This step by step woodworking project is about free 4×12 lean to shed plans. You can build this small garden shed with double front door for under 750 usd. 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. See all my shed plans HERE.
Hey, everyone! This 4×12 lean-to shed is a fantastic addition to any backyard, offering ample space for all your gardening tools and outdoor equipment. With its double front doors, you’ll have easy access to store and retrieve even your bulkier items. The design is both practical and stylish, fitting seamlessly into any garden setting. The downloadable PDF plans are super detailed, including full cut and shopping lists, so you can get everything you need in one go. This project is perfect for a weekend build, giving you a sturdy and attractive shed in no time.
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. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Made from this plan
It’s that simple to build a small lean to shed
4×12 Lean to Shed Plans – PDF Download
Materials
- A – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft long, 10 pieces – 45″ long FLOOR
- B – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12 ft long SKIDS
- C – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 1 piece – 48″x48″ long FLOORING
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 6 pieces – 80″ long 2xSIDE WALL
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 137″ long, 10 pieces – 80″ long BACK WALL
- F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 32 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 8 piece – 80″ long, 2 pieces – 74 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 75″ long FRONT WALL
- G – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft long, 12 pieces – 10″ long TOP WALL FRAME
- 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x4′
- 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12 ft
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft
- 7 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
- 35 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
- 250 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- 500 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
- 500 pieces of 1 5/8″ screws
- 500 pieces of 6d nails
- 4 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 4×12 lean to shed floor
Firstly, we need to assemble the floor frame for the garden shed. Therefore, cut all the joists from 2×6 lumber and lay them on a level surface. Align the edges flush and make sure the corners are square. In addition, drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Also, measure the diagonals and make adjustments until they are perfectly even.
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 two rafter ties along with 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock each skid to the floor frame.
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 side wall frames for the lean to backyard shed. Cut all components from 2×4 lumber, at the dimensions shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the top plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Notice the double studs at both ends of the wall frames and fit 1/2″ plywood between them.
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.
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.
Moreover, notice the double studs placed at both ends of the wall frame. Fit pieces of 1/2″ plywood between the double studs. Add glue to the joints and insert 2 1/2″ screws from both sides.
Step 3: Assembling the shed frame
Fit the side wall frames to the floor of the shed. Align the edges flush and plumb the wall vertically. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them to the floor.
Next, attach the front and back wall frames to the shed floor. Align the edges flush and make sure the walls are plumb. 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.
In addition, 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. 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.
In my opinion, this small shed makes for the perfect construction for your backyard, if you want a cute storage area for your garden tools. The double doors with windows add character to the shed and provides a large opening so you have access with large objects.
If you want a slightly smaller shed, you should check out the free plans for this 4×8 shed.
Last but not least, see how to frame the roof for this 4×12 storage shed, in PART 2 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.
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