How to build a shed – planning. The biggest issues that will influence your plan to build a new wooden storage shed are these…
- The law
- How you will use your shed
- Your budget
- Your skill level
- The weather.
The Law
The law will dictate where you can put your shed and how large you can build it. And in some circumstances it will dictate what your shed must look like.
Your Budget
Big sheds cost more than smaller sheds, and more complicated sheds cost more than simple sheds. If you are on a limited budget or a more liberal budget will ultimately dictate how large and fancy you can build, or how small and simple you must build. Whether or not you have the necessary tools to build a shed should not be a big issue because you can usually borrow them from friends or relatives.
How You Will Use Your Shed
How much space do you need, and where you will locate it and any accessories will be determined by how you intend to use your new shed. If it’s a tool shed, it must be near where you will be working and perhaps access with a car will be important.
If it’s just back yard storage or for garden tools, location will be less important.
Your Skill Level
Simple flat roofs and gable roofs are easier to build than a steep pitch or hip roof. Fancy rafters are probably out and you will need to stick with basic materials and possibly a conventional shingle roof.
However if you are skilled and want to tackle something more advanced, the sky is the limit. You can start with a really interesting roof line and exotic materials to make your shed a unique feature in your yard.
The Weather
If it snows a lot, your shed will need enough pitch to shed the snow, and enough strength to handle the snow load. If rain in your only concern you will have more options on your roof line.
Some building materials are not rated for ultra humid environments like Hawaii and Florida. Wetter environments will call for you to use more pressure treated wood.
If you have a lot of wind you will need to have a foundation in the ground or tie downs to keep your shed from blowing away, and special construction techniques to keep the roof on against the wind.