How to Build a Garden Tools Shed

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Pressure-treated 2x4 You'll need about 12 6-footers to build the frame.

2. pressure-treated 1x2 You'll need six 6-footers to frame the door openings.

3. Pressure-treated 2x6 You'll need a 4 foot length to build the header above the doors.

4. Pressure-treated 1x3 You'll need eight 6-footers to reinforce and frame the doors.

5. Pressure-treated plywood Pick up a 4x8 sheet to build the floor and shelves.

6. Tongue-and-groove cedar boards Pick up enough 6-foot planks to sheathe the 80 square feet.

7. Construction adhesive to help secure the sheathing to the frame.

8. 1 5/8-inch ring-shank siding nails to attach the sheathing to the frame.

9. 3-inch deck screws to assemble the 2x4 frame.

10. Heavy-duty hinges to support the weight of the doors.

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Jig saw
- Circular saw
- Drill/driver
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Photo: Jonelle Weaver/Jupiter Images

8 hours
About $400 for tongue-and-groove boards or about $150 for pressure-treated plywood

Difficulty: Moderate Bringing the frame together and sheathing it takes time, patience, and precision.

All the rust-resistant coating in the world won't save your garden tools if you leave them outside all the time. To create a clean, dry, and accessible locale for your pruners and shovels, plant a handsome wood lean-to shed against the house near the patio or garden. If it's made from cedar, a naturally rot-resistant wood, it will weather nicely while protecting your goods from precipitation and insects alike. You can make one in a weekend out of off-the-shelf lumber or buy a panelized kit that screws together in under an hour. Once the quaint cabinet is in place, just remember to rinse off your tools and clean them occasionally with WD-40 before tucking them away. That'll keep rust at bay for years to come.

Or buy a garden tool shed for easy install.