DIY Shed Project That Require Very Minimal Space

Build your very own shed can be a rewarding experience. It’s a chance to create a space that is tailor-made for your needs, offering a sanctuary for your tools, a workshop for your hobbies, or a haven for your gardening passion. Constructing a shed from the ground up allows for a personalized touch and the satisfaction of saying, “I built that.” With attention to detail and a little elbow grease, you too can construct a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing 8 ft. x 6 ft. shed, just like the one we will explore in this guide.

DIY Shed Project

Tools Required

To construct the shed, ensure you have the following tools at your disposal:

• Hammer
• Shovel
• Miter Saw
• 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw
• Jig Saw
• Impact Driver/Drill
• Speed triangle
• 4 ft. Beam Level
• Caulk Gun
• Various clamps
• Kreg K4MS Jig Master System

Materials List

Here’s a rundown of the materials you’ll need to gather before starting:

Nails and Screws

• 1 box of 1 1/4 in. roofing nails
• 2 boxes of 2 in., 6D Exterior Galvanized nails
• 5 lb. box of 3 1/2 in. exterior grade screws
• 1 lb. box of 2 1/2 in. exterior grade screws

Floor/Foundation

• 7 pieces of 2 in. x 6 in. x 8 ft. Pressure-treated lumber
• 2 panels of 3/4 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Ground Contact Pressure Treated Plywood
• 6 pieces of 4 in. x 4 in. posts (leftover from a fence project)
• 2 bags of 50 lb. Fast-Setting Concrete Mix
• 2 tubes of 10 oz. Liquid Nails Heavy-Duty Adhesive

Walls and Rafters

• 40 pieces of 2 in. x 4 in. x 92-5/8 in. Prime Whitewood Studs

Roof

• 1 Roll of #15 Felt Roof Deck Protection
• 3 Bundles of 3-Tab Shingles
• 4 panels of 7/16 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. OSB TechShield Radiant Barrier
• 2 pieces of 4 ft. Long Roof Ridge Exhaust Vent
• 4 pieces of 10 ft. Galvanized Roof Edge Flashing

Siding & Trim

• 7 panels of 48 in. x 96 in. Composite Panel Siding
• 15 pieces of 3/4 in. x 2 in. x 8 ft. Pre-Primed Composite Reversible Trim
• 4 pieces of 3/4 in. x 6 in. x 8 ft. Pre-Primed Composite Reversible Trim
• 1 tube of 10 oz. Exterior Caulk

Construction Steps

Foundation

1. Construct a rectangular base frame using the 2×6 pressure-treated lumber, with two pieces cut to 6 ft. for shorter sides and the remaining two at the uncut 8 ft. length.
2. Place the frame at the desired location and dig six 1 ft. deep holes for the posts.
3. Place the posts in the holes and secure them with Fast-Setting Concrete Mix.
4. Ensure the shed floor is level using a 4 ft. level; then secure the base frame to the posts and trim the tops of the posts flush to the 2x6s.
5. Install three 6 ft. long cross-support beams spaced at 24 in. on center and reinforce with smaller pieces of leftover lumber.
6. Prepare the floor by cutting the plywood to 4×6 ft., applying Liquid Nails, and fastening with 2 1/2 in. screws every 12 inches to the foundation.

Build Roof Trusses

1. Design the trusses with a 4/12 pitch for a lower slope roof, appropriate for Texas’s snow-free climate.
2. Construct the first truss on the shed floor and secure the peak with leftover plywood using 2 1/2 in. screws or nails.
3. Use the first truss as a template to build the additional trusses, ensuring they will be spaced 24 in. on center.

Walls

1. Cut four 2x4s at 8 feet for the two sides and cut remaining studs to the desired wall height (6 ft. tall in this project).
2. Assemble the first long wall with two 8 ft. 2x4s for the top and bottom plates, spacing the 6 ft. studs at 24 in. on center.
3. Construct two long walls and one smaller back wall with the same stud spacing.
4. Raise the walls, bracing with old 2x4s, and build a 3 ft. wide door opening with a doubled 2×4 header.
5. Level the walls and secure them to each other and the floor using 3 1/2 in. screws and add a top plate for additional stability.

Roof Support

1. Start attaching the roof trusses, bracing the end truss temporarily to hold it in place.
2. Place all five trusses at approximately 24 in. on center, aligning with the wall studs.
3. Secure the trusses to the top of the walls and add 8 ft. 2x4s on both sides of the roof truss assembly for lateral stability.

Roof Panels

1. Measure and cut roof panels to fit, with a 1 in. gap at the top for a ridge vent.
2. Attach the cut panels ensuring they are secured to the roof trusses, which helps square the roof.

Siding

1. Attach 4×8 ft. siding panels to the walls, trimming excess material to match the roof pitch.
2. For the sides, cut the siding panels to the required length and secure with nails at 24 in. on center.

Doors

1. Use a “sandwich” construction method for durable double doors, framing with 2x4s and facing with OSB and siding.
2. Trim the door frames with 2 in. composite trim and attach hinges and latches.

Ramp (Optional)

1. Assemble a ramp using 2×6 lumber to accommodate the width of the door opening, ensuring it’s level with the ground.

Caulk and Paint

1. Apply caulk to cover all seams and nail holes on the trim and siding panels.
2. Paint the shed with exterior paint, choosing complementary colors for the trim and main panels.

Conclusion

Once painted and detailed to your liking, your new shed will stand as a testament to your hard work and dedication to craft. It will be a functional addition to your property and a space that is entirely your own.