This step by step woodworking project is about free 16×16 lean to backyard shed plans [1]. This is a large shed that features double doors to the side and a man door to the front. In addition, this storage shed has two large windows to the front. The plans are PDF downloadable and come with full Cut / Shopping lists. Remember that you need to read the local building codes before selecting the right location for the shed and before building the shed. See my other DIY projects HERE [2]. See all my shed plans HERE [1].
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.
Made from this plan
It’s that simple to build a large lean to shed
16×16 Lean to Shed Plans – PDF Download
Materials
- A – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16 ft long, 13 pieces – 189″ long FLOOR
- B – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16 ft long SKIDS
- C – 6 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 48″x48″ long FLOORING
- D – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 1 piece – 185″ long, 1 piece – 24″ long, 1 piece – 132″ long, 13 pieces – 86 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 78 1/2″ long, 10 pieces – 2 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 36″ long, 6 pieces – 37″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 39″ long, 8 pieces – 35″ long FRONT WALL
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 1 piece – 185″ long, 15 pieces – 86 1/2″ long BACK WALL
- F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 44 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 192″ long, 1 piece – 185″ long, 8 pieces – 86 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 78 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 99″ long SIDE WALL
- G – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 185″ long, 1 piece – 192″ long, 13 pieces – 86 1/2″ long SIDE FRAME
- H – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 15 pieces – 37″ long TOP WALL FRAME
- 15 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16 ft
- 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16 ft
- 8 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 13 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16 ft
- 66 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
- 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
- 250 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- 1000 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
- 1000 pieces of 1 5/8″ screws
- 500 pieces of 6d nails
- 8 rafter ties
- 1 box of 1 1/2″ structural screws
- 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 week
Step 1: How to build a 16×16 lean to shed floor
The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the large lean to garden shed. Cut the joists at the right dimensions from 2×6 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the long joists and then drill pilot holes. Also, insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components.
In addition, make sure the corners are square. Place the joists every 16″ on center. Measure the diagonals and check if they are equal. It is essential to assemble the shed floor on a level surface, otherwise the diagonals won’t equal up.
Next, fit 4×4 skids under the frame, as shown in the diagram. Use rafter ties to lock the skids to the floor frame. The skids will lift the floor frame from the ground and thus protect the components from moisture. I also recommend you to remove the vegetation layer under the shed. Level the surface and apply a layer of gravel, to help with drainage.
Use the rafter ties along with 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the skids to the floor frame. Use at least 2 ties for each skid.
Next, attach the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the floor frame. Align the edges flush and leave no gaps between them. Insert 1 5/8″ screws every 8″ along the framing.
Step 2: How to build the shed wall frames
The next step of the project is to build the front wall frame for the storage shed. Cut the components at the right dimensions and then lay them on a level surface. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs.
Also, use 2×6 lumber for the double header. Sandwich a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the headers, add glue and insert 2 1/2″ screws from both sides. You can adjust the size of the openings
to suit your needs.
Notice the door opening and the two window openings. You can play with the location for the windows, if you want something different.
Furthermore, build the back wall frame from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 16″ on center, as shown in the diagram. Notice the double studs at both ends of the wall. In addition, place 1/2″ plywood pieces between the double studs.
Build the side wall frames for the shed in the same manner described above. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs.
However, I designed the opposite side wall with a opening for 8 ft double doors. Other than that, assemble the wall frame with 3 1/2″ screws and 2x4s. You need 2×6 lumber for the double header.
Fit pieces of 1/2″ plywood between the double studs. Insert 2 1/2″ screws from both sides and add glue to the joints.
Step 3: Assembling the shed frame
Continue the project by fitting the wall frames to the floor frame of the shed. Align the edges flush and plumb them with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor.
In addition, lock the adjacent wall frames together tightly with 2 1/2″ screws. It is important to have a shed frame well put together, so don’t make economy with the wood screws.
Use 2×4 lumber for the top back wall. This frame will help you create the lean to for the garden shed. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. You can adjust the size of the studs and thus influence the slope of the shed.
Next, fit the frame to the back of the shed. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock it into place tightly. Also, you have to plumb the frames with a spirit level.
Step 4: Finishing touches
This is a simple storage shed with a metal sheet roof with generous overhangs on all sides. Also, you need to know that this garden shed has a 192 sq ft floor surface and a maximum height of 12′ 5″.
In my opinion, this large backyard shed is ideal for a workshop or for a hobby room. This will be an expensive constructions 2000+ usd, but it will make up for the investments by offering you tons of storage space. You can organize all your tools in one place. In addition, you can do small projects and repair things.
If you want a slightly smaller shed, you should check out the free plans for this 10×14 lean to shed [4].
Last but not least, see how to frame the roof for this 16×16 storage shed, in PART 2 [5] of the project. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.
If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
Thank you for reading our project about free 16×16 lean to shed plans and I recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE my projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.
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