How Do I Build a Vinyl-Sided Storage Shed?

Landscaping around a shed can make it an integral part of your backyard.

A vinyl storage shed is a great choice for any backyard, since it is a low maintenance product and will not rot or mildew like a conventional wood shed. It also will not rust or corrode like a metal shed. You can keep the shed in a basic utilitarian finish with double doors as the only source of light, or add windows, trim, landscaping and window boxes to make the shed an integral part of the backyard landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Stakes
• Measuring tape
• Spray paint
• 4-by-4-inch pressure treated wood
• Concrete mix
• Water
• Post-hole digger
• Gravel
• Level
• 2-by-6-inch boards
• Pencil
• 16d galvanized nails
• String
• 3/4-inch plywood
• 8d galvanized nails
• Roof trusses
• Roofing paper
• Tacker and tacks
• Shingles
• Roofing nails
• Caulk
• Trim boards
• Doors
• Door hardware

Instructions

Build the Foundation

1. Check with local building codes to make certain of their requirements for anchoring the shed into the ground.

2. Choose a flat area of the yard for the shed. Mark off the dimensions and place stakes in each corner. Draw a line with spray paint paralleling each side; but one foot in from the sides and end one foot from each end of the shed. Spray paint another line down the middle. Dig holes at each end, and in the middle of the horizontal lines. Dig at least 24 inches deep, or greater, depending on the local codes.

3. Fill each hole with 6 inches of gravel, then insert an anchoring post, which extends out of the ground 3 or 4 inches. Mix cement, and pour into each hole until it is a few inches below grade. Check for plumb as the concrete sets up. Allow to dry completely.

4. Cut three 4-by-4-inch pressure treated boards, known as skid boards, to the length of the completed shed. Nail these boards to the tops of the exposed posts. Check for level.

5. Using two 2-by-6-inch boards, create two band boards, cut to the length of the shed, then mark off every 12 inches on center. Cut 2-by-6-inch floor joists to size, and using 16d galvanized nails, attach the floor joists to the 2-by-6-inch band boards to form a rectangular box.

6. Lay the frame across the skid boards. Line up on center and check for level. Check for square by measuring with string from one corner to the opposite corner, then in the opposite direction. Both measurements should be equal. Nail in place onto the skid boards.

7. Nail down 3/4-inch plywood over the top of the frame, staggering the joints.

Build the Walls

1. Cut 2-by-4s to the length of the side of the shed. These will be the top and bottom plates. Mark off every 16 inches on center on both plates. Cut other 2-by-4s to the height of the side wall. Nail these in place every 16 inches on the plates to form a rectangular frame.

2. Cut vinyl siding to length. Starting on the left side of the wall frame, line up the first piece of siding so that it is flush with the top plate and the left side of the wall. Nail into place using 8d galvanized nails. Continue until the wall is entirely covered, leaving at least 1-1/2-inch overhang at the bottom.

3. Stand up the wall panel and nail into place on the floor. Check for level and plumb, and attach temporary braces made from scrap 2-by-4s.

4. Build the other side wall in the same manner. Frame in the area where the double doors will be located by installing a 2-by-6-inch header over the door area. Frame each side by nailing two 2-by-4s together, to provide additional support. Add vinyl, then stand the wall up, nail into place on the shed floor, and brace with 2-by-4s.

5. Build the two end walls in the same manner, attach to the side walls and check for level, plumb and square.

Build the Roof Structure

1. Mark off every 16 inches on the top plates on each side of the shed. Nail pre-finished trusses into place with 16d galvanized nails.

2. On the inside of the shed, nail a 2-by-6-inch board on each side halfway between the top plate and the peak of the roof, to tie the trusses together.

3. Fill in the ends of the gable roof by adding 2-by-4s between the top plate of the end walls and the trusses. Cover with vinyl.

4. Attach a 2-by-6-inch fascia board to cover the tails of the trusses, on either side of the shed.

5. Attach 3/4-inch plywood to the roof trusses, staggering the seams. Tack down roofing paper, then attach shingles with roofing nails.

Finish the Shed

1. Caulk all exposed joints, and add trim boards, if desired.

2. Install the doors, using the proper hardware.

3. Prime and paint any exposed wood.

References

• ShedKing: How To Build A Shed
• My Backyard Plans: Storage Sheds