Here are 7 steps on how to build a shed. It will give you an idea of the stages, the phases you go through in building a shed and what to expect. It really doesn’t matter whether you are building a storage shed or a garden shed or any other type of shed, the basics apply here.

Obviously, if you do it well you will save yourself money and get whatever level of quality you are looking to have in the materials you use. It is good to have access to information, knowledge and skills as you move through each phase as this will determine the success of your project.

It is important you take your time to plan in detail and look at all your options along the way. If you don’t have access to a builder or carpenter amongst family and friends you could hire one (which can get expensive) or you can look online for resources like step by step how to guides and videos.

Either way you will need to do homework, make decisions and be actively involved in the planning of your shed from beginning right through construction to completion whether you hire a building contractor or do it yourself.

For some extra effort you can build it yourself, save money as long as you avoid classic mistakes and have the real satisfaction of having built your own shed.

As I said whether you build it yourself or not you will need certain things for the project. Things like detailed shed plans, a materials list, and local authority approvals where they are required to get started.

So let’s get started from the beginning:

Number 1 – Think it through first

You have some decisions to make about the size, shape and design of the shed. Most shed designs are about the roof line like a gable roof, a lean to roof, a barn style roof and so on. Check out different shed designs to see what you like. Look at various materials you might like in your shed. What about the location of the shed? Where will it go and will the size you want fit? Start by measuring it out. Will your shed have electricity and water?

Number 2 – Get your shed plans

Start out by creating a basic drawing of what you want. Go online for ideas, look in magazines and go to your local hardware or home improvement store. You can go to many of these places to get your plans professionally drawn up. You can also go online to buy a shed plans package if you need to get ideas.

Sometimes this is a good option because it can be expensive to get your plans drafted and then find out it is not what you want. Some building suppliers will do a set of plans for free if you buy all your materials from them. Again it is important that you know what you want to start with. Where ever you get your plans make sure your plans include a detailed materials list for ordering too.

Once you have your plans you will most likely need building approval from your local council which in most cases will involve paying a fee too.

Number 3 – Order your materials

With a detailed materials list you can get to ordering and map out your scheduling for deliveries and construction. Your building supplier should be able to assist you even if you use your local hardware or home improvement center.

This will assist you with your budgeting at the same time as you get and compare prices and quality.

Number 4 – The foundations & flooring

Look into your choices whether you want a solid concrete slab or timber flooring. Take into account whether you intend having power or water to the shed as well. The location you choose, the type of shed and the look and feel you want plus weather considerations are all part of this decision. Every good shed needs to start with a solid foundation or footings.

Number 5 – The walls

You have your side walls and end walls plus doors and windows to factor in. Quite often it is good to build the walls on a flat surface and then to walk them in and fit them. Look into the best fixtures to attach frames to your floor or slab. You might build wall frames and attach your timber siding and then fit the walls or put up the frames and attach the siding afterwards. Build in your window and door openings and frames as well. The timing and how you do things depends on what is practical. You may find it more practical to put the end walls in a bit later after the roof goes on for easier access.

Number 6 – The roofing

Which roof design are you going with? A gable roof, a gambrel roof or barn style roof, a lean to roof. Whichever one you go with will determine whether you need trusses or rafters as well as the roof covering you use. Again the weather is a factor here as well as look and feel. You can get roof trusses made by your building supplier and lift them into place. Make sure your measurements are spot on. Or you can build them on site. As to a covering there are shingles, tin, straw and many modern environmentally sustainable coverings you can consider like a living cover on top of a weather proof membrane.

Number 7  – The fit out

It is time to get that roof covering on, put the end walls in, fit the doors, put in the windows, to paint and treat the timber and to weather proof the shed. This might include insulation on the roof, in the walls and you have done something to insulate the concrete slab or floor boards too. All that is left is to fit out your shed with benches, shelves and work and storage spaces you desire.