Building a Backyard Shed

Backyard Shed Building Material

Introduction:

Okay so you have made up your mind that you need additional storage space and want to build a backyard storage shed. One of the things to keep in mind is to make the shed as maintenance free as possible and the size of the shed should be adequate to meet your needs. You may want a shed to store your lawnmower but what about all those other garden tools not to mention the snow blower.

Many DIY homeowners often build sheds that are much too small. In addition the shed should be as weather resistant as possible as it will deteriorate in the same way a house will.

With this in mind the shed should be built to meet all your storage needs and be as maintenance free and weather resistant as possible. The type of building material should be selected with care. The support platform for a shed should always be made from pressure treated lumber and placed on concrete blocks rather than the bare ground.

Siding:

The walls should be built with low maintenance material. I recommend T-111 rather than other options such as clapboard or vinyl siding. T-111 is pre-finished grooved plywood. It comes in standard 4 x 8 foot sheets and is attached directly to the wall studs. Other than trim there is no other material required to complete the walls other than painting.

Roofing:

There are several ways to economize building the shed roof and keep it maintenance free. Rather than using expensive architectural shingles, three-tab shingles are just as durable, after all it is a shed. But better than shingles consider a metal roof.

A metal roof is much easier to construct and will last for decades. The roof construction for metal roofing is similar to wood constructed roofs except there is no roof sheathing. Strapping is attached to the roof joist and the metal panels are screwed to the strapping. After installing the roofing panels simply screw on the peek cap and rake finishing and you’re done.

Flooring:

The flooring should be as moisture resistant as possible to avoid moisture deterioration. There are several different materials that can be used that are moisture resistant such as marine plywood or pressure treated decking. I recommend using Three quarter inch OSB tongue and grooved plywood and paint both sides with an oil base paint. This will protect the plywood from moisture deterioration for years.

Keep these suggestions in mind when planning on building a backyard shed and your shed will be easier to construct and last for decades with low maintenance.

Building a Shed Tips

Building a Sunroom Addition

Building Arbors

How to Build a Shed Foundation

For more DIY information Check out these Resources

A Great DIY Guide