8×12 Cheap Shed Plans

This step by step diy project is about 8×12 cheap shed plans. This compact shed is a relatively roomy storage shed and it is optimized for you to build it fast and on a budget. This shed is not conventionally handsome, but it is sturdy and most importantly cheap to make. Read the local building codes so you make sure my shed complies with your specific requirements. 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. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

8×12 Cheap Shed Plans

Building-a-8×12-simple-gable-shed

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 144″ long SKIDS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 144″ long, 10 pieces – 93″long FLOOR
• C – 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long FLOORING
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 144″ long, 10 pieces – 82″ long 2xSIDE WALL
• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89″ long, 7 pieces – 72″ long BACK WALL
• F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 89″ long, 6 pieces – 72″ long, 2 pieces – 78 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 51″ long FRONT WALL
• G – 20 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 52″ long, 2 pieces – 16 1/4″ long RAFTERS
• H – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 3″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 3″x96″ long ROOF
• I – 4 pieces of T1-11 siding – 48″x96″ long, 6 pieces – 48″x89″ long, 4 pieces – 11″x30 1/4″ long SIDING
• J – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 55 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 145 1/4″ long OVERHANGS
• J – 130 sq ft of tar paper, 130 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING

• 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10′
• 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
• 10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
• 39 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 13 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
• 4 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″
• 10 pieces of T1-11 – 48″x96″
• 130 sq ft of tar paper, 130 sq ft of asphalt shingles
• 8d nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
• rafter ties

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One weekend

Related

• PART 1: 8×12 Cheap Shed Plans
• PART 2: 8×12 Cheap Shed Door and Trims Plans

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How to build a 8×12 cheap shed

Floor-frame-8×12-shed

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the 8×12 utility shed. Considering this is The Cheap Shed Project, I will be using 2x6s for the joists. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and place the joists every 16″ on center.

Fitting the skids

Select the location for the shed, so it suit your needs and complies with the local building codes. Lay the 4×4 beams on the surface and then secure the frame to the skids with 3 1/2″ screws or using rafter ties. You could also use cider blocks to lift the floor frame from the ground and protect it from moisture.

Fitting the floor sheets – 8×12 shed

Fit 3/4″ plywood sheets to the floor frame and align the edges flush. Leave no gaps between the plywood sheets and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the joists. Invest in pressure treated plywood, as it is more durable. However, if you are on a tight budget, you could go for OSB sheeting.

Side-wall-frame-for-8×12-shed

Build the side walls from 2×4 lumber, using the info from my plans. Place everything on the floor of the shed and use 3 1/2″ screws or 16d nails through the plates into the studs. Place the studs every 16″ on center and make sure the corners are square. If you want to save a few bucks, you could go with the studs every 24″ on center, but I show you how I would frame it for myself.

Back-wall-frame-8×12

Build the back wall from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws or 16d nails into the studs. Place the studs every 16″ on center.

Front-wall-frame-8×12

Framing the front wall is a little bit more complex, as you will need to leave a door opening. You can adjust the size of the opening, but I am conservative and I go for a 4′ wide double doors. Notice the 2×4 double header (with 1/2″ plywood in between) and the cripple studs.

Assembling the shed frame – 8×12 cheap shed plans

Lift the wall frames and then attach them to the floor of the utility shed. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor. Moreover, you need to lock the adjacent walls together tightly, by drilling pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them together tightly.

Rafter – 8×12 Shed Plans

Continue the 8×12 utility shed project by starting to build the roof. Use 2x4s for the rafters and make angle cuts at both ends, as shown in my free plans.

Truss gusset – 8×12 Shed

Lay the rafters on the floor of the shed, against a straight edges. Use 1/2″ plywood for the gussets or you could simply buy metal plates. Leave no gaps between the rafters and align the edges with attention. Attach the gussets and secure them into place with 1 5/8″ screws.

Fitting-the-trusses-8×12-cheap-shed

Fit the trusses to the top of the shed and place them every 16″ on center. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level and lock them to the shed frame with ties. Place the trusses every 16″ on center.

Gable end supports

Use 2×4 lumber for the gable end supports. Toenail the supports to the frame of the 8×10 shed. This back support will make fitting the siding sheets a lot easier.

Roof Sheets – DIY 8×12 Gable Shed

Attach the 1/2″ plywood or OSB sheets to the roof of the shed. Cut the sheets as shown in the plans and then lock them to the trusses, every 8″, using 1 5/8″ screws.

Front wall siding – 8×12 Cheap Shed

Next, you need to fit the T1-11 siding sheets to the exterior of the shed. Use a saw to make the cuts to the gable top and to the door opening. Align the edges flush and use 8d nails to secure the sheets to the framing, every 8″.

Back wall siding – 8×12 Shed

Cut and fit the T-11 siding sheets to the back of the shed. Leave no gaps between the sheets and use 8d nails to lock them into place tightly.

Side walls siding

Fit the siding sheets to the sides of the storage shed, as well.

Front and Back roof overhangs – 8×12 Gable Shed

Fit the 2×4 overhangs to the front of the shed. Use a miter saw to make the 20 degree bevel cuts to one end of the boards. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to secure the boards to the front and back of the shed.

Side roof overhangs

Fit the side overhangs to the sides of the utility shed. Secure the boards to the front and back overhangs.

Fitting the roofing – DIY 8×12 Shed

Cover the roof of the shed with roofing felt, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. In addition, cut a 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under.

How to build a 8×12 cheap shed

If you like this design, you should check out PART 2 of the project for complete plans on how to build the double doors and how to fit the decorative trims. If you want to build a 8×12 heavy duty shed that is designed for heavy snow loads and winds, you should take a look over my plans HERE. I have over 100 free shed plans on my blog, so feel free to use the search functions.

8×12 Cheap Shed Plans

This is a basic shed that can be built by basically anyone with a few tools. The double front doors make the access to the inside easy. The 1×4 corner trims are easy to install and make the storage shed pop.

If you want to get this project as a PDF file with 1 full Cut list and 1 Full shopping list, check the GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for your support!

This woodworking project was about 8×12 cheap 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.

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