How to build a garden shed

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a 4×8 garden shed. If you want to learn how to build a garden shed, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article and to check out the related projects. There are many shed projects featured on our site, so don’t be afraid to browse through the rest of the woodworking plans.

In most of the cases, a building permit is required so make sure you go to the town hall and ask information about the legal requirements you have to comply with. In this manner, you will also find out useful details about your shed construction. When building the shed, you should make sure the plans are detailed and come with step by step instructions, as well as with a complete list of the materials.

It is essential to invest in high quality materials, that are also water-resistant, such as pressure-treated lumber. Cut the components at the right size by using a circular saw and smooth the cut edges with a sand block. Don’t forget to ask a skilled friend to assist you during the project, especially if you don’t have a large expertise in the field. You need someone to hold the components into place, while you drive the screws in. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

How to build a 4×8 shed

Building a 4×8 shed

Materials

A – 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96″ long SKIDS
B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 7 pieces – 45″ long FLOOR
C – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 48″ x 96″ long FLOORING
D – 5 piece of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 2 pieces – 89 long 2xSIDE WALL
E – 6 piece of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 2 pieces – 48″ long BACK WALL
F – 6 piece of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 1 piece – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 6″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long FRONT WALL
G – 6 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 siding – 48″ x 84″ long SIDING

2 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
joist hanger
structural nails for ties

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Week

Part 1: How to build a 4×8 shed
Part 2: How to build a garden shed roof

Building a garden shed

Building the frame of the shed floor

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the shed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the components out of 2×4 lumber. Mark cut lines on the beams and adjust their size at the right dimensions. Drill pilot holes through the rim joints and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Place the joists equally-spaced for a professional result.

Attaching the flooring

Next, attach the 3/4″ plywood flooring to the frame of the floor. Align the edges with great care and secure the sheet to the joists using 1 1/4″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the joints are rigid.

Fitting the skids

In order to protect the shed from water damage, we recommend you to secure 4×4 skids to the frame. Cut both ends of the skids at 45 degrees and secure them to the joists using 3 1/2″ screws. Place the skids equally-spaced in order to support the weight of the shed in a professional manner.

Building the front wall

Build the plates and the studs for the front wall out of 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the top and bottom plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Makes sure the corners are square and adjust the size of the door opening according to your needs.

Building the back wall

Build the back wall using the same woodworking techniques described above. After assembling the frame on a level surface lift it to the floor of the shed. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to create a rigid structure. Use 2×4 braces to lock the frame into place, after plumbing them with a spirit level.

Building the side walls

Build the side walls with attention, as they are part of the structure. Work with attention and make sure the corners are square. Leave no gaps between the components and create rigid joints. Double check the corners before lifting the walls and setting them to the flooring.

Assembling the shed structure

Use temporarily braces to lock the walls together as described in the diagram. Insert 2 1/2″ screws through the adjacent walls in order to reinforce the structure properly. Make sure the corners are square leave no gaps between the components.

Attaching the side walls

Attach the shed siding to the side walls in order to get the job done in a professional manner. Align the top edge properly, making sure it is flush with the top plate.

Attaching the front face to the shed

Fit the 5/8″ T1-11 siding to the front face of the shed, as described in the diagram. Adjust the size of the sheets at the right dimensions and attach them to the walls frame, making sure the edges are flush and there are no gaps between the components. Cut out the door opening using a circular saw and smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Insert 2″‘ galvanized nails to secure the siding to the studs, every 8″.

Attaching the back wall

Cut the back wall out of 4×8 siding and secure it to the studs by using 2″ nails. Leave no gaps between the components and align the edges with attention, as to make sure they are flush.

How to build a 4×8 shed

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Build

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