How to build a tool shed

This step by step article is about how to build a tool shed. If you like to make home repairs and to build different things in the weekends, you must have lots of tools. If the garage is not large enough to store them properly, or you need more space for them, then you should consider building a lean-to tool shed. In this article, we show you show to design the tool as to fit your needs, as well as how to assemble the frame and choose the right materials. After you get the job done, you could lay the shed on a concrete slab or on top of several concrete piers.

There are many designs and shapes you could choose from, therefore you should select the plans that fit your needs and tastes perfectly. If you don’t find the right project for your needs, you could adjust the size of the tools shed, as to store all your tools. We recommend you to measure the size of your tools that you needs to store, before deciding teh shape and dimensions of your small storage shed.

Select the lumber with great care, if you want to build a durable shed. Nevertheless, we all know that most of the lumber pieces are not perfectly straight. Moreover, the most common issue is the so-called “bowing”. In case you have to build with bowed lumber, we recommend to install them with the crown upward-oriented. In this manner, the weight of the construction might mild the joists issue, over the years.

Made from this plan

In order to build a lean-to tool shed, you need the following:

Materials

2×4 lumber – FRAME
2×4′ 7/16” OSB or plywood – FLOORING
1×6 tongue and groove slats – ROOFING
1×4 lumber – TRIMS
3” screws – DECKING SCREWS
hinges, latch

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jig saw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits
Router and 1/4 bit

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Countersink the head of the screws
Don’t use lumber that is likely to crack or shrink
Don’t over-tighten the screws to prevent the wood from splitting

Time

One weekend

Building a diy tool shed

Building a tool shed

If you are an amateur handyman and you have acquired many tools over the years, but you don’t a place to store them properly, then a small lean-to shed is what you need. On one hand, you could buy a kit from your local diy store, while on the other hand you could build it by yourself, as it is a lot easier than you might imagine.

Building the frame of the base

First of all, you need to build the frame of the floor. Therefore, you should use 2×4 pressure-treated lumber, as the slats are rigid enough for building the base and the frame of the small shed. Measure the diagonals of the rectangle, making sure they are equal and the corners are right-angled.

Drill pilot holes in the rim joists, at least 1/2” from the edges, before inserting the 3” wood screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting.

Installing the flooring

Afterwards, attach the plywood flooring the the frame, as in the image. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to use thick plywood or OSB, such as 1/2” plywood. Cut the plywood with a sharp blade with downward oriented teeth.

Building the frame of the tool shed

Next, you have to build the frame of the walls and to install them into place. The easiest method to get the job done quickly and accurately is to assemble the frames on the ground, on a level surface, before fitting them into place with 3” screws.

Use a spirit level to plumb the wall frames, before locking them onto the flooring. Cut the top of the studs at 15º, to obtain a proper slope for the roof.

Installing the roof rafters

Continue the woodworking project, by installing the roof rafters of the tool shed, as well as the supports for the shelves. In order to obtain a professional result, we recommend you to cut both ends of the rafters at 15º, as you could see in the image.

Drill pilot holes in the components, at angle, before driving in the 3” screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting. Align the components, making sure they are equally spaced and secured properly.

Attaching the exterior siding

After building the frame of the tool shed, you have to attach the 5/8” grooved siding and lock it into place with 1 1/4” nails. Work with great attention and good judgement, if you want to obtain a professional result.

Building the doors of the tool shed

Building the doors of the tool shed is the most exiting part of the project, as you have the opportunity to create something unique with your own hands. As you can easily see in the plans, first you have to attach the trims to the front of the diy shed.

Build the door from 5/8” siding and using 1×3 trims. Attach the trims to the siding and lock them into place with 1 1/4 nails. Make sure the doors fit into place, before installing the hinges.

Installing the top of the shed

The next step of this diy project is to build the roof of the lean-to tool shed. The quickest method to get the job done is to use 1×4 or 1×6 tongue and groove slats. Work with great care, making sure the wooden boards are aligned properly, at both hands.

How to build a tool shed

After you have assembled the storage shed, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the gaps with wood putty, let it to dry out properly and sand the wooden surface with medium-grit sandpaper.

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

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