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This step by step project is about 4×8 shed plans. This article features detailed plans for building a 4×8 garden shed using common materials and tools. If you have a decent backyard and you want to organize all your tools and equipment in a professional manner, you should consider building a small shed. Take a look over the local building codes before starting the project, as you need to comply with the legal requirements and in some cases even get a permit. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.
There are several aspects that any person should take into account before starting the woodworking project. First of all, you need to use weather-resistant lumber, such as cedar, pine or redwood. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the components, if you want to lock them together tightly. In addition, add wood glue to the joints and check if the corners are right-angled. Plan everything from the very beginning, if you want to get a professional result. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
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Projects made from these plans
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4×8 Shed Plans
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Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96″ long SKIDS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 7 pieces – 45″ long JOISTS
- C – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 48″ x 96″ long FLOOR
- D – 10 piece of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 2 pieces – 89″ long 2xSIDES
- E – 6 piece of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 2 pieces – 48″ long BACK
- F – 6 piece of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 1 piece – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 6″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long FRONT
- G – 6 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 siding – 48″ x 84″ long SIDING
- 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 30 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 6 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
- tar paper, shingles
- 100 pieces of 1 1/2″ nails
- 500 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- 500 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
- wood glue, stain/paint
- hinges, latch, handle
Tools
 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
 One day
Related
- Part 1: 4×8 shed plans
- Part 2: 4×8 shed roof plans
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Building a 4×8 shed
The first step of the backyard project is to build the skids for the shed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the skids out of 4×4 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the beams and get the job done by using a circular saw.
Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a vacuum. Repeat the process for the other two skids.
Next, you need to frame the floor of the 4×8 shed. Build the components for the frame out of 2×4 lumber, making sure you take accurate measurements. In addition, use a professional saw to adjust the components to their size.
Drill pilot holes through the perimeter joists and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Make sure the corners are square. Insert 3 1/2″ screws into the skids, after drilling pilot holes. Check if the edges are flush.
Afterwards, attach the 3/4″ plywood floor to the frame. Use a 4×8 plywood sheet, as you don’t have to make any adjustments. Make sure the corners are right-angled and the edges perfectly aligned before securing the sheet to the joists.
Drill pilot holes through the sheets and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the joists, every 8″. Leave no gaps between the components, if you aim for a durable and professional result.
The next step of the shed project is to frame the front wall of the construction. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to build the components out of 2×4 lumber. Take accurate measurements and adjust their size to the right dimensions.
Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Make sure the corners are square and install a double header to the front wall.
Continue the woodworking project by framing the back wall. As you can see in the image, you need to double the studs placed at both ends of the wall, in order to add strength to the structure. Use the same techniques described above to assemble the back wall frame together.
Repeat the process for the side walls of the 4×8 shed. Take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components, otherwise they won’t fit each other properly. Pre-drill the plates before inserting the 2 1/2″ screws into the studs, to prevent the wood from splitting.
Make sure the corners are square and place the studs equally-spaced. Invest in high quality materials and work with attention.
Ask a friend to give you a hand when setting the walls to the floor of the shed. As you can notice in the diagram, you need to start the assembly with the front and back walls. Make sure the edges are flush and plumb them with a spirit level before securing them to the floor with galvanized screws.
Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the floor of the 4×8 shed. Use 2×4 temporarily braces, until you fit the side walls.
Continue the process by installing the side walls to the structure of the storage shed. Lift the frames and fit them to the floor of the small shed, making sure the edges are aligned properly and there are no gaps between the components. Use a spirit level to plumb the walls/
In addition, we recommend you to check if the corners are square, before inserting 2 1/2″ screws into the adjacent walls, through the end studs of the side walls.
After assembling the frame of the 4×8 shed, we recommend you to install the 5/8″ T1-11 siding to the sides of the structure. Align the sheets to the top of the wall frames, making sure the edges are perfectly flush. Leave no gaps between the components and insert 2″ finishing nails into the studs, every 8″.
Repeat the process for the other sheet of siding, making sure you leave no gaps between them.
Next, you need to install the 5/8″ siding to the front face of the 4×8 shed. In order to get the job done as a professional, we recommend you to mark the cut lines on the sheets and to get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the residues.
Attach the panel to the front wall and secure it to the studs by inserting 2″ every 6-8″. Check if all the edges are flush one with another.
Attach the siding to the back wall of the shed, in the same manner described above. Work with attention and leave no gaps between the siding and the wall frame.
Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with wood putty and let the compound to dry out for several hours. Smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper along the wood grain.
Top Tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint to enhance the look of the 4×4 shed and to protect the components from decay. Check out the rest of the projects to see how to build the roof and the door. If you want to get this plan as a PDF file, please take a look over the GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for your support!
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This project was about 4×8 shed plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. LIKE us on Facebook to the the first that gets our latest projects and send us pictures with your woodworking projects.
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8 comments
Great shed. It is something I can build and does not seem as complicated as others I have seen.
I am glad to hear that and I am looking forward to seeing the garden shed finished.
I am going to modify your design. With 8′ side walls, and two, 2 foot wide doors in the center on the side.
Sounds great. If you want a better access to the shed, you can take a look over these plans as well: http://myoutdoorplans.com/shed/lean-to-storage-shed-plans/
Do have plans for an 3×8 plan with side door
No, but I have plans for a 4×8 with a side door: http://myoutdoorplans.com/shed/lean-to-storage-shed-plans/
Great instructions, except they left off how to do the Roof!! Kind of an important detail. Nothing at all, but some material list for the shingles, etc. No lumber info, cut angles, instructions on how to assemble or attach.
At the bottom pf the article you have a big NEXT button. Press it with confidence for PART 2 of the project.