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Building a Wood Shed - Part 2

Project Overview

A shed is basically a small house with stud walls, windows, doors, and a roof. Shed kits are for do-it-yourselfers who want a shed without the hassle of building a house. The parts come pre-cut and ready to nail. Wood sheds include neither the floor, roofing, nor paint – allowing you to choose a wood or concrete base and shingles that match the paint scheme you choose. Kits vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and model to model. This one starts with the construction of the rear wall. Follow the directions that come with your kit.

Put the rear wall in place
Nail paneling to the floor framing
Attach the roof trim
Nail a truss in place
Nail the panel to the trusses
Nail the upper panel in place

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Step 1

Raise the first sidewall

Have a couple of helpers put the wall in place on the floor so the paneling overhangs the framing. Nail through the paneling into the framing. Support the wall while the helpers toenail through the studs and into the floor framing. Install the second sidewall the way you installed the first one: Put the wall in place, nail through the siding, and then toenail through the studs.

Step 2

Raise the front wall

Put the front wall in place with the paneling overhanging the floor framing. Nail through the wall into the top plate of the sidewalls. Nail or screw through the bottom of the wall into the floor framing as directed. Once the wall is firmly attached, toenail through the braces into the floor framing. Now that the front walls are in place, remove the braces that hold the doors shut by unscrewing the screws that hold the braces in place.

Step 3

Lay out the truss pieces

Put the pieces for one of the trusses on the floor of the shed. In this kit, half of each truss is preassembled. Put the black ends against the wall and the red ones against each other in the centre of the shed.

Step 4

Apply construction adhesive

Slip a section of newspaper under the centre seam to protect the floor. Put the gusset temporarily in place and trace around it. Apply construction adhesive to the mating ends of the trusses and to the surface to be covered by the gusset. Put the gusset in place, pushing it into the adhesive. Nail according to the pattern the manufacturer recommends.

Step 5

Turn the assembly over

Hold on to the peak of the truss while a helper holds on to the lower section. Turn the gusset over. Put a section of newspaper under the peak to catch any construction adhesive that squeezes out. Attach a gusset to this side of the truss the same way you attached one to the other side. Clean up any construction adhesive on the floor with paint thinner – it will be nearly impossible to remove once it dries. Assemble the remaining trusses.

Step 6

Put the rear wall in place

Have helpers put the rear wall in place. Make sure the siding overlaps the floor framing as well as the sidewalls. Drive nails through the siding of the back wall into the top plates in the sidewall.

Step 7

Nail paneling to the floor framing

Working from the outside, drive nails through the siding into the floor framing. Working from the inside, toenail the vertical braces to the floor.

Step 8

Attach the roof trim

Clamp the roof trim in place, aligning it per the manufacturer's directions. Drive screws from the inside to hold it in place or attach as directed. Put the corner trim on the corner, butting it against the bottom of the roof trim. Nail through the trim into the paneling. Repeat for the remaining corners.

Step 9

Nail a truss in place

Have helpers hold a truss in place. Toenail through each end of the truss into the top plate. Repeat to attach the remaining trusses. Put a lower roof panel in place and nail the corners of one end to the sidewall. Align the other end of the panel with the other end of the shed, pushing against the wall, if necessary, to pull it into alignment. When the panel and wall are properly in place, nail the corners.

Step 10

Nail the panel to the trusses

Measure to make sure the first truss is the correct distance from the wall and parallel to it. Drive a nail through the top of the panel into the truss. Repeat on the remaining trusses. When you're finished, install the lower panel on the other side of the shed.

Step 11

Nail the upper panel in place

Put the upper panel in place and nail down two corners. Rack the panel the panel as needed to align the other end properly, and then nail those corners in place. Nail the top edge to the trusses, making sure they are spaced properly. Repeat on the other side of the shed. Once all the panels are properly in place and nailed along the edges, drive nails every 8 inches into the trusses or trim beneath the panels.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 8 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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