Simple, attractive modern style gives this shed a one-of-a-kind look.

You can choose to build one from scratch yourself with one of the many plans available online or you can purchase a pre-cut shed kit. And, if a DIY project is not for you, you could always hire a professional contractor to do the work for you. In most cases, a combination of the two is the best option. You may have the skills to put the structure together but pouring the foundation may require professional help. Only you can decide what is best for your project. Sure, hiring a professional may be easier and less time consuming but the money you save and the satisfaction of building a shed yourself should not be taken lightly. Either way, building a wooden shed for your back yard is sure to be worth the investment.

While the main focus of this web site are wooden sheds, its important to mention that there are other building material options out there. The most common materials are plastic (polyethylene), vinyl (PVC), metal (galvanized steel), wood (plywood or pressed board) and cedar, which is the best type of wood to use for wooden sheds not only because of its beauty and familiar aroma, but also because of its natural resistance to rot and insects. Be sure to thoroughly research all your options before making your final selection.

One other thing, going the cheapest route may actually cost you more in the long run. Plastic storage sheds may be nice when you first get them but heat can warp them beyond repair, which leaves you to spending more money on a shed you should have built in the first place. Thin metal sheds look great when they are first built, but if you accidentally bang something into it too many times it becomes an eyesore. A wooden shed offers the best value for its cost, durability and overall beauty.

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Once the foundation is ready, you are ready to start framing. You will either be following a set of plans and cutting the framework yourself or if you purchased a pre-cut wooden shed kit, you will use the provided instructions and start laying out the pieces.

Now that the framework has been completed, you will have to cover the outside walls with some type of siding. You could use a wood such as cedar, which has a natural resistance to bugs and decay. Another option is plywood siding also known as T1-11. T1-11 is a plywood with vertical grooves cut into it to give the appearance of individual boards. Like cinder blocks, T1-11 is readily available from your local building supplier. You could also choose to cover your wooden shed with a siding made from compressed wood fiber. Two such products are called Duratemp and Smartside. Most contractors prefer these products over T1-11 because of its longevity. These are purchased with pre-applied paint that makes them virtually maintenance free. Be sure to paint any cut edges to protect the exposed material from the elements.

As with the siding, there are also a few options for roofing materials. The most common is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive, fast and easy to install, durable and come in a wide variety of colors. Cedar shingles offer a great look to your shed as well as being a durable roofing product. Cedar also handles wind and hail quite nicely and has been a time-tested product. A third option for your shed’s roof is metal. A metal roof is a more expensive route initially, but is worth the price for its longevity. Metal roofs can last 50-60 years or more. They also come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Some shed owners have also used corrugated sheet metal to top off their wooden sheds.

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The best part is, wooden sheds can be converted fairly easily from one use to another. If done correctly, a garden shed can be used for a couple of purposes at the same time. For example, a pool cabana is not only used to change into a swimsuit, but is also a great place to store the pool supplies and any chemicals that should be stored away from the main house.

So, why build one, anyway? Besides their versatility and storage capabilities, wooden sheds are fun to build and they can be a great starter project if you aren’t that handy with tools. And, it should only require a weekend’s worth of time to complete.

You know what you want a shed for, but WHY a wooden shed? Once you have built a wooden shed, you’ll notice right away the long-term value you have over a plastic or even a metal shed. They may cost more up front, but they are more pleasing to the eye and if you build from a set of good shed plans, you have way more options.

Plastic and metal sheds are actually harder to modify or add additional space to than wooden sheds. And, as far as repairs go, they are much quicker, easier and cost less for wooden sheds. If you have ever tried to fix a plastic shed, you know what I mean.

The best wood to use for sheds is cedar. Cedar contains oil that occurs naturally. This oil is what gives the wood its distinct aroma and also protects it from insects and rot.

Another option you have is to buy a wooden shed kit that comes already cut to size. And, depending on the manufacturer, a lot of the assembly is already done. This makes for a fast and easy way to get a shed put up in your backyard.

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If you decide you aren’t ready to build a wooden shed from scratch, then you should consider purchasing a wooden shed kit. They take a lot less time to build (once its delivered) and they require less carpentry skills which makes this the perfect way to go as a first-time woodworking project.

Wooden sheds are best placed in plain view from your windows because you will want to take advantage of their natural beauty. The foundation should be flat but slightly sloped back towards the rear of the shed for proper water drainage.

Once you’ve found the best location for your shed and properly prepped the site, simply stake out where the four corners of the shed will go and tie strings between the stakes. Make sure to use a level along the strings. For this, you can purchase a very inexpensive level that has a hooked wire that you attach to the strings.

The best permanent solution for a foundation is to pour a concrete slab. But, if you decide to build your shed on a wood foundation or “skid” you’ll have the advantage of being able to move your wooden shed since its not permanently set in one place. The boards act similar to the way the rails of a sled slide across snow.

The best material to build your wooden shed is arguably cedar. Cedar is a hardwood that has natural rot resistant and insect repellent characteristics.

You’ll want your shed to last a lifetime – and it should! Make sure you use quality materials and keep them protected from the elements with a good water sealant. With proper care and upkeep, your shed will bring you years of enjoyment.

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Roof made from attractive cedar shingles.

Durability and Stability
This hardwood is well known for its strength and durability and, because of this, it has been used for centuries by Native Americans to build roofs, canoes, and a wide variety of other uses. Today, its commonly used for outdoor furniture, exterior siding, decks, doors, beams, etc. Cedar is arguably the best all-weather wood available and is the perfect building material for garden sheds. In fact, cedar is used in many of the world’s saunas that expose the wood to extreme heat and moisture. Cedar lasts in harsh environments for decades.

Pest and Rot Resistance
Cedar naturally contains oil that repels bugs and also protects against fungi that cause wood to decay. This natural resistance to rot and insects is one of the most appealing aspects to anyone looking to build a garden shed.

Beauty
The light reddish color of cedar makes it a preferred choice of outdoor building products. Unfinished cedar is richly textured with colors ranging from warm ambers to dark reds. It accepts a wide range of finishes that enhance its natural beauty even more. Because of its cellular makeup, cedar resists warping and deforming so your wooden garden shed will look great for many years.

Aroma
The unique aroma that cedar provides also acts to protect the wood from insects and decay. And the therapeutic property of cedar includes the stimulation of circulation and sedation of the nervous system.

Acoustic
Cedar wood actually absorbs sound to help provide a quieter atmosphere, making your garden shed a place for relaxation.

Ease
Even though cedar is a hardwood, it is also very lightweight which makes it easy to install. Its straight grain and uniform texture make it an ideal material for cutting and nailing. Cedar also allows for easy cleanup in case of any spills. Since cedar is very low in resins, it accepts many stains, oils and paints. This also makes stronger glue holds possible. Maintenance is also made easier by the fact that cedar holds tight to fasteners such as nails and screws.

So, there you have it. When it comes to wooden sheds, you can’t go wrong with cedar for its beauty, durability and preservative qualities.

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Set Your Goals

Having a game plan for building wooden sheds will make all the difference if you are to have a shed you want to be proud of. A great starting point is to determine what it is that you want the shed to be used for in the first place. Using this as a starting point will definitely help you determine the location and size of the shed. A good exercise is to ask yourself questions, such as, “can I free up some valuable garage space by making my shed a workshop that stores all my tools for woodworking? Or, will my shed be of better use next to the pool as a cabana for my pool chemicals, toys and supplies?” Write all these questions down to help you determine the best use for your new shed.

Pick the Right Plans

When you go to purchase a set of shed plans, they should be easy to follow. Try to find an example drawing before you spend money on any set of plans. Exploded diagrams and plenty of photos and illustrations are common in better quality plans. Easy to follow diagrams are the real key to being able to build the masterpiece you are wanting. At the least, your plans should have a complete list of materials. To help make your search easier, we recommend MyShedPlans for the best and easiest shed plans available on the internet. Find out more on this incredible package by clicking HERE.

Make it Square and Level

By making everything level and square, any handyman knows that building wooden sheds goes easier and faster. And, it makes all the difference between a wooden shed you want to show off and your average shed that just sits on the side yard of your house. Try to use woods that resist rot (mold) and insects naturally, like cedar or redwood.

Using this plan, you should have a wooden shed that you can be proud of for years to come.

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