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This step by step woodworking project is about free 8×12 garden shed plans. I have designed this 8×12 garden shed so you can store your tools and other small items. The shed features 6′ wide double doors on the front and windows on both sides of the shed. This shed has a gable roof so it drains the water properly. Read the local codes before starting the project, as in some cases a permit might be required. See my other DIY projects HERE.
We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. PDF downloadable plans with premium features in the Store.
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Made from this plan
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8×12 Garden Shed Plans
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Materials
- A – 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 144″ long SKIDS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long, 10 pieces – 93″ long FRAME
- C – 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long FLOOR
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 144″ long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 10 pieces – 78 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long, 3 pieces – 31 1/2″ long, 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 39″ long 2xSIDE WALL
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89″ long, 1 piece – 96″ long, 5 pieces – 78 1/2″ long BACK WALL
- F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 89″ long, 1 piece – 96″ long, 6 pieces – 78 1/2″ long FRONT WALL
- G – 4 pieces of T1-11 siding – 48″x81 1/2″ long, 6 pieces – 48″x83″ long SIDING
- 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12′
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
- 10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
- 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 37 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″
- 10 pieces of T1-11 5/8″ siding – 4’x8′
- 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
- 6d nails
- ties
- joist hanger
- structural nails for ties
- wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Time
- One Day
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Building a 8×12 shed frame
Build the floor for the garden shed from 2×4 or 2×6 lumber. Cut the joists at 144″ and at 93″ using a sharp saw. Drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Make sure the edges are flush.
Attach 4×4 skids to the floor frame, so you can lift the shed from the ground and protect it from moisture. Drill pilot holes through the joists and insert 4 1/2″ screws into the skids. Alternatively, you can use rafter ties to secure the skids to the floor frame.
Attach 3/4′ plywood sheets to the floor frame, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure the sheets into the joists, every 8″. Leave no gaps between the plywood sheets for a professional result.
The next step is to build the frame for the front wall. Cut the components at the right dimensions from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs as shown in the diagram. Make sure the corners are square.
Build the side walls for the shed from 2×4 lumber. Use 2×6 lumber for the double headers and sill. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center and make sure the corners are square. For this project, both walls have side windows, but you can make one plain, if you don’t need that much light inside.
Assemble the back wall for the shed, in the same manner described above.
Fit the wall frames to the floor of the shed. Align the edges flush and use a spirit level to plumb the wall. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor of the shed. Moreover, you need to lock the adjacent walls together tightly, by driving pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws.
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Fitting the siding sheets
Continue the outdoor project by fitting the T1-11 siding to the sides of the garden shed. Align the edges flush and secure them into place with 6-8d nails. As you can see in the diagram, you need to make a opening for the side windows. Mark the cut lines, drill a starting holes and get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Attach the T1-11 siding sheets to the back of the shed. Make sure you inset the sheets 1 1/2″ from the top plate. Use 6-8d nails to lock the sheets into place tightly.
Cut the sheets that go around the front doors, using the information from the diagram. Next, attach the sheets into place, making sure you inset them 1 1/2″ from the top plate. Align the edges flush and use 6-8d nails to lock the sheets into place tightly.
If you want to build the roof and the door for this shed, make sure you take a look over PART 2. I PART 3 I show you how to build the double doors. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.
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If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
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Thank you for reading our project about free 8×12 garden shed plans and I recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.
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9 comments
Great plans. But no part2?
In two days I will publish PART 2. Don’t worry, I already scheduled it.
Thank you!
You’re very welcome! Let me know how it goes!
no concrete footings for the shed??
It depends on the local weather conditions. Please read the local building codes for accurate info.
Thanks for providing these plans. A well designed simple layout. As a Journeyperson carpenter myself I was going to spend the weekend drafting a set of plans for my own shed. No need to do so now.
You’re welcome. Looking forward to seeing your project.
Do you have a plan for the same shed but with only one door? I like the look of it.