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Discussion Forum

Pre-Built Sheds

Nathar | Posted in General Discussion on April 10, 2008 10:48am

I’m considering one of those pre-built sheds (8′ X 12′ or so) that they sell at the big box stores. I realize that with a set of plans I could build my own in a few weekends, but I’m not really sure the savings (I imagine the lumber would be nearly half the price of a pre-built shed) is worth the time and aggravation.

Anyone have anything negative or positive to say about those sheds?

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  1. User avater
    IMERC | Apr 10, 2008 10:57pm | #1

    not one positive word at all .....

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  2. JMadson | Apr 10, 2008 11:06pm | #2

    One one hand, you're going to get a stronger, better looking, more customizable, and longer lasting shed.

    On the other, you'll pay twice as much for a shed by not actually doing it yourself.

    It's worth your time to do it yourself.

     
    1. Nathar | Apr 10, 2008 11:09pm | #3

      Has anyone seen any plans for some kind of a combination shed / play structure? I'm wondering if there is something that could have storage underneath, but some kind of play fort above it.

      1. frammer52 | Apr 10, 2008 11:36pm | #4

        84 lumber had some, but haven't looked lately.

        check your local lumber yard, Ive found plans in some of them.

        Online I can't help.

        By the way Ditto on previous post.

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Apr 10, 2008 11:37pm | #5

          84 closed up out here.... 

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      2. susiekitchen | Apr 10, 2008 11:40pm | #6

        Check out http://www.abetterbackyard.com for different plans. I was looking for plans and kits awhile back and liked this site enough to add to my favorites.

  3. junkhound | Apr 11, 2008 01:39am | #7

    Big box shed,   aaaarrrrghhhhhhh!!!!!

    here  is a catalog of shed for under 5 cents per sq ft with surplus material <G>

     

    1. User avater
      IMERC | Apr 11, 2008 01:45am | #8

      1st... don't let rez see that catalog....

      might be too hard on him....

      2nd... nice work for recycle...

      3rd... the moss and ivy lend a nice touch...

        

      Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

      WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      1. rez | Apr 11, 2008 02:23am | #9

        Old Shed is better than the Cheap Shed.

        Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

        1. junkhound | Apr 11, 2008 02:37am | #10

          Actually, cheap shed was my 'masterpiece' for low cost. 

          Total cost, including nails and compressor electricity adn diesel fuel for the tractor to put ridge post (trunk of old cherry tree) in place and outlets and lights (but not including the underground feeder) was under $5.00 total for 200 sq ft. $1 of that total was for the light bulb!

          Roof is steel sheets from discarded whiteboards, 'foundation' is 3ea 40" dia cottonwood logs (Ok, maybe I'da got $50 for those if I'da spent $48 in gas hauling them to a pulp mil), walls are from free pallets. 

  4. User avater
    McDesign | Apr 11, 2008 02:45am | #11

    I'd have to vote along with making it.  A neighbor just went through the same analysis - $700 in materials for an 8x12' (?) assembled shed they wanted ~$2100 for.

    He built it, I gave him a couple of sketches; made a 42" wide door from 1/2" ply-skinned 2x so he can drive his mower in.  T-111 outside; nicely painted and stained in two weekends.

    Sits on 4 or 6 pier blocks

    I can get a pic if yer interested.

    Forrest

    1. User avater
      FatRoman | Apr 11, 2008 04:25am | #13

      I'd be interested to see your sketches if you are willing to post them.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb

      1. User avater
        McDesign | Apr 11, 2008 04:31am | #14

        I'll ask him when he gets back from Nepal with Jimmy Carter next week.  No joke!

        Forrest

        1. User avater
          FatRoman | Apr 11, 2008 04:50am | #16

          LOL, you're running with a rich crowd now; not sure if I'll be able to afford your shed. Unless I open that Buddhist sandwich shop I've been thinking about.
          You know, the Deli Llama.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb

          1. User avater
            McDesign | Apr 11, 2008 05:02am | #18

            Hah! 

            My buddy was stationed in Nepal in his Peace Corps days; his dog is Mandy (Katmandhu).  His wife (before they met) was stationed in several places in Africa; her dog is Tim (Timbuktu).

            He later worked at the Carter Center here in Atlanta.

            Forrest

  5. Notchman | Apr 11, 2008 04:17am | #12

    My 84 year-old FIL bought one of those and enlisted me to put it together.

    What a rip off. For what he paid for the components all strapped to a small pallet, I could have bought better material, built it, charged him for my labor (which I wouldn't do) and saved him a bunch of money.

    Building a small shed is within the capability of even a novice and the tool requirement would be no more than what was required for that kit.

    The results will be much better, longer lasting and personally satisfying.

  6. omnimax | Apr 11, 2008 04:38am | #15

    http://www.handyhome.com/

    From the instructions link you can create a materials list and build it yourself.  The kits come with nothing longer than 8' to simplify packaging.  You'll be able to buy better materials cheaper. 

  7. User avater
    IMERC | Apr 11, 2008 04:59am | #17

    FWIW....

    a lot those "pakage" sheds seem to be constructed from culled materials....

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. rez | Apr 11, 2008 05:04am | #19

      hey now, let's leave BillJustBill out of this.

      Or maybe what we need is a link to the thread with pics of his homemade shed to let Nathar see what is possible.

      Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

      1. rez | Apr 11, 2008 05:17am | #20

        76592.1016

        View Image

        View Image

        76592.914   76592.1016

        View Image

        and an old thread that deals with homemade sheds in the first hundred or so posts.  44541.1 

        Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

  8. RedfordHenry | Apr 11, 2008 05:41am | #21

    Most here wouldn't consider building a shed aggravating, more than likely most would consider it a pleasure.  If you are looking for some guidance, Rick Arnold has an article in the May issue of FHB on the topic.  It's a pretty good article although it omits the small matter of the roof.

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