shed plan

Okay, so you want a shed, but your budget is tighter than a drum. Let me tell you, building an 8x10 shed for under $200 is definitely possible, but it's gonna take some serious resourcefulness and a little bit of sweat equity. Don't worry, I'm here to help you pull it off.

First, let's talk about the materials. We're aiming for the cheapest options, so forget about fancy pressure-treated lumber. We'll be using regular pine, which is the most affordable. You can usually snag some good deals on scrap lumber at a local lumberyard or even on Craigslist.

Now, for the foundation, we're going with the simplest and cheapest option: concrete blocks. Grab a dozen or so, and you're good to go. Don't worry about getting fancy with a poured concrete slab, we're keeping it simple.

Here's what you'll need:

Materials:

Lumber:
2x4s (approximately 50-60 linear feet for the frame and walls)
2x6s (approximately 10-12 linear feet for the floor joists)
4x4s (4 for the corner posts)
Plywood (at least 1 sheet for the floor, potentially another for the roof)
Roofing shingles (or some alternative, we'll talk about that later)
Concrete blocks: 12-16 blocks
Fasteners: Galvanized nails or screws (lots of them!)
Door hardware: Simple hinges and a latch
Paint or stain (optional)

Tools:

Saw: Circular saw or a handsaw (you'll need something to cut lumber)
Hammer: For pounding those nails
Level: To ensure everything is straight
Measuring tape: To make sure your cuts are accurate
Screwdriver: If you're using screws
Safety glasses: For eye protection
Work gloves: To protect your hands
Tape measure: Essential for precise measurements

Building the Foundation:

1. Prepare the Site: Clear the area where you want to build your shed and level it as best you can. Make sure the ground is compacted and free of any debris.
2. Lay the Blocks: You'll lay your blocks directly on the ground. Space them out so they form a rectangle 8 feet by 10 feet. Use a level to ensure the blocks are level and even.
3. Secure the Blocks: You can add some gravel or sand around the blocks to keep them in place. This helps to prevent shifting and sinking.

Building the Frame:

1. Construct the Floor Joists: Cut 2x6s to the width of your shed (8 feet). You'll need a joist every 16 inches, so you'll need 6 joists in total. Attach these joists to the concrete blocks using galvanized nails or screws. You can create a simple ledger board by attaching a 2x4 to the inside of the blocks, creating a flat surface to nail your joists to.
2. Create the Wall Frames: Cut 2x4s to make the walls of the shed. For an 8x10 shed, you'll need two 8-foot wall sections and two 10-foot wall sections. You'll be building these as "frames" by creating a rectangular shape.
3. Assemble the Wall Frames: Secure the 2x4s to create the wall frames. You can nail them together, or for a more robust construction, use screws and pocket holes.
4. Attach the Corner Posts: Cut the 4x4s to the height of your shed (assuming a standard height of 8 feet). These will become the corner posts.
5. Connect the Wall Frames to the Posts: Attach the wall frames to the corner posts. This will create the basic structure of your shed.

Adding the Floor and Walls:

1. Lay the Floor: Cut plywood sheets to fit the floor area. Make sure the plywood is properly supported by the joists.
2. Install the Walls: Stand up the wall frames and attach them to the floor. You may need a helper for this. Use a level to ensure the walls are plumb (straight and vertical). Attach the walls to the corner posts and to each other.
3. Add Sheathing: If desired, you can add sheathing to the walls. This will provide extra rigidity and support for the siding. You could use more plywood or even OSB (oriented strand board).

Roof Construction:

1. Building the Roof Trusses: This part is a bit more tricky, but we'll keep it simple. You'll need to create triangular "trusses" to support the roof. These are made using 2x4s and can be built on the ground and then lifted into place. There are many online tutorials available to guide you through the process.
2. Attaching the Trusses: Attach the trusses to the top of the wall frames. You'll need to figure out the proper spacing for the trusses, which will depend on the type of roofing you're using.
3. Roof Sheathing: Cut plywood to fit between the trusses, creating a flat surface for the roof. This sheathing will help to distribute the weight of the roofing material.
4. Roofing: Now, here's where things get interesting. You'll need a roofing solution for under $200. There are a couple of ways to go about this:
Shingles: If you can find a really good deal, you might be able to get some shingles under budget. But keep in mind, this can be a pretty expensive option.
Tar Paper: A cheaper option is to use tar paper. It's not as fancy, but it'll do the job. You'll need to apply multiple layers for extra protection.
Metal Roofing: Sometimes you can get a good deal on scrap metal roofing. This option is durable and long-lasting, so if you can find it, it's worth considering.
Canvas or Tarpaulin: For a temporary solution, you can even use canvas or a heavy-duty tarp.

Finishing Touches:

1. Door: Cut a rectangular opening in one of the walls for the door. Attach the hinges and install a simple latch.
2. Windows: If you want, you can add windows. Simple, pre-made windows are usually inexpensive and easy to install.
3. Paint or Stain: If you're feeling ambitious, you can paint or stain the shed to give it a finished look.

Remember: This is a basic guide, and you'll need to do some research and planning before you start. The most important thing is to make sure you have a solid foundation and a sturdy frame. If you're not comfortable with DIY, it's always a good idea to get help from someone who has experience building sheds.

And last but not least, be prepared for some challenges. You're working with limited materials and a tight budget, so things might not go exactly as planned. Be flexible, be creative, and don't be afraid to improvise! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with a little bit of elbow grease and determination.

Good luck with your shed project!