Source:3dshedplans.com

Building a 12×16 Gable Shed from Scratch

Gable sheds are very popular and useful. It can be used as a storage for your tool, mower, and all things you do not have a place for, a workshop, garage, children’s favorite place, or even as a guesthouse! This way the guests will be comfortable as well, and your privacy will not be violated. It is possible to make it by your idea, which will take more time then you expected, or you can order a manual with all necessary information about the size of the shed, material you are going to need, and the size of every part required for the construction. Construction is simple and fast and you do not have to be a master of special skills to assemble it.

Before you start constructing, choose a shed of appropriate dimensions. If you have in plan to place it in your back yard, do the measurement to be sure it will fit. Do not worry if the shed you planned does not fit, with this plan we are sure you will be satisfied. Now when you have it, you can start with your work.

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The first thing you should do is check if the land is appropriate for construction. By this we mean there are no landslides, there is no possibility of flooding, the soil is firm and can withstand the weight, and so on. Another important thing to do is to check with local authorities if it is allowed to construct the helping object of wanted size, or it demands certain permits.

Now when you know what kind of shed you exactly want, it is time to go for shopping. Make the shopping list with all material you are going to need for the floor, walls, door and window, roof shape, nails, and tools you are going to need.

The first step in constructing an object is a foundation. Having in mind it is a base of a shed, it has to be strong and capable to stand the weight pressure. We all know that concrete is strong, but wood is also solid and from an ecological point of view better solution, both for the environment and for health. Another advantage is the wood is warmer material. Unlike concrete, the wood as a foundation is faster to set up, you don’t have to wait a couple of days for it to dry. Clean the surface planned for placing the shed from the grass and start with constructing the frame of the foundation first. Keep in mind it has to be firm and strong enough to support the whole object. After you finish with the frame, the next step is flooring.

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After foundation and flooring, erecting walls is the next step. Start with the front and the back-wall frame first, after which it is necessary to fasten the interior with wedges. After setting the front and the back wall, it is time for sidewalls. This should be easy, especially because you already have two walls, and on one of two remains, there is a window. It is your personal decision on what side of the shed you will set the window. When we talk about walls, always start with the frame. The lumber has to be cut according to specifications and try to be as precise as possible while doing it. After erecting the walls, the support can be removed. Having in mind this material is heavy, it is recommendable to lift the wall with the support of friends. Doors and windows come at the end. No matter if you want wooden or PVC joinery, rolling garage doors, or simply the wooden, it will perfectly fit. To better and natural appearance, the recommendation is always wooden.

The next step is the roof and after that, your shed is roughly finished. This is the part which will take the most time to be done. The reason for this is that several rafters have to be made according to the specification. This means that timber for the roof construction has to be carefully measured to fit perfectly to the rest of the shed. After gussets are added, adding shingles can start. use OSB sheathing to prepare the roof for shingles. Any kind of shingles can be set, but our choice is asphalted. Be careful during positioning the shingles and pay attention on the manufacturer’s instructions.

The reason why we recommend asphalt shingles because asphalt is an extremely durable material and shingles are easy to replace after years and years of usage. Its lifespan is approximately 15 years, and OSB sheathing is compatible with it. After we finished it, trims have to be installed to the roof to protect it from water leaking. For the final touch, fascia boards and soffits have to be installed.

What is the positive side of building a shed?

  1. It is cheap – if you ask an architect to make a project for you, it will cost you like the material for the whole shed or even more! This way, when you have a plan with the list and measures of all needed material, it is completely reliable and easy.
  2. Your shed will be finished in a week or less.
  3. Instructions are very easy to understand
  4. The material used for the construction is environmentally friendly and will perfectly fit in every yard
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Your shed is roughly finished, it is naked in appearance. Now leave everything to your imagination. Imagine that you are a painter and that the interior of the shed is a clean canvas. Find the right color for your shed to look better, but also to protect the wood from insects and wood drying which can cause damages and ruin the overall look of this beautiful handmade construction. Think about installing the electricity in it, especially if you have in mind a workshop. Anyway, you are going to need it, at least for the light. If you want to partition one part and make an extra room, this is also possible with the help of plasterboard.