3 / 19
Construct the Walls
Start by measuring 3-1/2 in. from the outside edge of the slab on the back and sides and snapping chalk lines to mark the interior edge of the bottom plate. Then measure from the back line to mark the location of the front bottom plate and snap a line. Now measure between the pairs of opposite lines to make sure they’re parallel, and measure diagonally from corner to corner (where the chalk lines intersect). The diagonal measurements should be equal. If not, the slab is not square and you should cheat the lines as needed until the diagonal measurements are equal. If you skip this step, you risk fighting with an out-of-square building for the entire project. With chalk lines snapped, you can cut the 2×4 plates to length and mark the stud and window and door openings on them according to the plans. Drill holes in the treated bottom plates for the anchor bolts. Then build the walls.
Build the walls flat on the slab and then stand them up. Plumb the corners with a level and nail diagonal braces to the walls. Straighten the top plate by stretching a string over spacer blocks at each end. Gauge the straightness with a third block. When the top plate is straight, nail the brace.
Psst! Check out these easy-to-build shed kits to match your project ideas, budget and style.
4 / 19
Stand Front Posts and Beams
The front half of the roof is supported by four 6×6 cedar posts that are notched to accept both 2×10 beams. This photo shows how we set them up for marking the location of the notches. Rest the bottom of the posts on the metal post brackets and temporarily brace them. We used screws for all the temporary bracing because they’re easy to put in and take out. Use one of the 2×10 beams to mark the end post as shown in the photo. Do the same thing on the opposite end, and then snap a chalk line between the marks to mark the center for notching. Number the posts so you get them back in the right spot.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p63MoqOyoJGjsbq5wKdlnKedZLmqv9NonaKmkaG5unnBrqClnF2uvLa%2BjJ2pnpmdYsCpscNo