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This step by step diy project is about 8×12 gable shed with 2×6 studs plans. I have designed this small garden shed so you can build a structure that is heavy duty and can withstand a high load of snow. Roof pitch is 9:12. 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 Heavy Duty Shed Plans
Cut List
- A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 144″ long SKIDS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long, 10 pieces – 93″long JOISTS
- C – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x48″ long FLOOR
- D – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 133″ long, 1 piece – 144″ long, 1 piece – 24″ long, 1 piece – 88″ long, 14 pieces – 91 1/2″ long, 7 pieces – 7 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long, 3 pieces – 37″ long, 2 pieces – 78 1/2″ long, 6 pieces – 27″ long, 2 pieces – 35″ long SIDE WALL WITH DOOR
- E – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 133″ long, 2 pieces – 144″ long, 14 pieces – 91 1/2″ long SIDE WALL
- F – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 85″ long, 7 pieces – 91 1/2″ long BACK WALL
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 6 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 96″ long, 1 piece – 85″ long, 4 pieces – 91 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 78 1/2″ long, 7 pieces – 7 1/2″ long, 3 pieces – 75″ long FRONT WALL
- E – 10 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 – 48″x96″ long SIDING
Shopping list
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
- 68 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 5 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12′
- 48 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16′
- 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
- 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″
- 10 pieces of T1-11 – 48″x96″
- 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″
- 8d 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
Time
Related
- PART 1: 8×12 Shed with 2×6 Studs Plans
- PART 2: 8×12 Shed with 2×6 Studs Roof Plans
- PART 3: 8×12 Shed with 2×6 Studs Door and Trims Plans
It’s that easy to build 8×12 shed – Video!
How to build a 8×12 Heavy Duty Shed
The first step of the project is to build the floor for the 8×12 heavy duty shed. Cut the joists from 2×6 lumber using a good saw. Align the beams, making sure the corners are square, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them together tightly.
After assembling the floor frame, you need to attach the 6×6 skids. Use metal connectors to secure the skids to the joists, after aligning them or toenail them.
Continue the project by attaching the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the floor frame. Leave no gaps between the floor sheets and secure them into place with 1 1/4″ screws, every 12″ along the joists.
Building the shed wall frames
Assemble the plain side wall from 2×6 lumber. Cut the studs and the plates at the right dimensions. Drill pilot holes through the top plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws or framing nails into the studs, using the information from the diagram. Place the studs, every 16″ on center. Make sure the corners are square for a professional result. As you can see in the plans, you need to fit 1/2″ plywood fillings to the triple end studs.
Build the opposite side wall for the storage shed using the same techniques described above. The only difference is that you could frame a 32″ access door, so you can enter the garden shed easily. Build the triple header from 2×6 and 1/2″ plywood. Remember that you can adjust the size of the door and window openings to suit your needs.
Continue the project by assembling the front wall. As you can notice in the diagram, you need to leave enough space for the door opening. You can easily adjust the size of the door to suit your nails. As you can see in the plans, you need to install the jack studs to reinforce the structure of the shed.
The triple header for the door is made from 2×6 lumber filled with 1/2″ plywood. Cut the plywood to size and glue it to the headers with construction glue. In addition, drive a few screws or nails to lock everything tightly.
Build the back wall using the same techniques described above. You should also notice the double plates that will add more rigidity to the walls and to the overall framing.
Assembling the shed frame
Lift the side walls and lay them to the floor of the shed. Align the edges with attention and use a spirit level to plumb the walls. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor frame, every 8″. Lock the adjacent wall frames together with 3 1/2″ screws. Moreover, drill pilot holes through the bottom rails and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor.
Build the exterior walls from 5/8″ T1-11 siding. Align the edges with attention and leave no gaps between the sheets. Use 8d galvanized nails to secure the sheets to the wall frames. Align everything with attention and insert the nails every 8″ along the studs.
Make the cuts to the sheet that goes around the door opening. Align everything so the edges are flush and secure them into place with 8d nails.
Fit the sheets to the plain side wall of the shed. Align the edges with attention and leave no gaps between the sheets.
Attach the rest of the sheets to the opposite side wall of the shed. Align the edges with attention and secure them to the wall studs with 8d nails or screws. Make sure you leave no gaps between the sheets for a professional result.
Finishing touches
This shed is easy to build and extra sturdy. You can easily fit insulation between the studs, if you want to use it as a workshop.
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. See PART 2 and PART 3. 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.
Building an 8×12 gable shed with heavy-duty 2×6 studs gives you a shed that’s built to last, handling everything from tough weather to heavy storage needs. The extra strength in the framing means you can load it up without worrying about the structure, and the gable roof adds both headroom and a classic look. It’s the perfect combination of strength and style, making sure your shed is not just functional, but a long-term addition to your property that’ll stand the test of time.
Building an 8×12 gable shed with heavy-duty 2×6 studs is a bit more of an investment, but it’s worth it for the extra durability. You’re looking at around $2,500 to $4,000 for materials, depending on what finishes you choose. Time-wise, plan on about 3 to 4 weekends to get it done, especially with the beefier framing, but you’ll end up with a rock-solid shed that’ll last for years.
If you want to get this project as a PDF file with 1 full Cut list and 1 full Shopping list, please take a look over the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
This woodworking project was about 8×12 shed with 2×6 studs 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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5 comments
Hello,
is the 8X12 heavy duty shed strong enough to hold a second floor? (for a kids fort?) I am looking to build the base on a concrete slab, and basically copy the same plan for the second floor. I would use overhanging floor joists to create a small balcony on the second floor.
Yes, that will work with no problem for kids.
Hi! We really like this design, and especially the height and pitch of the roof. However, since we will not have snow load in Alabama, a 2×4 stud wall construction would be adequate-would there any complications with just swapping the 2x6s in this plan to 2x4s? Or do you by chance have this same shed plan with 2×4 construction?
Thanks!!
Using 2x4s instead of the 2×6 does change the side of the plates and some other things. Nothing serious, but you can’t just follow the plans, you would need some modifications. I have something similar with 2×4 studs: http://myoutdoorplans.com/shed/8×12-cheap-shed-plans/
What is the snow load on the 8×12 heavy duty shed?