To begin putting up your shed’s walls, you’ll need to move the back wall out of the way. The side walls will be exactly the same, but usually involve a window rough opening. You should mark stud spacing at the same time as you do for the back wall. Once you’ve marked your stud spacing, you’ll be ready to begin. You’ll need 2X4s, OSB sheathing, and two-by-six headers. Then you’ll need to attach the two walls using Mortise-and-tenon joinery.
2X4s
The first step in putting up a shed wall is to mark the floor. Mark the shed floor three and one-half inches from the edge. The wall plate should be about seven inches narrower than the shed’s overall width. Then, mark the inner edge of the wall. Mark the wall plates accordingly, cutting the top plate and double-top plate after framing. Make sure to use accurate measurements when putting up walls.
You’ll have to mark the top and bottom plates so you can properly place the wall studs. Once the studs are in place, you’ll need to lay the headers. These are two 2X8s that are cut to the proper length, with 3/4-inch plywood sandwiched between them. Next, you’ll need to use a framing nailer to hold the headers in place. Use nails every six to eight inches.
Once you’ve marked the bottom plate, you can start nailing the wall to the floor. Make sure to use 3.5′ nails in each stud, and place them in a corner where the next wall will be placed. If necessary, use scrap lumber to help keep the wall steady. Repeat this process with the second long wall. For shorter walls, nail through the last stud on each end of the wall and the inside corners.
Once you’ve nailed the king studs, you’ll need to attach the front and back walls. If you have windows and doors, use the king studs and trimmers to secure them. If you want to use a door, use a two-x-4 piece above the header as a cripple. You’ll also need to attach the second wall to the first, ensuring that it is plumb. Temporary bracing is also important as it will prevent damage when a door is installed.
OSB sheathing
Sheds made of OSB sheathing are the best option for walls and are both inexpensive and durable. It is recommended that you install a moisture barrier over the OSB sheathing before you begin lifting the walls. This way, you won’t have to hold the pieces up as you nail them to the wall frames. You can also put up the sheathing before you begin installing the siding, although you will probably want to wait until you’ve completed all the walls and roofing before you apply the vinyl.
You can use nails to install fiberboard or OSB. However, you should not nail directly against the board, as fiberboard strips out easily when you try to drill the nails. Also, when installing a specialty board, you’ll need to drill a pilot hole before hammering the nails. You should also use nails to screw OSB sheathing to the walls, but make sure to keep them at least half an inch from other materials.
When installing OSB sheathing, you’ll need two types of fasteners. For framing, you’ll need three-1/2″ long screws, while for sheathing, you’ll need 2″ long nails. In addition, you’ll want to use galvanized nails, which are less likely to corrode and have better grip on wood. You can also use 2x4s to keep the walls square.
Oriented strand board, or OSB, is a tried and tested way to cut costs when constructing a shed. OSB costs approximately 30% less than plywood for the same thickness. Some people have doubts about the strength and durability of OSB, but there are simple guidelines for using OSB and dimensionally matching the lumber thickness. You can even use OSB in a garden shed if it’s a little less expensive.
2″x6″ headers
Building a shed is simple, but it’s not always as easy as it looks. First, you have to cut the headers, or “headers” in a different size. Then you’ll need to lift the walls into place. That’s a much bigger job than it sounds, and it requires a lot more preparation. In addition to buying two-by-six headers, you’ll need to cut extra 2x6s for the corners of the shed.
When cutting the lumber, make sure to leave a 1″ gap between each two-by-six studs, and then use a nail gun and galvanized screws to fasten them in place. Next, use the nails to secure the top and bottom plates, and attach the 2″x6″ headers to the plywood. Make sure the front wall is plumb, and add temporary bracing.
Then, set up the framing for the walls. The two-by-six headers will support the wall framing, allowing you to install siding and OSB sheathing. Using 2″x6″ headers in a shed will give you the best value for your money. In addition, the headers will help secure the walls and prevent them from shifting during the construction process.
Once the walls are up, the next step is to frame the openings for windows. You can do this using OSB or plywood. You can also use scrap lumber to brace the wall section. After putting up the first long wall, you can do the same for the second long wall. You will also need to decide on roofing and siding. Skylights are another common question from people building a shed.
Mortise-and-tenon joinery
Mortise-and-tenon joineries can be shaped to fit the size of the building. They can be any size as long as the dimensions are within the limitations of the wood. The mortise is about one-third of the depth of the tenon, while the tenon is one-fourth of the depth of the mortise. The larger the mortise and tenon, the stronger the joint will be.
The best part of mortise-and-tenon joinery is its strength. When done correctly, these joints can be pulled up close without a gap. While mortise-and-tenon joinery isn’t for the inexperienced, it will make the finished project look more professional. It does take practice to make these joints, but the end results are well worth it.
A good rule of thumb is to place the mortise-and-tenon joint with the mortise facing in the same direction. This will ensure that the wall will remain stable while still allowing for movement. If you are unsure, the drawings on the opposite page can help you decide. A tenon over three inches in width should have two pins inserted through it. The pins should be spaced at least one-fourth inch apart to minimize the possibility of splitting.
Another popular choice is mortise-and-tenon joinery. It is relatively easy to make. You’ll need a standard router and a hammer. And once you have your tools ready, you can begin to assemble the walls of your shed. When putting the walls up, make sure to measure carefully the height and width of the pieces.
2″x4″ studs
To put walls up in a shed, you need 2″x4″ studs. The back wall of the shed is the same as the side walls, but the side walls are more complicated because they will usually have a rough opening for a window. Mark the stud spacing as you do the back wall. You will also need a framing nailer. You should use the nailer every six to eight inches to secure the headers and jack studs.
Once you’ve attached the studs to the studs, you can frame the rough opening for doors and windows. While this step is optional, it can make the shed look more finished. You’ll also want to attach the walls with 3.5-inch nails. If you’d like, you can add trim or windows. However, don’t forget about the walls if you’re putting a door in.
If you’re using 2×4 studs for the exterior walls, you’ll need seven of them for an 8×8-foot-sized shed. That’s $35 for each wall, so using 2x6s will save you at least $20. Remember that you don’t have to use 2×4 studs on the interior, since siding and insulation can be installed separately.
Once you’ve finished the foundation, it’s time to build the walls. It is important to have a level surface on which to build the shed. If you’re building on a flat piece of land, you can use concrete pavers as your base. Make sure that the base is level and that the walls are even. You’ll have to check for local building codes.
