Instructions for Building a Potting Shed

Building a Potting Shed

Introduction: Potting sheds like back yard storage sheds can be purchased from most garden centers or home improvement supply centers. Purchasing a modest potting shed can cost approximately $1,000 to $1,200 dollars but you can build your own for approximately $700, depending how exotic you make it. The ideal size for small potting sheds is either 6 X 8 or 8 X 10 feet. Potting shed plans are widely available on the internet.

The shed should be built on a concrete slab or a pressure treated platform foundation much like a patio or deck. The basic material and tools required is as follows:

· Lumber: Use pressure treated lumber for a wood platform and it is a good idea that the 2 x 4 frame be constructed using pressure treated lumber.

· Door: The door can be any exterior door used in house construction with a large window. The minimum size should be a 2 x 6 (30 inches) wide door.

· Windows: Two 36 x 48 inch windows on each side and one in the rear.

· Hand and power tools: Skill saw, drill, nail gun, rented soil compacter.

Pouring the concrete slab:

1. Remove all the sod from the area where the potting shed will be located. Compact the soil using a rental store compactor.

2. Construct a form for the slab out of 2-by-4 inch lumber. The form serves as the perimeter of the slab and should have an interior measurement of 6 X 8 or 8 X 10 feet. Nail the corners of the form together using 16 box nails leaving the heads about a 1/2 inch out for easy removal.

3. Place the forms in position and drive stakes into the ground at all four corners to hold it in place. Position the form so it is level across the top from end to end and side to side. Hold in place with stakes driven into the ground and nailed to the frame. Also, leave the head of this nail about a 1/2 inch out for easy removal later.

4. Pour the cement into the form. Use a straight 2 X 4 to level the wet concrete off with the top of the form. Trowel the cement to create a smooth finish. Insert anchor bolts (L-shaped bolts) with the long shank threaded for a nut, along the perimeters of the slab with two on each side. Place the anchors with the threaded end up. Avoid placing the anchors where doors are planned.

5. When the concrete is dry remove the forms by pulling the nails from the stakes and remove the stakes from the ground.

Building the shed structure:

1. Cut the sills (top and bottom horizontal boards that studs are nailed to) to the lengths 6, 8, or 10 feet. Cut studs (vertical 2 X 4s) that make up the framework of the wall, to the desired height.

2. Nail the studs to the top and bottom sill every 16 inches on center. The studs and sills form the frame of the wall. Frame the window and door openings as you go.

3. Drill holes in the bottom sills to accommodate the anchor bolts. Bolt the four bottom sills to the perimeter of the slab using the anchor bolts and nuts. Secure the corners by nailing the end studs of each wall together with 16 common nails.

4. Place roof rafters on the top sills and nail them in place with 16 box nails. Install roof sheathing (1/2 inch plywood or other material) nailing in place with 8 penny nails and shingle the roof.

5. Side the walls with 1/2 plywood or other desired material. Cut out the space for the installation of doors or windows.

6. Install the door and windows.

Apply the finishing touches and you’re potting shed is done.

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