Building your first wooden storage shed can be a daunting undertaking.
You have not done this type of project before but you know it is absolutely necessary.
You have so much stuff stored in the basement, the attic and the garage that there is just no room left.
Well, if you are a complete novice then you might want to start by purchasing a storage shed kit.
The entire shed is in a box and you just erect it.
If you are slightly more adventurous and feel like you can follow a good shed plan you can start from scratch.
There are some basic skills that are required but they can be learned as the project progresses.
  Here are some basic tips in building your first shed.
The very first thing to consider is the size of the shed required.
You want to build it large enough so that you still have storage room when you have cleared out all the stuff from the attic, garage, and basement.
Also consider the size of your lot.
Do you want to keep some of the backyard open so that you can still use it? There will be building codes to adhere to in your jurisdiction as well.
  The height of the shed and proximity to your neighbor's lot line must also be taken into account.
Find out where the hydro, water, and cable lines are that run under the surface of your property so that you do not build over them or dig into them.
Now that you know the size and location of the shed the next thing to do is find a storage shed plan that suits your need.
It is better not to take on a project that is so detailed that a journeyman carpenter's ticket is needed.
Keep it simple but be sure that the design will blend into the surroundings.
Choose a plan that supplies a parts list that clearly lays out quantities and has cut sizes for all the elements (i.
e.
Ceiling rafters, wall studs etc.
).
This will make the erection of the shed much simpler.
Next you will want to decide on the type of foundation the shed will sit on.
There are two types of foundations to choose from.
If you live in a fairly dry climate where the soil stays relatively dry year round a simple skid foundation will suffice.
With this type of foundation the shed can actually be moved in the future.
If you live where there is an abundance of rain and or snow than a cement slab foundation might be best.
This one takes a little more work to put in and is also more permanent than the skid.
The shed walls will be next on the agenda.
Do you want to insulate the walls? If so the easiest way is to have plywood walls on the inside and outside with a simple lattice in between.
You can also use fiber-glass or rock wool fibre batting stuffed in between the wall studs.
The batting is really inexpensive and really easy to apply.
Your next concern will be the shed doors.
Double doors are great if you are going to be moving items like lawn mowers and wheel barrows in an out of the building.
Should you be using the building as a workshop with tools and building materials being moved in and out double doors will also benefit this activity.
Proper alignment of doors is critical to assure that they open and close properly so take a lot of care when measuring for them Finally the roof design for the shed should be decided upon.
A good durable roof that will withstand the weather and also be attractive is important.
A flat roof in a climate where there is considerable snowfall in the winter may not be such a good idea.
  A better choice would be a gable or gambrel (barn roof) that will shed the snow in winter and either one is ascetically pleasing.
Roof trusses are needed for both roof types but they are quite easily built.
Happy building!