Shed

Construction

While there are many ways to build sheds, the great majority are wooden and contain the following elements:

• Base
• Floor
• Frame
• Walling
• Window
• Door
• Roof sheet(s)
• Felt.

(Base and floor functions are sometimes separate, but are often both performed by the same item.)

Base

• Poured concrete base
  • a permanent structure
• Brick or block piers
  • used for suspended timber floors
• Paving slabs
  • much quicker than a poured base
  • some risk of unevenness occuring over time
• No base
  • Not recommended, will cause wood rot and spoilage of stored goods.

Floor

• Concrete base
• Suspended timber floor
  • WBP plywood recommended

Frame

There is no one answer to the question of what size framework to use. Any of the following can be used, and which is best is a matter of opinion and circumstance.

• 1"x1" is the lightest I've ever seen used for smaller sheds. The walls would bend when leant on
  • Would not support shelving
  • Would not last too well
  • Not recommended!
• 2"x2" is adequate for a small shed.
• 2"x4" is a robust option
• 4"x4" may be used for large sheds or for extra durability on medium sheds.

Walling

• Featheredge boards - most common walling material
• Shiplap - neater higher cost option
• Fence panels - a quick low cost option, but the shed must be sized to fit the panels used

Window

• Sheet glass
  • breakable
• Sheet plastic (acrylic)
  • can deteriorate in time
• Twinwall polycarbonate
  • Insulates
• Reclaimed house window

A shed window is usually a simple rectangular wood frame with a small section wood strip around the inner side to prevent the glass moving inward. A few pins around the edge hold the glazing in place.

Wood beading can be used instead of pins, but by trapping water this encourages rot in the frame.

Reusing a house window works, but tends to look rather out of place, and creates extra work if the glass gets broken.

Door

Ledged & braced is by far the most common shed door construction

Roof sheet(s)

• WBP ply - maximum durability
• OSB - nearly as good as ply. Most common choice.
• Chipboard
  • cheap
  • works but will give slightly shorter life, as it disintegrates fairly quickly when a leak occurs
  • prone to sag

Felt

2 layers of felt are used for durability.

Low cost shed felts tend not to last well, and are usually a false economy.

Felt deteriorates first where it goes over 90 degree edges, so taking care over sheet wood joints can prolong felt life.

Felt is held in place by folding it over the edge of the roof and using clout nails. Self adhesive felts are also available.

Better alternatives to felt are also available, but carry a much higher price tag, not usually justifiable for shed construction.

Wood Species

• Softwood
  • low cost
  • requires periodic preservative
  • rots eventually
  • most popular
• Red cedar - much more durable
• Oak - rarely used but highly durable. Can last centuries

Optional Extras

Frame Reinforcement

• Increases robustness by reinforcing framing joints
• Useful for high wind locations.

Methods:

• Large Wooden bracing
• Each square frame is braced with a strip of wood running from one corner to the opposite corner.
  • Simple
  • Gets in the way of insulation, some shelving and hanging tools
• Small Wooden bracing
  • Each 90 degree timber joint is reinforced with a short piece of extra timber at 45 degrees
  • no extra material cost
  • less intrusive
• Steel strapping
  • Perforated galvanised metal band is wrapped around joints and nailed in place
• Steel brackets
  • 4" London brackets are a quick ready made option
  • Smaller steel angle braces are a lighter minimal cost option

Insulation

If the shed will be used for working in, polystyrene sheet may be fitted between the frame members. When using featheredge boards, which leave gaps, a permeable membrane should be used between frame and exterior boarding to prevent draughts.

Shelving Racks

See Shelving Units

Lighting

Lighting may be achieved with:

• Gas lamp
  • minimal install cost
  • ventilation is wise (the usual featheredge sheds provide plenty of ventilation)
• Mains Electricity
• Solar panel, battery, 12v striplight
  • easier than mains installation
  • panel can be vulnerable to vandalism
  • can easily recharge cordless tools of below 12v

Fixings

• Galvanised nails are the usual option
• Screws hold better and are more robust in areas prone to high winds or vandalism.
• Glued structures are not recommended

Other Construction Methods

Most sheds are timber, but various other options also exist.

Common options:

• Concrete block
  • permanent structure
• Metal
  • fireproof
  • dents & rusts
  • expect condensation
• Plastic

Unusual options:

• Papercrete
• Cordwood
• Adobe
• Earthcrete
• Concrete domes

See Also

• Wiki Contents
• Wiki Subject Categories