Do It Yourself: Wooden Storage Buildings

Measure the yard space you have available for the building. Draw the shape of the building on graph paper with all framing with 2-by-4 boards. Plan a building that is 10-by-15 feet, for example, with wall studs installed on 16-inch centers.

Use 2-by-6 boards to frame a box for the concrete slab. Drive 10-inch stakes into the outer edges of the perimeter base to hold the boards in place. Lay out metal grid work before calling the concrete supplier. Smooth the concrete base with a trowel and allow the slab to cure for a couple of days.

Install the sole plate for the building with 2-by-4 boards anchored with concrete bolts. Use a carpenter’s square to make sure the sole plate corners are square.

Construct the basic skeleton frame of the building with a door opening and any window openings. Build roof rafters on a 30-degree pitch from the ridge board. Install a header over each window and door opening.

Nail 1/2-inch plywood sheathing over the roof rafters. Add tar paper and asphalt shingles.

Install exterior wood paneling or tongue and groove wood siding over the building framework. Use screws instead of nails for a tight fit. Attach siding with 3-inch screws so that it holds up during extreme weather and wind.

Construct the framework for a door with 2-by-4 boards. Secure siding over the door framework with screws and hang the door with double hinges.

Finish up the building details. Nail 1/2-inch plywood over the floor rafters and construct basic shelving on interior walls. Use 2-by-4 boards for shelf framing and nail or screw plywood sections in place for the shelves. Paint any building trim or guttering to harmonize with the backyard view of your house.

Add guttering, downspouts and splash blocks to shed rain away from the building.