GARDEN SHEDS ??? BUY OR BUILD ???

[JIMRAC]

Hi guys and gals,
I need some advise on weather to buy or build but as I have never built a shead before I would be greatful if someone out there could help.I am pretty ok with wood so cutting and putting it togeather will be ok but my problems is I need a drawing or something to work off I would love to build on rather than buy one as I think it would be a lot stronger for a start and I could brag to my mates after a few beers at a barbie the size Im looking to build is aprox 10 ft by 8 ft I do know that I will need to use ship lap for the sides and at least 2x2 inch for the frame oh by the way I want an apex roof cheers for now.

 

[neathblue]

I built a 10ft by 14ft for around the £550 solid timbers etc 4x3 etc fully clad, pretty easy if you take your time and plan it out correctly.

 

[vw_joker]

www.rainhamsheds.co.uk

A pretty good (well ok) deal.
10x14 £810 for pent or apex shed.

I've been looking for a 12x8, and these are the cheapest I'd seen.
Just something to bear in mind, still have to put down the base though.

 

[David P]

one thing worth doing if you plan to make a shed is to spend a few hours phoning around getting prices for wood.

a trick that most suppliers use is to sell timber at low mark up but boards at a high profit and vice versa. never buy both from the same supplier - find the cheapest for boards then the cheapest for timber and use both.

Often the small local places can do you a better deal than the multinational conglomerates. I have even discovered that a nearby mobile sawmill can supply air seasoned hardwood at almost comparable prices to pine

 

[David P]

one more thing.
you seem to be faced with the age old dilema of wether to be a consumer or a producer.
buying a shed will give you the satisfaction of a purchase well made - but then so can doing the weekly food shopping.

Making a shed however will give you the possibility of doing whatever you want to imagine. and at the end of the process you will have had a unique experience - as you might have guessed I'd say go for the brave option every time.

as for working from drawings - dont worry too much about it - draw what you want to see and ask others oppinions about the drawings, that way you will be able to truly enjoy the creation process and learn a lot through it.
also dont be put off by what you are 'supposed to do' almost every culture has managed for millenia to house themselves without building regs and or drawings - so a shed shouldnt be too big a problem. enjoy it and allow yourself to dream ambitiously.

good luck

 

[staylong]

Hi

I asked a similar question a few weeks ago. Search under staylong for links to replies.

Also here is a linkk to a local wood mearchant that you can get an idea of prices from http://www.cwberry.com/epb2.01/index.html

I typed in free shed plans on google and got a few good hits. Try these.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_improvement/home_improvement/2001/7/super_shed/
http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/how2crew/projects/project_13.html
http://www.wolmanizedwood.com/shed.gif

also just so you can see a good design ready made http://www.passmores.co.uk/products/gardenbuildings/workshops.htm#window

Unfortunately for me the house I was buying fell through so the plans have been shelved. It started to look like it was getting expensive. You will probably end up with a better quality shed but unless you get the wood cheap it will cost nearly the same as a ready built one.

If you find any better plans let me know.

Staylong