Free Garden Shed Plans

Garden Shed Designs-The Many Options For Your Garden Shed

Terry — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:28:08 +0000

Garden shed designs offer many options to personalize and add a bit of character to what might otherwise be a humdrum addition to your garden or home.

There are many garden shed designs to choose from and some of the most popular include the saltbox shed, the gambrel type shed and the lean to shed.

Obviously the uses to which you intend putting your shed will determine the size of your shed but the actual shed design can involve choices as to what type of roof you intend using, how many windows and doors, whether your shed is out of sight or at the front of your property and so on.

Lean To Shed

The humble lean to shed can be a simple and straightforward shed to build and it can be built quickly at little expense, sometimes from recycled lumber or even pallets. You may only need something to keep your firewood in out of the elements and seasoning or you can built a larger lean to type structure which allows your animals or livestock to shelter from the elements.

Saltbox shed

The saltbox type shed is character laden and derives from the architecture of New England from the mid 1600s.The characteristic feature of the saltbox shed follows the architecture of the American colonial influence which is the roof having unequal length sides-this leaves the saltbox type shed having one side lower than the other and is a throwback to the time of Queen Anne and her policy of taxing houses with in excess of one storey. A way around this was the saltbox design which rendered it exempt from the tax.It is hard to describe the saltbox shed design so I will include a photo of a saltbox shed below so you will see what I mean.

Saltbox Shed

Gambrel Type Shed

The gambrel shed has a symmetrical roof which has two slopes on each side making the roof very tall and ideal for maximizing storage space. It stems from the Dutch colonial settlers introducing the Gambrel style barn into the United States and you will see a photo of the Gambrel style roof below. The upper part of the roof is shallow with the lower part being steeper and is very similar to the Mansard style roof.

Here is a photo of a gambrel type shed so you will see what I mean.

Gambrel shed design

As you can see there are many garden shed designs from which to choose, particularly if you choose to build it yourself. If you do decide to build your own shed then you should have a look at the plans here as they offer many, many choices of shed plans and different woodworking projects.

Cost To Build A Pole Barn

Terry — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:45:19 +0000

How much does it cost to build a pole barn is a common question on the lips of anyone looking for some inexpensive space to store their tractor, dogs, firewood, lawnmower or anything else for that matter.

The cost to build a pole barn will obviously depend on the size and finish of your pole barn and this will depend on what you need to use if for.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Pole Barn

If you take a barn of around 30 feet by 40 feet by 14 feet you will have to part with around $20,000. This will include the likes of site preparation, lumber, concrete floor, around 3 ovehead doors and labor. This figure will not include electrical work but if you are on a budget and can build the pole barn yourself then that size of barn will set you back around $6-8,000 but this will only include materials and lumber.

Site preparation, pouring a concrete floor and labour, wiring etc. will run up your cost considerably.One thing you need to watch out for is the need to get a building permit and many municipalities will not require one if you keep the size under 200 square feet.

If you can build it yourself and shop around for lumber and maybe get some help from friends I have a friend who built a basic enough shed of around 12 feet by 18 feet for less than $2,500 but he did all the work himself and used OSB for the walls with a vinyl siding.

Generally if you are doing the site preparation yourself and sorting out the floor, either concrete or gravel, then expect to pay around $6-10,000 for a 30 x 40 x 10 pole barn.

Cheap Steel Pole Frame Car Garage

You can pick up a 10 x 20 shed from Costco made from tarps on a steel pole frame for around $200 and this might be a good temporary solution before you decide what type of pole barn you need and how much you want to spend.

Pole Barn Plans And Detailed Drawings

Regardless of how big a pole barn or shed you want to build you can really keep the cost of building your barn down by getting a good set of plans with step by step instructions. With the cost of building a nice barn you would be penny wise and pound foolish to ignore the benefits of a good set of plans as they will only be a drop in the ocean in terms of cost and will save you a lot of money in the long run and wasted lumber and time. You can check out one such product here and it gives you a huge range of barn plans,shed plans,woodworking projects and other useful stuff to make for around the home or farm.

How To Build A Pole Barn

Terry — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:50:45 +0000

Many people enquire how to build a pole barn because of the many functions and uses to to which you can put a pole barn.

They are ideal for keeping your tractor, firewood, other agricultural machinery, dogs etc. out of the elements. But the options for building your pole barn are limitless and limited only by your imagination and budget as you can build a pole barn for any purpose from as small as keeping your fire wood dry for the winter to storing your recreational vehicle.

A word of warning though-check the building regulations with your local planning authority as you may need a permit depending on the size and the uses to which you intend putting your barn. If your pole barn is for agricultural purposes rather than residential you will have less trouble obtaining a permit.

Building A Pole Barn

Firstly, make sure to choose a good, level and dry part of your property and mark out where you are going to place the poles. Place your poles around 8 feet apart as building your pole barn in 8 foot sections makes it an easier job and dig your holes at least 4 foot deep.

When you place your pole in the hole make sure it is vertical by checking with a plumb line or spirit level and brace the pole with 2 x 4s. Once you have done this you need to prepare some concrete and pore it into the hole to secure your pole-it will take a few days for the concrete to dry fully but you can get quick drying concrete which is a little more expensive.

Your next step is to fix 2 x 8 or 2 x 6 stringers across the top of your poles and then you need to fix your pre prepared trusses across the stringers. Any lumber yard will have a good range of pre built roof trusses from which to choose depending on your budget.

Make sure to secure your trusses well as well as your stringers which will bear most of the load of the trusses and roof. Using purlins which are 2 x 4 pieces of lumber onto the outer edge of the trusses for better support and stability. Then you put your roofing in place by fixing to the trusses and don’t forget to install a roof cap to provide good ventilation.

Depending on the uses to which you want to put it you may also fix siding on all sides or only some and you can then pour your floor if you need a concrete floor. If you do need siding then you should use some lumber like 2 x 4s as bracing. But you may be happy with just some fine stone which is smoothed with a whacker or other construction tool to ensure that it is nice and level. You may also wish to ensure that you don’t suffer from rising damp and if this is the case you should have put in some damp proof membrane or polythene prior to pouring your floor.

Hopefully this will give you a broad outline of how to build a pole barn-for more detailed instructions and for various pole barn plans you should check out this link.

Rubbermaid Storage Sheds | Rubbermaid Storage Shed Choices

Terry — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:40:32 +0000

Rubbermaid storage sheds offer a huge range of storage solutions for the home owner. Rubbermaid offer Roughneck sheds, vertical sheds, horizontal sheds and big Max sheds.

Roughneck Sheds

Roughneck sheds from Rubbermaid are available in a number of sizes ranging from x-small to x-large and all Roughneck sheds boast a double wall construction and a maintenance free advantage that you won’t find in a traditional wooden shed. The sizes range from 17 cubic feet provided by the x-small to the x-large which offers 325 cubic feet and will accommodate ride on mowers, ladders, snow blowers etc.

The x-large also has reinforced steel door for added security.

Rubbermaid Vertical Sheds

Rubbermaid vertical sheds are easy to assemble and ideal if you are a bit tight for space and range in sizes from 17 cubic feet up to 52 cubic feet of the large vertical shed. The vertical sheds are ideal for long handled tools, trimmers etc. and will suit people with a particular space constraint.

Horizontal Sheds

The Rubbermaid horizontal shed ranges in size from 18 cubic feet to 92 cubic feet and also offer a choice of slide lids or lift and also the split lid is an option.

All Rubbermaid sheds are easy to assemble and have a double wall construction which ensures that they are leak proof and maintenance free. Most also have impact resistant floors and various options for shelving, entry ramps and many other accessories.

Rubbermaid sheds are perfect if you need a fast, functional solution to a storage problem especially if you move to a new house which is a bit tight for space and you have the opportunity to use a bit of the outdoors. You will avoid the hassle of shed plans, bills of materials, sourcing timber and spending a lot of time at weekends trying to bring your dream shed to fruition.

The two main benefits that I particularly like are the ease of assembly and the sturdy and maintenance free nature of the product. Not having to paint, treat or otherwise maintain a timber shed each year can be a real godsend and the variety of shapes and sizes offered by Rubbermaid sheds mean there is generally a storage solution for everyone.

Rubbermaid Big Max Shed | Big Max Ultra | Big Max Jr.

Terry — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:00:45 +0000

The Rubbermaid Big Max shed provides a very convenient solution to your storage problems and comes in 3 different sizes-The Big Max Jr. is 147 cubic feet, Big Max Ultra has a storage capacity of 467 cubic feet and the original of the Big Max range has a capacity of 325 cubic feet.

Big Max Jr

The Big Max Jr measures 6 feet 9 inches wide by 3 feet 3 inches deep and 7 foot 6 inches high. Like all Rubbermaid storage sheds it is maintenance free and you need not worry about painting, rust, corrosion, rot or any other problems normally associated with traditional timber or wooden sheds. It has an impact resistant floor and has a wide, double entry door which is lockable. It is straightforward to assemble and is weather proof.

Big Max Ultra

The Big Max Ultra measures 6 foot 9 inches wide by 10 foot 2 inches deep and 7 foot 6 inches high. It boasts a storage capacity of 467 cubic feet and like the other sheds from Rubbermaid in the Big Max range, it has lockable double doors, is easy to assemble and is maintenance free.

Big Max

This Rubbermaid shed has a capacity of 325 cubic feet and measures 6 foot 9 inches wide, 6 foot 9 inches deep and 7 foot 7.5 inches high. Like other Rubbermaid storage sheds it is maintenance free, easy to assemble and has lockable doors. This shed though has 2 skylights and 2 front windows.

All Big Max sheds are very durable and have impact resistant floors; Rubbermaid also supply a range of accessories for easy installation of shelving, pegboard etc. to accommodate any particular storage needs you might have.

Wooden Storage Sheds v Rubbermaid Storage Sheds

There are certainly pros and cons for both types of shed and the pros in favor of Rubbermaid and Big Max are the ease of assembly, maintenance free nature of the shed, the durability of the Rubbermaid and it’s ability to withstand the elements and not rot or develop mold etc.

The advantages of the wooden shed are that they are certainly more aesthetically pleasing for many people and have a traditional rustic look versus the more manufactured, plastic appearance of a Rubbermaid shed.

So I guess if you want a quick and easy and fast storage solution then the Rubbermaid is the one from a convenience viewpoint; if you like working with your hands and like the appearance and wide variety of options from a more bespoke shed with different roof styles etc. you might prefer the traditional wooden shed.

The Rubbermaid Storage Shed-A Huge Range Of Storage Solutions For Home And Garden

Terry — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:09:41 +0000

The Rubbermaid storage shed is truly a design classic which populates the homes and properties of the United States and indeed worldwide.

The reason for this popularity is due to a number of reasons which include the cost but also the convenience and flexibility that Rubbermaid storage sheds provide.

The reason for this flexibility and convenience has to do with the innovative design of the Rubbermaid storage shed as they come in a huge range of sizes and shapes inclduding horizontal storage sheds with sliding lids, vertical sheds, roughneck sheds, Big Max sheds and a myriad of outdoor storage solutions. But Rubbermaid does not stop there as they provide many types of outdoor living products such as deck boxes, patio benches, mailboxes and plastic products which are environmentally friendly and practical for everyday outdoor living.

Roughneck Sheds

Roughneck sheds from Rubbermaid are ideal for storing your gardening equipment and utensils and depending on the size you choose, you can store anything from lawn mowers to smaller gardening tools and supplies as the Roughneck shed comes in a wide variety of sizes. The great thing about the Rubbermaid storage shed is the fact that they are maintenance free and you do not need to worry about painting, rust or rot. They are easy enough to assemble also and boast a double wall construction which ensures good protection from any rough weather.

Rubbermaid sheds are also lockable and you can get plenty of accessories for shelving and storage including peg board and wall anchors.

Vertical Rubbermaid Storage Sheds

Vertical Rubbermaid storage sheds are very nifty and handy and are really useful for anyone who is a bit tight for space.As well as the other benefits from all Rubbermaid storage sheds such as the maintenance free aspect and the double wall construction, the vertical storage shed from Rubbermaid is ideal for long handled garden implements such as spades, forks, hoes etc.

Rubbermaid Vertical Storage Shed

Horizontal Rubbermaid Storage Sheds

The horizontal storage shed from Rubbermaid comes in a number of sizes including the 18 cubic feet version, 32 cubic feet and 92 cubic feet. These sheds also offer the extra convenience of a choice of slide lids or lift lids and they are also lockable; in fact you can get a split lid horizontal shed which is half split/half lift and with a little imagination you will see that no matter how little space you have available to you, the Rubbermaid horizontal storage shed can do a great job for you.

Big Max Sheds

Big Max sheds from Rubbermaid are another great option and are worthy of consideration separately and we will deal with them elsewhere on the site.

Free Shed Plans-8 X 12 Shed Plan

Terry — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:59:28 +0000

Free shed plans are much sought after as many people wish to give themselves some extra storage space. You can download some free shed plans on this page including a nice free 8 x 12 shed plan which should prove useful for you in building a shed for yourself.

8 x 12 Shed Plan

The free 8 x 12 shed plan has double doors, side and rear windows and a simple gable roof.You can also build a ramp for ease of access and you can use it as a work area of to provide extra storage space for garden equipment, stuff that has built up in the house or whatever other stuff you need to store.

The 8 x 12 shed plan also has a bill of materials that you will need and floor framing plans,rafter design,framing elevations and so on.

Click here to get your Free 8 x 12 shed plan.

10 x 12 Shed Plan

You can check out a free 10 x 12 shed plan here.

Log Cabin Style Mobile Homes-Are They Worth The Candle?

Terry — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:02:11 +0000

Log cabin style mobile homes marry the attractiveness of a log cabin style dwelling with the convenience of a mobile home.

Log cabins are snug, comfortable and have a very homely feel to them. Mobile homes are mobile all right, but often don’t have all the conveniences that a log cabin has to offer. On the other hand, log cabins do tend to suffer from the drawback of being rather fixed. If ever there was a marriage of convenience, this must be it – log cabin style mobile homes.

Log Cabin Style Mobile Homes

Log cabin style mobile homes are simply what you would think they are. They are designed to look like a log cabin, and they are mobile. Not just that, though – they also come replete with all the conveniences that a log cabin can offer.

There are certain things that will never match up, however, and nor should they. For example, a mobile home shaped and designed to look like a log cabin can never be as large as a log cabin, and you can certainly put to rest the motion of multiple bedrooms.

These niggling negatives aside, however, log cabin style mobile homes actually have quite a bit going for them. These models come with a toilet, for instance, which isn’t a feature that is always found on mobile homes. More advanced features such as authentic flooring might be missing, to be sure, but a toilet is a very convenient feature to have on those long road trips.

Selfbuild Timberframe manufactures certain models, and they are well worth a look. Aside from the novelty factor (which is quite a convincing factor in itself), log cabin style mobile homes come with bespoke design, insulation and interior carpentry, not to mention plumbing and electrical works. Roof tiles, cladding and pre-fit windows are also included; when you look at all the features on offer, it certainly is hard to resist!

Do keep your dimensions and requirements in mind while choosing the perfect log cabin style mobile home for yourself – given the wide range of options available, it is very easy to get carried away and buy more than you truly need. Drawing up a list of initial and mandatory requirements will certainly help in such cases.

But if you do all of that, and buy from a manufacturer who does not skimp on quality, you are pretty much assured of a log cabin style mobile home that looks a treat, and does not cost the earth. And that is a very worthwhile bargain to make, isn’t it?

Log Cabin Kit Homes-Why You Should Consider Kit Homes

Terry — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:43:08 +0000

If you have a hankering for a log cabin home, but are unsure about the time and effort required for its construction, then log cabin kit homes are just the thing for you.

Log cabin kit homes are prefabricated logs – logs that have been cut, milled, dried and finally, shaped into relatively easy building blocks that go into a much simpler construction process.

Log Cabin Kit Homes

These kits come with some very notable benefits indeed. For the novice, they reflect enormous savings, since the time and money involved in learning by making mistakes is saved! More importantly, the construction method is also shortened quite a bit and your estimates as regards costs and time are also likely to be much more accurate.

These kits range from being extremely simple, in which case they consist only of the pre-fabricated logs and the fasteners, to a kit that consists of the logs, the fasteners, the material for the windows, the doors and the roof. Some even go so far as to include material for the construction of the fireplace, the chimney and a porch outside a log cabin – so when it comes to options, a potential customer is certainly spoilt for choice.

Which is, at the same time, a good thing and a bad thing. The reason behind it being a bit of a curse is that you can end up being confused very quickly about which kit to choose. The best thing to do would be to sit down before you begin shopping, and draw up a quick list of must-have’s for your log cabin. Prepare a second list of things it would be nice to have, and then begin scouring sites for the best option.

Another thing that will certainly help is looking over log cabins in your neighbourhood, if there are any. Speaking to owners will also be a good idea, since they would know best about what works and what does not. Builders and contractors are also willing to help you out with their suggestions and experience, so be sure to have a word with them as well.

All said and done, at the end of the day, buying a log cabin kit home will make sense only if you have the willingness and enthusiasm to think this entire project through. On the other hand, if you do take this time and effort, you will be rewarded with a rather fetching log cabin that is going to endure for years to come – and the prize is certainly worth the effort.

Lean To Storage Shed-Lean To Shed Designs

Terry — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:47:10 +0000

If you are running out of space inside your home, and could do with an easy to erect, easy to maintain structure in your garden (where you happen to have a little bit of empty space) – then a lean to storage shed is just what you’re looking for.

Lean to shed designs and lean to shed plans can be helpful if you decide to take on this project yourself. It may seem to be simple project but learning how to build a lean to shed with some research on the internet and a set of lean to shed plans will certainly be helpful.

These structures are easy to make yourself, cost relatively little, and can be used to keep animals, gardening implements, tools – or practically anything you want. There are some things that you need to keep in mind though!

1) Figure out the paperwork – Some cities let you build a lean to shed in your garden, no paper work required, while other cities need a filing of plans. Before deciding to go ahead and build one, do make sure that you are on the right side of the rules.

2) Make a detailed plan – This should include whether the lean to shed is adjacent to the house, or is a stand alone structure. The layout, the direction in which the door will lie, a plan of what the lean to shed will be used for – all of these should be a part of the lean to shed plan. There are many websites that will help you with this phase, and they are only a simple search away.

3) Measurement and Materials – Do take the time and effort required to figure out the correct materials for your area – this should include some thought on weather conditions, soil conditions, how long you intend to stay in your current house – and a whole list of relevant factors!

4) Knockdown kits are available, with most manufacturers nowadays – Super Sheds World is one example of a manufacturer who can provide you with a relatively easy to assemble lean to shed.

5) Flooring, Wall Frames and Roofs: These components of a lean to shed form the primary components of a lean to shed, so do spend some time in figuring out what works and what doesn’t, both from a functional viewpoint as well as an aesthetic viewpoint. Having done that, choose a set of materials that serves your purpose and fits your budget – but remember – if you must skimp on something, don’t skimp on function!

Building a lean to shed is easy, and very practical. If you choose the right material and the right quality, you can have a structure in your garden that was easily put up, and is likely to last for decades. Unless you are very proficient at diy you might be as well to check out a decent set of lean to shed plans or designs because the relatively small investment will ensure that in the long run you end up with a lean to shed that you will be proud of and will serve you well in future years..and perhaps even enhance the value of your property.