This step by step woodworking project is about free 5×8 outdoor shed plans. I have come up with this shed design so you can create storage room for your garden tools and other items. This 5×8 shed is large enough for you to shelter tools, a lawn mower and other small items any homeowner needs around the house. 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.
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
5×8 Lean to Shed Plans Free – PDF Download
Building a 5×8 shed
Materials
- A – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 96″long, 7 pieces – 57″ long FLOOR
- B – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96″ long SKIDS
- C – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 1 piece – 12″x96″ long FLOORING
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 1 piece – 89″ long, 9 pieces – 75 1/2″ long BACK WALL
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12″ long, 1 piece – 89″ long, 1 piece – 96″ long, 6 pieces – 75 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 70″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 75″ long FRONT WALL
- F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 53″ long, 4 pieces – 75 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 60″ long 2xSIDE WALL
- G – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 7 pieces – 11 1/4″ long TOP WALL FRAME
- 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
- 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
- 40 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 8d nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
- joist hanger
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
 Time
- 1 week
How to build a 5×8 lean to shed
Floor frame – 5×8 shed
The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the 5×8 lean to shed. Cut the joists at the right dimensions from 2×6 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the long joists and then drill pilot holes. Insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Make sure the corners are square. Place the joists every 16″ on center. Measure the diagonals and check if they are equal.
Fitting the skids
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.
Floor sheets
Fit 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.
Front wall frame
The next step of the project is to build the front wall frame for the 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. Use 2×6 lumber for the double header. Sandwich a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the headers. You can adjust the size of the opening to suit your needs. In my design, the opening is 6 ft open.
Side wall frames
Build the side wall frames from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place double studs to both ends of the walls and make sure the corners are square. Place the studs every 16″ on center.
Back wall frame
Build the back wall for the shed in the same manner described above. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Notice the double studs placed at both ends of the wall frame. Fit pieces of 1/2″ plywood between the double studs.
Assembling the frame for the 5×8 lean to shed
Fit 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.
Top back wall frame
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.
Fitting the top back wall frame
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.
5×8 Lean to Shed – HowToSpecialist
5×8 Lean to Shed – front view
5×8 Lean to Shed – back view
If you want to build the lean to roof for this 5×8 storage shed, you should check out PART 2 of the project. I will also show you how to build the double door. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.
5×8 Lean to shed plans – dimensions
DIY 5×8 lean to shed
If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
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