Types of Sheds and How to Build Them
A shed is a building separate from the main house that can be used to store for shelter materials and equipment. It can be also be used as workshop attached directly or far from building on either temporal or permanent bases. Sheds are often built behind the main house and most people construct it for various reasons.
In ancient times, sheds can be built with rocks (for storage of agricultural products), or mud especially in African communities where there is need to store produce and materials. In prehistoric Egypt, underground silos are constructed to serve as storage for food and other valuable materials like, clay pots, metals, ploughs etc. Over the years, sheds have shifted from store for food to other usable like antiques.
The construction of sheds has been in practice for a long time and various designs of sheds have been documented. Sheds have be designed from very elaborate (for rich and affluent), to very simple. Traditionally, sheds are constructed with woods, but in some cases, blocks and bricks have been used. The use of plastic lumber is making in-way and a lot of people are now opting for this choice because of its advantages like;
- It does not decay and is not attacked by bugs
- Does not require paintings
- Its very light
There are already-made sheds available but they are designed according to the specification provided by the buyer. This can be erected in minutes since it has interlocks and installation manuals.
Since sheds are part of buildings, it may be designed to suit the building it is to be erected in, in such a way the beauty of the house is further enhanced. There is no standard size and shape for shade as long as it can be used for its intended purposes. For home owners who may not want all their materials to be in their basement, an outside shed is the only reliable answer, provided that there is enough space to accommodate all junks to be kept in the shed. Therefore, prior to building a shed, the following are considered;
- Seek and expert's advice
- Design and identify the best location for construction
- Decide on the best material options available
Apart from storage and workshop, sheds can be used for;
- Farm animals (cow, goat, horse etc)
- Wine cellar
- Game house for kids and adults alike
- Changing room for swimming pools
- Private study area
- Antique store and car park
- Pet house for dogs, cats, snakes and spiders in glass cases
- Research laboratory
Shed Construction Methods
There are various materials and methods for the construction of sheds ranging from concrete, bricks, timber, plastic timber (PCV) etc. But before actual construction, the following should be made the primary objectives.
- Foundation-this is the base for the shade and therefore everything should be done to make sure that it is not compromised. If it is not built properly, there will be problems associated with water log, rusting of metals and burrowing by rodents and other creepy animals.
- Surrounding-to ensure proper ventilation, the surroundings should be cleared from bush, trees, shrubs and fences. If this is not done, there will be increased dampness of the shed which will have a side effect on the materials stored, or will not be comfortable to relax in. Another important thing to do is to create footpath so that movement in and out of the shed should be stress free.
- Windows and doors- frames being used for the windows and doors should be treated, and in some cases non-decaying materials should be used.
Concrete Shed
- Measure out the portion to build the shed upon
- Dig up the foundation between 2 to 4 inches, according to shape and size for example 18 feet for the length and 15 feet for the width (18x15 feet).
- Pour already mixed concrete to level up to ground level, but if need be exceed above ground level by few inches, this ensures that erosion and water is being protected against. Allow to set and dry for at least 2 days.
- Lay concrete blocks or bricks along the shape created by the concrete. Blocks can be used to complete the building or timber can be used to complete it provided that the concrete block reach window level
- Fix the treated timber to be used for the frame for windows and doors, allow to set and dry
- Fix the door and window with either hinges or slides. The doors and windows should be placed facing towards outside as this will give enough space inside for materials to be stored.
- Clear between two to four feet outside the shed in order to get a clear view of the shed as well as to allow direct sunlight shed
Concrete Shed Materials
- Cement, sand, and concrete mixing machine
- Shovel and spade
- Measuring tape
- Hammer, nails and hinges
Wooden Shed
- Estimate the needed quantity of timber and measure out the needed type of timber to be used
- Dig up about one to two feed for the timber foundation. The size of the shed will determine the number of foundation timber needed.
- Place the treated foundation timber firmly into the round and use either cement, stones or ordinary sand to cover (this method is not durable)
- Cut out frames after carefully measuring them, it is expected that an average shed should stand at eight feet tall.
- Use plywood to cover the frames. Plastic timber is encouraged to be used because it last longer than plywood.
- Fix doors and windows just as in the concrete shade
- Aluminium or corrugated metal roofing sheets can be used to roof the shed
Wooden Shed Materials
- Timber and woods of various sizes
- Measuring tape, hammer, nails and hinges
Shed Building Tips
- Seek authorisation from town planning and building department for approval
- This is a professional work, and the need to employ an experts attention is very important
- The shade should have enough space in order to be utilised to capacity.
- Do not construct shade in lower ground, an elevated stop is most preferable.
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