How to Build a Budget Shed

When it comes to custom sheds Melbourne has a huge number of companies which you could choose from, to create a bespoke shed for your needs. This is a fantastic option which can really give you yard or garden a lift, but you may find that prices are a little rich for your budget. If this is the case then the best thing you could do is to go for a budget option, which is much easier than you may think.

To build your very own budget shed, here is what you need to do.

Consider The Shed’s Use

The first place to start is to think about exactly what you need from a shed. If this is a storage shed then you could opt for metal, if it is a shed to be used for work and storage then timber may be the best bet.

Mapping It Out

Next up you need to see what kind of space you have to play with, and what size you want from your budget shed. Pick an area which is flat, and which can fit in a rectangular shed base. You won’t need to add traditional foundations here, but you will need a flat surface on which to build. Remember that the more complicated the design, the more expensive the build is likely to be.

Prepare The Ground

To prepare the ground for the build, mark out with string and peg the location of the shed’s perimeters. Once you have done this, dig a small ditch underneath where the string has marked the base out. The cheapest option for foundations is to use deck blocks, which already have indents in them where your timber can sit. Dig the ditch wide enough to place in your blocks, one on each corner and then one each side at the midway point.

Framing The Lumber

The lowest cost timber to go for is treated pine, so once you have your dimensions you can go out to buy lumber which will form the frame of your shed, as well as a large piece for the floor —we’ll come to the walls and roof later. The best choice here would be 2×4 lumber which will fit perfectly into the corner blocks. Nail the frame together and then staple the floor in place.

Wall Framing

The lowest cost option for your walls is to buy prefabricated shed panels, if you do prefer to use timber for this, then 2×4 lumber is the best framing choice, which will give your budget shed strong stability. Add 1 vertical 2×4 per 30 cm of frame, in order to give you the most solid frame for your fence.

Roof Framing

The lean-to roof is the simplest, cheapest and easiest option here, and that will require a triangular frame. The gradient is up to you, but a 25-35cm lift on one side will be enough to allow any rainwater to drain from the lower side. Add your piece of 2×4 every 15cm here in order to provide the best quality frame for the shed.

Once your frame is in place you can add the shed panels to the side, and then either choose a plastic, metal or timber roofing sheet. If you do choose timber then be sure to cover it in roof roll for best protection. Windows should be avoided if you want the easiest budget shed and doors can be picked up at low cost, with pine again being the best option.