Storage Shed Design

     This project is a Storage Shed design that I built for my Mom in Spring 2010.  This is a 16' x 16' shed that took three weeks to complete.  The material cost for this shed was $2,800.  You will be able to see by the photos that for the investment, this shed is a good size and well built.  I have a 11' x 15' that came with my property fifteen years ago and at that time the cost of that shed was $8,000.  Take a look at the sheds you see displayed at Garden Centers; like most construction, they are made with the minimal materials possible.  Not only will you get the learning experience in building your own shed, but it will be of quality construction which you can turn into more than just a shed in the future.
      The initial step in building your shed is to get your measurements.  Place your stakes and use string to keep your dimensions straight.  From personal experience, it is best to cement the posts in the ground.  If you use blocks to place your frame, in time the building will start to shift and sink.  You will then have to level the shed in an ongoing bases.  All the lumber that I used was treated.  I used 4"x4" posts for the foundation.  Also, since this is all treated lumber it is best to not use posts longer than 10' otherwise they have a tendency of warping.  This is a minor inconvenience considering the longer benefits of it being treated.  In general, I do 4' spacing between posts. Something to consider also, is reducing your measurement by 2" all the way around. This is so you have some lead way in case you have to make any adjustments.
     I will be providing a materials list at the bottom of this page so
you can get a better idea of what you will need and it's cost.  I used galvanized nails, bolts and Joist Hangers every chance I had.  In the center area of the platform, you do not need to use posts.  I used 2"x6" boards cemented into the ground.  Make your hole one foot deep, measure your board level to the frame and allow for 1" off the ground. Secure your boards to the frame and as you pour the cement, it will move underneath your board creating your cemented board posts.  This cuts down costs and the foundation is as solid as can be with no warping or sinking. 

     To keep the frame in place, use three 10" bolts for each side.  The frame is not only nailed down but also secured with 6" screw bolts every two feet.  Keep in mind to measure the distance of your frame boards 2' to center so when you put up your siding, you will have a place to secure them. Whether or not you decide to insulate, I do recommend you line the frame with 30 grade roofing paper.  This will keep air or bugs coming in through any crevasses.

     There are different ways to frame your roof.  I prefer using a board from one end to the other and building on to that.  For the size of this shed I used 2"x4"x16' instead of 2"x6"x16'.  I recommend you secure a board from the floor to the cross board on top and keep it in place until you have installed the 1/2" plywood on the roof.  I gave this roof pitch of two feet.  If you will notice, I secured the cross boards from the bottom to the top.  Though this photo only shows a few boards, I used them every two feet.  
      
     Once you install the siding, start framing the remainder of the roof. If you decide to build an overhang, keep in mind how long and wide it will be.  In this case the overhang was 6' in length and 10' in width, adding a porch cover.  I used 10' and 16' length boards for the roof.   
The support posts are 2"x4"x12' and I cut off the access height.  Though the siding was primed from the factory, I still added another coat before painting.  Because of the type of sandy soil in South Texas, erosion can be a problem.  For this reason, I cemented all posts and in addition I poured a 2"x4" cement border all around the structure.  This will cut down erosion dramatically and being out in the country, it will keep any critters from nesting underneath causing damage.  

     The door opening is 5' wide by 8' tall, this allows more then enough room for riding lawn mowers to ride into it.  All you need is a portable ramp which you will only need when storing the mowers.  You can also view the inside with shelves installed.  I also, installed a 3'x3' window and ventilation screen at the bottom of the frame north and south.  Because of excessive wind in this area I used 1 1/2" roofing nails instead of staples and applied additional roofing tar under all the shingles.  Many houses have switched to metal roofing because of wind damage however this additional measures will keep the shingles in place.    

     The railing was a nice touch, giving it that home look.  This storage shed design is very basic and it will give you some ideas that you can incorporate.  As they say that a picture tell a thousand words..  For those that have not taken on the challenge of building this size of structure, at least this gives you a closer look as to what it will look like.  Though the color scheme would not have been my choice, it dose blend in with the country look.  I will provide a finished painted photo in the near future and a materials list is available at the bottom of the page.  Have fun with your project!