all remaining steps in your- Affix 2 x 4's with anchor bolt holes to concrete
quest to learn how to build a shed step by step.floor and skip 7 steps below to step below that
However,the first step is the most importantsays, "Frame the side walls allowing for door and
step. Without getting the first step done correctly,window cut-outs."
you could end up with a storage shed that does- If the storage shed is to be built on the ground,
not serve your needs.dig out about 2 inches deep and fill with crush
The first step you need to consider in learninggravel
how to build a shed step by step is deciding what- Place 4" x 4" treated timbers about 2' apart
do you plan to use the building for and exactlyrunning the length of the building on the crushed
what are you planning to put in it. A few bicycles,gravel (These are called the skids) Be sure to
a lawn mower or two, garden tools, playplace one on each side of the width of the building
equipment, left over building materials, camping- Place one 2" x 4" x (whatever the length of the
equipment, paint cans and other miscellaneousbuilding) on the 1 1/2" sided edge on each of the
belongings can soon take up all of your room.2 outside skids running the length of the building
Also, that space that you wanted to keep openand one 2" x 4" on the 1 1/2" edge on each end
for your little repair projects can be swallowed upof the skids and running perpendicular to the skids.
by all of your belongings.These 2 x 4's should be cut to fit inside of the
The last storage shed I built was an 8' x 12'. Ittwo outside 2 x 4's that run the length of the
only took about 3 months and my belongingsbuilding.
stored in my shed were bulging out of the front- Nail this floor support frame together. Use a
door. I remember thinking, "Why did I not buildsquare to check for squaring these floor supports.
this building larger?" However, it was too late. IIf the four corners are not square you can make
had what I had. It was almost dangerous to tryadjustments until it is.
to get something out of the back of the shed.- Lay out sheets of 3/4" plywood flooring on the
So, I hope you can see the need to always2 x 4 floor frame and cut to fit to the outside of
consider building something a little larger than whatthe 2 x 4 floor frame perimeter and nail to the
you might initially think you need. It may cost afloor frame.
few dollars more, but believe me, it will be well- Lay out 2 x 4's on the 3 1/2" side around the
worth it. It will not only give you greater roomfloor perimeter allowing for the door/doors
and utility but could also possibly increase yourcut-out and nail to the floor.
property value.- Frame the side walls on 16" or 24" spacings
The remaining steps concerning how to build aallowing for door and window cut-outs.
shed step by step are as follows:- Frame the roof joists.
- Decide where to place your storage shed.- Use 1/2" plywood or OSB for the roof decking.
- Clear the ground and level it.Tar paper and shingle the roof and install siding on
- lf your storage shed is to have a concrete floor,the four sidewalls and both gable end..
install 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 perimeter form boards then- Build doors, install door hardware and hang
pour and level concrete within the form. If youdoors.
are not going to have a concrete floor, skip to- If there are window cut-outs, install
the 5th step below that says, "If the storagewindows.Trim the four corners of the building with
shed is to be built on the ground, dig out 2 inches1 x 4's and add any other trim you may desire.
deep the length and width of the building and fill- Paint or stain the storage shed your desired
with crushed gravel."color.
- Install anchor bolts at least every 2 feet aroundMost shed plans that you can buy give even
the perimeter and 2 inches from the outside edgemore detailed step by step building instructions.
of the concrete but not in door way/s.However, if you don't get the first step right to
- When concrete is dry, move perimeter formstart with, you will have already made a major
boards.error before you even start building.
- Lay out 2 x 4's around the perimeter of the