Should You Try And Build Your Own Shed?

gable roof storage shed

This post will organize the information on my website in a way that will help you decide if building your own wooden storage shed is right for you. I will show you…

  • Why a wood shed is probably the best option for you
  • Show you much money you can save by building your own shed
  • Explain why my $5.95 shed plans are the best shed plans on the market
  • Give you a detailed explanation of each step in building a shed using my shed plans.

Building your own wooden storage shed is not for everyone. It takes a lot of time and it’s a lot of work. But on the other hand you will save a lot of money over a commercially built shed and you well get a quality shed that fits your needs exactly.

I have been building wooden storage sheds for nearly 25 years. I have build thousands of shed and in the process have refined this shed to be the best value wooden storage shed on the market.

It’s the easiest to build and the best value wooden shed that money can buy. And that is what most people have wanted from the last few thousand sheds I have build and sold, good quality at a good price. In other words, they want value.

Below is an list of posts to read in order to help you decide if you want to build your own shed.

I will modify and update this list as I get closer to writing each part.

Thanks, Phil the shed man

March 29, 2012

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

10 Reasons Why You Should Build Your Own Shed

  1. You can save 50% to 65% of the cost by building your own shed.
  2. You enjoy working with your hands.
  3. It will give you a good reason to go out and buy those new tools you want.
  4. You will get a good quality shed built to your specifications.
  5. You can build a much larger shed for the same amount of money you would spend for a ready made smaller one.
  6. It’s something the whole family can do together.
  7. It will give you the personal satisfaction of having completed a relatively complicated project.
  8. Your neighbors will be jealous of your accomplishments.
  9. Your wife will be happy because she can finally clean the closets out.
  10. You will be able to clean the garage out and park your car inside again.

These are all excellent reasons to build your own storage shed. You can buy my $5.95 shed plans by instant download and get started this weekend.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Why You Need An Outdoor Storage Shed

Almost everyone accumulates things And when your closets are full and there is no more room in the garage, what can you do to free up room for more stuff?

You could have a yard sale or start selling things on eBay. Or you can get a shed and keep collecting things.

Even if you don’t have a lot of things, your home might simply be short of storage space in the first place.

An outdoor storage shed is the perfect way to free up closet or garage space and still keep those valuables close at hand.

Owning your own shed will pay for its self quickly

Sure you could rent a commercial storage unit. But at a hundred dollars or more per month for rent, having your own storage shed will pay for its self in 1 or 2 years. Or less if you build your own shed.

Plus, having a shed in your own backyard will save you an hour trip every time you need to get something.

But sheds aren’t just for storage.

You can make your shed into a nice workshop, organize your tools, and give yourself a dedicated workspace where no one will disturb your unfinished projects.

An outdoor storage shed is an extension of your home and it costs considerably less than to remodel your home to add closets or a new room addition.

And in many ways an outdoor storage shed is superior because you can locate it in an under used area of your yard and allow you to use the space in your home more efficiently.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Look How Much Can You Save By Building Your Own Shed

Tuff Shed Build Your Own You Save
8×12 $1,569 $703 $866
10×12 $1,909 $845 $1,064
12×16 $2,880 $1,117 $1,763

Look how much will it cost to build your own shed, and how much money can you save!

I have chosen “Tuff Shed” as an example of a typical shed builder because they are nationally known and almost everyone has heard of them.

Some local builders are cheaper and some are more expensive. But Tuff Shed makes a good example.

Compare shed company prices to what you can build your own shed for, and look at these savings. These example are for typical gable roof storage sheds with 7 ft sidewalls and a shingle roof.

Here is a complete list of cost to build calculations as of November 2011:

8×4 $412 10×8 $679 12×8 $744
8×6 $502 10×10 $773 12×10 $841
8×8 $554 10×12 $845 12×12 $923
8×10 $658 10×14 $958 12×14 $1,048
8×12 $703 10×16 $997 12×16 $1,117
8×14 $796 10×18 $1,125 12×18 $1,248
8×16 $833 10×20 $1,218 12×20 $1,339

Buy the plans to build this shed in 21 sizes from 8×8 to 12×20 by instant download for $5.95.

Buy Now

Thanks… Phil

Remember that these costs are based on prices in my area. Lumber and building materials might be cheaper or more expensive in your home town.

Verify the cost to build a shed in your area…

Print out the materials list and cost estimate worksheet and take it down to your local building supply store and price it for yourself.

It includes cost estimates for shed sizes from 8×4 through 12×20.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Build This 8×12 Storage Shed For $690.00

shed image

Build your own shed like this and save hundreds $$$

10×12 For $835, 12×16 For $1071

These estimates is based on current prices in my area.

You can do your own cost estimate. Just print out the materials list and cost estimate worksheet which is included in my FREE Shed Building Guide and take it down to your local building supply store to price it for yourself.

It includes cost estimates for 21 shed sizes from 8×4 through 12×20.

Then do the math and see how much you’ll save by building your own shed.

Detailed Cost Estimate To Build This 8×12 Shed

Item Quantity Price Each Sub Total
4 x 4 x 12ft pressure treated 2 19.97 39.94
2 x 4 x 12ft 6 4.05 24.30
2 x 4 x 8ft 5 2.65 13.25
2 x 4 x 92 5/8 (pre cuts) 56 2.21 123.76
3/4 inch x 4ft x 8ft CDX plywood 3 19.47 58.42
4ft x 8ft siding 10 19.22 192.20
4ft x 8ft no groove siding 1 22.97 22.97
1/2 inch x 4ft x 8ft OSB 4 7.95 31.80
Drip edge (10ft lengths) 5 4.08 20.40
felt (roll) 1 25.25 25.25
Shingles (bundle) 4 23.95 95.80
Door hinges 3 4.97 14.21
Door latch 1 4.48 4.48
Assorted fasteners (estimate) 25.00
Grand Total To Build This 8×12 Shed $692.47

Detailed Cost Estimate To Build This 10×12 Shed

Item Quantity Price Sub Total
4 x 4 x 12ft pressure treated 2 19.79 39.94
2 x 4 x 92 5/8 (pre cuts) 52 2.21 114.92
2 x 4 x 8ft 1 2.65 2.65
2 x 4 x 10ft 4 3.32 13.28
2 x 4 x 12ft 4 4.05 16.20
2 x 6 x 10ft 10 4.98 49.80
2 x 6 x 12ft 2 5.98 11.96
4ft x 8ft Siding 11 19.22 211.42
4ft x 8ft No groove siding 1 22.97 22.97
3/4 inch x 4ft x 8ft CDX plywood 4 19.47 77.88
1/2 inch x 4ft x 8ft OSB 5 7.95 39.75
Drip edge (10ft) 5 4.08 20.40
Felt paper (roll) 1 25.25 25.25
Shingles (bundle) 6 23.95 143.70
Hinges 3 4.97 14.91
Latch 1 4.48 4.48
Assorted fasteners (estimate) 25.00
Grand Total To Build This 10×12 Shed $834.51

Detailed Cost Estimate To Build This 12×16 Shed

Item Quantity Price Sub Total
4 x 4 x 8ft pressure treated 4 10.97 43.88
2 x 4 x 92 5/8 (pre cuts) 59 2.21 130.39
2 x 4 x 8ft 1 2.65 2.65
2 x 4 x 12ft 6 4.05 24.30
2 x 4 x 16ft 4 5.32 21.28
2 x 6 x 12ft 13 5.98 77.74
2 x 6 x 16ft 2 7.97 15.94
4ft x 8ft Siding 14 19.22 269.08
4ft x 8ft No groove siding 1 22.97 22.97
3/4 inch x 4ft x 8ft CDX plywood 6 19.47 116.82
1/2 inch x 4ft x 8ft OSB 10 7.94 79.50
Drip edge (10ft) 7 4.05 28.56
Felt paper (roll) 1 25.25 25.25
Shingles (bundle) 7 23.95 167.65
Hinges 3 4.97 14.91
Latch 1 4.48 4.48
Assorted fasteners (estimate) 25.00
Grand Total To Build This 12×16 Shed $1070.40

Features Of These Sheds

  • Roof line: Gable
  • Roof pitch: 3/12
  • Roof covering: Asphalt shingles
  • Roof structure: 2×4 trusses 24 inch O.C.
  • Foundation: Pressure treated 4×4 skids
  • Floor joists: (8 wide) 2×4 at 16 inch O.C. (10/12 wide) 2×4 at 16 inch O.C.
  • Floor covering: 3/4 inch CDX plywood
  • Wall materials: 4×8 sheets of hardboard siding or T-111
  • Wall stud spacing: 2×4 at 24 inch O.C.
  • Wall framing: top and bottom plates with double corner studs
  • Door style: Out swinging shed door
  • Door location: Can be located any where on any wall

Dimensions

  • Outside wall height at eaves, not including foundation: 7 ft
  • Overall height at peak, not including foundation: 8 ft
  • Door opening: 43 inches by 71 inches
  • Minimum inside height: 77 inches
  • Maximum inside height: 92 inches
  • Inside height under collar beam: 84 inches

Easy To Build Plans Include

Buy the plans to build this shed in 21 sizes from 8×8 to 12×20 by instant download for $5.95.

Buy Now

Thanks… Phil

  • Width Options: 8 ft, 10 ft and 12 ft
  • Length Options: 8ft, 12 ft, and 16 ft
  • Materials list
  • Cut list
  • Detailed step-by-step building guide

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

How To Build A Shed – Overview

8x12 gable roof storage shed

Yes you can build your own shed...

How to build a shed is an overview that takes you from the planning stage through completion of a wooden storage shed.

If you want more details than presented here then you can download my FREE Shed Building Guide here.

Planning And Designing Your Storage Shed

  • Planning your storage shed, the law, your intended use, your budget, your skill level, the local weather conditions
  • Legal issues, land use codes, building codes, building permits, what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t follow the law
  • Designing your shed, size and shape,location, foundation, floor, door, building materials, roof line, accessories, paint or stain, security, cost
  • Buying or making storage shed plans
  • List of tools you’ll need, hand tools, power tools, painting equipment

Shed Construction Techniques

  • Foundation, ground contact method, skids
  • Floor, measure cut and drill materials, build floor frame, square and level, toenail frame to skids, re square and level, sheet the floor, snap chalk line and nail field
  • Building trusses, measure cut and drill materials, build a jig, assemble, check for consistency
  • Door, measure cut and drill materials, sandwich header, wall frame, spacers, inside frame, support spacers, mark cut lines, sheeting, snap chalk line, inner trim, spacers, outer trim
  • Walls, measure cut and drill materials, build end walls first, frame, sheet, build side door wall last
  • Raising the walls, snap chalk line 3 1/2” inside all 4 walls, space sidewalls properly, install back wall and nail, raise sidewall and nail, raise other sidewall and nail, install other end wall and nail
  • Cutting the door out, route first half, locate hinges and latch, drill holes, mount hinges, route balance, mount latch
  • Framing the roof, hang the trusses upside down between the walls, stand upright, position, screw in place, sheet the roof
  • Trim, gable ends first, roof edge second, corner trim last
  • Finishing the roof, drip edge, felt paper, row starter shingles, shingles, ridge cap

Other Related Stuff

  • Caulking and painting or staining
  • Installing accessories like shelves, windows and ventilation
  • Care and maintenance of your new wooden storage shed

 

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Wooden Storage Sheds: Their Advantages and Disadvantages

Wooden storage sheds are by far the most popular storage shed available. Most people will pay a more to buy a wooden storage shed over a metal shed or plastic shed. And for good reason…

Advantages of wooden storage sheds

  • Wooden storage sheds come in a larger variety of size and styles than plastic or metal sheds.
  • Wooden storage sheds are the best looking sheds available.
  • Wooden storage sheds are the most secure shed.
  • Wooden storage sheds are heavier therefore less subject to wind damage.
  • Wooden storage sheds can be easily fit or retrofit with accessories like windows and turbines.
  • Wooden storage sheds can be build or modify with normal tools.
  • Wooden storage sheds usually have a more watertight floor than steel or plastic shed kits
  • Wooden storage sheds don’t require special skills or tools to build. Download my FREE Shed Building Guide for valuable information on building your own wooden storage shed.

But there is a down side to wooden storage sheds. Even with all their advantages, at least you should be familiar with their disadvantages before you make your decision.

Disadvantages of wooden storage sheds

  • Wooden storage sheds need routine maintenance like painting and caulking and occasional shingle replacement.
  • Wooden storage sheds are subject to termite damage.
  • Wooden storage sheds are subject to floor rotting if not properly ventilated.
  • Wooden storage sheds takes at least some skill to build from a kit or from scratch.
  • Wooden storage sheds can’t be easily disassemble to move in the future. They must be moved whole.
  • Wooden storage sheds initially cost more than metal sheds or plastic sheds.

Wooden storage sheds are the most popular of the 3 main shed options. Metal and plastic have their advantages, but the advantages of wooden storage sheds far outweigh all the other sheds in most cases.

That’s why a wooden storage shed is usually the first thing you consider when you need back yard storage.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

List Of Tools You’ll Need To Build A Shed

This is a list of tools that you’ll need to build a shed. If you don’t have all of them it’s likely that you can borrow what you don’t have from a friend or a relative.

Hand Tools

  • Claw hammer
  • Tape measure and pencil
  • Carpenters square
  • Builders level
  • Chalk line
  • Tin snips
  • Rake and shovel
  • Step ladder
  • Hand saw

Power Tools

  • Extension chords
  • Circular saw
  • Electric drill, 1/8″ drill bit, Philips screwdriver bit
  • Router, 1/4 inch router bit, router collar
  • Table saw

Paint Equipment

  • Caulk gun
  • Brush
  • Roller and cage (or a spray gun)

You don’t absolutely need a table saw but it is very useful for ripping trim from 4×8 sheets of siding material as I suggest in my FREE Shed Building Guide. You can do it with a circular saw but your cuts will not be so nice.

Or you can buy ready made trim boards but they are very expensive.

As a last alternative you can 1×3 pine boards for the trim. But I  recommend against that because real wood will take lots of extra prep time and effort, and still will not give you as nice a finish product as hard board trim.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

How To Build Shed Trusses

You can build your own shed trusses because small sheds usually don’t require permits and therefore the trusses don’t need to be engineered.

Trusses are typically built with 2×4′s and installed either 16 or 24 inches on center. Depending on the shed design and roof load. In addition you’ll need a truss for either end of the shed which will be attached with sheeting and become part of the end walls. I have more information on building shed trusses in my FREE Shed Building Guide.

A shed roof will have rafters. A rafter is a single beam where as trusses are multiple beams tied together with a cord or gussets. A gable roof truss will consist of 2 beams and a cord or gussets. The cord or gussets are what keeps the beams from spreading apart and give the truss it’s strength. A gamble roof truss will consists of 4 beams and 3 gussets.

 

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

How To Build A Wood Shed – Floor

A properly designed and build wood floor (and foundation) will hold thousands of pounds with no trouble.

There are 4 items that determine the strength of your wood floor

  • Number and spacing of foundation supports, (skids) usually 2 or 3, spaced at 4 to 7 ft on center
  • Floor joists size, usually 2×4, 2×6 or 2×8
  • Floor joist spacing, usually 12 to 16 inches on center
  • Thickness of floor covering, usually ¾ inch plywood or OSB, square edge or tongue and groove

Your storage shed plans should specify the floor joist size and spacing. However if you want to build an even stronger floor, either use larger joists or more of them (closer on center), and/or more skids.

Most wood floors are built to these specifications

  • 8 wide sheds, 2×4 joists 16 inch on center, 2 skids (4×4) at 5 ft on center
  • 10 and 12 wides, 2×6 joists 16 inch on center, 2 skids (4×4) at 6 to 7 ft on center

These are the specifications I recommend and show in my FREE Shed Building Guide. Floors built to these specifications will hold a lot of weight.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

How To Build A Shed – Foundation

Your shed foundation serves several important functions.

  • It provides a stable base for your wood shed to sit on.
  • It keeps the floor away from moisture and termites.
  • And it deals with weather hazards like frost heave, flooding and wind.

On grade foundations are sufficient for most small to medium sheds.

The simplest and easiest foundation is to put a concrete block under each corner of your shed. If your shed is small, say 4×4 or 4×6, this will probably be OK. Providing that your ground is also stable.

Any thing larger and you will need either more blocks under the center of the floor or a different type of foundation that will spread the weight better.

You can build a fairly large and heavy shed on almost any type of ground or slope using a block and skid foundation. Get additional information in my FREE Shed Building Guide.

How many runners you need to use will depend on the size and shape of your shed, how the floor is built, how much weight you intend to store, and what kind of ground is under your shed.

 

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Organize Your Stuff With This Fast And Cheap PVC Pipe Rack System

These plastic storage bins are a nice option to store and organize your stuff because they stack so nicely. But the problem is that you can’t get to the bottom ones without taking the whole stack down.

So my solution is this little pvc pipe rack system that lets you get to the bottom and middle bins without disturbing the ones above them.

Get started by grabbing this material list and go down to your local building supply store to get some pvc pipe and fittings.

Don’t bother with glue however because the weight of the boxes will hold them together, along with the naturally tight fit of the components. I used 1/2 inch pipe and it turned out to be plenty strong.

But you could use 3/4 inch if you want a little more strength.

Material list single, 3 bins, total cost $12.08

  • 8.) 90 degree elbows @ .25=$2.00
  • 12) t’s @.27=$3.24
  • 22) feet 1/2 inch pipe 3 pieces @$2.28=$6.84

Material list double, 6 bins, total cost $19.86

  • 12) 90 degree elbows @ .25=$3.00
  • 14) t’s @ .27=$3.78
  • 4) x”s @ .99=$3.96
  • 36) feet 1/2 inch pipe 4 pieces @ $2.28=$9.12

Material list for a triple, 9 bins, total cost $27.64

  • 16) 90 degree elbows @ .25=$4.00
  • 16) t’s @ .27=$4.32
  • 8.) x”s @ .99=$7.92
  • 50) feet 1/2 inch pipe 5 pieces @ $2.28=$11.40

It was a nice day when I did this so I just worked right off the tailgate of my truck.

Measure the length, width and height of your plastic bin and compare it to the size that I’m using here. The bins this rack is made for are 16 inches across the top of the lid, 12 1/4 inches tall and the length of the base is 18 inches.

My dimensions allow just enough clearance to slid the bins in and out. If yours is larger or smaller you can adjust the measurements accordingly.

Most of the time I spend making my first rack was spend figuring out the dimensions by trial and error. So you should be able to take my measurements and adjust them to fit your bins and build a few of these in 30 minutes or less.

This is for bins measuring 16 inches across the top of the lid, 12 1/4 inches tall with an 18 inch base. Adjust these measurements accordingly to fit your bins.

Cut list for a single

  • 12) at 6 inches (uprights)
  • 10) at 12 inches (uprights)
  • 4) at 16 1/2 inches (cross pieces)

Cut list for a double

  • 18) at 6 inches
  • 15) at 12 inches
  • 8.) at 16 1/2 inches

Cut list for a triple

  • 24) at 6 inches
  • 20) at 12 inches
  • 12) at 16 1/2 inches

This entire thing is built from 3 cut lengths of pipe. So cut your components and build 2 uprights each rack. If you want to make a double rack them you will need 3 uprights, or 4 uprights for a triple and so on.

Assemble the whole thing and tap the components together with a piece of wood or small a brick. You will not need PVC cement because they will stay together nicely without it.

Now you will be able to get to the lower bins without having to take the stack down.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Caulking and painting your storage shed

Painting your shed serves two purposes.

  • First and foremost it protects the wood against the elements.
  • Second it makes your shed look good.

Use good grade of paint and it will last longer so you have to repaint less often.

caulking and painting your storage shed It will be much easier to paint your shed while you are assembling it. Paint right out of the bucket and things go much faster.
painting your storage shed trim You can paint your trim on a piece of sheeting destined for the roof. Paint on the side that goes up and you will not have to worry about paint stains because they will be hidden below the shingle roof.
caulk your storage shed The most important caulking is on the horizontal joints. Usually on the door and on the gable walls if you join two pieces of siding together.
Run a bead of caulk in the joint and smooth it with your finger. Let it dry and paint right over it.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

How to Build a Wood Floor For Your Metal Shed Kit

Metal shed kits are the most economical way to go for a truly cheap storage shed. But if you don’t already have a suitable concrete slab you will need to build a wood floor.

1/2” OSB (organized strand board) is suitable in most cases, but you can use 3/4” CDX plywood for an even sturdier floor. Placing 2×4 floor joists 16 inch on center will make a stronger floor than 24 inch on center.

If you live in a wet environment you might want to use treated lumber for your new floor. But this is less necessary of you make a proper foundation that eliminates ground contact and provides sufficient ventilation.

  • To build your floor lay two pressure treated 4×4 runners parallel on the ground, spaced about 5 ft apart.
  • Place concrete block underneath them every 4 ft or less.
  • Now lay your floor joists across the runners.
  • Mark your outside (band) boards for 16 inch or 24 inch on center, then nail them to the floor joists with two 16d nails.
  • Square the frame by pulling a tape measure diagonally across the floor in both directions and shifting the floor until the measurements are equal.
  • Nail the floor joists to the 4×4 runner with 16d nails.
  • Now you can level the frame by using wood shims between the concrete blocks and skids.
  • Recheck your square and level until both are correct.
  • Lay your floor sheeting on and nail it with 8d nails every 6 inches along the edges.
  • Then snap a chalk line along the centers of the floor joists and nail the interior of the floor with 8d nails every 12 inches.

Your floor is now ready for your metal shed. Follow manufacturers instructions for shed assembly and instructions to attach it to your new floor.

You can lay a bead of caulk underneath the wall as the last step before you attach it to the floor to make it a little bit more waterproof.

 

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Store Your Antique Car In a Large Shed

Many times insurance companies will either require or give you a significant discount if you store your antique car in a garage. But garages are expensive. So why not store it in a large shed?

A properly built wood floor can easily will handle the weight. If you’re still concerned about the floor holding the weight you can place a second layer of plywood where the tires run.

This shed doesn’t need extra room to work around the car because you can transfer it to your garage when you need working room. The door can be a fancy overhead type or less expensive double doors.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Frost Heave And Your Shed Foundation

Frost heave is when the ground under your shed rises and falls due to the moisture in the ground freezing and thawing. This is not a major problem if your shed is not attached to any other structure and if free to move on its own. You can fix excessive out of level simply by re leveling your shed.

The permanent fix to frost heave is to build footers that extend down below the frost line and attach your shed to these. Frost heave is not a problem in warmer climates.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Why You Might Need Shed Tie Downs

Protection against against wind and water
shed tiedown 1 High winds can not only rip the roof off your shed, they will more likely just blow your shed across the yard or into a neighbors property. An unusually high wind can toss it several blocks away.

Flooding water can knock your shed off its foundation and float it away.

Ready Made
tiedown 2 You can protect your shed from both of these hazards by tying it down to the ground. You can buy ready made mobile home tie downs which are either metal augers that you screw into the ground or metal rods that you drive in the ground in an “x”.

Then you tie these anchors to the floor of your shed.

Make Your Own

Or you can make your own tie downs by digging a hole in the ground under each corner of your shed, dropping a metal strap or rod into it and filling the hole with concrete. Then attach this anchor to your shed floor. Either of these methods will provide some protection against your shed blowing or washing away.

Usually you will know ahead of time if these will be necessary for your new wood shed. History in your area will tell you what to expect. But most of the time building or zoning codes will require these tie downs if the hazard is frequent in your area.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

How To Build A Motorcycle Shed Plans

My shed plans are ideal for motorcycles. The floor is sturdy enough for the weight, and you can build multiple doors in any width or location you need.

Buy these plans to build a motorcycle shed in 21 sizes from 8×8 to 12×20 by instant download for $5.95.

Buy Now

Thanks… Phil

The most common question I get in reference to how to build a motorcycle shed, is if my plans can be modified to

  • change the door location, usually to the side,
  • and can the door be made wider.

The answer to both questions is yes. This text is right out of my shed plans…

You can put the door in either the gable end wall or the in a sidewall The only difference is which king stud you will use. For a door in the gable end wall use a regular stud. For a door in a sidewall use a stud with an angle on it. (Remember to build with the short side of the angle up toward the siding). Otherwise there is no difference in the construction. You can also place the door anywhere on the wall you like. However I recommend that you place it on some increment of 12 inches. Then you are covered by either instance in Figure 5b. You can also make the door wider or narrower. Just adjust the the door header to your desired rough opening size and cut the horizontal cross pieces and trim to fit. Add additional vertical uprights if the siding breaks where there is no stud in the inner door frame.

When I build a motorcycle shed for a customer I usually recommend a single 60 inch door.

This is plenty wide to get even the widest motorcycle through with maneuvering room to spare. Of course the best option is to have two doors and make it a drive through motorcycle shed. A second door costs very little and you will never have to back up. This is especially important for large and heavy motorcycles.

I recommend a single door instead of double doors because double doors are a maintenance problem in the long run. That is because they not only have to line up with the door frame of the shed, but they have to line up with each other as well.

After a while all doors will shift and this makes keeping double doors aligned 3 or 4 times the problems of a large single door. As long as you use good hinges and carriage bolts a single wide door will hold up just fine even with it’s additional weight.

That is why I only offer a single door in my motorcycle shed plans.

So if you are thinking about building a shed for your motorcycle, my shed plans are perfect because they already cover all the door options you could want.

 

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Cheap Sheds: Finding A Quality Storage Shed For Less

Cheap sheds .com is about finding and buying a quality storage shed at a modest price. It’s a matter of creativity and not poor materials or construction. Here are some ideas to help you find a cheap shed and save money.

  • Cheap sheds idea 1) Buy a used storage shed
  • Cheap sheds idea 2) Build your own wood shed from scratch
  • Cheap sheds idea 3) Build your own storage shed from shed plans
  • Cheap sheds idea 4) Build your own wooden shed from a shed kit
  • Cheap sheds idea 5) Build your own shed with used materials
  • Cheap sheds idea 6) Small sheds are less expensive
  • Cheap sheds idea 7) Portable sheds can go with you when you move
  • Cheap sheds idea 8) Metal sheds in kits from Home Depot or Lowe’s are always a best value
  • Cheap sheds idea 9) Buy a basic model from your local storage shed company, and paint it and install accessories yourself

These are just a few cheap sheds ideas to save you money on your next storage shed purchase. Read an expanded version of cheap sheds ideas here…

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

Free Shed Plans

Free shed plans are nice. But it’s more important to get a good set of plans before you go spending $500 to $1000 on building materials.

Buy my plans to build the gable roof shed demonstrated on this site in 21 sizes from 8×8 to 12×20 by instant download for only $5.95.

Buy Now

Thanks… Phil

There are numerous places to get free shed plans on the internet.

— Click here to view all my shed plans —

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