Posted: March 15th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Shed building tool kit | Tags: Shed building tool kit | No Comments »
Hi All,
Here are a few tips and pieces of advice regarding the basic tools you’ll need to build your own shed based on my own experiences. The best thing I can advise is to actually have a proper set of construction plans, including a materials list. I know this isn’t a tool per se, but believe me when I tell you that without them you going to end up making multiple trips to the supply store and wasting a lot of time, energy and money. With a good set of plans, you’ll know exactly what lumber, hardware and materials you’ll need.
OK, that out of the way, these are the tools I think are pretty much necessary to your basic tool building kit set:
- a framing square and chalk line for laying out your construction plans
- a good quality framing hammer
- a power or cordless drill
- an electric circular saw
- an assortment of hand-tools like screwdrivers, wrenches
- a shovel, post-hole diggers and a wheel barrow to mix concrete in (if you are going to construct a permanent foundation you will)
- work gloves (saves you getting blisters)
- paint brushes or rent or buy a paint sprayer for the exterior finish
Optional:
- a reciprocating saw for odd cuts on wood that you may come across
- a construction calculator
Again, I really think the best tool of all that you can have in your tool kit is your set of construction plans. One of the most important things about a high quality set of blue prints is that it will also list all the cut sizes you need to make. Something I have done in the past is just give this list to my lumber yard and for a small fee they’ve cut all the pieces to size for me. It saved me a lot of time (and actually money as well because there was no wastage. Then I just put the shed together like a big puzzle. I guess if you do it this way, you won’t need the power tools.
Anyway, I hope this helps. If you want to take a look at where I got all my plans from here’s the site:
Click here to get detailed construction plans with materials lists
Thanks,
Ryan
Posted: March 5th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Free Shed Plans | Tags: Free Shed Plans | 2 Comments »
Hi all,
If you are planning on building a garden or storage shed you’ll need some type of plan. It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or a pro, you need guidelines. There are many sources to obtain free shed blueprints and plans. If you are a novice and the word blueprint scares you, relax. These are simple detailed drawings that show everything that you are going to need to know to build your shed. They are no different than a travel map. It simply tells you that you need to travel from one step to the next, and what you need to get there.
So why bother with free shed plans? How often have you purchased an item, and then when you got it home, you wished you had bought the deluxe version, or vice versa? It’s the same with plans. You go to all the trouble of picking one, purchasing it, then get it home, and for one of several reasons it just isn’t want you want. If its free, then you have lost nothing, you can just go and find another one. You can do this several times if you need to until you find the perfect one for you!
Ok it’s a great idea. Now where do we go to find these free shed blueprints and plans? To start with you could check out your local home improvement stores. Some of these have some great options. They often will have a series of standard plans in stock. They will give some of these to you free of charge, in the hopes that you will buy your materials from them. These plans usually consist of the majority of items they carry in their store. Some of them have even written their own series.
Another option is take in a rough sketch of the details of what you are looking for. Many building suppliers will draft up blueprints and plans for you. They may offer to do this for you with some type of commitment that you will purchase supplies from them. Sometimes they will offer this as free deal as a promotion.
Then there is always the internet. Lots of sites are willing to give away the prints and plans for free. Just type in “free shed plans” into the google search box. One such example is MyShedPlans. Not because they are generous, but because they hope it will entice you to purchase some of the other items they carry.
These items are usually applicable to what they are giving you at no charge. For example if they give you all the drawings and plans you need, then you are going to have to know how to do the things that the plan says. This is where the extras come in. Perhaps the company that gave you the free shed plans sells some self help, or do it yourself books. They would be pleased to sell these to you. This is not being sneaky. In fact its an excellent business proposal. They help you identify what you need and then offer support where you need it. With the combination of your plans, and the self help books you need, you’re ready to build one good looking shed!
Here’s a free shed plan. It’s for a 8 x 12-ft. shed that features a simple gable roof, double doors, and side and rear windows for natural lighting. It comes with a parts/materials list, section drawingsand full illustrations plus details. Here’s the link:
Free Shed Plan 8 x 12. Gable roof, double doors
I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect with free shed building plans.
Thanks,
Ryan
PS. Click here to check out 12,000 shed building blueprints
Posted: March 1st, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Outdoor storage shed | Tags: Outdoor storage shed | No Comments »
Hi all,
So you need a storage shed to keep your outdoor items properly protected. You have shopped around to see what’s available, but you just can’t find a shed that suits your needs. Well, that’s no problem. You can build one yourself ,even if you’re not a carpenter. I am not a carpenter either, but I’m living proof that with a bit of preparation (you’ll need good shed building plans that have detailed materials lists) patience you can do it. You just need to follow some easy step by step plans, and you will have it built in no time.
Step One
Is to determine where you want to build it. You need to have a designated area planned out before you begin. What space you have available will determine the maximum size you can build it.
Step two
Once you know your exact size it’s a good idea to rough sketch what you want. There are many home improvement stores that you can take your sketch to. They will draft up your storage shed plans for you, according to the specs you provide them with. They will also supply you with a list of materials that you will require. So now you have your plans. In addition they will provide you with a guide on how to perform each step.
Step Three
Purchase the materials you will need as outlined in your plan. It’s a good idea to have everything at hand so you don’t have to keep running out for supplies once you start construction. It’s really frustrating to have to keep going back to the store for more supplies.
Step Four
Now you are ready to start. Level your ground and prepare to lay the foundation. You would have already decided whether you are going to have a wood plank floor or concrete slab type.
Step Five
Next comes the side walls. Put your materials aside that you are going to use for this. It is better to construct the walls on the ground, then lift them into position once they are together. Just follow your guide for the how to instructions.
Step Six
Now its time to start the roof. You will need to build your trusses. So construct one and then use it as a template for the rest. Once again follow your guide on how to build the trusses.
Step Seven
Your storage shed should now be taking on some shape. It’s time to build the end walls. How you do this will depend on what you have chosen in your plans. Be sure to stay with your original plans.
Step Eight
Now you are getting down to the final steps. The trim is just as important as the rest of your structure. It’s what gives it that finished look so don’t scrimp here. You want a nice, professional look, something to be proud of.
Step Nine
Your last two steps are applying the shingles for the roof then treating the wood. The wood must have some type of protective coating on it to protect it from the elements and rotting. This can be varnish, stains or paints whatever is your preference.
Step Ten
You’re done! All that’s left is to sit back and admire your completed storage shed. If you hadn’t built it yourself you would think it was a professional store bought model.
Well. That’s the theory anyway. But really, it is pretty simple once you get going! If you need some really detailed plans which include materials lists and step by step instructions, check this site out:
Click here for detailed shed plans with materials list
Ryan
Posted: February 28th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Shed Building Plans | Tags: Shed Building Plans | No Comments »
Hi Everyone,
I just thought I’d give you a bit of advice for before you even start building because it’s really important that you have everything in place before you start any project. Believe me, this will save you a lot of headaches and MONEY too! Of course the best way to do this is to have a action plan. So you have decided, you want to build a shed using a set of plans. Then first we need to put your action plan into place, and start by listing a series of questions you will need answered before you even begin construction.
1.What do you really need the shed for? To start with you may be thinking it’s going to be used to store just the garden equipment. Think hard about this. Is it going to end up being a family shed? In other words, are the kids going to want to store their sports equipment in there? Or is the wife going to find a new place for the Christmas decorations, in your shed? So make a hard and fast rule of what the shed will be used for.
2.What size do you want it to be? Now you know exactly what it is going to be used for, that will give you the size that you are going to want. Don’t forget to plan for the future. If it’s restricted to garden outdoor items, you will most likely be adding to your collection over the next few years, so you don’t want to have to build a shed all over again. (Like I had to!)
3.Where are you going to put it? You need to determine where is the best place for it. It has to be some place accessible, without walking through your flowerbeds. Probably tucked away so it doesn’t interfere with your landscaping. Again think of the future, you don’t want to have to move it. Now is the area you have allotted for it and the size of the shed you want compatible? If not then there has to be a compromise, either in the space or the size.
4.Does in need to be insulated, waterproof, or open? If you are in a four season climate then you need to decide what seasons you need the shed to be able to withstand the most.
5. Do you require a building permit? Know what your local by-laws are for building a shed. It wouldn’t be nice to get your project finished ,and then have city officials come along and tell you to take it down. Normally you won’t need a building permit if you stay within a specific size, but if you have determined to go larger than what’s allowed, you will have to submit building plans for approval.
6.Now one of the most important questions, What is your budget for this project? Everything you have decided up to now is dependant on your budget. It’s kinds of difficult to set a budget when you haven’t determined the cost of materials yet. It’s your budget that’s going to help you when it comes time to get your building shed plans.
7.Where should you get your plans for building a shed? You have lots of answers now. The purpose, the size, the budget, and now to answer the final question. For this you will need to check out what resources are available to you. Your local home hardware and building center, home planners, and of course the internet. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Ryan
