Build your own cedar shed to store lawn mowers, tools, trash cans, or just extra things. We love that it's like an outdoor closet.
This cedar shed plan uses fence pickets - so it's much less expensive. The simple design can be built by most anyone. Step by step plans with diagrams and shopping and cut list from Ana-White.com
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!
How much does this cedar shed cost to build?
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 miter saw 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.
Cedar Storage Shed Plans
This shed plan can be built in panels first and then assembled on site -
The free step-by-step plans follow. Thanks for using our plans.
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Preparation
- 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 – 4x8 sheet of plywood for attaching roofing shingles (check what your shingles manufacturer recommends)
- 30 square feet of roofing shingles
- Roofing nails or glue
- Heavy duty gate hinges, Handles, Lock or Catch
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 – 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.
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!
Instructions
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
Build the side walls and attach cedar fence pickets to the side wall.
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!
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.
Comments
Ryan (not verified)
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 00:43
Very nice.
Very nice.
Foleygirls
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 06:25
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??? :-)
emmarosemc
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 08:01
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.
In reply to I would advise to put some by emmarosemc
Lady Goats
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 11:30
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!
Guest - Jessica (not verified)
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 08:35
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!
Ana White
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 08:39
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!
James Reeves (not verified)
Tue, 04/03/2012 - 22:35
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
redtrek
Sun, 04/11/2021 - 14:15
Chicken Coop Version
I have used these plans as the basis for plans to build a chicken coop that will be 18' x 4' x 6'. I am planning to build a modified shed to match. I'm hoping to have it finished in the next 2-3 weeks. I don't see an option to post photos, though.
Legomamaof4
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 08:45
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. ;')
Jennyw9wkids (not verified)
Mon, 04/02/2012 - 08:50
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!