Table of Contents
How to build a Narrow Shed
Introduction
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This narrow shed is suitable for the smaller backyard or garden or for those that do not want to use more area than necessary.
With a footprint (ground area) of 2100mm (7ft) wide by only 1200mm (4ft) deep this shed could be considered compact but you will be amazed just how much will go into it.
The shed stands 2600mm (8′ – 8″) high at the apex and tapers down to 1400mm (4′ – 8′) high at the sides.
Double doors make for an easy access into the whole of the inside area allowing the shed to be fully utilized.
The narrow shed is very strong. It is constructed out of 100×50 (2×4) framing lumber, vertical board-and-batten siding and overlapping board roof. The floor is plywood on 100×50 (2×4) floor joists that sit on skids thus making the shed ‘relocatable’.
The Parts List
Note 1: All dimensions are in both metric and imperial. Measurements are given first in millimeters followed by ft and/or inches in brackets.
Note 2: The size (width and thickness) of the lumber referred to in the ‘Parts List’ below is the nominal size. Because most framing lumber is dressed or seasoned the actual size of the lumber will be less than the nominal size.
For example: 100×50 (2×4) lumber when dressed or seasoned will have an actual size of approximately 90×45 (1 1/2″x 3 1/2″).
The measurements given in all the plans in this project are the ‘actual sizes’.
| Part ID/Size | For | Amount and Lengths | Comments |
| Floor and Sub-floor | |||
| [a] Skids 100×100 (4×4) | Under floor | 2 pieces 1200mm (48″) | Treated |
| [b] Joists 100×50 (2×4) | Floor frame | 6 pieces 2010mm (81″) | Treated |
| [c] End joists 100×50 (2×4) | Floor frame | 2 pieces 1200 (48″) | Treated |
| [e] Floor panel 18mm (3/4″) plywood | Floor | 1 piece 2100×1200 (4ft x 7ft) | Cut from standard 2400×1200 (4ft x 8ft) sht |
| Frame: Wall and Roof | |||
| [f] Bottom plates 100×50 (2×4) | Front/rear walls | 2 pieces 2100mm (84″) | |
| Side walls | 2 pieces 1020mm (41″) | ||
| [g] Top plates 100×50 (2×4) | Side walls | 2 pieces 1020mm (41″) | |
| [h] Studs 100×50 (2×4) | Side walls | 6 pieces 1175mm (47 5/8″) | |
| Front wall | 2 pieces 1200mm (48″) 2 pieces 1500 (60″) |
Cut 45° angle one end of all front wall studs | |
| Rear wall | 2 pieces 1200mm (48″) 2 pieces 1500 (60″) 2 pieces 1950 (78″) |
Cut 45° angle one end of all rear wall studs | |
| [i] Trimmer studs 100×50 (2×4) | Front wall | 2 pieces 1480 (59 3/4″) | Cut 45° angle one end of both trimmer studs |
| [j] Apex block 100×50 (2×4) | Rear wall | 1 piece 300 (12″) | Cut to suit |
| [k] Blocking 100×50 (2×4) | All walls | Cut to suit. Approximately 14m (46ft) altogether. | |
| [l] Raking Top Plate 100×50 (2×4) | 4 pieces 1530mm (61 3/16″) | Front and rear walls | Cut 45° angle both ends |
| [m] Raking header 100×50 (2×4) | Front wall | 2 pieces 1040mm (41 5/8″) | Cut 45° angle both ends |
| [n] Ridge blocking 100×50 (2×4) | Ridge | Cut to suit. Approximately 1000mm (40″) altogether. | |
| [o] Brace blocking 100×50 (2×4) | Rear and side walls | Cut to suit. Approximately 5.5m (18ft) altogether. | |
| [p] Galvanized metal strap ties | Tie raking top plates together | 2 pieces 300mm (12″) | |
| [z] Rafters 100×50 (2×4) | Roof | 2 pieces 1485mm (59 3/8″) | Cut 45° angle both ends |
| Exterior Cover: Siding and Roof | |||
| [q] Building wrap / Builders felt | Wrap frame | 15 sq meters (160 sq ft) | |
| [r] Vertical board 250×25 (1×10) | Siding | 36 meters (120 ft) altogether | |
| [s] Vertical batten 75×25 (1×3) | Siding | 36 meters (120 ft) altogether | |
| [t] Trim 100×25 (1×4) | Exterior corners and around door opening | 10.5 meters (35ft) altogether | |
| [u] Roof sheathing 12mm (1/2″ plywood) | Roof | 2 pieces 1500mm x 1200mm (4ft x 5ft) | |
| [v] Roof boards 250×25 (1×10) | Roof cover | 16 pieces 1200mm (48″) | |
| [w] Galvanized V shaped ridge flashing | Roof ridge | 1 piece 1200mm (48″) | |
| [x] Barge board 150×25 (1×6) | Gables | 4 pieces 1800mm (72″) | |
| [y] Barge cap 100×25 (1×4) | Cables | 4 pieces 1800mm (72″) | |
| Door | |||
| [d1] Slats 150×25 (1×6) tongue and groove | Door | 10 pieces 2250mm (90″) | |
| [d2] Brace 100×25 (1×4) | Door bracing | 9.5 meters (32ft) | |
| [d3] Astragal 50×25 (1×2) | Door | 1 piece 2250mm (90″) | |
| [d4] Stop 50×25 (1×2) | Door stop | 5 meters (17ft) | |
| [d5] Hinges 150mm (6″) “T” hinges | Doors | 6 of | |
I would just like to says thanks for the help. Your site is great it helped find the perfect storage solution for my small backyard. Your site gave me great info on where to start and what to do as this is the first building I’ve ever built. You may use the following photo (if you wish) to show a finished product.
Bill Griffin, Groves, TX.