Archive for March, 2011

Methods for Building a Garden Shed Base

March 21st, 2011

Methods for Building a Garden Shed BaseHaving a garden shed can be a nice addition to your backyard and garden. It can act as a storage area and perhaps even a working area for the garden. You are probably riled up about getting your shed in place so you can begin to take advantage of it. But before you can worry about the shed, it is vital you focus your attention on building a solid garden shed base.

It is absolutely vital you construct a firm and stable base for the shed. Every shed requires a level base of some sort. While you can pay someone to construct one for you, you can also get the job done yourself with a little bit of knowledge and detailed instructions of how to complete the job. Prior to building your shed base, there are a few things you want to take into consideration. First, do not place the base too close to walls or fences in case the shed has an overhanging roof. Next, cut any branches that may be in the way if you are to purchase a large shed. Lastly, allow for sufficient access to the outside walls for regular treatments.

Once you have taken these precautions, it is time to determine which method you will use to construct your garden shed base. There really are three methods you have to choose from; concrete, paving slab and timber bearers. While each is different in its own way, there are benefits and downsides to each.

Regardless of the method, the first step is to always mark your area. This allows you to clear any crops you may have. You can mark the area with string and pegs so you know exactly where it is going. It can also allow you to visually picture where and how the garden shed will look in the place you have it. The first method we will go into detail about is the concrete base method. This is typically recommended for large sheds and log cabins. After you have marked your area, you will excavate the ground approximately 6 inches deep. From there, you will lay 3 inches of scalping or brick rubble that will act as sound foundation. Once laying this, you can remove the pegs and string.

The next step is to cut and fit four timber rails to act as a frame for the concrete that will set on top of the foundation. Finally, it is time to lay the concrete. As with the foundation, you will lay approximately 3 inches of concrete to fill the entire 6 inches you dug up. » Read more: Methods for Building a Garden Shed Base

Picking the Best Shed Design to Meet Your Needs

March 13th, 2011

Picking the Best Shed Design to Meet Your NeedsBuilding a shed yourself, whether it is for storing your gardening equipment or for your tools, is a great do-it-yourself project. But before you go out and buy a set of plans for the shed, you have to decide upon some things.

First, you need to know what you will mainly be using the shed for. Will you be storing your tools in there? Will you be keeping your lawnmower or other large equipment in the shed? Do you intend to use the shed as a workshop or potting house? As soon as you figure how you intend to use your shed, you can pick out which shed plans would be best to suit your needs.

Nowadays there are many different options in types of sheds. It really boils down to what type of shed you prefer and your personal tastes. But keep in mind that there are some styles that are more complex in design, and thus, not as easy to build yourself. Therefore, it is best if you opt for a simple style where the plans can be easily read and followed. It is also a good idea to use a design, materials and color that fit in with the design of your home, the backyard and any other structures within sight.

When considering the design of your shed, you need to be mindful of the size and style of the shed’s door. Whatever you intend to store in your shed must be able to fit inside the door to get it into the shed. If you only plan on storing small items, then just one door is best for ease of construction as well as for saving money. Either way, you do not want to have your door be less than 36 inches wide.

Size is also important. If you can afford it and you have ample space in your backyard, then a bigger shed is always most desirable. » Read more: Picking the Best Shed Design to Meet Your Needs