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What size timber should I use for a shed frame?

The common kind of framing lumber used for the construction of sheds is the 2×4 (actual dimensions: 1-1/2 inch by 3-1/2 inch). Since most backyard sheds are relatively small, 2x4s are usually sufficient to construct both the wall and roof frames.

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What material is best for a storage shed?

Made from either steel or galvanized aluminum, metal outdoor sheds provide durability at a very cost-effective price; although, metal is...

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How high can a shed base be?

Allow at least 12" (300mm) all around and 36"-48" above the roof of the building. The base must be firm, level, square and designed to suit the...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?

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

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What type of wood should I be using for my garden fences and shed?

A shed made from an outdoor material can be made from many different materials. You should choose a material for building the exterior shed wall that is strong and durable along with materials that will be used to construct the shed’s different components. You must pick the best wood for shed walls so that you get the appearance, performance, and structural integrity you are looking for. Outdoor sheds are exposed to sun, wind, rain, snow and other elements, so choosing an exterior shed wall material is crucial. Metal sheds can be a popular choice because of their affordability, durability and lightweight, making them quick and easy to install, however, they are prone to rust. The downside to concrete sheds is that they tend to be limited in terms of customization. Wood is one of the most durable materials that can be used in interior construction and shed siding panels, especially if you choose the right type of wood. Wood is also very flexible in terms of design. It is possible to have a metal roof on an outdoor shed. A metal roof may indeed be more expensive than asphalt shingles. However, the metal roof will last longer, and it will typically require less maintenance. Setting your shed on a gravel base and using pressure-treated lumber can be a quick and easy way to build a solid foundation. The construction of windows into your shed design will allow natural light into the building, which is especially helpful if you are planning not to wire the structure with electricity.

Walls and components of sheds made from wood

You will need different kinds of wood for different areas of your wooden shed if you choose to build it. A foundation wall and roof frame are constructed from framing lumber, typically spruce or fir. For sheathing, the walls of a shed, OSB (oriented strand board) is an inexpensive option, made from softwood and glued together. When it comes to building shed walls, OSB isn’t quite as strong and durable as plywood, which may convince you to choose a more expensive option. Among the various types of wood available at your disposal for an outdoor shed, durability and rot resistance are the two most important qualities. Natural woods are more beautiful than treated woods, even though treated lumber is more affordable. It depends on where you live and where you source your wood from if you wish to purchase different types of wood. It’s a good idea to understand the characteristics, price, and availability of different types of wood before committing to one.

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A tarp is your best bet for covering stacked firewood. Be sure to cover just the top of the pile (not the sides, since that can block airflow), and...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?

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

Learn More »

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Types of Wood

Framing Lumber

It is impossible to build a wooden shed without some kind of underlying wall and roof framework, constructed out of framing lumber. These pieces of lumber, known as construction grade lumber, are usually 1-1/2 inches thick. These are thick pieces of fir or spruce. The common kind of framing lumber used for the construction of sheds is the 2×4 (actual dimensions: 1-1/2 inch by 3-1/2 inch). Since most backyard sheds are relatively small, 2x4s are usually sufficient to construct both the wall and roof frames.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

The wood is similar to regular framing lumber, except it has been factory-treated to retard or prevent rot. Pressure-treated lumber should be used whenever wood comes into contact with soil close to it. But there are several types of pressure-treated lumber. Generally, mildly treated lumber resists rotting the best. Keeping it away from soil contact will preserve its functionality indefinitely, but if it is continuously wet it will rot. Below-ground foundations require pressure-treated lumber of the most durable kind. As a result of the treatment of this wood, it will not rot even when it is in contact with damp soil for decades. Pressure-treated lumber is sold for use as foundations for pressure-treated wood sheds and is the best material for any part of the shed that gets in contact with the ground.

Oriented Strand Board

Sheds are made up of two major parts: a structural frame and sheathing that covers them. A shed’s walls and roof are usually made of oriented strand board (OSB) because it’s the least expensive siding option. That’s why sheds and homes use it so frequently. The OSB is made up of softwood chips that are glued together in a semi-random pattern. OSB has a typical sheet size of four feet by eight feet, just like plywood. OSB sheets that are seven-sixteenth inches thick do a great job sheathing walls and roofs of sheds, but they aren’t the most desirable materials for several reasons. Although it’s not as strong as plywood, it doesn’t age well in the weather, and off-cuts aren’t as useful as plywood for building other projects since the edges aren’t well suited for screwing or nailing. It is possible to use OSB sheathing for sheds, but it will not be as strong as plywood.

Can you use particle board for the floor of a shed?

For the best defense against moisture and mold, shed floors should be made of pressure-treated plywood, not strand or particle board, which will...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?

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

Learn More »

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Exterior-Grade Plywood

OSB is the same type of wood as this, but it is more dependable and weather-resistant. Layers of thin wood slices are glued together to create plywood. Once your shed is constructed, you can use the leftover plywood for making boxes, utility shelves, and other small woodworking projects. The other half is inside. Sheathing for walls and roofs is best done with plywood that is at least five-eighths inch thick. Shed floors are best done with plywood. The wood of normal exterior plywood is not particularly resistant to rot, as it is glued with weather-resistant glue. For that reason, pressure-treated plywood is best for use as a shed floor. Pressure-treated plywood can be used to build a floor that is a bit raised off the ground.

Sheet Wall Siding Panels

If you have the frame of your shed built, you would like to cover the walls with panels that are both attractive and capable of enduring the weather. It is possible to find different types of plywood-type softwood sheet materials for this purpose, including the ever-popular T1-11 plywood siding panel. These decorative exterior wall siding sheet materials can be found at various home improvement stores. Each of these materials is designed to be applied directly to the wall frames of a shed as weatherproof sheathing.

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