A shed kit eliminates the need to search through shed plans or even drawing them up on your own. And, the good news is that there are hundreds of models and styles to choose from that are made by a number of reputable manufacturers.

When choosing a wooden shed kit, make sure you choose one that is large enough to fit your needs. And, just as important, be sure that you have enough space to fit your new wooden shed. You should try to locate a convenient place for your shed depending on how you intend to use it. For example, locate it near the garden if you plan on using it to store your garden tools, pots and fertilizer.

Some prefab sheds come as a kit with all the pieces cut to length. All you have to do is put it together by following the included instructions. Kits are easier and faster to build than if you decided to build a shed from scratch.

The overall price of a prefab shed varies greatly. Of course, the size of the shed is a big factor of the cost, as well as the quality of the materials and the design. Some designs will have more pieces and decorative trimming.

If built correctly, a wooden shed made from a kit should last for many, many years and provide you with versatile storage space. You’ll realize very quickly just how much your investment is really worth.

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Size

You should start by accessing your storage needs. A small wooden shed isn’t going to work well for you if you fill it completely full just so you can make room for the car to fit into the garage. Try to buy a wooden shed kit that will be large enough to grow into. The amount of space your shed will take up out of your property is also an important consideration.

Location

If your shed kit is strictly for storage, as opposed to a work shed, pool cabana, playhouse, etc., then you should probably locate your shed in a place that isn’t too visible from your porch or deck. Usually, storage sheds aren’t overly attractive as they are made for the specific purpose of storing items in and keeping unwanted intruders out. For the most part, they don’t have any windows or fancy trim.

On the other hand, if your wooden shed is to be used for another purpose, such as a garden shed, then you won’t want to hide it off to the side of your house. It should be located near the garden and have an attractive appearance.

Base

Another consideration will be what type of base your shed will sit on. Typically, this would be a wooden frame that you can purchase separately from the main shed kit or build yourself from scratch. The advantages of a wooden frame base are the ease of building, cost and flexibility. Wooden bases can be used as a skid to make relocation of your shed possible without having to tear it down.

The other alternative is to pour a concrete slab for the base of your wooden shed. This is a great option if you know the location of your shed is permanent.

If you have a few basic construction skills, about one weekend of time and the desire to have an attractive wooden shed in your own backyard, then a wooden shed kit is the perfect solution for you.

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You probably prefer to build from scratch if you have not only the carpentry skills, but also the tools and time it takes (though relatively small) to build a wooden shed. The time it takes involves the planning and the execution of the project. An important first step is finding a good set of shed plans. Since you can find so many wooden shed plans online, you should be careful in making your selection. The shed plans you select should include plenty of illustrations or photos and clearly written instructions. A materials list is important as well since you will need this when going to the supply store to purchase all the materials.

With a good set of plans in your hands, the proper tools, and basic carpentry skills, you should be able to easily build a shed in a matter of only a couple of days. If you decide you want to build your wooden shed on a concrete foundation instead of a wooden “skid”, you should allow extra time and labor. You may even wish to hire a professional do this part of the job.

Not confident in your carpentry skills? Then a wooden shed kit has a lot of advantages over building from scratch. For most shed kits, all the pieces are already cut so the only thing you have to do is the assembly. Some kits even come with the walls already framed so assembly is easy and quick. So really, waiting for the kit to arrive is likely to be the most time you will spend on this project.

Since you may not have to buy or rent all the tools you need for building a wooden shed kit, you can also save some money.

As you can tell, either building from scratch or from a kit has its advantages and disadvantages. But, once its built, you will soon realize the potential this structure has.

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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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