How to Build an Outdoor Storage Shed

How to Build an Outdoor Storage Shed

Do you have a bike or other items those need to keep outside? Are you  searching for few tips on how to build an outdoor storage shed? Then I want to assure you that you are in a right place.

 A person never has enough storage space. There are seasonal items that need a space to rest until needed. You have lawn equipment to store, yet keep handy and ready for use. The kids have bikes, scooters, or other play items you need a place to keep.

No matter what your lifestyle, you need more storage space. Building an outdoor storage shed can be the answer you need to add extra space for storing these items. Garden sheds provide the perfect solution giving you 10 x 16 feet of additional room.

Among all outdoor storage option, outdoor storage shed gives you most comfort and space for your belongings.

These directions will give you a Colonial-style garden shed with an interior partition. The divided space inside can be used for a play area for the kids, or seasonal storage. Using a double door on the side will give you easy access for your larger items. So before starting construction you need to know how to build an outdoor storage shed.

First Step:

Begin the construction of your shed with twelve solid concrete blocks. Make three rows of 4 x 8 x 16-inch blocks with 59 inches in-between on a four-inch-thick gravel bed.

 Make sure the blocks are all level by using a four-foot level laid across them. If any are off, you can shim them up to correct height with patio block or cedar shingles.

Create the front and rear band joist by nailing a two-x-six mudsill to a two-x-eight mudsill. The mudsill will be placed on the blocks of the rear and front of the shed. Build a third two-x-eight mudsill to sit along the top of the foundation blocks in the center.

* A mudsill is the bottom horizontal portion of an exterior wall frame. It rests on the foundation.

The floor joists should be cut to 2 x 6 measurements and placed between the band joists on top of the mudsills. Secure these joists with galvanized nails 16 inches on center along with steel-cabled ground anchors.

The anchors should be on each corner and driven in the ground with hold-down spikes.

Using tongue and groove joints on your floor will give you a more secure flooring. The 3/4 inch plywood won't bounce or sag on your shed. Secure this flooring with 8d galvanized nails.

Second Step:

The trusses will be 2 x 4 rafters with a 2 x 4 ceiling joist. Secure the three boards together with 1/2 inch plywood gussets.

You can save time with your building project by assembling the trusses on the floor before putting up the walls. Cut all the rafters to length with a 40-degree angle on one end.

Create a pattern for your trusses on your floor for how you will put them together. Align the bottom chord with the edge of the floor and lay out all your pieces.

Once trusses are assembled, you can fasten plywood gussets to each side with builder's glue and one-inch roofing nails.

Third Step:

You are now ready for the walls. Cut and place the 2 x 4 parts of the end wall on the floor. Place the studs 24 inches on center and secure them with galvanized nails.

With the plywood siding cut to size, you can nail it to the wall framing with galvanized nails. Raise the end wall into position and secure by screwing down through 2 x 4 plate on floor framing.

The front wall will be installed next, and if you include the partition, that wall will follow. Once the front wall and partition have been secured, you can install the final wall.

Fourth Step:

You begin your roof by installing the end trusses. You will want to nail on the plywood siding before you raise the truss. Secure the plywood with 3-inch deck screws driven into your top wall plate. If you use a 2 x 4 chord, it will stiffen the sheathing.

Place one truss over each wall stud and secure with 3-inch deck screws driven through the top wall plate. Cover your trusses with 1/2 inch plywood, and you are ready to shingle your shed. For a shed this size, you will need eight bundles of shingles.

Fifth Step:

The partition wall should be covered with perforated hardboard and secured with 1 1/4 inch screws. Build a transom window measuring five feet from a wood frame and sheet of glass to install over the end doors.

You can then build the doors from 1 x 6 tongue and groove cedar boards. Use 1 1/2 inch screws to attach the battens and hang doors with heavy-strap hinges.

* A transom window is a rectangular window placed above a door window. These small windows are used to allow additional light into a room.

 Wood barn sash works great for the windows as they will tilt in for more ventilation. You can find 2 x 3 windows at most lumber yards. Put a barrel bolt on top of each sash so you can secure your stored items.

Your shed is now ready to be painted, customized to your taste. You can either stain the wood for a more natural look or choose your favorite color of paint. Your new shed is now ready for you to start enjoying your extra space.

After completion, you may lock your shed door by a cylinder lock or other types of door lock.
Although the cylinder lock is made mainly for the door, it is easy to break down. So, you may use round lock or padlock for ensuring more security.

Sixth Step:

Now, You need to install the door of your outdoor storage shed. You can install a patio door, wooden door, or metal door to restrict entry in your storage shed. if you choose a patio door for your storage shed, you need to select a strong patio door lock. But people use a metal door or wooden door for the storage shed as these doors are strong and thieves can not break these doors easily.


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