A plant shed gives secure storage to any yard.
A plant shed can be a valuable addition to a garden or back yard and serves a number of functions. It can be used to store tools or protect fertilizers and pesticides from inclement weather. A shed can also serve double duty as a greenhouse during winter freezes, providing shelter to plants that would otherwise perish. Although sheds may be bought fully assembled or assembled from kits, build a custom plant shed to add value to your property while providing storage that meets your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Plan and Budget
1. Measure the section of your yard where you plan to put the shed, keeping budget in mind as you come up with the shed size. A common shed size is 8 feet by 10 feet.
2. Purchase materials for the walls, foundation, roof and a bench. Low-grade lumber is a popular choice for walls because most sheds do not need to be airtight. Concrete block or wood foundations are common and lower-grade asphalt shingles or corrugated metal are best for roofs. According to the Fine Gardening website, a potter's bench is essential to a true plant shed.
3. Obtain any required permits before starting construction. Check on local zoning and setback requirements.
Construction
4. Remove the top layer of dirt and level the site. According to Popular Mechanics, most sheds can be built on foundations of concrete block or treated wood because they are smaller and weigh less than other structures. Treated-wood foundations cost less than block foundations. To build a treated wood foundation, set a concrete block in each corner of the cleared area and then construct a wood frame. Lay the frame on top of the concrete blocks, making sure that it is level. Add plywood decking to the top of the frame to function as the floor of the shed.
5. Lag bolts are used to attach the walls to the foundation.
Frame and build each wall in a workshop or on site, allowing for window, if you plan to add them, and a door. Spread a thin layer of liquid adhesive on the bottom of each of the four walls before positioning them on the foundation. Once in place, attach the walls securely to the foundation using lag bolts. Find another person to help assemble walls because they need to be lifted into place and held steady while you are bolting the walls to the foundation.
6. Use a jig to assemble rafters from regular lumber and nails. A jig is a mold that will help assure that all rafters are identical. Lift the completed rafters into place on top of the walls. If local zoning regulations allow, attach a corrugated metal roof because it costs less than other types of roofs and requires no additional roof decking and minimal support. Screw the metal roof directly to the rafters. For an asphalt shingle roof, attach plywood and roofing felt to the rafters before nailing the shingles to the roof.
7. Add doors and windows with prefabricated items from a home-improvement store or make your own doors and windows. Homemade doors and windows can keep costs down and allow you to customize the shed.
8. Door hardware provides security as well as an attractive touch.
Paint the shed. Add door hardware that allows the shed to be locked and the contents secured.
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