subject: Building A Storage Shed Tips And Suggestions Regarding Do-it-yourself [print this page] When building a shed, wood is the commonest material used. When you purchase lumber for your shed check it for warping, twisting, and loose knots. You'll also want to avoid getting bland or green lumber. Bland or green lumber can shrink and split as it dries.
Kiln dried lumber is a good for framing. Kiln dried wood is not as heavy as green, or bland lumber. The better grades of kiln dried lumber won't crack, or twist, as bad as green or bland lumber. The grades of lumber are 1, 2, 3, and 4. Grade 4 is the least expensive and often has allocated of open knots, and feeble spots. For building a garden sheds, grade 2 offers the best quality and cost.
When building the shed foundation, think about using pressure treated lumber. Pressure treated lumber will protects the wood from rot, decay and insects. This lumber is strong and durable; it's also cheaper than redwood or cedar.
When using pressure treated lumber; take caution and wear gloves and a dust mask when cutting and avoid breathing the dust. If feasible, all treated lumber should be cut out of doors, to avoid indoor accumulation of airborne sawdust from the treated wood.
After working with treated lumber, scrub your hands and all exposed areas thoroughly. You can dispose of treated wood in a standard garbage can. Treated wood should never be burned because harmful chemicals can be produced as part of the smoke and the ashes.
Pressure treated lumber for the foundation will resist decay and rot, but adding a gravel base will be a sensible choice for more protection. The gravel base will provide a level flat area that drains well. Adding a gravel base is a fairly easy process. Begin by removing about 4 inches of soil and about 12 inches longer than the size of the shed. Fill the area with gravel, tamp using a hand tamper. Use a straight 8 feet long and a level to check, add or remove gravel as required.
Plywood may be employed for the side walls. Plywood is terribly powerful; it won't split or crack, easy to install and the least expensive, making it a good choice to use for the side walls.
One of the finest materials for the storage shed roof is plywood sheathing; this is an exterior grade, good for asphalt shingles.
Don't forget to paint, stain or varnish your storage shed to guard it from the weather.
