How to Build a Shed

Running out of storage space in the garage? If you’re like most homeowners, your two-car garage has two cars in it as well as a snow blower, lawn mower and other outdoor power equipment, parts and tools. If you’re looking to de-clutter the space, it may be time to consider building a shed. A garden shed is the perfect place to store your riding lawn mower, parts, tools and lawn maintenance equipment. Follow these tips for setting up the area where your garden shed will go, then purchase a plan (many are available online) that will give you specifics on materials and measurements for the shed you want to build.

Preparing the ground for your garden shed
The first thing to do when building a shed is to decide where it’s going to go. Avoid putting your garden shed in an area of your lawn that is consistently damp, like the base of a hill where winter melt and rainwater can accumulate under the shed. You should also choose to put your garden shed on level ground. Finally, leave space between your garden shed and any bushes, trees or fences. This will leave you room to mow around the shed, make it easier to repair and repaint the shed, and keep it dry to avoid mildew, mold and rot.  

Choosing a foundation and design before building your shed
Avoid building your shed directly on the ground. You should have a firm foundation followed by about six inches of frame to allow for air circulation that will prevent moisture from building up. Your foundation may be solid concrete, pressure-treated wood, cinder blocks or a combination of these. Do not use hollow cinder blocks as these can crack and collapse over time. Larger garden sheds will need a more permanent solution below the frost line with buried posts or concrete.

When choosing the design and size of the shed you want to build, consider the size of your lawn mower, outdoor power equipment, parts and tools as well as how much space you want to have to move around. The main hinged or sliding door to your garden shed should be wide enough for your riding lawn mower to fit through, and you will also want to install a second, smaller door so you can access a different portion of the shed more easily. Then, build a ramp to get your machines in and out easily.

Consider building corner shelves, placing drawers under workbenches and hanging riding lawn mower parts and garden tools on hooks for optimal storage. Make sure the floor you build will be strong enough to support the weight of your equipment. Then, think about the roofing structure. You may want to do a truss frame rather than traditional roof as it’s faster and requires less complex measurements and prior construction knowledge.

Building a shed
Before you get started, make sure you obtain a building permit from your local town. They may have rules on how large a garden shed you can build, where you can put it, and even if you can build it at all. After you have approval to build, it’s time to get the right materials. Pressure-treated lumber should be used in the floor frame to prevent rot as this is the part of the shed most often exposed to moisture. It will also resist termites and other damaging bugs. If you’re storing heavy items like your riding lawn mower, use ¾ inch tongue and groove plywood for the flooring. With other shed materials you can choose more economical or low maintenance items like PVC trim boards, but with the floor and frame you want to focus on quality.

Check with the plans you’ve chosen to find the right materials to build your shed. Pay attention to measurements and if you’re not sure you have the right tools, find out if you can rent from a local hardware store. Don’t forget to plan for windows to let light into your shed and provide ventilation. Skylights are a great way to improve lighting without taking up space that could be used to store outdoor power equipment parts and tools. Lastly, finish the roof with shingles and paint or stain your shed so it’s ready for weather and aesthetically pleasing.