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DIY Shed plans for your outdoor storage needs

BY READERS DIGEST

3rd Jun 2021 Home & Garden

DIY Shed plans for your outdoor storage needs

It might seem challenging to select the perfect shed style that would meet your storage needs. However, building your shed the DIY way is definitely going to be the most affordable method to make your dream shed a reality.

If you are on a tight budget and want to get the perfect shed plans for creating your backyard shed, then this post will guide you on the various options you can choose from. Sheds come in a wide range of sizes and designs.

Let us take a look at the top designs for garden sheds, along with their unique features and benefits.

Colonial style shed design

The board and batten siding style of a colonial shed design is beautiful and practical. In addition, the multiple layers of siding make it difficult for moisture to enter your shed. As a result, you can safely store your equipment and lawn tools inside it without worrying about rust or mold.

This shed design usually has a large double door made from strong, durable cedar. One of the significant benefits of this design is that it allows easy entry and exit of large equipment like rideable movers and ATVs. It is also easy to frame your shed using this design.

Lean-To shed style

A lean-to shed style consists of a single slanted roof that spans from one wall to the opposing wall. The simplicity of this design makes it easy to craft for novice builders. 

You can choose from different options for building the shed base. Create the foundation on wooden skids, a gravel pad, concrete blocks, concrete piers, or a concrete slab.

A concrete slab foundation will be the most durable and will support the maximum amount of weight. The benefit of this design is that the foundation is rock solid and will last for many years.

Gable shed design

This is the most popular shed design among homeowners. A gable roof provides ample storage space underneath the rafters. The rafter template is easy to create, even for amateur woodworkers. 

Make sure to leave enough overhang to keep water away from the walls. If you live in an area with high winds, then use hurricane ties to secure the rafter with the wall plates for additional support.

Hip roof shed style

This is the most durable roof design for sheds, and at the same time, it is also the most complex one. A hip roof has four sloped faces. It doesn’t have any flat ends. 

This design is most suitable for areas with windy climates. This style also requires more time and material for construction. It provides lesser attic space compare to the gable design.

Gambrel shed design

A gambrel shed looks like a barn and adds a traditional touch to your backyard. This roof style provides the maximum attic space underneath the rafters.

A gambrel roof has two roof planes on each side of the ridge. The lower slope is at a steep angle, while the upper slope is at a shallow angle. You can also create a loft underneath the rafters to create one separate storage area. 

This roof design is not suitable for windy areas as the rafters can be easily ripped apart by strong winds because of their shallow slope. The complex design of the rafters makes this shed project more suitable for experienced builders.

Greenhouse shed style

This shed is perfect for the gardener who wants a low-cost greenhouse in her own backyard. The roof of a greenhouse shed is made of several panels of acrylic plastic or fiberglass to let in ample sunlight. The walls are lined with shelves that can be used to hold potted plants and seeding trays.

Storage hooks are hung from the rafters to hold gardening gloves, small tools, and seed packets. A potting bench is positioned in a corner to provide a handy staging area for repotting plants and adding compost.

Saltbox shed design

 The saltbox design originated in 16th century England and is a variation of the gable roof. One face of the saltbox roof is significantly longer than the other. This asymmetrical structure increases the amount of attic space and also makes the roof more wind-resistant.

 

As this roof has no flat faces where water can collect, it is suitable for areas that receive heavy snowfall and rainfall. This design is ideal for garden sheds and greenhouses and has a unique aesthetic appeal.

DIY sheds have become quite popular among homeowners in recent years. With the right storage shed plans, you can construct a durable outbuilding for securely storing your precious tools and gear. 

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