I have put together this section because it is important to do your homework before buying a wooden storage shed. For some, buying a shed is a major purchase and there are things you need to watch for. Below is a list of things to look for before you invest your hard earned money into a wooden storage shed.
• Wall studs should be 16” on center if framed with 2x4’s
• The wall studs need to be to mounted a 2x4 and then to the floor.
• The rafters need to be mounted 16” apart and should have a wood gusset on both sides of the peak. Some wooden storage sheds have metal brackets, which are not as strong as wood gussets.
• With wooden storage sheds, make sure that on the ends the roof overhangs the sides by at least 2”. This will help keep the run off away from your wooden storage shed.
• It should have gabled end vents.
• The floor decking, joists and base should be pressure treated for protection against the elements.• Check the framing on the doors. Make sure if 2x4’s are used, the 4” side is not flat against the door. A minimum of 2x3’s with cross bracing will prevent the door from warping.
• If there are double doors and one is stationary, it does not need cross bracing but needs framing.
• Check the height of your wooden storage shed. Overhead space will give you a lot of extra storage area. When sizing your shed consider overhead space for storage.
• Check the life of the shingles used because it is costly to reroof your wooden storage shed. They should have a 20-year life.
• Make sure the doors are attached with 3 strong hinges.
• The floor should be constructed with 2x4’s, pressure treated joists and pressure treated 4x4’s running perpendicular. This will increase airflow and will disperse heavy load evenly.
• Be sure the shed has one functioning window this will help with ventilation and provide some light.
• Stay away from cheap door latches they wear out fast and will need replacing.
• The hinges need to be screwed directly to the cedar shed and the siding is over top of the hinges.
• On cedar sheds be sure that there is a ridged layer between the studs and the cedar siding.
• Avoid cedar sheds made with short pieces of cedar throughout.
• Make sure there is full trim around the door plus weather stripping. This will help keep water out of your Wooden Storage Shed.
