Contents
DIY Shed Design Ideas – Building a Garden Shed from Scratch
A shed isn’t commonly built by individuals. Sheds are usually found in the backyard when purchasing an old house. But how are they constructed?
They are obviously built. Read on to learn the process of putting a shed together with these DIY shed plans.
We found a collection of DIY shed plans to share with you. They’re simple and customizable, perfect for beginners. Whether you want a stylish she shed or a practical workshop, these plans will suit your needs.
Is building your own shed cheaper with plans? Many people choose to build their own garden shed using plans because it costs less than buying a pre-built shed or hiring a builder.
Here are reasons to save money building your own shed:
– Labor costs: If someone builds a shed on your property, you’ll pay for labor and materials. By building it yourself, you save money on labor.
– Pre-owned tools: If you already have tools to build a garden shed, you won’t need to buy more. You likely have most, if not all, of the tools you need in your garage.
However, building a shed yourself may actually cost you more money.
If you use high-end materials, you may end up investing more money into your garden shed build than if you used standard materials favored by contractors.
Without basic power tools like a circular saw, you may make a larger financial investment than if you already had all the necessary tools.
Consider the time it takes to build your shed. Experienced builders can finish even a large shed in a matter of hours or a day. Inexperienced DIY builders may take significantly longer to complete the same work since they lack efficiency.
DIY Shed Planning
When building your own DIY shed, planning ahead can save you time and money. From permit applications to supply lists, planning will prevent frustration, especially if it’s your first major DIY project.
Do you need a permit to build a shed?
Depending on your location, a building permit may not be required for constructing a DIY garden shed. Most small garden sheds (such as six by eight feet or eight by ten feet) usually do not require a building permit.
Applying for Planning Permission for a DIY Shed
Not all sheds require planning permission. Checking with your city’s Planning Department will determine if your DIY shed plans require permission.
If you need to apply for planning permission, follow these steps:
- Check the requirements from your city’s zoning board.
- Complete the necessary paperwork.
- Submit the paperwork for approval.
If your shed plans meet the requirements, you should be able to get a permit for construction.
DIY Shed Plan Foundations
Building your own shed requires careful consideration of the foundation. Without a proper foundation, a DIY shed may sag and rot from the floor up. Foundations provide a level space and protect the shed floor from soil and water damage.
Do You Need a Foundation for a DIY Shed?
If your shed is six by eight feet or smaller, a foundation is not necessary for support. However, regardless of the shed’s size, a foundation can preserve the structure. Here are the advantages of adding a foundation to your DIY garden shed:
-
Support for heavy loads: Building a garden shed to hold three hundred pounds or more? A foundation prevents the weight of the shed’s contents from damaging the floor. Extends shed life: Placing a foundation under any size garden shed preserves it and increases its lifespan. Sheds with floors in contact with the ground and frost line are more susceptible to weather-related damage. Moisture prevention: Exposure to moisture is the biggest threat to a garden shed’s structural integrity. A foundation improves ventilation and prevents the wood from contacting standing water, which can cause rot over time.
Even though it isn’t necessary for every shed, small sheds can benefit from a stable and level foundation.
Can You Put a DIY Shed on Pavers?
If pouring a concrete foundation for your DIY garden shed seems like too much work, there are simpler options that provide the same benefits.
One option is using tightly-placed garden pavers as a foundation. Garden pavers are affordable and provide a stable foundation for smaller sheds without adding extra cost to your project.
How Can You Put a Shed on Grass?
While you don’t have to construct a formal foundation for a garden shed that is six by eight feet or smaller, it’s not recommended to put a shed directly on your grass or lawn.
Placing a garden shed on grass causes the grass underneath to die and rot, creating moisture and heat that degrade the shed flooring. This negatively affects the shed’s lifespan over time.
Building a DIY garden shed on a concrete slab preserves the flooring and provides a level surface for construction. If a level concrete slab already exists, it can be used as a foundation for the shed without additional site preparation.
To prepare the ground for a DIY shed, take the following steps:
Preparing the ground for a DIY garden shed involves ensuring that the ground is solid and level. Follow these steps to prep the ground for a DIY shed:
– Measure the construction site: Start by measuring the exact space where you’ll install the shed. Mark the building site with stakes and string to ensure the correct length for each shed wall.
– Clear and tamp the ground: Before building, clear any debris and use a manual ground tamper to flatten the soil until it is hard and flat. This prevents settling after construction.
Be sure to remove all debris from the soil before tamping to ensure that the shed’s base lies evenly throughout.
What Is the Best Base for a DIY Shed?
When building your own DIY garden shed, you have several options for setting up the foundation. The best base for a DIY shed that is six by eight feet or smaller with a wood floor is gravel. Gravel increases ventilation and protects the wooden flooring.
If you’re building a DIY shed without wood flooring, your best base option is concrete. Concrete provides a level and water-resistant building surface by elevating the shed off the soil.
Concrete floors are the best base for DIY sheds for storing heavy machinery and materials over three hundred pounds.
After preparing the ground, the next major part of preparing a foundation for your DIY garden shed is to lay the gravel. Here are the steps to lay a gravel foundation for a garden shed:
– Build the shed perimeter: Clear and measure the ground. Use four by four-inch wood rated for ground contact to prevent rotting. This wood perimeter will serve as the layout for the gravel base of your foundation. Secure the wood perimeter with rebar drilled through it at 8-inch intervals.
Gravel foundations provide better water protection for sheds than concrete foundations because the gaps between the gravel pieces allow water to evaporate. Solid concrete can lead to standing water in areas with heavy rainfall.
Once you have a level building site, you’re ready to start building your garden storage shed. Here are the basic steps to put one together:
– Build the shed’s framework: These boards provide structural integrity and help the shed hold its shape.
– Build the shed panels: Screw in fence boards or wooden panels to make up the floor and walls of the building.
Build and install the shed door. The shed door is crucial for easy access to the shed. Attach wooden crossbars to strengthen the door and then install it on the shed.
Create and install the shed roof. The final step in constructing a garden storage shed is to build a slanted roof. This design prevents water buildup and potential damage over time.
15 DIY Shed Building Ideas For Your Garden
1. A Small Storage Shed
First, we found a cute shed on ladygoats. It’s made of wood, like most sheds, and has no windows. It’s ideal for storage or as a workspace.
You can use it as a gardening shed or a place to keep tools while working in the garden.
We appreciate its simplicity and playful character, along with its chic look. The roof and hardware add unique details that make a difference.
2. Small Outdoor Shed or Closet Converted Into A Smokehouse
Think of a shed as a multipurpose addition to the backyard. You can use it to store shovels, gardening supplies, or bbq supplies. It doesn’t have to be big. In fact, a tiny shed like the one on ana-white should be enough. Check out the tutorial and DIY shed plans to learn everything you need for this project.
If you decide to build your own garden shed, you’ll need 2 sheets of plywood, wooden boards, hinges, handles, a latch, galvanized nails, roofing, wood glue, and materials for the doors.
When creating DIY shed plans, consider the shed’s purpose. This determines the appropriate dimensions and interior structure. Keep in mind the need for shelves and a table.
Additionally, think about the tools required for the project, such as a saw, drill, and shovel. The materials needed depend on the type of shed you want to build. Instructables provides detailed instructions and lists for building a shed like this one.
A tool shed is easy to build. We found this example on thecavenderdiary which has a traditional look. It has hooks, shelves, and rods on the inside of the doors to provide practical storage.
Check out the plans for this toolshed and customize them to fit your storage needs.
5. A Reclaimed Wood Shed
This shed on Joseph Sandy is inspiring in many ways. Check out the charming design where different types and colors of reclaimed wood complement each other. It’s also worth noting the practicality of clerestory windows, which are uncommon for sheds.
6. Garden Shed Made From Old Doors
How big should a garden shed be to be practical without taking up unnecessary space? It depends. This compact garden shed from acultivatednest has one of the smallest footprints.
Despite its small size, it is practical with plenty of storage space for garden tools, with room for shelves or hooks on the walls.
7. Shed that Resembles a Mini House
Building a shed is similar to building a miniature house. It can be a fun project, especially with assistance. If you’re new, we found the perfect tutorial for you.
Check out these DIY shed plans on popularmechanics. The process is described in detail with instructions, supply lists, and tips.
8. Gambrel Storage Shed
Structurally, some sheds are miniature houses or barns. The gambrel storage shed plans from mybackyardplans explain the steps of this project. First, build the foundation.
Then install the sidewalls, followed by the roof frame, front wall, door, back wall, and roof decking. Add trim, shingles, and paint to finish the shed.
Building a shed has many advantages. For instance, it can be used to store bicycles during the winter or large equipment like lawnmowers and garden tools. Additionally, the shed can serve as a workspace for DIY projects. It can even be a project in itself.
For those who recycle, a hatch on the side can be added specifically for placing bins inside. Regardless of its purpose, a durable shed can last for many years. The DIY shed plans provided by todaysplans can guide you on how to make sure of that.
10. Repurpose Old Windows
Sheds are great for hobbies like pottery, gardening, or painting. You can use a garden shed as your private workspace. Adding windows for natural light is also an option, and you can even upcycle old windows and doors. Check out this project on countryliving to see how a chic shed was built.
11. Green House Shed
A shed can double as a greenhouse, using shed plans from instructables. In this case, the shed was built from old windows, which fit perfectly.
To start, gather enough windows. Then, build the frame using wood. Ensure the foundation is secure before attaching the windows.
Title: “A Garden Shed Made From Recycled Materials”
The last project we want to share is a greenhouse/garden shed from lizmarieblog. It’s cute and inside are shelves, storage compartments, and other practical things. Additionally, this lovely shed has a chandelier that elevates the decor.
13. Small Garden Shed With Glass Door
For those with a smaller backyard, some of the projects above may be too large. If that’s the case, consider this small garden shed project from The Owner Builder Network, featuring a glass door design. It’s a great way to store garden tools or children’s toys, protecting them from the elements during winter.
To create this project, use old doors as shed walls, giving them new life instead of wasting them. This shed takes up only a fraction of the space a large garden shed would. It proves that even with a smaller garden, you can still enjoy building a garden shed from scratch.
14. A Modern DIY Shed
< Regardless of your garden style, this modern shed from DIY Atlanta Modern will enhance any outdoor space. It can be used for storage or as an outdoor workspace and can be customized to match your garden's design. < Even without much DIY experience, this project is suitable for intermediate DIYers with ample time to spare this summer. < 15. Building a Shed Under Your Deck
If you have a deck, you may have an empty space underneath. Utilize this space by installing a shed, as shown in this project by Pano Fish.
This deck has two posts, making it easy to add a shed. The first step is to build the roof within the deck’s joists. This project is challenging but rewarding if you want to utilize wasted backyard space.
Types of DIY Garden Sheds
When choosing the material for your garden shed, consider the climate where you live. If heavy rain or snow is common in your area, opt for a more durable option to withstand inclement weather. You don’t want your shed’s contents to get damaged, so choose the right material when building this year.
Metal sheds are extremely strong, secure, and difficult to break into. They provide an advantage when storing valuable tools and items.
Metal sheds are rot-resistant and durable, although their industrial appearance may not appeal to everyone.
Wood is the most common material used in garden sheds due to its versatility and ease of use in DIY projects. It is available in various types, some of which are stronger, more durable, and more costly than others.
Having a wooden garden shed requires regular maintenance to endure the elements and avoid damage from rot or termites.
Plastic garden sheds are the least expensive yet durable and weather-resistant. They withstand moisture better than any other material and require no maintenance as they don’t rot or rust. Assembly is also a breeze.
However, there are a few drawbacks to plastic sheds: they lack security, customization options, and can be affected by extreme temperatures.
Consider these tips and advice when deciding on the shed’s purpose.
Here are a few things to consider before buying a new shed. This is a personal decision based on specific details and factors, but you might find some of these tips useful.
Different types of garden sheds can be used for different things. Many models are versatile and can adapt to various contexts and requirements. However, it helps to have a clear idea of how the shed will be used.
This will help you select the right material and design for the intended function of your new shed. Don’t assume that you’ll spend all year working outside in your shed and then find it’s freezing cold during winter.
DIY Sheds for Storage
If you plan to use the shed for storage, ensure it has shelves, compartments, and modules for organizing. Customize the shed with accessories as needed. For collectors or tool enthusiasts, consider installing custom-built shelving.
Remember, a shed is not a one-size-fits-all solution for your home.
For gardens or workspaces, choose a shed that is spacious enough for your intended use and select a suitable material, such as wood.
For greenhouses, choose a shed that can accommodate your needs.
You could use the shed as a greenhouse and grow plants inside. If so, a shed without windows would not be helpful. Some sheds today have a hybrid design, with windows on one side and none on the other.
This is a good option for someone who wants both a greenhouse and storage for gardening tools.
Consider a few more things based on how you plan to use the shed, such as electricity supply, natural light, insulation, roof shape, etc. Make sure the shed can be connected to electricity and water if necessary, so you won’t be disappointed later by missing these features.
Specs and details to consider for DIY shed plans:
Roof Types for DIY Shed Plans
The roof of a shed is important as its shape dictates rainwater runoff. An apex roof is ideal in this case as it allows water to run off the sides easily. If you prefer extra headroom, consider a Dutch barn roof style or other types that offer more space.
A flat roof can be a modern and clean option, suitable for sheds protected from rain and snow. Another option is a pent roof, which is flat with one side lower for efficient water drainage.
DIY Shed Plans Door Types
When it comes to shed doors, size is key. A single door is sufficient if you won’t store large items. Double doors offer more convenience and future-proof the shed.
Durability and security are also important factors. Being able to lock the shed is crucial.
Regarding windows, some sheds don’t have any, which is suitable for storage purposes and provides additional security.
If you want to grow, store plants, or spend time inside your shed, having a window or two, or a skylight, would be helpful. Windows can be made of polystyrene, acrylic, polycarbonate, or glass.
For security purposes, it’s important to be able to lock your garden shed, especially if you’re storing valuable tools or equipment. Different types of latches and locking mechanisms offer varying levels of security, so research your options. Also, consider the type of door.
When it comes to maintenance, it’s essential to regularly clean your shed and check for any necessary repairs. Performing routine maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your shed and keep it in good condition.
Regularly check and treat your shed’s exterior to protect it from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is the Largest Shed You Can Build Without Planning Permission?
The largest shed you can typically build without planning permission is a hundred square feet. However, the required planning permits for garden sheds can vary depending on the location.
If you plan to have electricity in your garden shed or if you live in an HOA neighborhood, check your local ordinances before starting construction.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Build a Shed?
The most cost-effective way to build a DIY garden shed is by using discarded wooden pallets or buying lumber in bulk from a lumberyard. While a wooden pallet shed can be constructed for little to no cost if you can obtain the pallets for free, it’s important to note that it may not be as durable as structures made from sturdier materials, and can be more vulnerable to damage over time.
Where Can You Purchase DIY Shed Plans?
DIY shed plans are available for purchase at home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, as well as online marketplaces like Amazon. Alternatively, there are numerous free shed plans available on websites like ShedPlans.org.
How Do You Secure a DIY Shed to the Ground?
DIY sheds are anchored to the ground using rebar. Drill holes in the shed framework and insert the rebar into the 4’x4′ wooden shed perimeter. This secures the shed and keeps it stable in high winds or inclement conditions.
A shed should be placed at least ten feet from your residence, unless it requires a planning permit. Sheds that require a planning permit must be at least forty feet away from the house.
The purpose of separating a shed from the home is to prevent flammable materials in the shed from catching fire to the main residence. It also helps prevent snow and rain build-up between the two buildings.
In conclusion, anchoring and positioning a shed properly is essential for safety and longevity.
Whether you buy a new garden shed or create your own with DIY shed plans, you’ll enjoy this versatile storage solution. Garden sheds can also serve as extra rooms for your home. With people worldwide still working from home, households are adding offices and playrooms to their gardens.
Whatever you use your shed for, we hope you enjoy choosing or building the one that suits you and your family.
Hello there!
I’m Kevin Brown, a dedicated home master and the creative mind behind rentcheck.me. My journey began with a passion for ensuring homes are not just structures but sanctuaries that reflect comfort, safety, and happiness.
With years of experience in property management and a keen eye for detail, I’ve developed rentcheck.me as a resourceful platform aimed at helping individuals navigate the complexities of renting properties.
Whether you’re a tenant seeking your next home or a landlord aiming to streamline your rental process, my goal is to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and insights needed to make informed decisions. Welcome to my world, where every checkmark means a step closer to finding or creating your ideal home!