How to Build a Shed in the Backyard: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors
Building your own backyard shed is a rewarding project that provides useful storage space and a real sense of accomplishment. This step-by-step “How to Build a Shed” guide is tailored for seniors—focusing on simplicity, safety, and satisfaction.
💡 Tip: You don’t need to be a professional carpenter to build this shed. Just a bit of patience, some basic tools, and a love for creating!
Plan Your Shed
Before lifting a hammer, decide:
Size – A common starter shed is 6×8 or 8×10 feet.
Purpose – Will it store tools, garden equipment, or become a hobby space?
Location – Choose a flat, well-drained area away from large trees.
📝 Pro Tip: Check with your local council to ensure you don’t need a permit.
Gather Materials & Tools
You’ll need:
Treated lumber for framing and floor. Decide the size depending on the size of your shed.
🛒 Some hardware stores offer pre-cut kits if you’d like to skip measuring and cutting.
Step 1: Prepare the Site & Build the Foundation
Lay a simple wooden skid foundation or use concrete pavers to support the floor.
Arrange pressure-treated 4×4 skids evenly.
Nail or screw 2×6 joists across the skids.
Cover with 3/4” plywood flooring.
🦶 A level foundation ensures your shed is stable and long-lasting.
FREE Shed Plans
Shed Expert Ryan is giving away 5 shed plans free for a limited time. Click here to download from his website.
Step 2: Build the Floor Frame
The floor frame is the foundation of your shed — strong, level, and built to last. Here’s how to build it. Note: timber size is mentioned for learning purpose. Select the timber depending on the size of your shed.
Materials You’ll Need:
Pressure-treated 2×6 lumber for joists (typically spaced 16″ apart)
Pressure-treated 4×4 lumber or concrete pavers for skids (base support)
3/4″ exterior-grade plywood sheets for the floor decking
Galvanized nails or deck screws
Tools You’ll Need:
Tape measure
Saw (hand or circular)
Hammer or drill
Carpenter’s square
Level
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Lay the Skids
Place two or more 4×4 skids parallel to each other on level ground.
They act like runners to keep your shed off the ground and prevent moisture damage.
Space them to match the size of your shed (e.g., 8 feet apart for an 8′ wide shed).
Use a level to make sure they’re even and resting flat.
💡 Tip: If your ground isn’t level, you can use concrete blocks or shims under the skids to adjust.
Step 2: Build the Outer Frame
Cut two 2×6 boards to the full length of your shed (e.g., 8 feet).
Cut two more 2×6 boards for the width (e.g., 6 feet).
Use nails or screws to create a rectangular frame by joining the boards at the corners.
📏 Use a carpenter’s square to ensure your corners are 90°.
Step 3: Add Floor Joists
Measure and mark every 16 inches along the long sides of the frame.
Cut more 2×6 boards to fit between the sides at these marks.
These are your floor joists — they support the plywood floor.
Attach the joists with nails or screws, using joist hangers if desired for extra strength.
✅ Check each joist with a level to keep your floor even and strong.
Step 4: Attach Floor Frame to Skids
Center the frame on top of the skids.
Use metal angle brackets or long screws to secure the frame to the skids.
🧰 This prevents the shed from shifting or lifting in strong winds.
Step 5: Lay the Plywood Flooring
Place 3/4″ exterior plywood sheets over the frame.
Cut to fit if needed, and stagger the seams if using multiple sheets.
Nail or screw down every 8–12 inches along the edges and across the joists.
🌧️ Consider sealing the plywood with waterproofing if it will be exposed to the weather before roofing.
Step 3: Frame the Walls
Build each wall flat on the ground:
Frame with 2×4 lumber.
Include a rough opening for the door (and window if desired).
Stand up the walls and attach to the floor.
📐 Use a level to make sure everything is square and plumb.
Step 4: Add the Roof
A gable-style roof is perfect for a simple backyard shed—it’s strong, attractive, and easy to build with basic tools.
Tools You’ll Need:
Saw (circular or hand saw)
Drill or hammer
Tape measure
Speed square or carpenter’s square
Ladder
Safety gloves & eye protection
Materials You’ll Need:
2×4 lumber for rafters
1/2″ or 5/8″ plywood sheets for roof decking
Roofing felt (underlayment)
Asphalt shingles (or your roofing of choice)
Roofing nails or screws
Optional: Metal drip edge
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Build the Roof Rafters
Use 2×4 lumber to build the rafters (the angled boards that support your roof).
For a gable roof, you’ll create pairs of rafters joined at the top to form an A-frame.
Cut the ends of each board at an angle (usually 30–45° depending on your pitch).
Join the tops of each pair with nails or metal gusset plates for stability.
📏 You can also install a horizontal collar tie (another 2×4) across each pair for added strength.
Step 2: Install the Rafters
Space the rafter pairs every 16 to 24 inches across the top of the walls.
Start with the front and back pairs first, then fill in the rest.
Secure each rafter to the wall frame using nails or screws through the bottom ends.
🪜 Use a level and take your time—it’s okay to ask someone to help hold them in place.
Step 3: Add the Roof Decking
Lay plywood sheets across the rafters, starting at the bottom edge and working upward.
Stagger the seams for better strength.
Nail or screw down the plywood every 8–12 inches along rafters.
🌧️ Let a slight overhang hang off the edge (about 6–12″) to protect the walls from rain.
Step 4: Add Roofing Felt
Roll out roofing felt over the plywood, starting at the bottom and overlapping each layer.
Nail or staple it down flat to create a water-resistant barrier.
Step 5: Install Shingles (or Roofing of Choice)
Start at the bottom edge, laying asphalt shingles row by row.
Overlap each row by half and nail them securely following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cap the ridge (top) with cut shingles for a clean, waterproof finish.
🧤 Wear gloves—the shingle edges can be sharp.
Optional: Add Finishing Touches
Install a metal drip edge along the eaves and gables to help direct water away.
Paint or seal any exposed wood for extra weather protection.
Step 5 & 6: Install the Siding and the Door
You can build a simple wooden door or purchase a pre-made one:
Hang with sturdy hinges.
Add a handle and latch for security.
🚪 A sliding barn door is a stylish and accessible option for seniors.
Step 7: Paint & Finish
Seal your shed with:
Exterior primer and paint
Trim around windows/doors
Optional: Gutters, shelves, and flower boxes
🧹 Keep your new shed organized with labeled bins or pegboards inside!
✅ Final Thoughts on How to Build a Shed
Building a shed can be done over a weekend or at your own pace. The key is to enjoy the process and create something useful for your home and hobbies.
