This step by step diy project is about 12×16 storage shed plans. I have designed this backyard shed so you can store tools, furniture and other items. This shed features a gable roof and large double front doors. In addition, the shed had a side door and a window to let a lot of light inside. Moreover, I have designed shed with many sizes so check them out, as well. 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. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.
Projects made from these plans
It’s that simple to build a storage shed!
12×16 Storage Shed Plans

Building-a-12×16-garden-shed
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 192″ long SKIDS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 192″ long, 13 pieces – 141″long JOISTS
- C – 5 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x48″ long FLOOR
- D – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 144″ long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 2 pieces – 20 1/2″ long, 6 pieces – 91 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 82 1/2″ long, 10 pieces – 3 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 99″ long FRONT WALL
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 144″ long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 10 pieces – 91 1/2″ long BACK WALL
- F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 1 pieces – 185″long, 15 pieces – 91 1/2″ long SIDE WALL
- G – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 1 pieces – 185″long, 1 piece – 11 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 136″ long, 2 pieces – 82 1/2″ long, 5 pieces – 3 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 15 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long, 4 pieces – 29″ long, 2 pieces – 35″ long, 4 pieces – 36″ long, 15 pieces – 91 1/2″ long SIDE WALL
- H – 12 pieces of T1-11 – 48″x96″ long, 1 piece – 12″x48″ long WALL SIDING
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16′
- 13 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
- 3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 6′
- 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16′
- 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
- 55 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 6 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16′
- 13 pieces of T1-11 – 48″x96″
- 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″
- 8d nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
- wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
- PART 1: 12×16 Storage Shed Plans
- PART 2: 12×16 Storage Shed Roof Plans
- PART 3: 12×16 Storage Shed Door and Trims Plans
How to build a 12×16 storage shed

Floor-frame—12×16-shed
The first step of the project is to build the floor frame. Cut the joists from 2×6 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.

Fitting the skids
Select the location for the shed after reading the local codes. Lay a layer of gravel to the ground and then compact it thoroughly. Fit 4×4 skids under the floor frame and secure them together tightly with rafter ties.

Fitting the floor sheets
Fit the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the floor frame. Align the edges flush and insert 1 5/8″ screws every 8″ along the framing. Leave no gaps between the sheets for a professional result.

front-wall-frame
Build the front wall frame for the shed from 2×4 lumber. Cut the components at the right dimensions and then assemble the with 3 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. If you have a nail gun, you could lock the components together with nails. Align the edges flush and make sure the corners are square. Use 2×6 lumber and 1/2″ plywood for the double header (sandwich the plywood between the 2×6 beams with 2 1/2″ screws).

Back wall – frame
Assemble the back wall for the shed from 2×4 lumber, as well. After you cut the component from 2×4 lumber, you need to lay them on a level surface. Place the studs every 16″ on center. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs.

side-wall-with-window-and-door-frame
One of the walls will have a door opening for a man door and an opening for a large window. In this manner, you can access the shed easily and you will have plenty of light inside. Use 2×6 lumber and 1/2″ plywood for the double headers. Remember that you can adjust the door and window openings to suit your needs.

side-wall-frame
Assemble the opposite side wall for the shed from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 16″ on center. Place double studs at both ends of the wall. Make sure the corners are square, for a professional result.

Assembling the shed frame
Lay the four wall frames to the floor frame and align the edges flush. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor. Make sure you lock the adjacent walls together tightly with 3 1/2″ screws. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Side wall – siding
Fit the T1-11 siding sheets to the side wall of the shed, as shown in the diagram. Leave no gaps between the sheets and insert 6-8d nails, every 8″ along the framing.

Side wall with windows – siding
Fit the siding sheets to the opposite side wall of the shed. Make the cuts so you create the openings and align the edges with attention.

Back wall – siding
Fit the siding sheets to the back of the shed. Align the edges flush and insert 6-8d nails, every 8″ along the framing.

Front wall – siding
Fit the siding sheets to the front of the shed, as shown in the diagram. Make the cuts to the sheets so you can fit them into place properly. Insert 6-8d nails, every 8″ along the framing. Leave no gaps between the sheets for a professional result.

12×16 Storage Shed Plans
You need to take a look over PART 2 and PART 3 of the project, so you learn how to frame the roof and to learn how to build the doors.

12×16 Storage Shed Plans – Side view
Make sure you check out the rest of the project, so you learn how to frame the roof and how to attach the door and the trims to the shed. In addition, I have lots of other shed projects on the site so I recommend you to browse through all alternatives before starting the building project.
This woodworking project was about 12×16 storage shed 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.
Can you please clarify the reason of this 1/2 plywood between the double studs? I am trying to understand.
A stud is 3 1/2″ wide. 2×1 1/2″ is 3″, so you need the extra 1/2″ plywood. In addition, the plywood makes the frame sturdier.
On the material list, the Truss Support -2×4 lumber 26 3/8″ long. However, on the cut sheet, it says 26 1/4″. Which one is the correct one?
It is the same thing, you can’t get a 26 3/8″ cut anyway.