Small Cedar Fence Picket Storage Shed
April 1, 2012 |
43 Comments
posted by Ana White
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Build a cedar shed! Free easy plans anyone can use to build their own shed for under $260!
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About Project
Author Notes:
When I first started building projects, I didn't care if I worked in the gravel driveway on a cold day. I didn't care if I had a little spot behind the boat, on the floor in the garage to work. I was so crazy about building, I found a way around anything to work on a project.
But over the years, slowly, tool by tool, I've been working up to a dedicated work space. And boy is it nice.
It's kind of like having a sewing table. Or a potting bench for gardening. Or even a dedicated spot to make coffee in your kitchen. When you do something on a regular basis, it sure makes life easier to have a dedicated work station for it!
So when my friend Gina from Lady Goats wrote me saying, Help, Ana, I'm building in the rocks and dirt! I had to work with her to come up with a solution.
I hope this solution we came up with works for many of you too!
Gina sent me a link to a cedar shed with a retail price of $1600. Okay, that's more than the tools inside!
She wanted to use cedar, and I thought, what cheaper solution than cedar fence pickets for siding? At a couple of bucks each, Gina was able to make this shed for $255! And it's cedar!
Gina is going to add a few fun things to the inside - like a mitersaw cabinet and some door shelves, so stay tuned as we turn this shed into a workshop!
And here's a few notes from Gina:
- I found it saved about $15-$20 to use this set of hinges & latch, instead of buying them individually. You'll end up with two extra latches, but I'm sure they'll come in handy elsewhere!
- Every minute I spent on this was timed, and the entire build took almost 8 1/2 hours (including roofing, excluding finishing). So this could definitely be a weekend project! - All of the components, unassembled, take up about 12" of space! Maybe this info will come in handy for some of you! I would have definitely pre-built everything and assembled it after I got my HOA's approval if I'd have known!
- This was my first roofing project, and this product made it SO EASY. They have videos on their website that explain everything. - The paneled doors were kind of tough to get tight. Use a pipe clamp! If you don't have one, nail one corner of an end board and squeeze the boards together while someone else nails all of 'em.
- The roof allows you to put the shed about 8" away from a structure (meaning there's an 8" gap between the shed and other structure). If you want to lessen that gap, you'll have to resize the roof.
For lots more photos and tips, please check out Gina's blog post here.
Dimensions
Dimensions:
Dimensions:
Dimensions are shown above. Materials and Tools
Shopping List:
18 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
44 – 5 1/2" wide cedar fence pickets
1 – 2x4 @ 8 feet or stud length
4 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long
8 – 1x4 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1/2" roofing plywood panel, full 4x8 sheet
30 square feet of roofing shingles
Roofing nails or glue
Heavy duty gate hinges
Handles
Lock or Catch
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
hammer
safety glasses
hearing protection
drill
circular saw
nailer
sander
level
countersink drill bit
Cut List
Cut List:
BACK WALL
2 – 2x2 @ 66 1/2"
5 – 2x2 @ 77”
16 – 5 1/2" wide x 1/2" thick fence pickets 66 1/2"
long
SIDE WALLS
2 – 2x2 @ 35 1/2"
2 – 2x2 @ 77 1/2" (longest point, top end cut at 15
degrees off square)
2 – 2x2 @ 72 5/8" (longest point, top end cut at 15
degrees off square)
2 – 2x2 @ 67 1/2" (shortest point, top end cut at
15 degrees off square)
2 – 2x2 @ 36 7/8” (long point to short point, both
ends cut at 15 degrees off square, parallel to each
other)
32 – 5 1/2" wide x 1/2" thick fence pickets 35 1/2"
long
2 – 1x3 @ 80 1/2"
2 – 1x3 @ 70 1/4" (short point measurement, top
edge beveled at 15 degrees off square)
FRONT HEADER
1 – 2x4 @ 66 1/2"
ROOF
2 – 1x4 @ 83”
2 – 1x4 @ 46 1/2"
5 – 2x2 @ 46 1/2"
1 – 1/2” thick roofing plywood @ 83” x 48”
DOORS*
4 – 1x4 @ 60”
4 – 1x4 @ 33”
2 – 1x4 @ 26”
12 – 5 1/2" wide x 1/2” thick fence pickets @ 67”
*You may wish to build doors slightly shorter to enable easier opening and closing - recommended to build doors to fit finished opening.
General Instructions
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Step 1
Frame you your back walls. You can use the Kreg Jig or 2 1/2" screws here.
Step 2
Starting at the bottom and working upward, attach the cedar fence pickets, overlapping 1/2" as you go up. Screw or nail and glue on.
Step 3
Frame side walls as shown in diagram as you did the back wall. You will need two side walls.
Step 4
And add the cedar siding to back wall as shown in diagram. Do not forget that the sides need to be done in mirror!
Step 5
Trim out side walls as show above, flush to inside.
Step 6
Once your side walls are complete, you can attach back walls. Use 2 1/2" screws or brackets for easy disassembly.
Step 7
Add header to front of shed. Take a minute here to make sure your project is square. The door area especially needs to be square.
Step 8
Frame up roof as shown above.
Step 9
And attach roof to top of storage shed.
Step 10
Add plywood and roofing to top of shed.
Step 11
Frame doors up with pocket holes. Build doors to fit your openings. I like to leave 1/8" gaps.
Step 12
Attach cedar fence pickets to back of doors.
Step 13
And then install doors to shed.
Step 14
I love how Gina added the stop block to keep doors closed. Isn't this shed beautiful!
Step 15
Don't forget the pretty hardware!
Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions:
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
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Very nice.
Very nice.
clips
Love It!
I love this shed! Unfortunately for me I don't have a space around my house to put this...do you have any plans coming for a larger shed I could build for my yard??? :-)
posted by Foleygirls | on Mon, 2012-04-02 08:25
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I would advise to put some
I would advise to put some kind of liner underneath the shingles, especially if youve got powertools stored in the shed. Doesnt need to be tar necessarily but at least some thick plastic. Also handnail the shingles - much less risk of have nailpops/holes and thus leaks.
posted by emmarosemc | on Mon, 2012-04-02 10:01
clips
Great input!
I had some looong conversations with the people in the roofing departments in both Lowe's and Home Depot (made sure to talk to a lot of people, because it's hard to get accurate advice from one person that may or may not have done a roof!), and they all mentioned that the type of shingles I used, with the OSB, in my climate wouldn't require the use of another underlayment. So everyone'll definitely benefit from looking into how roofs in your area are done!
Gina - Lady Goats DIY Blogger (when I'm not procrastinating) http://www.ladygoats.com
posted by Lady Goats | on Mon, 2012-04-02 13:30
I've been praying you'd post
I've been praying you'd post some kind of plans like this...my evil genius idea to renovate them??? CHICKEN COOP! Thanks Ana!
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Jessica, what a great idea!
Jessica, what a great idea! You could just add a little chicken door out the back and a run and have a coop! With the large double doors, cleaning inside would be a piece of cake! I am working on some chicken coop plans, but it could be a bit to build and test and post. Thank you so much for being patient with me!
I don't have chickens, but have 5 cats need summer run
Anna, don't have chickens as of now but l have 5 cats, my daughter renting front half of our duplex has 6 cats. Last fall bought 2 - 10 x 10 x 6 ft high dog kennel's for my 18 yr old sheperd to run free in no chain. Just wondering if you have any plans for our cats who needs exercise and my de clawed cat who catn't run loose. A runner put in maybe a few ramps, hollow tubes an area safe for them to run get sunlight have fun in the nice weather. Just not sure what type of wire or mesh to put around 4 sides won't get claws caught in. If you have any diagrams plans etc please email them to me thanks jim
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Wonderful JOB!
What a Wonderful Building! What an affordable storage option that will last a long time. Great Job and Thank you for the POST! Maybe this will be a summer project. ;')
posted by Legomamaof4 | on Mon, 2012-04-02 10:45
I have been looking for some3thing like this!
I have been looking for something like this to build and put on my back deck for a potting shed. I am always doing stuff in the yard and i always have to either go up front to the garage or way in the back to the shed for my yard tools. Since most of my flower beds and potted plants are on or around my deck this would be perfect to keep all my little yard tools in and handy. THANK YOU!
Just in time!!!! It's a perfect project!
Seriously. You always seem to time things perfectly for your readers' needs! Was hoping that you'd one day post more outdoor projects such as this shed. I love it! Maybe we'll be seeing outdoor kitchen islands, a outdoor washing station (especially for gardeners' veggies, convertible outdoor swing (bed/swing), different type of sheds in the near future?....a girl can only wish! THANK THANK YOU for everything that you do! You are one amazing person, Ana!!!
Just in time!!!! It's a perfect project!
Seriously. You always seem to time things perfectly for your readers' needs! Was hoping that you'd one day post more outdoor projects such as this shed. I love it! Maybe we'll be seeing outdoor kitchen islands, a outdoor washing station (especially for gardeners' veggies, convertible outdoor swing (bed/swing), different type of sheds in the near future?....a girl can only wish! THANK THANK YOU for everything that you do! You are one amazing person, Ana!!!
making a little cheaper yet...
If you think you have no intentions of moving...screw a header board to the outside wall of building at top and bottom. Then fix 2 x 4 on the sides, vertically. Now you can attach your side and roof, and save the money by not making a finished back!
Oh my golly! This is perfect!
It's like you read my mind, Ana and Gina! I was just standing outside my house yesterday afternoon trying to brainstorm some attractive but inexpensive storage. I cannot believe you posted this at exactly the right time! Thank you - it looks great!
What to put it on?
I don't have a patio and I'm guessing this probably shouldn't go directly on the grass. Do you know what I need to do to prep the ground it will sit on?
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The easiest way to do a floor
The easiest way to do a floor would be concrete pier blocks, a wood framed floor probably could get away with 2x4 joists depending on your load requirements. Foundation types vary greatly by region and soil type, so ask locally for advice. I am working on a chicken coop that will have a floor and is very similar to this design in the next bit. Thank you everyone for the comments and feedback and pins! Much appreciated!
Perfect Shed
I've been looking for plans for a shed like this. And the timing couldn't be better. This is getting bumped to spot number 2 on my to-do list. This website has been so incredibly useful to me. I'm so glad I found it.
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awesome
It turned out SO great. I love the look of natural woods outside. It really has helped warm up my little enclosure of cinderblock walls! This will be such an awesome spot. I LOVE the price savings as well.
posted by redhead_61 | on Mon, 2012-04-02 18:04
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Are you kidding?!?
I was just searching Google for some ideas for an outside trash/recycling shed, and I thought, "Why don't I check Ana's site?" I don't recall you having a shed, but I thought I would give it a try. Well, how do you do!!! The first item that pops in my face is the shed! Thank you Lady Goats! I'm off to print out the directions and then see how I can modify specifically for my needs. Will post pics when I'm done. :)
posted by debandtom25 | on Mon, 2012-04-02 19:20
Exactly what I needed too!
Its perfect, all the basics of putting it together, now, just need to slightly modify it to fit under my window and my garbage bins. Thanks Ana!!
Shed floor
So you have any information on how you did the paver floor?
Chicken's on my mind
I went looking at this shed wondering if it would be big enough for my home flock like many other readers! I've sadly discovered that the majority of the plans online are for smaller coops. I do hope the coop you are putting together is a bit larger Ana! I can't wait to see it!
clips
Did you find my tablet?
I have a tablet of drawings of things we have thought of building with measurements and all (b/c I don't get Sketch Up, yet). This looks almost exactly like one that I was dreaming about but had yet to finalize. I have some fence panels waiting to be repurposed......I wonder if I'll get a garage this year or if I'll end up still needing to make this! Nicely done!
Erin
North Dakota Mom building my home better.
Pool Shed!
I am saving this project build for next summer....pool should be going in/up by then and this would make a PERFECT pool shed to keep all that stuff from cluttering up the garage and in reach! ~Misty K
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pdf version
Ana, I would like to download the pdf version of this and the link seemed not to work. Any ideas? Thanks
posted by taylorgdaddy | on Sat, 2012-05-19 07:32
Well, I'm not Ana, but
You can save it as a PDF from the print function. 1. At the bottom of the plan, click on "Printer-Friendly Version" 2. New window will load the plan. Now right click and choose "Print" from the menu. 3. You should see your printer model listed. Click it and a drop down menu appears. 4. Select "Save as PDF". 5. Print away.
cedar shed plan
Gina, Thank you so much for this plan. I've drawn a plan for my potting shed which is very similar but, needed help with how to attach the roof.
Expanding the width?
I don't have a place to keep lumber, so I'd like to have a shed very much like this except wide enough to keep some 8' lumber and full sheets of plywood between projects. Any thoughts on how the design would need to be beefed up if it's being made about 50% wider? Thanks!
I'm trying to figure out a
I'm trying to figure out a similar problem. I believe to make it wider, you would use 8' treated pine pickets. I don't believe the cedar comes in 8' length. After cutting off the dog-ear, you will be 3" or so short, but you should be able to stack them on an angle.
How to build a shed
Sheds are confined storage areas found in the backyards of houses, schools, piers etc. Sheds are usually built with wood, but other materials may be used for construction depending on the purpose the shed will serve and the type of shed you want to build. Be sure to find the correct design and plans for your project before you begin. Required Materials * waterproof plywood or lumber * metal frames and sheets * molded plastic * metal frames * adhesives Required Tools * sledge hammer * nails * tape measure * pencil * protective glasses * drill * shovel * wheelbarrow Instructions to Build the Shed 1. Size and Placement – The purpose of your shed has a direct impact on its size by helping you to determine how much storage space you require. With this knowledge, you can decide where you want to place the shed. Make sure that there are no problems relating to the stagnation of water during rainy seasons. 2. Foundations – The most popular materials for building the foundation of a storage shed are wooden skids or concrete. It is cheaper to construct the foundation with wooden skids, which also makes it easy to transport the shed from one place to another. It is important to build the shed slightly above the ground to prevent water damage. 3. Walls and Roof – Start building the walls by putting together the raw frames. These frames are best made with good quality waterproofed wood. You can use pressed plywood, aluminum or PVC-grade material for the walls – all based on your requirements. If you want a window in your shed, plan it in advance and make the frame accordingly. Make frames or rafters for the roof, using the first rafter as a model for the rest. 4. Framing and Installing Shingles – It is important to install the door on the frame of the front wall before putting up the wall itself. Attach the hinges for the door to the door frame and then to the grooves on the door. Put the locks up and ensure everything fits properly. Once the door is attached to the wall frame, the wall is ready to go up. You can then proceed to attach the shingles to the roof. Tips and Warnings * If you intend to use the shed for a long time, be sure to use good quality materials and insect repellant sprays. * Wear safety glasses and a mask at all times while working. * Be sure to fix at least one bright light inside the shed and one lamp outside it.
posted by Build a Shed (not verified) | on Wed, 2012-06-27 00:38
Cedar pickets
I can't find the cedar pickets at lowes or home depot? Any ideas? Where did you buy yours?
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Cedar Pickets
Hi Kaya! I bought these from Lowe's. Hope this helps!
Gina - Lady Goats DIY Blogger (when I'm not procrastinating) http://www.ladygoats.com
posted by Lady Goats | on Mon, 2012-07-09 13:10
Cedar Pickets
Kaya - you took the question right out of my mouth lol. Need to know where to find them too. Would like to start building next weekend.
Cedar Pickets
Kaya - you took the question right out of my mouth lol. Need to know where to find them too. Would like to start building next weekend.
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Cedar pickets
Hi Jeannette! I bought these from Lowe's. xoxo
Gina - Lady Goats DIY Blogger (when I'm not procrastinating) http://www.ladygoats.com
posted by Lady Goats | on Mon, 2012-07-09 13:11
Cedar pickets
I am in Canada (Toronto) and can't find cedar pickets anywhere (not even in pressure treated). They actually look at me like a moron when I ask. What else can I use? Help!
Expanding Depth
Ana or Lady Goats, I'm hoping you can help me. I want to expand the depth of the shed. I'm thinking I can use 8' pine treated pickets (I'd love to use cedar but can't find them that long). Any thoughts of what this would do to the roof? If I keep the front and back height the same, or would that make the slope too low to drain properly? If I raise the slope I would need longer 2x4s, right?
hanks for this great article,
Thanks for this great article, I like DIY jobs very much and I always like to do every think by myself at home. But after every DIY there remains a big amount of trash, That is why I always call Junk Removal La Verne to get me rid of it.
Thanks for this useful
Thanks for this useful article, I would also like to make a storage shed like that. I recently bought some rig mats and I would like to make it from them.
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Finishing
When you said 8 hours excluding finishing, how are you finishing it? I am terrible at knowing what to do when I am finished building a project.
posted by mamalecia11 | on Tue, 2013-05-14 16:01
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Finishing
Hi mamalecia11! I used a large, cheap brush to brush on an exterior stain (cabot stain - I don't remember the color!). You could paint or stain it, but make sure you use exterior grade paints/stains. Good luck!
Gina - Lady Goats DIY Blogger (when I'm not procrastinating) http://www.ladygoats.com
posted by Lady Goats | on Tue, 2013-05-21 15:36
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Thank you so much!!
I am almost finished with the shed and I am loving it!! So is my husband-hahaha!!
posted by mamalecia11 | on Tue, 2013-05-21 20:51
Small Cedar storage shed
I really like this project and a friend has asked me to build one for her. Do you have any more actual pictures of the building process? The drawings are nice, but having some actual pictures would be very helpful too. Thanks. Really like finding your website and all the projects and ideas. Paul
posted by Paul Steele | on Tue, 2013-05-21 11:16
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Building Process
Hi Paul! I do not have any more pictures of the building process, but you could look through the brag posts to see if anyone else has posted any? If there's anything in particular that you need help with, I'd be more than willing to help..!
Gina - Lady Goats DIY Blogger (when I'm not procrastinating) http://www.ladygoats.com
posted by Lady Goats | on Tue, 2013-05-21 15:42
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