Small Storage Shed Plans

This step by step project is about simple shed plans. This article features detailed plans for building a 4×4 garden shed using common materials and tools. If you want to create storage space in yoru backyard without investing a great amount of money in materials and labor, we recommend you building a basic shed with a gable roof. Make sure the shed complies with the local building codes and get a building permit if necessary.

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.

Projects made from these plans

Small Storage Shed Plans

Building-a-small-garden-shed

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 48″ long SKIDS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 4 pieces – 45″ long JOISTS
• C – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 48″ x 48″ long FLOOR
• D – 4 piece of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 2 pieces – 41 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 – 4 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 siding – 48″ x 84″ long SIDING

• 4 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
• 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 23 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x4′
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• wood glue
• wood filler
• wood stain

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Part 1: Small storage shed plans
• Part 2: Small storage shed roof plans
  

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Building a small garden shed

skids

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the two skids for the storage shed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to cut both ends of the 4×4 beams at an angle, in order to add character to your outdoor project.

Building-the-floor-frame

Build the floor frame for the small storage shed using 2×4 beams. Cut the components at the right size and drill pilot holes through the perimeter joists. Make sure the edges are flush, check if the corners are square and inset 2 1/2″ galvanized screws through the perimeter joists into the perpendicular components.

Lay the frame over the skids, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws into them, through the joists.

Floor sheet

After assembling the floor frame, we recommend you to attach the 3/4″ plywood flooring into place. Mark the cut edges on the plywood sheet and adjust its size by using a circular saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and remove the residues.

Make sure the corners of the frame are square before laying the flooring. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the joists, every 8″ along the joists.

Building-the-side-wall-frames

Next, build the side walls for the small storage shed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the components out of 2×4 lumber. Take accurate measurements and adjust the size of the components using a circular saw.

Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs, as described in the diagram. Make sure the edges are flush and the corners right-angled.   

Building the back wall

Afterwards, you need to build the back wall, using the same techniques described above. As you can notice in the diagram, we recommend you to double the studs placed at both ends of the wall, in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Place several pieces of 1/2″ plywood between these studs, in order to add support to the wall frames. Make sure the corners are square after installing each component.  

Building-the-front-wall-frame

Building the front wall for the small shed is maybe the most complex step of the project, as you need to frame the door opening in a professional manner. Fit the double header to the top of the wall structure, in order to add strength to the shed structure.

Double the studs placed at both ends of the wall, to create a rigid wall frame. Adjust the width of the door opening to suit your needs, but use the same woodworking techniques described above.  

Building the header

Building the header for the shed is a straight forward process. Sandwich 2 pieces of 2x4s to a piece of 1/2″ plywood (3 1/2″ x 36″).

Fitting the side walls

After assembling the wall frames, you need to install them to the floor of the shed. Ask a friend to give you a hand when moving the side walls to the floor of the shed. Make sure the edges are flush and plumb the walls, before locking them into place temporarily using 2×4 braces.

Repeat the process for the opposite side of the shed. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the joists.

Assembling the shed frame

Afterwards, install the front and the back walls to complete the structure of the 4×4 shed. Lift the wall frames and set them to the shed floor, making sure the edges are flush. In addition, the corners need to be square and the wall perfectly plumb.

Drill pilot holes through the side walls studs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the front and back walls. Fit temporarily braces to the top of the structure.

Attaching the siding to the sides

Continue the garden shed project by fitting the 5/8″ T1-11 siding to the sides of the shed, as described in the diagram. Adjust the size of the sheets at the right dimensions and attach them to the walls frame, making sure the edges are flush and there are no gaps between the components.

Insert 2″‘ galvanized nails to secure the siding to the studs, every 8″. Make sure the nails go through the siding exactly into the wooden studs.

Attaching the back wall siding

Repeat the process for the back wall of the shed. Make sure you align everything with attention and leave no gaps between the components. Use a spirit level to male sure the walls are perfectly plumb before fitting the siding to the small 4×4 shed.

Front wall siding sheet

One of the last steps of the first part of the project is to attach the siding to the front face of the 4×4 shed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to mark the cut lines on the 5/8″ T1-11 siding and to get the job done with a circular saw.

Cut out the door opening with a saw and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Align the piece and secure it to the frame by using 2″ nails.  

Small storage shed plans

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.

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This project was about small storage 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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