6 Tips for Building a Shed

If you've ever had a good little shed, you know their usefulness ranks right up there with rakes, chain saws and duct tape. If you've never had one, you may not know what you're missing. And it's not that difficult to build a simple shed. In fact, anyone thinking about building a house someday probably should build a shed ? it gives you a chance to practice many of the same design and construction techniques.

As with most major, semi-permanent projects, your eventual success depends on the time and thought you spend in planning.

A first consideration: Learn whether you'll have to deal with legal or zoning restrictions. Many localities have regulations that can affect the placement (and perhaps design and materials) of your shed. It's best to find out up front and avoid surprises later. A call to your local building authorities should be all it takes.

Now that you know what you can't do, take a look at your property and imagine what you can do. Look for reasonably level spots, and avoid areas with poor drainage. Think through how you'll use the shed: for tool storage, as a workshop, as a potting shed or artist's studio, or a combination? Different uses dictate different dimensions and sizes, as well as placement of doors and windows.

Think next about appearance. You could build a shed to match your house, or take off in a complete architectural departure. You can make literally hundreds of variations in design, style and finish. Basic proportions, roof shape, door and window style, and roof and wall finish surfaces combine to create your shed's ambience. Working on this scale, you can indulge whims you might not be able to afford on a larger building. Go ahead, add that cedar shake roof or weathervane or cupola.

Start by making rough sketches, refining until you get the design right. Once you're close, take it to graph paper to fine-tune sizes. At this point, do your best to take advantage of standard lumber sizes ? alter the plan if it leads to economy. Draw up the floor plan and a detailed sketch of each wall, including openings for doors and windows. With detailed plans, you can write up an accurate lumberyard shopping list.

When it comes time to build, here are some pointers:

Build a firm foundation. Whether you pour a concrete slab, pour footings, set posts in the ground, or build on rocks or block on the surface, make sure your foundation is solid and reasonably level.