DIY Builds
Photo by Anna  Shevchuk Pexels Logo Photo: Anna Shevchuk

How long does it take to build a 8x10 Lifetime shed?

It took about 5 hours by myself and an additional 3 hours with 1 other person to build. This time also includes building the steel frame base that it sits on. I would buy this again if needed.

What is the problem with steel framed homes?
What is the problem with steel framed homes?

Steel-framed houses suffer from relatively poor insulation and low energy efficiency. This is because steel conducts more heat than wood does,...

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Do I need rebar in my concrete slab?
Do I need rebar in my concrete slab?

Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project. The general rule of thumb is that if you are pouring concrete that is more than 5 inches in...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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10+ Years - Pacific Coastal Weather - Still looks GREAT! (Tips and Pics) I rarely give reviews, but this Lifetime shed met and exceeded my expectation. I purchased the 10x8 ft shed over 10 years ago. Moving it between locations we've disassembled and reassembled it 3 times (marked the pieces). Of course the assembly took 1-1/2 hours, about 1/3rd the time as the first time...which took about 5 hours. Also called Lifetime and ordered an additional 2.5' (30") section (with windows) making it 12-1/2 ft. (see pictures). Foundation: The first time it was placed on a bed of gravel (gophers and mice would go under the plastic floor), 2nd time 1ft square patio blocks, then the last time I poured a rough concrete slab (recommended) using 2x4s and pre-mixed sacked concrete. Make it 1 or 2 inches bigger than the dimensions of the plastic floor. (Note: The plastic floor is not exactly the same dimension as the "shed size". So get your shed on-site, measure the plastic floor, before building the foundation. Tips: As with building ANY structure, make sure the foundation is perfectly level. If not, then the roof and the doors do not line-up as expected. Still, you can shim-up the corner to align these. Also, DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the screw fasteners when assembling. Don't think tighter is better...you will strip out the plastic material and the screws may eventually fall out. That said, screws snug-tight, after multiple assemblies, has held perfectly for over 10 years. Weather: I wanted a "maintenance free" shed. This shed is on our ranch property near the Pacific Coast where we get high winds, salt air, and scorching sun. ANYTHING steel, unless galvanized, will rust away in just a few years. When I put on the 30" extension I was concerned that the plastic walls and roof would be faded and wouldn't match the new section. It matched perfectly! I made sure that it is partially protected from the prevailing winds off the ocean. Pacific storms can deliver 85+ miles-per-hour gusts. No problems. Also the metal parts are protected inside so is virtually no rust from the salt air! It has been maintenance free, as expected. I have been so impressed with this shed that I purchased Lifetime Storage Deck Boxes 3 years ago for the patio furniture cushions. They are the exact same color and durable like the shed. I'm very happy. My wife now wants to purchase another Lifetime shed, with a side-entrance, to put along-side her raised garden beds. (on order)

Are sheds easy to break into?
Are sheds easy to break into?

Check The Door Hinges Your home shed is only as secure as the weakest link. You can have the most durable shed in the world, but it is all for...

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Does a new driveway increase home value?
Does a new driveway increase home value?

“A [concrete] driveway can increase your property's value between 5 and 10 percent” says Fast Sales Homes. That means “a $500,000 home can increase...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

What is the siding called that looks like wood?

Everlast Polymeric Cladding (aka Everlast Composite Siding) is the most amazing product in the home improvement industry today. It looks like wood and will not rot. It has ¼” thick and 12' long planks just like real wood with a texture which is identical to cedar.

By Linda Keating: It's crazy that we have to specify "our siding looks like wood." But the truth is most replacement siding or low maintenance siding does NOT actually look like wood! Everlast Polymeric Cladding (aka Everlast Composite Siding) is the most amazing product in the home improvement industry today. It looks like wood and will not rot. It has ¼” thick and 12’ long planks just like real wood with a texture which is identical to cedar. Everlast has what is called “Cedar Touch”. It has impressions of real cedar trees to make it look exactly like real wood, without the issue or rotting or ever having to be painted. When you walk up to a house clad in Everlast, you almost think that you will come away with a splinter when you run your hand over it that is how realistic it is in appearance. If you are looking for a “true to life” wood look, that will never rot or disintegrate with a maintenance free performance record, then you do not have to look any further! Everlast should be the last product you ever have to research before you side your home with it! Linda Keating is a siding specialist for Everlast Composite Siding and United Home Experts located in Massachusetts.

Do metal sheds dent easily?
Do metal sheds dent easily?

While metal siding is significantly more durable than other types, and much less likely to crack, break, or pull away, there is one type of damage...

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What type of wood is best?
What type of wood is best?

Hardwoods are the best type of wood material for furniture. A product that is getting harder and harder to find, hardwood furniture has a...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can I learn SketchUp on my own?
Can I learn SketchUp on my own?

If you want to learn at your own pace, you can dig into an extensive tutorial library that features more than 12 hours of remarkable content, as...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can mold grow in your lungs?
Can mold grow in your lungs?

The mold spores can colonize (grow) inside lung cavities that developed as a result of chronic diseases, such tuberculosis, emphysema, or advanced...

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