Can I build a shed on my own?

A: Yes, you can build a shed from scratch cheaper than you can buy a flat pack shed. You are basically saving money on the labour costs. The great thing is, a DIY shed built to these specifications is not only cheaper but built to a much higher standard.

wood-create.com - How to build your own shed from scratch - on a budget - Wood Create

Where is the safest place to life?

According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row. Iceland is a Nordic nation with a...

Last updated Sep 9, 2022

How do I keep mice out of my generator?

In short, discouraging mice from taking refuge in your generator through exclusion is the first step. According to Ralph Klass, Owner/President of...

Last updated Jun 10, 2019

Promotion

A question I’d asked myself for some time was, can you build your own shed cheaper than you can buy a flat pack one? In short, yes you can, and you can even make it a lot nicer! This post will detail how to build your own shed from scratch whilst keeping the spend to a minimum. My shed measures 12ft x 10ft (3m x 3.6m) which is a pretty good size for most requirements but you can easily adapt the structure to suit your ideal size.

Introduction

Having built a number of garden buildings I’m happy to say this is one of the cheapest ways to build a shed. Within this post, I have included a detailed step-by-step guide with pictures, a list of required materials (including where I sourced them), along with the ideal tools for the job. I hope you find this ‘how to build a garden shed from scratch’ post inspiring. Here is my shed which was completed with a log lap cladding finish. You can see to the left a flat pack shed I built previously of the same size. Further on in this post, you will find a cost comparison between the two builds.

Shed plans

I’ve recently finished creating my own 3D shed plans for this build. It’s taken me quite a while but I’m finally able to share them with you. I’m making these available with an introductory price of £6.99. The document includes a detailed 20-page step-by-step guide, a complete materials list, a cut list and detailed 3D drawings of each section of this build. I believe these to be the cheapest, most detailed plans on the internet.

My shed build in a 2 minute video

Materials list

You can use the links to see where I’ve purchased these materials and the current costs.

How to build a shed from scratch – Step-by-Step

The shed size I decided to go for is 12×10 ft. or 3×3.6m and 2.4m tall. I’ve restricted the height to 2.4m to fit within the permitted development rules. Any higher and you’ll need planning permission.

Step1. Building the shed base

The first task was to clear debris and level the ground.

Using a tape measure I marked out the size of the shed roughly with 4 stones. I then began to shift soil, sand and gravel manually from one side to the other until it looked level-ish. It’s a good idea to add sand and gravel to toughen up the ground to work on. You can use a long piece of wood and/or large spirit level to make a good level surface.

Building a shed base on uneven ground or sloped terrain

if you are planning to build your shed on the uneven ground then you will need to consider a slightly different approach. I have written a full guide on how to build a shed base on uneven ground and sloped terrains here. It’s a great resource for anyone planning to build a shed in a garden with sloped landscapes, uneven terrain and even steep slopes.

The shed footings

To save money I used reclaimed slabs which I got from a friend. I placed one in each corner of the shed using a tape measure. To ensure a solid surface that wouldn’t shift I dug a 6 – 10 inch square hole under each slab. This hole was then filled with hardcore, sand and then topped with cement before gently laying the slab on top.

Mixing cement

This is quite simple. You can mix this in a wheel barrow, cement mixing tray or a cement mixer if you have access to one. You’ll need some cement, sharp sand and water to complete the mix. Start by mixing the cement and sand. (Look for about 1 part cement to 4 parts sand, this doesn’t have to be an exact science, just roughly) Finally, start adding bits of water whilst mixing until you have just enough for a wet mix. For this build and enough cement to secure 8 slabs. I used 1 X 25kg bag of cement and 4 X 25kg of sharp sand.

Building the shed base wooden frame

I used the 3m & 3.6m C16 timber and a spirit level whilst laying the slabs to ensure a good level floor frame for the base. Leave the cement to go off for 24 hours before adding any additional weight. I then added an additional 6 slabs for further support but didn’t cement these in. Just laid on a nice level hard surface (some spare sand I had lying around mostly). The next task was to screw all the lengths of wood together with 75mm x 5mm screws. As you can see above I have used two of the 3.6m C16 and five of the 3m C16 construction timber to build the floor joists. Some people may wish to use a thicker timber here to reduce any flexing in the base. I found this size was perfect and with enough footings there is no flex whatsoever. I then worked into the night to strengthen the floor framing even further with some of the CLS timber. I had to ensure the cross supports were in the right place to fit along the edges of the OSB board. These measure 2440mm x 1220mm and are 18mm thick. I went for 18mm rather than a thinner 12mm board for extra stability.

These were all screwed into place using 40mm screws.

I used a circular saw to cut the OSB board to the correct size. So that’s pretty much it for the base. This is a really solid shed floor that will support plenty of weight for the structure.

Step 2. How to build the shed walls

The wall frames

The first step was to create the wall frames using the 3m and 3.6m C16 and the 2.4m CLS timber. My walls measure 2m tall so simply measure, cut and screw the parts together. Each baton should be spaced roughly 520mm apart. Use the 80mm screws to join the timber. Don’t forget your pilot holes to prevent splitting. You could also add a double top plate to the frame for additional strength but I didn’t think this was necessary.

corner posts

I used the 90mm square posts for the corners (2.4m in length). We can cut the posts to the correct height later, when the roof goes on. The posts are not fixed to the floor. They simply act as fixing points for the walls and roof. Use 4 or 5 60mm screws to attach the walls to the posts. Using the same screws secure the wall frames to the base of the shed. Use about 5 or 6 screws per wall. The wall frame should be mounted flush to the edge of the frame. This is so the cladding can be secured all the way down the wall and cover the gap between the wall and the frame.

Waterproofing the walls

You can see here I have started to add the waterproof sheeting. This will add an extra layer of protection from rain etc. You may choose to add a breathable membrane but this will add about £90 to the final price. For a shed like this it isn’t really necessary to have a breathable membrane as it’s only going to have cladding. If you decide to add a layer of 9mm plywood then I would add breathable waterproofing. Adding 9mm plywood to the frame will add some stability. Just remember to mount the wall frames 9mm in from the edge of the base.

What state has the most tiny homes?

1. California The Golden State is the most popular US state for the tiny living movement according to the report, with nearly 15.5% of the total...

Last updated Dec 29, 2019

How much weight can a plastic anchor support?

They typically support anywhere from 30 to 85 pounds per fastener. These self-drilling screw-in plastic drywall anchors are made from nylon. If you...

Last updated Jul 20, 2022

Promotion

Above, you can see I am using a piece of timber on and angle to hold the walls into place. Using a spirit level I could ensure the walls are straight. 3 wall frames up, now onto the front and entrance. Below, I have added the front outer frame which is simply to ensure all the walls are now lined up correctly. This is required for the roof build. On with the cladding. I purchased my log lap cladding from a company on eBay. Click here to go to the listing. Click here for the thicker 38mm loglap cladding. The great thing about this stuff, it just slots together. You can secure them to the frame using screws or nails. I used 40mm x 4mm screws. Each piece was cut to length using a mitre saw. I started from the bottom and worked my way up each wall. Use a spirit level on the first piece. I stopped adding the cladding near the top of the wall as I had to build the roof before continuing.

Step 4. Building the shed roof

I decided on a 15 degree angle on a dual pitched roof for my shed. This would allow me to keep the overall heigh just under 2.5m (as per building regulations). This pitched roof needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the roof and also my body weight. You can set your mitre saw to 15 degrees to ensure each cut is the same. Cut the same CLS timber used for the walls to construct the roof. To strengthen the roof trusses I cut some triangle shapes from the off cuts of the 18mm OSB flooring. Additionally I used the off cuts of the 2×3 batons to further strengthen. I tested each one of the rafters, making sure it could support my weight before continuing. I completed 7 of these in total and cut out grooves either end (using a hand saw) to sit into the top of the wall frame. These were screwed in with 75mm x 5mm screws. At this point I was running out of time. I had one day before some heavy rain was due so I decided to crack on with the rest of the roof to keep everything dry. I decided to extend the roof 600mm out the front. This would add a small element of protection from the weather. See images below. These battens were secured using 75mm screws. Two for each side of each batten. With the roof framing now complete it was time to cut the top off the 90mm square posts. I used a Black & Decker Scorpion Saw for this but you could also use a hand saw. Simply cut along the roof rafter.

Boarding and felting the roof

I used 11mm OSB board for the sheet materials on the roof. You could also use plywood sheets as an alternative option. 6 in total were used to cover the roof. Some of the boards had to be cut to size using a circular saw. They were all secured into place using 40mm screws. I required 2 x 10m rolls to cover the roof and this was cutting it fine. In hindsight I would have shortened the eaves on either side to allow a greater overlap. Used 10mm tacks to secure. Tacks should be no more than 5cm apart.

Step 5. The entrance to the shed

Building the front wall for the shed was the next step, having to make a slightly different frame to support the window and door opening. To save money on a window I searched locally on Facebook Marketplace and found something suitable for £30. However, you can also consider an insulated glass panel for extra thermal and acoustic protection. I measured up for the door and window next. I built a custom door but if you are fitting a pre-made door then ensure you build the frame to the correct size.

Shed window

The window was easy enough to fit. I first decided on a suitable height and built a frame using the CLS timber to the correct size. The Window is simply screwed in from the side. Open the window and drill some pilot holes before setting in the screws. I secured it in place with some 60mm screws.

With the window in place I added the cladding.

More cladding

I complete the cladding on both the front and back of the shed. You will need to add some additional timber supports to finish off the back wall. I had to cut some of the cladding to fit around the window and door frames. I used a jigsaw to accomplish this.

Step 6. Building the doors

The shed door was made using more CLS timber and some of the left over cladding. I simply made a double door frame and secured the cladding vertically on this. Hinges were added and the doors were secured in place with some 40mm screws. I didn’t add a handle but did add a lockable clasp for security.

Step 7. Painting or staining the shed

The final steps to building your own shed were to add some trim (facia) to the sides of the roof, fit a handle, hasp and staple, motion sensor light and paint the whole shed. It’s vitally important to ensure you protect the wood on your shed as soon as possible. A good shed or fence paint will ensure the wood lasts longer and prevents rot. Finishing the shed with exterior wood paint will add a professional finish and ensure its protected from the elements. You can choose a stain to enjoy the natural beauty of the wood, or a coloured wood paint if your garden has a coloured theme. Now all that’s left to do is add paving, a path or some decking.

More shed plans

Here are some questions I’m regularly asked about my DIY shed build

Here are answers to some of the common questions when it comes to building a DIY shed.

Q: Is it cheaper to build your own shed?

Here is the all important question. Can you build your own shed cheaper than you can buy a flat pack shed? As I purchased and built a flat-pack shed the year before, I have recent pricing and build experience to share as a comparison. A: Yes, you can build a shed from scratch cheaper than you can buy a flat pack shed. You are basically saving money on the labour costs. The great thing is, a DIY shed built to these specifications is not only cheaper but built to a much higher standard. Here is a cost comparison between flat pack and my DIY shed (12x10ft)

Please note these prices were from 2018 when I built this shed.

Q: Do I need planning permission for a garden shed (UK)

A: Before you get started you’ll need to be aware of any building restrictions, so be sure to check the UK planning portal. Further more you can always check with your local planning department to double check these restrictions and get relevant guidance. Here is a quick breakdown for outbuildings that are considered permitted developments. Outbuildings to the side of the house are not permitted development. Outbuildings are not permitted development within the grounds of a listed building. In national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the total area to be covered by any outbuildings more than 20 metres from ANY WALL of the house must not exceed 10 square metres. Outbuildings are not permitted development forward of the principal elevation of the original house.

Does fiberglass stay in your lungs forever?

Smaller fibers may be inhaled deep into the lungs. Inhaled fibers are removed from the body partially through sneezing or coughing, and through the...

Last updated Feb 14, 2018

Are structural screws better than nails?

Screws have more holding power than nails and have a high failure strength that makes them well suited for high-stress structural projects. They're...

Last updated Mar 13, 2022

Promotion

The term original house means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Outbuildings and other additions must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. Sheds and all other outbuildings (see intro) and extensions to the original house must be included when calculating this 50% limit. To be permitted development, any new building must not itself be separate, self-contained, living accommodation and must not have a microwave antenna. Outbuildings must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres in any other case. If the outbuilding is within 2 metres of the property boundary the whole building should not exceed 2.5 metres in height. A: You won’t need a long list of complex tools to complete this job but here are some essentials that will make your life a lot easier. I’m a fan of the Dewalt XR range of tools because I can use the same batteries across the range and product quality is second to none. With any construction project, it’s important to protect yourself from injury. Consider investing in some safety equipment to protect your eyes (goggles), feet (steel toe cap boots) and hands. (Unigloves)

Q: How much does it cost to build a shed in 2022

A: With rising material costs in the UK the expected price of this 12x10ft shed will be in the region of £1300. This should be enough to purchase all the materials covered in the list at the start of this article. You can save a little on the cladding by selecting a cheaper one. Material prices are still changing so this figure might change again. See below for some more top money saving tips.

How to save money on your DIY shed build

Sheds are pretty expensive and you can definitely save a bit of money by building your own from scratch as my own experiment shows, but here are some more ways to cut the cost of building your own shed:

1. DIY

The most obvious way is to do it yourself. If you believe you have the basic DIY skills and woodwork knowledge required then you’ll save a small fortune completing the job yourself instead of hiring a tradesperson.

2. Use TopCashback

I’ve been using a cash back site like Topcashback for all my tool and material purchases which has generated me about £950 since joining a few years ago. That’s quite a reasonable saving bases on purchases I would have made anyway. Here’s a screen shot of my savings to date: My wife has also been using Topcashback for all our day-to-day household spending and has generated over £1200. More than enough for a great holiday for us both.

3. Join the B&Q Club

If you’re not already a member then the B&Q Club is well worth joining, especially if you spend a small fortune in there on a regular basis like I do! Almost every time I shop and scan the card I receive an email shortly after with a discount code for my next purchase. Quite often I’ve had £5 off a £50 shop and £10 off a £75 shop. Nearly every time I shop there I have a discount code to use and the savings really add up. Click here for the B&Q Club. If you don’t already have the tools for the job and can’t borrow them, then look out for great multipack and combo deals. For instance if you need to buy a drill and impact driver then it’s much better to buy them as a set like this Dewalt drill and driver set rather than buying them separately. Using the same brand of power tools means you can interchange the battery packs, instead of needing separate ones for each brand of tool. It makes things way easier and creates less hassle once one is knackered or if one runs out of power.

6. Buy in bulk

Rather than ordering bits and pieces from all over the place, see if it makes more sense to buy in bulk from one retailer and avoid delivery costs. For example, if you spend more than £300 in one go online on big and bulky items then you’ll get free home delivery from Wickes. 7. Finally, the most important rule of all to save money – measure twice and cut once!

Researching thoroughly will help prevent silly mistakes and wasting money.

I hope you have found this article helpful and good luck if you are building your own custom shed. They can definitely look a lot better and make you feel more proud! For some more inspiration look at this shed guide which gives you an idea of the different types of sheds available and what they look like.

Turn your shed into a garden office

If you liked this article then you might like this. I’ve recently completed a post about how I extended this shed and insulated it. I’m basically turning my shed into a garden office or garden room to enjoy all year round.

More about the BillyOh flatpack shed

This blog post is all about how I built my own shed from scratch, but if you are interested then the flat-pack BillyOh shed was purchased from Garden Buildings Direct. To read more about the flat-pack shed you can see my build process by clicking here and here is a handy link for a BillyOh discount code! Since writing this, I have now also built a flatpack BillyOh log cabin at our new house. You can read my BillyOh log cabin review and build guide on my blog now! The once humble shed no longer has to be used to store your garden tools, but you can actually make it a perfectly functioning room which becomes an extended living space. For inspiration, GardenRoom365 have the most stunning range of bespoke garden rooms essex with many ideas of how to use a garden room from home offices to home gyms! Chris recently got in touch to show me what he had created off the back of this post and my shed plans download. He’s mixed things up a bit with an 8x12ft footprint and vertical cladding. He’s also up-cycled an old PVC door and windows (for £10 off Marketplace) to give this shed a professional-looking finish. I like how he has added some guttering to make good use of the rainwater for his garden plants.