13 best built sheds

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Step 1: Prepare the Gravel Base

A. Remove 4" of soil in an area about 12" wider and longer than the dimensions of the building.

B. Fill the excavated area with a 4" layer of compactible gravel. Rake the gravel smooth, then check it for level using a 4-ft. level and a straight, 8-ft.-long 2 × 4. Rake the gravel until it is fairly level.

C. Tamp the gravel thoroughly using a hand tamper or a rented plate compactor. As you work, check the surface with the board and level, and add or remove gravel until the surface is level.

Step 2: Cut & Set the Skids

A. Cut the skids to length, using a circular saw or reciprocating saw. (Skids typically run parallel to the length of the building and are cut to the same dimension as the floor frame.)

B. To angle-cut the ends, measure down 1½" to 2" from the top edge of each skid. Use a square to mark a 45° cutting line down to the bottom edge, then make the cuts.

C. Coat the cut ends of the skids with a wood sealerpreservative and let them dry.

D. Set the skids on the gravel so they are parallel and their ends are even. Make sure the outer skids are spaced according to the width of the building.

Step 3: Level the Skids

A. Cut the skids to length, using a circular saw or reciprocating saw. (Skids typically run parallel to the length of the building and are cut to the same dimension as the floor frame.)

B. To angle-cut the ends, measure down 1½" to 2" from the top edge of each skid. Use a square to mark a 45° cutting line down to the bottom edge, then make the cuts.

C. Coat the cut ends of the skids with a wood sealerpreservative and let them dry.

D. Set the skids on the gravel so they are parallel and their ends are even. Make sure the outer skids are spaced according to the width of the building.

Build a home for your car with the right shed

This stunning, modern structure combines a handy detached garage that could be placed exactly where the homeowner wanted it, with enough room for a light-filled workshop area. Paint and style the shed to match your home to make it look like a natural part of the property that has been there forever.

Blur the line between shed and cottage

Blur the line between shed and cottage by detailing and outfitting a guesthouse shed to mimic the main house. Here, a shed has been built at a landing along stairs that run from the driveway to the house. The shed is painted and detailed just like the house. With power and water, it is a perfect guest residence that is even cozier and more private than a guest bedroom.

Prefabricated sheds need not be plain

If you have the budget, a modern backyard wonder such as this unit is available ready to assemble. The manufacturer of this shed offers the option of buying it ready-to-assemble, or hiring inside an 'installers network' to have a professional build it on site for you.

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Is My Deck Safe?

Maybe your deck is safe. There is, however, a good chance that it is not safe, at least when evaluated using current codes and standards. In this chapter and in the next chapter, we discuss how you can begin assessing whether or not your deck is safe. We also discuss some common myths and rationalizations that arise when people think about their decks.

I Don’t Need a Permit!

Actually, you do need a permit to build a deck in almost parts of the United States. You need a permit because building a deck without a permit is illegal and risky. You could be forced to remove an illegally built deck. You are required to disclose unpermitted work on most seller disclosure statements when you sell a house. If you do not disclose the unpermitted work, and if there is a problem, you could be held liable for the costs of those problems, including costs of personal injury and death.

What Is Not a Deck?

This is an important question because applying guidelines intended for one type of structure to another type of structure is not safe. A structure is not a deck if it is built using materials other than wood or other materials not approved for use as a deck component. If the structure is built using concrete, asphalt, stone, brick, pavers, or similar materials, it is not a deck. If the structure is supported entirely on the ground, it is not a deck.

What Is Flashing?

Flashing is a permanent, low-maintenance barrier that stops water from entering into places where it will cause damage to wood and other house components. Flashing is different from sealants, such as caulk and roofing cement. Sealants may require replacement in as little as a year. Flashing, when properly installed, should last for many years. Sealants may be used in addition to flashing, but sealants should not be used as a substitute for properly installed flashing.

What Is a Deck Ledger

Most decks use the house as one of the structural supports. To provide this support, a board called a deck ledger is usually attached to a part of the house floor system, specifically a rim joist. Refer to Figure 6 (see page 41) for an illustration. Deck ledgers are sometimes attached to the house foundation. Refer to Figure 9 (see page 46) for an illustration.

What Are Deck Stairs?

Deck stairs allow access to the ground from the deck. Deck stairs are optional. Deck stairs may consist of one set of risers and treads, or the deck stairs may run to an intermediate landing before reaching the ground. Intermediate deck stair landings are small decks and should be built as such, including footings and bracing.