How to build a barn shed

This step by step projects is about how to build a barn shed. Building a 8×12 shed is easy and it will help you increase the storage space in your backyard. If you have many items to store, but you also want to add character to your backyard, you should consider building a simple barn style shed. The unique shape of the roof allows you to build a basic loft and to increase the storage space.

Before building the barn shed, you need to make sure you comply with the legal requirements. Therefore, go to the local building department and see what are the requirement you have to comply with and if a permit is required. The building codes are really useful, as there are a lot of many things that could help you when planning the shed, such as: the materials needed, the floor of the shed or the distance you need to leave to the property line.

Always plan everything form the very beginning, taking into account all the aspects of the construction, such as the total costs, the materials or the time needed to get the job done. From our experience, we recommend you to buy pressure treated-lumber, as the components need to be weather-resistant. Moreover, pre-drill the lumber before inserting the galvanized screw, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to build a barn shed, you need the following:

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 144″ long SKIDS
B – 2 pieces of 2×6 – 144″ long, 10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 93″ long JOISTS
C – 3 pieces of 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood – 4’x8′ DECKING
D – 4 pieces of 2×4 – 144″, 2 pieces – 137″, 22 pieces – 90″ SIDE WALLS
E – 2 pieces of 2×4 – 89″, 1 piece – 96″, 4 pieces – 90″ FRONT WALL
E – 2 pieces – 46 1/2″, 2 pieces – 76 1/2″, 5 pieces – 10″ FRONT WALL
F – 2 pieces of 2×4 – 89″, 1 piece – 96″, 5 piece – 90″ BACK WALL
G – 14 pieces of 5/8″ grooved plywood – 4×8′ SIDING

4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12 ft
2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft
10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
3 pieces of 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood – 4’x8′
6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
40 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
14 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
2 1/2″ screws, 4d nails
stain, putty
hinges + latch
tar paper, asphalt shingles
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

Build a loft to increase the storage space
Secure the walls temporarily with braces

Time

One Week

Part 1: How to build a barn shed
Part 2: How to build a gambrel shed roof
Part 3: How to make a shed door

Building a barn shed

Building the floor frame

The first step of the project is to build the floor of the barn shed. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to build the frame of the floor using 2×6 lumber. Drill pilot holes trough the rim joists and insert 3 1/2″ galvanized screws to lock the components together. Don’t forget to check if the corners are right-angled, by using an L-square.

After building the frame, you should center it on top of several 4×4 skids. Drill pilot holes trough the joists and lock the frame to the skids with wood screws. Nevertheless, it is also essential to lay the skids on a level surface on on several concrete slabs.

Attaching the flooring

The next step of the woodworking project is to attack the plywood sheets to the frame. As you can see in the image, you need to cut the 4×8′ 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood at the right size and to attach them to the joists. Make sure the sheets are flush with the frame, before inserting 1 1/4″ screws into the joists, every 6″. If the diagonals of the floor are not even, you need to redo the process.

Side wall plans

Building the side walls of the barn shed is not difficult, if you use proper plans and professional techniques. Cut the 2×4 components at the right size and lock them together with 3 1/2″ galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes trough the plates and insert the screws into the studs.

Building the front wall

Continue the project by assembling the front wall. As you can see in the image, you need to frame the door opening, using trimmer studs. In addition, you should install a double header, as to provide support to the frame. The top plate should overhang the frame about 3 1/2″, on bot sides.

Building the back wall

As you can see in the plans, you need to build the back wall. Assemble the components together, making sure the corners are right-angled and locked together properly. Place the studs every 24″ on center, using the information highlighted in the image.

Fitting the walls into place

After you have built the walls as described above, you should place them on top of the floor and lock them into place with 3 1/2″ galvanized screws. Use a spirit level to plumb the walls and temporary braces to lock them into place. Reinforce the structure of the shed by inserting screws into the adjacent walls. Use an L-square to check if the corners of the frame are right-angled.

Attaching the siding – Side Walls

Attaching 5/8″ grooved plywood to the exterior walls, as in the plans. The sheets should be flush with the top edge of the frame, before securing the exterior siding to the frame with 1 1/2″ finishing nails.

Attaching the siding – Front wall

As you can easily notice in the plans, you need to cut out a small piece of plywood inside the 4×8′ plywood sheet. Use a jigsaw to cut out the door opening with great care, as you need to use it when building the shed door.You also need to cut the gambrel ends and attach them into place, but only after installing the roof trusses.

Attaching the siding – Back Wall

One of the last steps of the project is to attach the plywood sheets to the back face of the barn shed. Make sure you align them at both ends, before inserting the finishing nails inside the studs, every 6-8″.

How to build a barn shed

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix the issue if necessary.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a barn shed and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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