A shed kit can be very costly compared to constructing your own shed from tool shed plans. Are you searching for a more durable shed which you can customize for your own needs? If you want to build a shed of precisely the size and shape you want then you will need to construct it yourself. Shed kits will limit your choices in wood and style, and are only manufactured in certain standard dimensions. There are shed plans available for constructing sheds which serve any imaginable purpose under the sun and in any shape, style and design you could possibly want.

Best Wood For Shed Making

The materials used in the construction of the shed should be selected carefully. Certain types of wood are better for shed construction compared to others. Special care must be taken when choosing the lumber for constructing the shed. Many times the shed blueprints themselves mention the most preferable types of wood. Woods which are able to withstand harsh weather and attack from insects will ensure that the shed serves you many decades. Such types of lumber will reduce the need for frequent maintenance work on the shed. One of the most usually used woods for shed constructing is cedar. Pine and redwood are also good choices. However, on the downside you will need to spend more for acquiring such kind of fine quality timber. Oak mulberry and walnut can also be used based on their availability in your area.

How To Build your Shed From Scratch

Walls can also be framed separately and then attached into place later on. The next and most important section of the shed to make is the roof. You could purchase pre fabricated roof trusses if you are not very experienced at woodworking. After the ridge beam has been put in place you can begin attaching the rafters to it one by one. While attaching the trusses, check that they are square and firmly secured. Cut out the various joints using a compound miter saw and pay special attention to match the angles with that mentioned in the wood shed blueprints.

Lay the roof underlayment using felt and paper once the main structure is completed followed by the shingles. Insulate the connection between the slanted roof sections to make it water proof and to prevent water from dripping through the joints during heavy rains. Protect the roof from rain and snow by covering it with a layer of weather proof emulsion paint.

You can always customize your shed further based on your requirements after you have finished building the basic structure. You can fix shelves for holding things which should be stored off the ground. If you are building a potting shed then having a some shelves is a must. Shelves can easily take up a lot of space if you fit too many too close, so leave enough space to move items freely. You can also fix special fixtures to the ground for holding specific equipment like lawn movers or other gardening tools. Some custom shed plans come with the details for making such fixtures or else you can get the blueprints for these attachments separately.


Many household amenities like running water, electricity and even cable TV can be easily made available in your shed with some minor modifications to the original design. You can even make sheds with multiple rooms or add a balcony or overhang to the shed. You can give your shed a special touch by make a door which is round or oval in shape rather than the usual square or rectangular door.