DO IT YOURSELF Sheds Part II

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A. Measure, cut, and assemble as if making a pair of opposed single doors.

1. If using T&G, trim 1/2" off the inside edges of inner boards and off the outer edge of outside boards on each door.

B. Leave a 1/4" seam between the two middle boards (seam located at center of cutout).

C. Frame doors individually and fasten Z-braces angling down from inner latch to outside hinge sides in a pyramid configuration.

D. Outside, fasten a 1 x 4 closing strip along inner edge of right-hand door so it juts out 1 1/2" to overlap and close the lefthand door.

E. Fasten trim boards around doors, and hinge both doors.

F. Fix latch to closing strip on righthand door and latch plate to a block of wood on left door.

G. Put a D-shaped handle on the lefthand door.

Selecting hardware and fasteners:

Butterfly-type flat hinges will do for lightweight doors. Use long strap or T-hinges if door takes much effort to lift. With heavy doors, fasten 2 x 4 stiffeners between studs inside sheathing behind hinges; fasten hinges with screws long enough to bite into the 2 x 4s.

Secure double doors by affixing large, gate-size throw bolts (vertically) to top and bottom of door without the closing strip. Drill holes in header and floor to accept extended bolt. Buy a latch that accepts a padlock.

A Sliding Window

Windows too can be installed into an opening cut into a standing wall. A wood/glass window sash, a sheet of clear plastic glazing, or a metal-framed glass pane from an old storm door can be fixed, hinged on any side, or put in a pair of channels to slide back and forth. Make them any size you like, but 24" square is good for a small shed. Put one or two windows in the wall if you have an endlocated door, one to each side of a central door. Cut the rough opening 2" smaller in both dimensions than the window frame.

Frame a window opening that displaces wall studs with doubled studs at the side and 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 header at top (as for door). Trim short (cripple) studs below rough by 1 1/2" so you can install a single 2 x 4 atop them—2 x 4 laid flat and cut to fit snug between jack studs. All around, align inner edges of frame even with edges of cutout. Nail frame joints; from the outside, fasten frame to sheathing every 4".

For Shutter:

Your tiller or lawn chairs don't need light to see by, and glazed windows aren't essential in a barn or shed. A shutter, cheaper and less fragile, will serve as well.

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