| Any building that is constructed upon weak | | | | inevitably rot. Also a damp environment will tend to |
| foundations will eventually fail, and a shed is no | | | | rust metal parts such as hinges and fixings, warp |
| exception. When considering how to build a shed the | | | | timber planks, and generally encourage mildew and |
| first and most important thing to consider is the | | | | molds. The solution to this is to ensure you provide a |
| foundation. This can consist of concrete slabs or | | | | space under the shed to allow air to circulate, thus |
| even wood timbers that have been specially designed | | | | keeping things nice and dry. Similarly, maintain a space |
| for the job. The ground where the shed is to be | | | | around the perimeter of your shed to keep things |
| constructed must be level before laying these | | | | well ventilated and if possible, also getting some |
| foundations, and they must be spaced properly to | | | | exposure to the sun. This also allows room to move |
| support the floor frame of the shed. | | | | for maintenance. |
| If you are planning on a larger shed, workshop or | | | | Pressure treated lumber should also be used for the |
| perhaps even an office, you may well require | | | | floor frame, as this will also be exposed to the |
| permanent foundations that extend underground a | | | | elements and subject to moisture. Thick plywood is |
| considerable distance. These are normally concrete | | | | fine for the floor itself, but if you live in a humid |
| pillars or tantalized wooden posts. As a matter of | | | | environment then this also should really be |
| course you should check with your local authority to | | | | pressure-treated to resist pests and moisture. |
| determine the local building codes that will affect you. | | | | All sheds will require periodic maintenance, but |
| It is important not to build your shed on swampy or | | | | choosing and using low-maintenance materials can |
| marshy land. If there were frequent rainfall and | | | | minimize this. The higher cost of materials such as |
| possibly excess water flow near your location then it | | | | PVC, aluminium and vinyl parts is well worth the |
| might be a good idea to set the foundations in a few | | | | savings in maintenance over time, and they do not |
| inches of gravel to protect them from wear. When | | | | need painting. |
| using timber foundations, be certain to use properly | | | | Shed doors are usually either hinged or sliding, and |
| treated ones that are suitable for the job. If not | | | | should be chosen to suit your location and purpose. |
| they are liable to decay very quickly. Such timbers | | | | While sliding doors may appear to require less space, |
| are treated with pesticides and preservatives to | | | | don't forget that they do not close as tightly as a |
| enable them to remain in contact with soil for | | | | hinged door and also need some wall space to open |
| extended periods of time. | | | | fully. And if your shed is for storage you might even |
| Dampness is the number one enemy of wood. Any | | | | consider installing two doors to make it easier to |
| wood in a damp environment for long enough will | | | | effectively reach all of the areas in your shed. |