Equipment and Construction News

Besides hiring a pro to build you a wooden shed, the two best options you have are to build it yourself from scratch or purchase a kit. Each of these options has its pros and cons so whichever route you take depends entirely on you. Let’s take a closer look at building wooden sheds.

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.

You should easily be able to put your shed together in only a couple of days if you have a good set of plans, the skills and the proper tools on hand. Allow for extra labor and time if you want to build your wooden shed on a concrete slab instead of a wood frame. It might be best to hire someone with experience for this part of the project.

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.

You can save a little money building a wooden shed kit since you may not need to buy or rent all the tools you’d need to build from scratch.

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options. However, when you are finished, you will see the potential and recognize all the benefits a wooden shed has.

Find out more on wooden sheds and shed plans by visiting BestWoodenSheds.com. You can also download a free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential.

With so many shed plans available on the internet today, how do you choose the one that will be right for you? It doesn’t matter if you have never picked up a hammer before or if you are a seasoned handyman. A good set of plans for wooden sheds will have some basic characteristics.

The best plans are ones that are easy to follow. Step-by-step instructions should be very clear and help guide you through the process. Believe it or not, there are plans out there that simply have elevation views with measurements and that’s about it. They leave it up to the individual to know how to put it together. This may be fine for experienced carpenters but probably not for your average Do-It-Yourself person.

So, it’s important to look for plans that indicate they have detailed instructions. As well as clear elevation drawings (every plan should have this at minimum), three-dimensional or cutaway drawings will also help give you an understanding of how construction should be done.

Some shed plans will include exploded views of the more intricate areas that need special attention. Although not critical, another great aspect in the drawings is to have color or shading. This really helps to visualize how pieces are put together and which piece goes on top or under another piece.

Illustrations and/or photos that depict the wooden shed at different stages of being constructed or completed are also a great feature to have.

And, finally, you should look for a complete materials list in your shed plans. Its important to have a list for when you go to the supply store to purchase the materials. You don’t want to try and figure this out on your own when its not necessary.

Fortunately, there are some great wooden shed plans available online. The real trick is knowing exactly what to look for.

Before choosing a set of storage shed plans for wooden sheds, check out Donald Rickerby’s web site: BestWoodenSheds.com where you can download a free shed plan and a free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential.

Do you already own a wooden shed? If so, you know just how important a well organized shed can be. Wooden sheds can fill up with unwanted items quite rapidly because they are relatively small. The best time to start organizing is now. And, you’re a lot better off if your shed is new with nothing in it yet.

But, most of us do have their wooden sheds full of stuff and, therefore, need to start removing EVERYTHING. Pick a nice day and start early in the morning. This may seem like a big undertaking but will be easier and less time-consuming in the long run.

You may be one of those people who finds it hard to throw anything away (I’m one of them). If the item has no sentimental value and you never use it, its best to throw it out, sell it (or better yet, donate it).

When you are finished removing all the items from your shed, take time to group like items into piles. Like, your bicycle gear in one group, your gardening supplies in another, etc.

Small items can now be placed in containers or bins that will go neatly on shelves. Make sure you label the outside of the containers to you can easily find what you are looking for later.

Now you can start putting all your grouped items back into the wooden shed. Items used more often should be placed closer to the front of the shed or on shelves at shoulder height.

Rakes and shovels (long-handled tools) should be organized on a tool rack that can be made or purchased for a reasonable price.

Workbenches are also a great item to have in your wooden shed. You don’t have to have the best one, just one that gets the job done. It should have sturdy legs so you can place heavy items on it and any hammering that you may need to do. There should also be storage room under the bench for easy access to tools.

To make it easier to wheel larger items in and out the shed, build yourself a simple ramp for the doorway. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but if you want it to be, make sure your build it from pressure-treated wood that won’t rot from moisture.

Before you know it, you’ll be wondering where all the extra space in your shed came from. Wooden sheds are ideal for storage, but it is so important to be as organized as possible or it will end up being essentially – a big garbage can.

Before you start organizing your wooden garden shed, check out Donald Rickerby’s free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential. BestWoodenSheds.com also contains kits for wooden sheds, shed plans, and a lot more helpful information.

You can get better use out of an old wooden shed out back if its just holding a bunch of junk. Why not convert it into living space? Wooden sheds can be as versatile as your imagination – and practical, too. They can be converted into many different uses like a playhouse for your kids or into an artist studio.

Start off with a clean slate. When you have everything out of the shed, pick up any debris and vacuum in the corners. Since it is a wooden shed, there may be signs of rot or termites that have to be addressed.

Make the most of the exposed studs on the inside. This is one of the great features of wooden sheds. Spruce up the inside walls with a light stain or water sealant. This will bring out the natural beauty of the wood and give your shed a more comfortable feel.

You can always paint the walls as well. Try to keep with lighter colors since the space is so small. Be sure to use a primer first, otherwise, the paint will be soaked up by the wood.

If your shed is on a skid, or wooden floor, follow the same steps as described in the paragraph above. On the other hand, if you have a foundation made from concrete, either leave it or you can choose to stain it. Revitalizing old worn concrete surfaces by staining them is a great solution. The floor area in wooden sheds is small enough that you should be able to handle it but its best to use a professional.

Make sure you clean, prime and paint the outside of the wooden shed also. Fill in any spaces or cracks with caulk to keep water out. It may be fine to have some moisture come in for storage purposes but not for a space that is intended as livable.

Now you should be ready for the fun part now that the shell is complete. Depending on how you intend to use the space, start adding your own personal touches. Start by adding or installing the more permanent items like shelving and/or pegboards.

Before you start converting your wooden shed, check out Donald Rickerby’s free eBook: Getting the Most Out of Your Shed. It contains over 100 tips to help you maximize your shed’s potential. His web site also contains kits for wooden garden sheds, shed plans, and a lot more helpful information.