DIY Builds
Photo: Ylanite Koppens
Always use pressure treated lumber when constructing things that will need to stand up to the elements. As for the sheds' floor deck, use ¾-in. or ½-in exterior-grade plywood. Anything thinner will loosen between joints.
Trapping Trapping is the fastest way to get rid of mice. While live traps catch mice and allow you to release them, other traps kill the mice on...
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Watering is needed, but not too much or too often. I've found that if these plants are watered every three to four weeks, depending on the...
Read More »Building a shed requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. There is no need to call in professionals, but in order to build a good shed you should follow these expert tips. To begin, you must first draw out a plan of where you want the shed to go and how you want it to be built. Lack of planning can lead to unforeseen problems. These problems can add time, expense, and cause the quality of the shed you are building to suffer. So maintain a relatively straightforward project, and plan accordingly. When building your shed you must start with a solid foundation. The secret to building a shed that will stand the test of time is to build a strong base. Most sheds can be supported by an on-grade foundation. This foundation consists of solid concrete blocks or pressure-treated wood timbers also known as skids that set directly on the ground. Be sure that the foundation is leveled and appropriately sized to properly support the floor frame of the shed. When using concrete blocks, note that it is important these blocks are solid and not hollow. Hollow blocks can crack easily damaging the integrity of your shed. The next secret to shed building is to allow space for air circulation. When building your shed be sure that the mudsill, the lowest wood member, is at least six inches above the ground. This will keep excessive moisture from rotting, warping, and corroding the structure of your shed. This requires that you build a weather resistant floor frame. There are several ways to cut costs when building a shed, but this should not be one of them. Do not be afraid to spend some money when it comes to the building materials used for the floor frame. Always use pressure treated lumber when constructing things that will need to stand up to the elements. As for the sheds' floor deck, use ¾-in. or ½-in exterior-grade plywood. Anything thinner will loosen between joints. If you are using your shed to store heavy items such as a lawn tractor or other heavy machinery, use ¾-in. tongue-and-groove plywood. This can cost a bit more, but it will give your shed a rock solid, rigid floor that will last. Another secret to building a shed is getting smart about door size and placement. This can require some thought depending on what you plan on storing in your shed. There is no sense in building a shed to store an item that cannot fit through the door! There are two common types of doors, hinged and sliding. A hinged door takes up less space and closes more tightly. However, sliding doors are easier to install and glide completely out of the way. Whatever your choice is, make sure it is the right one for you. Finally, when building your shed use low-maintenance materials. This will save you time and money in the long run. There you have it, the secrets to building your very own shed!
Even an unheated garage or shed is typically enough to keep tender plants in an above-freezing environment. Potted tropicals and houseplants should...
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Penal Consequences Failure to obtain a permit before commencing a project can result in a penalty. The fees are set out in Section 109 of the...
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You must apply for householder planning permission to erect a garden building, greenhouse or shed if: the total area of ground covered will be...
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When looking at the plans, the ownership is indicated by a “T” marked on the plans on one side of a boundary. If the “T” is written on your side of...
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Trim-A-Slab is a replacement for rotted and old wood typically found between slabs in driveways and sidewalks. This wood was used during the slab...
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Cats and True Bamboo Cats are born obligate carnivores. This means they get their nutrition from meat and protein. True bamboo is 22% protein. This...
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