Building a shed is one of the most fun DIY projects you can embark on. It’s a way to test your building skills without the risk of damaging your property, and there’s so much variety in the different types of sheds you can make that you could have yourself something truly unique.
That said, this is a fairly involved project. While it might seem relatively simple at first, things can quickly become overwhelming if you haven’t planned properly.
To help you avoid ever getting to that stage, this article will provide you with a quick guide to the basics so you can truly understand what’s involved.
The Initial Idea
People often get stuck at the initial ideas stage, which is understandable. It can be difficult to visualize the final design and even where you want the shed positioned.
The best way to get started is to take some pictures of your garden from all angles and print them out. You can then use these alongside a basic bird’s eye view drawing to determine where is best to place the shed. Once you’ve determined a good spot, measure and see exactly how much room you’ve got.
You’ll also need to ensure you factor in ease of access, drainage, and sunlight.
Installing the Shed Base
To start the build, you’ll need to first install your shed base. Shed bases come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials, but a plastic base is usually the best bet if you’re doing this for the first time.
You’ll begin by marking out the shed’s footprint using pegs and string, and from here, you’ll need to dig down a few inches and make sure the earth is level. Then, add a layer of compacted hardcore for a sub-base and a weed membrane. You can now lay the grid in place and fill the cells with more hardcore, checking with a spirit level to ensure everything’s level.
Building the Shed’s Main Structure
Once your base has been laid, you can now build the main structure on top of it. The best choice for a beginner is a premade flat-pack structure. These are super easy to set up, and you barely need to do any cutting or sawing.
Everything is already made square, too, so you won’t have to worry about spending hours on the design only to realize that you missed something crucial and nothing fits together.
Finishing Touches
And finally, there are the finishing touches. You’ll want to seal your structure with a weatherproof varnish (choose a low VOC option to avoid fumes) and protect the roof by installing proper roofing felt.
All of your joints should also be sealed to prevent water from leaching in, and for the inside, consider adding some solar-powered lights and smart tool hooks for easy storage.
Wrapping Up
Building a shed is a rewarding process, and given the utility it adds to your house, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. The above points don’t cover everything, but follow them closely, and you should be a good part of the way there. Good luck!