SUPPLIES
- Pencil
- Paper
- Shovel
- Utility poles
- Concrete
- 2 inch - by - 6 inch boards for stringers
- Level
- Pre-built roof trusses
- Purlins
- Corrugated tin
- Roofing nails
- Roof Ridge cap
- Girts
- 2 inch- by- 4 inch boards for framing
- 4 feet - by- 8 feet exterior plywood, ¾ inch thick
- 2 inch galvanized nails
- Hammer
Overview
If you'd like to build a large shed but are finding the cost prohibitive, consider building a pole shed. Materials and methods for building this type of outbuilding can save you money. There is no need for a foundation and the design is simple, straightforward and functional. The construction requires only basic woodworking skills, lumber, a shovel and a bit of concrete. By following the guidelines below you can build a pole shed of your own.
Step 1
Choose a location for your pole shed that is flat and well-drained. Make sure the future building site is several feet larger than your shed will be. Once the location has been selected, sit down with a pencil and paper and plan out your shed. The standard length for lumber is 8 feet. Keep this in mind when determining your shed dimensions. Standard pole placement is one pole for every 4 feet; however, any distance between 2 feet and 10 feet is acceptable.
Step 2
Dig holes for each pole. They must be at least 18 inches deep. If you live in an area where the soil tends to be wet, the holes will need to be deeper and wider to keep the poles in place. Be certain all the corners of the shed are exactly 90 degrees. Once the holes are dug, place the poles in and secure with concrete, bracing the poles in an upright position until the concrete sets.
Step 3
Pour the foundation, unless no foundation is needed.
Step 4
Place the stringers on top of the poles and secure well, checking them with a carpenter's level. Once the stringers are set, install the roof trusses. You may need help with the first one, as it is the most difficult to place. After the first truss is secured, the remaining trusses can be braced against the first.
Step 5
Mount the purlins across the trusses. Purlins help to support the load from the roof. Once the purlins are in place, add the roofing, overlapping each piece of material and securing each section through the overlap with roofing nails. Make sure the roofing material extends beyond the frame at least 3 inches on all sides. Cover the peak of the roof with a ridge cap.
If you are not adding walls, you're finished. If you're adding walls, read on.
Step 6
Install girts around the circumference of the base of the shed. Be certain they are level. These will support the shed walls.
Step 7
Put in the walls. Walls should be braced with horizontal 2 by 4's to provide support for the structure while the walls themselves are formed from plywood or metal sheeting. Secure walls to frame with 2 inch galvanized nails.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Don't forget to add a door!
Pole sheds also adapt themselves well to flat roofs, which may be easier because they require bracing but no roof trusses.
- WARNING : Measure carefully before cutting and be certain everything is aligned and level while building.
Resources
