subject: Create Your Own Garden Shed! A Seven-Step Building Process [print this page] Create Your Own Garden Shed! A Seven-Step Building Process
If you own your home and property with adequate space behind the house, you could probably make good use of a garden storage shed. These seven steps can serve as a guide for your building process from start to finish.
1. Determine why you really need a shed and what you plan to do with it once it's built; This process may take some time as you gradually accumulate garden tools and larger toys, as well as realize a need for workshop space to build or repair things.
2. Make a decision on the shape and size of the shed; Your major influence may be (a) what you want to use the shed for, (b) what type of building looks best in your back yard and (c) how capable you will be to build it. Take time to look at garden storage sheds in your neighborhood or city and those at building supply stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Examine the details of the sheds that capture your interest until you find the one that would both meet your needs and look best in back yard.
3. Develop a set of detailed building plans; If you decide to purchase a steel, vinyl or wood shed kit, the building plans would be included. However, if you decide to build a garden shed from scratch and include your own unique features, you will need to produce your own set of plans. Since the people at building supply stores could sell you the materials, they would be quite happy to assist you with the planning process and show you a wide range brochures with "how to" details. Furthermore, you may also find a number of sites on the internet that offer detailed shed plans.
4. Select the materials you plan to use; After you have made or purchased your detailed shed plans, you should be ready to select and purchase the materials needed to build the shed, such as lumber, sheeting, shingles, nails and all other hardware. Remember, if you purchase a shed kit these materials are included.
5. Make a foundation or platform to build the shed on; All structures must be build on some kind of foundation for support. If you purchase a shed kit, the foundation or platform is not supplied and therefore, you would need to build your own foundation. It could be made of poured concrete, cement blocks or treated lumber on a gravel base. The method you choose might be based on the contour of the land, the drainage and general weather conditions.
6. Build the garden shed according to plans; After all the detailed planning, building the structure should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Make sure you follow every detailed step using all necessary safety precautions to avoid personal injury. If this is your first major building project, you should feel like a pro.
7. Sit back and admire your work of art, your newly created structure; A feeling of well being and satisfaction are side affects of a job well done. Now you have a place to store toys, tools and equipment as well as a place to work on future projects.
Exercising your talents by carefully following the details of each of these seven steps of research, planning and building should help you construct a garden shed that meets your storage needs and add value to your property. It should also bring you much enjoyment and satisfaction for years to come
