Building a shed can be an excellent option for creating extra storage. However, building a big shed can take a lot of materials, so you may want to use reclaimed wood to make better use of it. Then, you can still build the shed of your dreams.
To build a shed from reclaimed wood, you should consider how big the shed will be. Then, find enough reclaimed wood and gather some building tools. Next, use a floor plan to build the frame and then add the walls. Finish it off with a finish or a coat of paint.
Whether you’ve built something before or want to try a new project, you should consider using reclaimed wood to build a shed. Then, you can have usable storage space and can enjoy the design process. Keep reading to learn more about how to build a shed.
Choose a Design
The first step in building a shed from reclaimed wood is to choose a design. You can look for floor plans online or design your own.
Before you settle on a design, think about how you want to use it and what you want to store in it. You can then determine how big the shed will need to be and if it needs to be more square or rectangular.
Next, you should make sure you have plenty of space to build the shed in your yard. Make sure there’s enough room on solid ground so that you don’t have to build on a slope.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
After you decide on your design, you should gather your tools and materials. You should also check to see if you need to follow any local building codes or get a permit. Aside from a permit, here are a few things you’ll need:
- Enough reclaimed wood
- Saws (circular, miter, jigsaws, etc.)
- Framing hammers
- Carpenter squares
- Door
- Windows
- Stain or paint
- Roofing
It would help if you organized all of your building materials so that you know where everything is. Give yourself enough time to go through every step and ask a friend for help if you need it. You can also consider hiring a professional to help with some of the steps if you aren’t comfortable.
Build the Foundation
Now, you’re ready to start building your shed. The first thing to build will be the foundation. Consider if you need to follow a building code or any regulations for your permit. If so, make sure you stick to those.
If you don’t have any requirements, you will want to start with concrete blocks. The wood floor will rest on top of the blocks. However, you can pour concrete to flatten out the area if you have to build on a slope.
Make sure the foundation is level on all sides and in all corners. That way, you can ensure the rest of the shed will be comfortable.
Put in the Floor Frame
After the foundation is in and secure, you can put in the floor frame. You should add floor joists every 16 inches (40.64 cm) on the center. Nail through the band joist on the floor, then add joist hangers.
Next, lay down a sheet of plywood in one corner to make sure the frame is square. You can then nail down the plywood and use more sheets to fill out the rest of the flooring.
Ensure the floor is still level and that you don’t have any significant gaps between the plywood. You may need to cut the plywood so that it isn’t too long, so have a saw on hand just in case.
Build the Walls
Now, you’re ready to build the walls. Using your design plan, cut wood to frame the walls of your shed. Ensure that all of the frames are the same height so that the roof can sit level on them.
You’ll want to nail the frame together so that it can stand up. Do the same thing for all four sides, then square the frame by pulling from opposite diagonals.
After that, you can add the sheathing and the siding to your shed. Cut the siding to make room for any windows you want, then install the windows after you put the siding on.
Frame the Roof
After you have the walls ready, you can add the roof’s frame. You can use different things, such as common rafters, a ridge beam, or collar ties to frame the roof. Another option is to utilize roof trusses to frame it.
Consider the roof’s slope and cut the wood pieces to match the angle and size necessary for the roof. If your shed floor plan suggests a method to frame the roof, you can use that. Otherwise, you can choose the method that you’re most comfortable with.
As always, take it slow when creating the roof frame. Use a leveler to ensure the angle is how you want it. Then, you won’t have to correct it later.
Install the Roofing
The next step is to install the roofing on your shed. Roofing shingles aren’t too complicated to install, especially if your shed is small. Here are the steps to install roofing:
- Line up the aluminum drip edge so that it’s flushed with the roof edge, and mark the top on each end.
- To help you get a straight edge, snap a line between the two marks.
- Pull the drip edge to create a small gap between it and the fascia board.
- Now, install the drip edge along the gable of the roof.
- Start at the bottom with your shingle design and move up to the top.
- Give 12 inches (30.5 cm) for the first layer, then move 5 inches (12.7 cm) up for each following layer.
Once you complete the roofing, you will be able to protect your tools or other items from wind and rain, but you’re not quite done building your shed yet.
Add the Door
Once you have your door ready, set it center in the door opening. Then, you can add the hinges so that you can connect the door to the shed.
Shim behind the hinges, then remove the screw closest to the doorstop. Next, you’ll replace it with a longer screw that can penetrate the framing by an inch. Do the same for each hinge.
Now, add shims to the latch side of the door so that it forms a seal when you close it. Nail through the door jam and shims.
Stain or Paint the Shed
The final big step in building a shed from reclaimed wood is to stain or paint it, and you get to be a bit more creative. You can paint the shed to match your house, or you can show off the reclaimed wood with a more natural stain.
Ensure that you use water-resistant paint or stain so that it won’t wear away the next time it rains. Then, you can finish off the shed with some lighting and some window boxes.
That way, you can make your shed look good, and you can feel safe going to it at night. Also, you can use window boxes to add some more color with some plants.
Fill Your Shed
After you finish building your shed, you can start storing things in it. You can use it for tools, gardening supplies, or anything else you can think of.
Just make sure that you don’t store anything that requires a specific temperature. Still, the shed can be great for a lot of other things.
Final Thoughts
Building a shed from reclaimed wood follows many of the same steps as building a shed with regular wood, but you may want to avoid painting the wood if you want to show off its unique look. Then, you can use the shed to store whatever you like, and it can look good.