8'x10' shed DIY

[KDub1]

As a novice, I would like to build a durable 8' x 10' wooden shed myself at the lowest possible cost. I certainly wouldn't mind trying to build it from scratch, however not sure which style of roof is easiest to build. I don't mind having chords. I hope it would be a 'fun' project.

I would love to go with a prefab wood, but I believe they would be more expensive than from scratch. Many years ago I helped someone build a wooden shed from a kit. It was not only on the flimsy side (especially with the bottom of the line hardware included), but very hard to get square. Or course, it didn't help that I was even more of a novice back then!

Thanks!

 

[Mustang51js]

Use 2x4 studs,1/2 plywood for roof and the fake t1-11 or whatever the name is. When I did my roof I used hangers I think they are hurricane hangers and then I don't have to notch the roof rafters where they lay on the walls.

 

[Speed-Racer]

The complete guide to sheds by Black and Decker is a book you should check out.

I am also looking into a shed project. Most of the kits I have looked at seem flimsy.
Found a interesting website yesterday. Jamaica Cottage shop out of Vermont. http://jamaicacottageshop.com , they are craftsman and do not use plywood.

They offer free 8x10 plans if you sign up to an email list. More of a post and beam construction with 4x4 post vs the 2x3 kits from the stores.

 

[Koken]

Here is a video that will help you build a shed. You will have to watch all of the videos to see completion. This guy has numerous other home improvement videos for DIY'ers.

Part 1:

 

[CharlieM]

By me 8x10 basic shed goes for about $1300-$1500, delivered pre-built. No to bad.

 

[LOOSEWHEEL]

I built a shed almost from scratch...... I ain't no architect but I can use tools. I ordered plans from this outfit and they were excellent. I was then able to supply all my material and could pick and choose what I wanted. Took a few weekends but we are extremely happy how it turned out. Especially since I can get a ton of **** out of the garage. Pics on request.

LINK

 

[sands35]

I built this one:

http://www.theclassicarchives.com/how-to-guides/free-simple-shed-plans

~$2k all in.

The high windows are nice - some light and some security. My kids keep bugging me to put in a loft for "camping".

 

[volleyball]

I have a 12 x 14 that I have less than $500 into by using a lot of reclaimed products. It has 2x6 walls and roof in a shed design. Structural foam boards and metal roof panels.
Biggest expense was the PT floor framing and decking.

 

[D45]

10x12 gambrel roof, with 14 foot at the peak (front and rear loft)........I built it for $1200

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I built this one:

http://www.theclassicarchives.com/how-to-guides/free-simple-shed-plans

~$2k all in.

The high windows are nice - some light and some security. My kids keep bugging me to put in a loft for "camping".

WOW! I really like that! Looks very similar to the one I bought at Costco. I love how big the windows are and that your door opening is TALLER, I have to duck to get into my shed doors which i've already cracked my head a couple times...lol but i'm 6'2".

http://www.costco.com/Aston-10'-x-7.5'--Wood-Shed.product.100003338.html



OP:

I never built a shed before and got the one from Costco above because it was onsale for $999. I couldn't see spending $500+ for a plastic shed. I had no prior experience and asked a ton of questions on here..lol Turned out real nice. I did minor things like do a 12" on center floor, back wall and re-inforced the front wall/side wall different from the directions. I then did minor stuff like paint the inside and add carpet. I spent some money on the roofing felt/shingles, culk, paint..etc. But over all I'd say I saved at least 1 grand compared to having someone build me a shed. Plus it was fun (now looking at it, certain aspects were a pain in the *** and I was swearing then) but overall I really like how it turned out.

I'll get pictures sometimes or make a thread this weekend. Even added and designed my own solar lighting for the inside since I wasn't happy with what was out there.. turned out real nice!

remember on here that everyone has experience with something and most are quite good at what they make. Don't be shy to ask questions no matter how silly they might seem... I ask a ton, I don't care. I come out better everytime knowing that I did it and it's right, than half assing it because I was too afraid to ask something...hahah

-Nigel

 

[Tbirdtc]

I have a shed about that size w a gambrel roof it's nice cause there are no rafters
It made me able to put huge shelfs ft and back I have my wheel barrow and snow blowers over head
I could get angles for roof supports for you the rest is straight forward and easy to build plus that type of roof will last nearly forever and won't hold snow
I had a steel shed I hated low nearly flat roof it would have collapsed this year with all the snow we had

 

[sands35]

As a novice, I would like to build a durable 8' x 10' wooden shed myself at the lowest possible cost. I certainly wouldn't mind trying to build it from scratch, however not sure which style of roof is easiest to build. I don't mind having chords. I hope it would be a 'fun' project.

I would love to go with a prefab wood, but I believe they would be more expensive than from scratch. Many years ago I helped someone build a wooden shed from a kit. It was not only on the flimsy side (especially with the bottom of the line hardware included), but very hard to get square. Or course, it didn't help that I was even more of a novice back then!

Thanks!

Shed roofs are the simplest. But if your plan provides the pattern for the rafters, any roof style is simple enough.

Prefabs are fairly competitive with scratch. They are made in a factory with efficient use of material. But with a plan built one, you get exactly what you want. I wouldn't make the decision based on cost. Similar sizes and trim levels are likely going to be priced close enough to the point that cost differences are trivial.

Regardless you will likely still need to do basic foundation work. Which for a shed involves digging some smallish holes and laying down some gravel. (there are a variety of methods for doing that)

 

[petee_c]

I'm a novice but competent woodworker/carpenter. I built a 10x16' shed from scratch in about a month working free weekends and evenings.

I just used a book from the library on framing, and took a look at a lot of professionally built sheds. My plans were just some calculations on a piece of paper and figuring out a few lumber list.

It was a fun, rewarding project.

Peter

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[KDub1]

I have a 12 x 14 that I have less than $500 into by using a lot of reclaimed products. It has 2x6 walls and roof in a shed design. Structural foam boards and metal roof panels.
Biggest expense was the PT floor framing and decking.

Oh, I really like your idea of reclaimed wood! Btw, why would you need PT floor framing if the framing will not be directly subjected the the elements (like a deck) and will be sitting a few inches off the ground on concrete blocks? In other words, can one use regular SPF, exposed sides painted if need be?

 

[KDub1]

Use 2x4 studs,1/2 plywood for roof and the fake t1-11 or whatever the name is. When I did my roof I used hangers I think they are hurricane hangers and then I don't have to notch the roof rafters where they lay on the walls.

I like the hurricane ties. What size and length were your rafters? Trust you have a gable roof?

 

[KDub1]

I built this one:

http://www.theclassicarchives.com/how-to-guides/free-simple-shed-plans

~$2k all in.

The high windows are nice - some light and some security. My kids keep bugging me to put in a loft for "camping".

Thanks for the link. I really like the high ceiling idea - more space for storage, not sleeping!

 

[KDub1]

10x12 gambrel roof, with 14 foot at the peak (front and rear loft)........I built it for $1200

Gambrel roof would be nice (more space), but would that be a good idea for a novice? I am just getting warmed up to the idea of the building gable roof!

 

[KDub1]

WOW! I really like that! Looks very similar to the one I bought at Costco. I love how big the windows are and that your door opening is TALLER, I have to duck to get into my shed doors which i've already cracked my head a couple times...lol but i'm 6'2".

http://www.costco.com/Aston-10'-x-7.5'--Wood-Shed.product.100003338.html



OP:

I never built a shed before and got the one from Costco above because it was onsale for $999. I couldn't see spending $500+ for a plastic shed. I had no prior experience and asked a ton of questions on here..lol Turned out real nice. I did minor things like do a 12" on center floor, back wall and re-inforced the front wall/side wall different from the directions. I then did minor stuff like paint the inside and add carpet. I spent some money on the roofing felt/shingles, culk, paint..etc. But over all I'd say I saved at least 1 grand compared to having someone build me a shed. Plus it was fun (now looking at it, certain aspects were a pain in the *** and I was swearing then) but overall I really like how it turned out.

I'll get pictures sometimes or make a thread this weekend. Even added and designed my own solar lighting for the inside since I wasn't happy with what was out there.. turned out real nice!

remember on here that everyone has experience with something and most are quite good at what they make. Don't be shy to ask questions no matter how silly they might seem... I ask a ton, I don't care. I come out better everytime knowing that I did it and it's right, than half assing it because I was too afraid to ask something...hahah

-Nigel

Thanks for your encouragement. Fun is one of the keys!

I think the idea is becoming more clear in my mind based on the input I received and plans I've seen so far.

 

[KDub1]

I have a shed about that size w a gambrel roof it's nice cause there are no rafters
It made me able to put huge shelfs ft and back I have my wheel barrow and snow blowers over head
I could get angles for roof supports for you the rest is straight forward and easy to build plus that type of roof will last nearly forever and won't hold snow
I had a steel shed I hated low nearly flat roof it would have collapsed this year with all the snow we had

This seems the most simple for me. I have a source of reclaimed wood including siding, so I should not need to invest in new materials. With a simple box with a shed roof, I could build it with a high roof.

 

[KDub1]

Shed roofs are the simplest. But if your plan provides the pattern for the rafters, any roof style is simple enough.

Prefabs are fairly competitive with scratch. They are made in a factory with efficient use of material. But with a plan built one, you get exactly what you want. I wouldn't make the decision based on cost. Similar sizes and trim levels are likely going to be priced close enough to the point that cost differences are trivial.

Regardless you will likely still need to do basic foundation work. Which for a shed involves digging some smallish holes and laying down some gravel. (there are a variety of methods for doing that)

The shed roof does seem to be the most simple for me. I have a source of reclaimed wood including siding, so I should not need to invest in new materials. With a simple box with a shed roof, I could build it with a high roof too.

 

[KDub1]

I'm a novice but competent woodworker/carpenter. I built a 10x16' shed from scratch in about a month working free weekends and evenings.

I just used a book from the library on framing, and took a look at a lot of professionally built sheds. My plans were just some calculations on a piece of paper and figuring out a few lumber list.

It was a fun, rewarding project.

Peter

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

Thanks for the encouragement. One of the keys is to have fun and sounds like you did just that!

 

[ctjohnson]

My only advise would be to go bigger than 8' x 10'. I ended up putting an "addition" on mine.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Oh, I really like your idea of reclaimed wood! Btw, why would you need PT floor framing if the framing will not be directly subjected the the elements (like a deck) and will be sitting a few inches off the ground on concrete blocks? In other words, can one use regular SPF, exposed sides painted if need be?

I would still spend the extra money for PT for floor framing. It will never "see the light of day" and therefore will never get a chance to thoroughly dty out (unless you live the SW). Any nail or screw going into PT needs to be hot dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or have a coating rated for use with PT. Use joist hangers to connect cross pieces.

One problem building shed create for themselves is building too close to the ground, especially if that ground is just soil/sod. You want enough space under the shed to get good air circulation and some light. If not, every critter in your neighborhood (skunks, raccoons, possums, etc) will move in underneath ! (Been there, experienced it !) At least 12".

If you remove about 6-9" of sod/soil and replace it with tamped gravel you can build closer to the ground and will have less chance of critters.

 

[volleyball]

I used PT first because it was first conceived as the base for a deck above it and would have been sitting directly on the soil.
Before the deck got built, a larger deck, much larger was planned so this got disassembled and moved. Because I built it like a modular company would, it wasn't hard with a small backhoe and 1 helper. It is now on blocks but they are let into the soil. And being on a hill, water flows around and under with no problem.
The shed roof has a 1/12 pitch due to the deck plans. the rafters are 2 x 6 with another single 2x6 going perpendicularly under them. I've had 2' of snow on it every year and it is still solid. the metal roof does aid in snow not staying up there long.
The 2x6 for the rafters should have been 2x8 or bigger but I had the 2x6's and I did plan a deck over it to take most of the weight.
I agree go bigger than you think you will need. But neighboring jurisdictions have a 100 sq ft rule that means if it is larger, you get taxed on it yearly. So you might want to check.

 

[sands35]

My only advise would be to go bigger than 8' x 10'. I ended up putting an "addition" on mine.

8x12 fits standard sheet ply and dimensional lumber. 3 4'x8' sheets for the floor.

 

[internetdude]

http://www.house-improvements.com/shed

 

[cactiki]

You might want to check your local codes, in my case I am "allowed" to build up to 120 sq feet without permits. Also you may be subject to Homeowner Association regulations. I moved outside city limits to the county so I would have less of this **** to deal with.

 

[petee_c]

Thanks for the encouragement. One of the keys is to have fun and sounds like you did just that!

See

http://blog.pjbj.ca/search/label/shed

Peter

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Mooniac]

I would build as big as you can get away with in your space, and with your local zoning restrictions. You can never have too much storage space, and the incremental cost to go from 8 x 10 to 10 x 12 or larger shouldn't be terrible. I built a 10 x 14 about 12 years ago from scratch and enjoyed the project. I think my material cost was $1200-$1400 or so, and I ended up with much more space than the same money could've purchased in a finished shed.

 

[KDub1]

See

http://blog.pjbj.ca/search/label/shed

Peter

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks Peter, such a beautiful shed (and co.!)

Ken

 

[964haus]

The Black and Decker book is a good suggestion. I referred to it when making my 10x16. The basics are the same no matter what size you're building, just take your time and think things through before you swing a hammer. (Door location, windows, foundation, etc)

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163328

I went overboard but it's a basic shed at heart. PT foundation, 2x4 walls, 2x6 roof with a shed dormer, door, and some windows. Throw some paint on it and you're good to go. Have fun with it - sheds are a great building project.

Matthew.

 

[albaran]

The suggestions everyone is giving are good. I have bought per-fab sheds and have built them from scratch. As others have said, go as big as possible.
I have ended up getting second sheds on other houses I have owned because I ran out of space. Scratch building allows you to build them beefier that most the pre-fab jobs. The picture shows a shed I had built while we were building my garage addition. The carpenters and roofers were already there so I had them build this 12X 24.