Building a Shed
Why build a shed? A shed could be the answer to your storage problem. The garage cannot take in any more of your bigger stuff like the garden lawn mower or the wheel borrow. It might be that you had a sudden hankering to build a separate tool shed for your DIY activities or you just want to reach out into your finer feelings and want a garden shed to raise exotic plants.
What is a shed anyway? A shed used to be slight wall-less structures for storage. Today a shed is more of an extension of your storage area. It has taken on a new meaning in terms of form and usage. There are shed "kits" available ready to assemble. There are shed floor plans available for purchase that any self-confessed DIY can do. You can even do the floor plan yourself.
Decide on the shed's function and size.
Before you buy or design the floor plan, decide on what type of shed you plan to build. Sheds can take on the functions of a garage, a tool and equipment storage, a greenhouse, or a workshop. Decide on the gross area of the shed and the location within your backyard that you intend to put it up. Make sure the area you choose is within the zoning laws of the locality. It is also worth noting if a building permit is required when putting up a shed. Some localities require building permits while others do not.
Choosing and preparing the shed site.
Choose the part of your yard that is most suitable for your shed. If you intend to put up a tool shed, locate it where it's accessible to the garage and the garden. If your garden is in the north part of your lot, then it follows that the tool shed should be in the northern part too. If you intend to put up a greenhouse shed, be sure that the location is near a water line. You would not want to have a garden shed that is far from the water source. A shed should not obstruct the view of the house.
Once you have chosen the site and the floor plan, it is time to prepare the site. Clear the intended area and stake out the site according to the area specified in the floor plan. You can draw your own plans, buy from a reputable company or download free plans on the internet. Buy the necessary materials needed for the shed. Make sure you have the required tools and equipment to build your shed. Here is an easy step by step procedure on how to build storage shed on skids.
Step by step instructions on building a storage shed on skids
A shed will not last long if its foundation or base is weak. Since most sheds are non-weight bearing structures, they can be supported by solid concrete blocks or treated timbers or skids set on the ground. Make sure the skids rest on level and even ground, away from wet, low and rotting area. If you have no option, better set the shed skids on 2 to 4 inches of gravel.
•Flooring - Cut the floor framing materials (floor joists and skids) to the specifications indicated in the detailed working drawings that come with the floor plan. If you did the floor plan yourself, you should have a working drawing of some sort to guide you. Make the floor frame on level ground. Cover the floor frame with 20 mm or ¾ inch thick plywood.
•Walling - Cut the wall frame members into its specified length, cutting the longest member first. Make the wall frames up on level ground spacing the studs at 60 centimetres or 2 feet from centre to centre. Make sure that the wall frames are straight by using a plumb line.
•Wall frame noggings -Nail in four rows of noggings (horizontal studs) spaced evenly between studs. The horizontal studs would give the necessary counter force to strengthen the wall frame. They would also serve as nailers for the exterior board finishing.
•Lift and Fix - the wall frames in place. Nail the wall frames together at the corners for a flush finish. Make sure the bottom plate is straight and the outside edge flushed with the floor's edge before you nailing. Make sure the wall frame is straight then brace them from the inside.
•Roof Beam - Cut the two beam supports according to specifications. Then cut the roof beam according to its specified length and nail it to the two beam supports. Cut the four end rafters according to its specified length in the working drawings and fix in place. Plumb the roofing frame and brace temporarily.
•Roof rafters- Cut the 8 other rafters and fix in place, four at each side. Measure and cut the four rows of noggings to be fixed between rafters.
•Roof Sheathing - Cover the roof framing with 12 mm or ½ inch plywood or plyboard with nails set at a maximum of 20 mm or 8 inches apart. Nail the plywood from the top of the roof beams to the rafter's end. Nail three rows of purlins to each plane of the roof making sure that there is a 25 mm or an inch overhang which is the thickness of the exterior board finishing.
•Trim and Fascia board - Nail the trimmers flushed to the end of the purlins at each end. Nail the fascia board between the trimmers and the end of the rafters. Lay out the corrugated roofing material of your choice.
•Roofing - Fix the roof with the right nails and screws. Make sure that there is at least a 2 ½ inches overhang from the fascia board. Fix the ridge at a minimum of 150 mm from the centre. Fix the trimmer or barge board flashing at the fascia board.
•Exterior finishing - A cladding underlay should be installed first before you attach the exterior vertical boards. Put battens on the finished exterior boards.
The last step would be installing the pre-made and pre-ordered door and windows. Your DIY tool shed is now ready for use.
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