Â
This step by step diy project is about 8×8 loafing shed for small animals plans. I have designed this small shed with a saltbox shed so you can shelter small animals in a professional manner. The small loft adds even more space for storing boxes, tools or other items. Make sure you check the local codes and make adjustments to the plans, if required. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Â
Â
Projects made from these plans
Â
Â
8×8 Loafing Shed
Â
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96″ long SKIDS
- B – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 103″ long, 2 pieces – 81″ long POSTS
- C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89″ long, 7 pieces – 78″ long 3xWALL
- D – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″ long HEADER
- E – 2 pieces of T1-11 siding – 48″x103″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x81″ long SIDE WALL
- 6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
- 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10′
- 1 piece of 2×8 lumber – 8′
- 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 6′
- 27 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 2 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
- 2 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x10′
- 6d nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
- wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
Tools
 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
Related
- PART 1: 8×8 Shed Plans
- PART 2: 8×8 Shed Roof Plans
Â
Â
How to build a 8×8 loafing shed
The first step of the project is to build the base beams for the shed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to make notches to both ends of the beams. Mark the areas and then use a circular saw to make 1 3/4″ parallel deep cuts. Use a chisel to remove the excess material and smooth the surface thoroughly.
Select the location for the shed and level the surface thoroughly. Fit the beams and then lock them together tightly. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them together tightly.
Build the front posts for the shed from 4×4 lumber. Use a circular saw to make the notches to the top of the posts. Smooth the edges thoroughly.
Fit the 4×4 posts to the base of the shed, as shown in the diagram. Plumb the posts vertically and make sure the corners are square. Lock the posts to the base tightly with screws.
Fit the 2×8 lumber to the top of the front posts. Fit the 2×4 double header to the front, as well. Use 1/2″ plywood between the double header beams.
Build the wall frames for the sides and back of the shed from 2×4 lumber. Cut the components at the right dimensions, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs equally spaced and make sure the corners are square,
Fit the wall frames to the base of the shed, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the wall frames and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the corner posts. In addition, drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the base of the shed.
Fit the T1-11 siding sheets to the front of the shed. Make the cuts to the sheets, so you can fit them around the door opening. Align the edges and insert 6-8d nails, every 8″ along the framing.
Fit the T1-11 siding sheets to the back of the shed. Align the edges with attention and insert 6-8d nails, every 8″ along the framing.
You need to check out PART 2 of the shed project, where I show you how to build the saltbox shed.
This small shed is perfect for sheltering small animals. Moreover, you can easily move the shed from one location to another, as it is not secured to the ground. I have lots of other shed projects on the site so I recommend you to browse through all alternatives before starting the building project. See all my shed projects HERE.
Â
Â
This woodworking project was about 8×8 loafing shed for small animals plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
Â
Â
Â
2 comments
I’m a bit confused. Why does this list as 8×8 loafing shed plans at the top but then show 10×16 barn shed with loft?
Thank you for letting me know. It was a typing mistake related to the site logistics. The plans are for a 8×8 loafing shed.