How to Build a Shed

Having had 'shed envy' for a while, this was the perfect book to fulfil the need to build one.It's a beautifully illustrated and written guide to build this particular shed. Having never built anything before, and being rather hopeless at DIY generally, having read the book a few times, I thought it was worth a go.With a few minor issues (any structure that's not absolutely dead straight causes problems later on), it was really straight forward to follow and as it's written in sections it's quite simple to plan a weekend's work at a time.My 10 year old son enjoyed building it with me and other than having a few friends over on the weekends that needed two people to do things, (lifting the roof on, putting cladding on the back wall, and cladding the inside) it was all pretty straightforward to do solo....as long as you're patient and remember to 'measure twice and cut once'.I hardly had any waste material left over which was great too (I did build an excel sheet to figure out how much timber I needed for the whole build - which probably helped as the book only does it section by section).Youtube videos were also really helpful when I got stuck on a few things.I outsourced the door fitting and electrics (the latter the book recommends) but everything else we did ourselves.High points....building the frame. I'd do that all over again - hugely satisfying and great to see it take shape.Low points....filling, sanding, decorating.The book (from memory) said it was a £2,500 project. But that doesn't include insulation, cladding, electrics, decorating, tools etc etc . Just the timber frame alone cost £1,800 in materials (as at July 2022)Overall it came in £9,766 (probably still £5-10k cheaper than a purpose built one), including absolutely everything and I think it's worth every penny.It took 12 weekends (plus an occasional Friday) to complete.One final note, although I was really tempted to install the log burner suggested in the book, because the kids use it to watch TV, play PS4 etc, we decided not to do it. It turned out that it's so well insulated, it's really warm even without a radiator, let alone a fire.

The media could not be loaded. I bought this book in 2019 with the intention of replacing a battered old pre-fab shed with something more robust, and certainly more stylish. In the past I had only ever built simple shelves, and a rectangular area of decking, though my Dad had been a carpenter, and I had helped him on some small things back in the 1970s. The build had been meant to start late February 2020, but the site is on the coast and storms prevented that, and we decided to wait until March. Then COVID19 happened, and we were in lockdown elsewhere. My dad died during this time, and when we were eventually allowed back, in the Summer, we started the build in his memory, with “How to Build a Shed” as our bible. Between two further lockdowns, tiers 1 to 4 travel restrictions, and timber shortages we have managed, as a family, to build a beautiful, sturdy little building, at the same time as sharing a rewarding experience, and it’s all down to Sally Coulthard’s delightful book. I can’t recommend it highly enough; the straight-forward, deceptively simple writing conveys a world of information that has allowed a family of non-builders to construct something we are immensely proud of. The attached film is a record of our adventure.

Highly recommend this book … which is easy to follow without the waffle … concise well structured … but the author could have included a chapter on apex roof construction not just a pent roof

Written and illustrated beautifully. This book answers any questions before the need to ask in an informative way, with an approach that would appeal to the novice and experienced person alike. because there are no assumptions made as to the level of experience or knowledge of the reader it isn't handy person elitist in attitude, nor is it a piece of primary sounding literature. It talks to you, not at or over you. Even the choice of a blue colouring for the ink conveys a calm. Having worked on community garden building projects, with vulnerable groups, I know how reluctant those with no handy person experience can be to even attempt things. Convinced of their own inability to complete tasks often as simple as banging in nails. This book gently coaxes even the most frustrated worker and is so well set out that it becomes an easily accessed reference guide for when doubts and fear of the first timer surfaces. I can imagine the pride and joy on their faces when they've achieved completion of a project of this size!

This is THE best shed building book I have come across, you can scale up the plans and cut lists for any size of shed.It’s simply brilliant!!!

Ok, so it did take me about a year to complete (including the decking)... the book was inspirational - takes you from first principles to complete build and enough detail and flexibility for some of your own choices - e.g. adding a window, different types of insulation, heating, interior design etc. It's in no way basic as I was fairly DIY proficient but I learned a lot doing the build. I ended up using Cedar cladding on the front which has been great... I also got some personal guidance and advice from Sally the author when I emailed her.

The book is a fun read but aimed at building the same building as the author. It lacks the extra information required if you want to build a different size or shape such as span tables. If this could be added and written rom this point of view it would be closer to 5 stars.If you are a novice and this book is ideal, it even has a section on how to use a hammer.You will find lots of self builds on youtube with all the information you need.

Libro muy útil si queremos construir una pequeña casita en el jardín o huerto, de medidas perfectas para que no nos asustemos en el proceso. Todo esta explicado paso a paso, desde los cimientos, suelo, paredes y tejado acabado a una agua. Las proporciones se pueden adecuar a nuestro gusto siempre que mantengamos la relación con las demás medidas, si lo queremos más alto o más largo. Lo recomiendo.

Accidentally bought this book, but I’m glad that I did. I’m a beginner on diy and this goes into detail step by step instructions on how to build a shed and also goes into detail about what tools are best to use and explains the reasoning behind choosing which option is best for you to go about build the shed. This book is awesome and gives you a broader view on diy and carpentry! I definitely recommend it for people who want to gain deeper knowledge on the subject.

Great

Very detailed with material list and different foundational alternatives to concrete forms.

Great book