How to build a garden shed in 10 steps or less…

If you cannot find a garden shed that suits your needs, perhaps you should consider building one yourself.

It is not that difficult, even if you’re not a carpenter.

All that is required is for you to follow some quick and easy step by step plans, and you will have it built in no time.

Watch a short video on your right and click on “Want to build a Garden Shed?” button to reveal a great offer on garden shed plans.

10 Steps to a great Garden Shed

Step One – Decide on the place for your garden shed

First step is to determine where you want to build it. You need to have a designated area planned out before you begin. What space you have available will determine the maximum size and type of shed you can build. Our short “Guide to buying or building a Garden Shed” will help you pick the shed that is right for you.

Step Two – Decide on the look of your shed and get the right shed plans

Once you know your exact size and type of shed you need, it’s a good idea to rough sketch what you want. There are many home improvement stores that you can take your sketch to.

They will draft up your storage shed  plans for you, according to the specifications you provide them with. They will also supply you with a list of materials that you will require.

If you need some inspiration, there are some inexpensive books you can buy. Have a browse through our online bookstore.

You can also purchase inexpensive plans, that come with a list of materials and complete, step-by-step video instructions by clicking on banner on the left.

For less than £30, you will get access to 12,000 different plans, from bird houses to children playhouses and large storage sheds, so you are bound to find something that is suitable, or something that you can adapt to your exact needs.

The plans come with a full bill of materials and detailed, step-by-step of instructions on how to assemble your shed. You can even download a FREE 12′ x 8′ Garden Shed Plan to see the quality of what you will be getting.

Depending on the type of shed, its purpose and type of ground you are going to build it on, you need to decide on the best foundations for your garden shed. We have a great guide on “Garden sheds – How to choose the right foundations”.

Step Three – Purchase the materials

Purchase the materials you will need as outlined in your plan. It’s a good idea to have everything at hand so you don’t have to keep running out for supplies once you start building your shed. If you are looking for a timber merchant or some other tool or material supplier in your area, you can have a look at our Online Directory . We list suppliers in many parts of the UK and Ireland, and most of them will deliver directly to your doorsteps.

We frequenly publish Special  Deals on shed materials, ready-made garden sheds, shed plans, tools, books and shed accessories, so if you are planning to build your own garden shed or you are a DIY enthusiast, follow that link as well. Your local store may not always be the cheapest, so it is worth to compare prices and suppliers.

Step Four – Level the ground and prepare the foundations for your shed

Now you are ready to start. Level your ground and prepare to lay the foundation. You would have already decided whether you are going to have a wood plank floor or concrete slab type. Check  our article on “How to prepare the ground and lay the shed foundations” for step-by-step instructions. We even include a handy video.

Step Five – Construct the floor and put up the side walls

Construct the floor according to the instructions included with your shed plans. Next come the side walls. Put your materials aside that you are going to use for this. It is better to construct the walls on the ground then lift them into position once they are together. Just follow your guide for the how to instructions.

Step Six – Put up the shed roof

Now its time to start the roof. You will need to build your trusses. So construct one and then use it as a template for the rest. Once again  follow your guide on how to build the trusses.

Step Seven – Build the end walls

Your storage shed should now be taking on some shape. Its time to build the end walls. How you do this will depend on the instructions included with your plans. Be sure to stay with your original plans. Changing horses mid-stream is never a good idea.

Step Eight – Add the trim

Now you are getting down to the final steps. The trim is just as important as the rest of your structure. It is what gives it that finished look so don’t scrimp here.

Step Nine – Apply the shingles and treat the roof

Your last two steps are applying the shingles for the roof, then treating the wood. The wood must have some type of protective coating on it to protect it from the elements and rotting. This can be varnish, stains or paints whatever is your preference.

Step Ten – Grab a beer, sit back and admire

You’re done! All that’s left is to sit back and admire your creation. You got yourself a great looking garden shed at a fraction of a price charged by the garden centres.