Free Porch Swing Plans - DIY Project

Free porch swing plans - easy to follow detailed blueprints to build your own porch swing.

Having a porch swing will not only make your home look great, but it will create a great space to relax or spend the evening reading your favorite book.

DIY Porch Swing

Below are plans for a porch swing you can build yourself during the weekend.

 

To download this free PDF go here porch swing plans Construct101 plus many more DIY project downloads

Porch Swing Details

This porch swing measures five feet wide. The swing is built using 2x4's and 1x3's, once completed a swing chain kit will be required to hang.

A jig saw will be required to complete this weekend project.

8x8 Barn Shed Plans

These plans will guide you to build an 8x8 barn shed. These 8x8 barn shed plans include everything you need to know to get started. Below you can see the an overview of the size of this small barn shed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Download - 8x8 Barn Shed Plans - At Construct101.

 

 

Build this 8x8 shed, great small shed addition for storage, tools, or for the garden.

 

Building this shed can be done by anyone who has basic building knowledge and common tools. The plans will include everything you need to know. Blueprints come with PDF, material list, drawings, and easy to follow instructions.

 

This guide will show you how to build:

• Foundation, floor for the shed.
• Frame the walls.
• Cut rafters and assemble the roof truss.
• Attach the exterior siding.
• Build the shed door.
• Add the trim and shingles.

Construct101 also has plans for a variety of shed sizes, designs, as well as other DIY outdoor projects.

 

 





DIY Folding Picnic Table to Benches

If you have a small space or you just don't want to see a picnic table in the middle of your yard, here is a great solution.

This project folding picnic table plans from construct101 is the perfect project for this weekend. The free blueprints come with a free PDF download. The plans are complete with lots of details that include step-by-step drawings, material list, and a cutting list.

The picnic table folds and turns into a set of benches. The benches can be set up in many ways, if you are short in space they can be set against a wall or fence.

The table or benches is simple to build. The tools are common, no special tools will be required. This picnic table is built using only 2x4's, two hinges, and wood screws. The time to complete this project is one day.

For more information on this folding picnic table or to see a whole list of more picnic tables visit this website picnic table plans.

Garden Bridge Plans - DIY Arch foot bridge

Build your own garden bridge with these step-by-step plans. Plans include all the details needed for this foot bridge, including a free PDF download.

 

Download here, garden bridge plans, easy to build, and will look great in small pond or a dry creek.

 



This foot bridge can be built using basic tools, such as a circular saw, jig saw, and power drill.

The time required to complete this project is usually one weekend.

Use pressure treated lumber for parts that will be in direct contact with the ground.

Finish this outdoor project by painting or using wood preserver, this outdoor garden bridge will last many years with proper maintenance and care.

Free Pavilian Plans Material List PDF Download

Build a pavilion in your backyard with these simple to follow plans. Plans include illustrated drawings, material list, step-by-step details, and a free PDF download.

The blueprints for this will build a pavilion 14 feet by 16 feet.

 

 

 

 

The frame is built using 6x6 post, and 2x6 boards for the rafters. The roof pitch is an 8 inch drop as shown in picture above.

 

See all the details and download these free plans here: Pavilion Plans - Source: Construct101

 

 



 

 

DIY Round Picnic Table Plans

Round picnic tables are the perfect addition to any porch, pergola, pavilion, or backyard.

Although a round picnic table can be more time consuming to build than a traditional picnic table, the end result will be worth wild.

The plans for this table come from construct101. These plans are complete with a shopping list, cutting list, and a free PDF download. Check the link below to visit the site and download your free plans.

Step-by-step details, more info here, round picnic table plans from construct101. Table and bench are built using 2x4's and 2x6's.

Plans include details for the table and detached benches.

Visit the site above for many more free plans including picnic tables.

Shed Plans 12x16 Gable Roof Shed

Photo credit construct101

12x16 shed plans, plans can be seen at the Construct101 website. These plans include a free PDF download, cutting list, shopping list, and the material list needed for the build.

These plans will build a large shed, 12x16 in size, so more than likely a building permit will be required.

The 12x16 shed plans include lots of details and simple to follow illustrations for building the shed. The basic procedure will include building the foundation, in this cas the plans will show you how to build a wood foundation, that makes it easier than concrete.

The next step as with any structure will be framing the walls, cutting rafters and building the shed truss, adding the siding, roof deck, and the rest of the finishing details.

This large shed will offer plenty of space if you need to store ATV's or a lawn tractor. The side of the shed has a large door to pull large objects in or out.

Plant Stand Plans

image credit: www.construct101.com

To build your plant stand begin with plans. You can see the latest project for plant stand plans at construct101.

Study the plans and look over the material list to get an idea of what is involved. Building a plant stand is a DIY project that is rather simple, and if you are an unexperienced builder this is a great first time project.

Once you look the plans over make a copy of the shopping list and buy the material necessary. Once you have everything you can begin building.

This project calls for 1x3 lumber. Since this is an outdoor project redwood, cedar, or pressure treated wood will work best. Other wood will also work fine as long as you treated it with stain or paint.

Start by building the shelves, next cut the legs and attach to the shelves. Get all the measurements, shopping list, and free illustrated plans at construct101 website.

Build a Planter Box and Planter Bench in a Day



Image Credit: www.Construct101.com

 

If you want to make your home more attractive on the outside, growing trees and plans is a great start.

Many times however space is an issue and you will need to get creative.  An alternative to planting in the ground is planting in planters. Buying planter boxes does not have to drain your resources; you can always build your own, see planter box plans at construct101 for details. If you want to get free planter boxes get a hold of some scrap lumber.

When building planters always start with plans, check out these planter plans from construct101. Although it is not difficult to build planters, plans will always be helpful, it they will give you a good idea of the finish product before you even start.

You can and style to your existing landscape. They are great focal points for entryways, patios, or gardens.

A design like a planter bench combines two great projects, a planter box and a bench. It will add beauty to your home and it will be functional by providing extra seating.

Planter boxes are used by lots of business’s to make the landscape of the building look more appealing or inviting.

One great perk of growing plants in planters is that it will allow you to move them in the future if needed. You can place them in the sun and move them into the porch in the winter.

Planter boxes can be made from many types of material. The best type of lumber however that will last many years is redwood or pressure treated.

Another great advantage to building your own planters is that it will allow you to decorate and paint them any style you want. You can paint or stain them to match your house or to blend into your landscape.

Maintenance is very minimal requiring only you to hose them down, or maybe pressure washing them and some paint touch up every several years.

Free Shed Plans for Basic Construction of Storages

For building a storage unit regardless of the design you will need blueprints to follow. Why do you need plans for such a basic structure? For one thing building material is expensive and you do not want to keep going back to the lumber yard for material.

Having an idea of what you want will make finding or drawing out your own plans easier. Of course you will need to know what you are allowed to build before you begin to avoid fines or worse having to take down the shed when it is completed, so avoid any nightmares and make some calls to the proper zoning departments.

Know to begin you can start searching online for shed plans; here are a couple of free shed plans that are pretty good and detailed in my opinion.

·         MotherEarthNews

·         Construct101

·         MyBackyardPlans

·         http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/extension/extpubs/planlist97.htm

Prepare the Area before Beginning

If you are building the shed floor out of wood then this is how I would go about preparing the area. Start by cleaning the area that will usually be about 2 feet larger than the shed size. So let’s say you are building a 10x10 shed, and then you would prepare a 12x12 area. Get the area leveled as best as you can and add about 3 inches of gravel to the entire area. The gravel will make leveling the shed foundation easy and will also keep moisture away to prevent decay to the floor.

Framing walls is pretty basic carpentry if you have no idea just search online or my favorite place to go YouTube. You can space the wall studs 2 feet apart, or you may be required to go 16 inches apart. Again all these details will be provided in the shed plans you use, if you are using free plans make sure it is complete with all the details and a material list. If you want to get an idea of the cost to build the shed a material list, a calculator, and the price of the material will get this done.

One of the hardest parts when building the shed will becutting the rafters and putting the truss together. If you are using blueprints it will make this allot easier and you can get an idea of how the shed will look. If you are not using plans you will want to lay out the lumber on the floor and moving it to get the pitch you want. The ends of the truss will need to be the same length of the walls. Once you have one set of truss built you can use it as a template to build the rest.

Shed Plans Easy to Follow Building Guides

Easy to Follow Shed Building Guides

See this site for more shed plans  http://www.diygardenplans.net/diy-shed-guide.htm these building guides are easy to follow.

You can download the plans to your computer and print them out. Click on the links to the project index to see the building details.

These guides are very detailed. There are instructions to build the shed door, windows, and installing shingles.

Plans for Lean-To  Shed

Plans for Gambrel/Barn Shed

 

 

 Plans for Gable Style Shed

 

Shed Plans for a 10x 16 Shed

See these plans http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/1276231 to build a 10x16 Colonial-Style Storage Shed.

 

 

 

More Free Shed Plans

 

 

For more free shed plans here is a list that contain lots of sizes and many designs  http://www.diywwplans.com/15-shed-projects.htm  

 

Plans from The Family Handyman

 

http://us.readersdigest.com/images//offer/fh/project_plans/pdf/FH02Sep_CottageShed.pdf

 

http://us.readersdigest.com/images//offer/fh/project_plans/pdf/FH06JUN_CompactShed.pdf

 

http://us.readersdigest.com/images//offer/fh/project_plans/pdf/FH03JAu_GardenShed.pdf

 

http://us.readersdigest.com/images//offer/fh/project_plans/pdf/FH01JUN_CraftsmanShed.pdf

 

http://us.readersdigest.com/images//offer/fh/project_plans/pdf/FH04JAU_RusticYardShed.pdf

 

 

 



 





Free Storage Shed Plans

After looking at many pre-built storage shed kits and local storage shed builders sheds, I decided to build my own from scratch.
The material cost was around $550 from a building supply store.
I built the entire storage shed myself in about three days.
Building your own storage shed can be a very satisfying process, you will have a well built storage shed that will outlast any wood or sheet metal kit shed.

Make sure you stop by or call your zoning department before you begin your project.
Find out whether your storage shed will be allowed by zoning regulations.
Storage sheds greater than 120 sq. feet generally require a permit, but temporary buildings generally do not.

How to build a storage shed, step-by-step instructions will take you through these stages.
Framing, the floor will be first, then the walls and then the roof.
Roofing, adding the roofing paper and shingles.
Exterior finishes, including trim and paint.

Many of the tools needed to build your storage sheds are common to most households.

Arrow Sheds

Where to buy arrow sheds ( visit site )

Arrow sheds offer you a quick and easy way to add a shed to your home. You will have to assemble these shed, but that should not be a problem. Arrow sheds come in diffrent styles, gambrel shed roof, gable shed roof, and sloped. If you are looking to buy an arrow shed I recommend this site click here they have a huge selection of arrow sheds and some other brands. They also have free delivery.

Storage Shed Plans to Buy

U-Bild Garden Shed Plan
Great for tools, supplies and toys! Includes detailed step-by-step instructions, in-progress photos, exploded diagrams, complete materials list and cutting schedule. Ideal for woodworkers and DIYers of all skill levels. Finished project measures 90" high x 48" wide x 24" deep. U-Bild Garden Shed Plan

Colonial Barn Plans
You won’t complain about storage space again! These substantial barns can double as a workshop, studio or even a cabin in the woods. The architect-designed plans will guide you or your contractor through the building process.See our Idea Gallery for creative ways to customize your plan. Colonial Barn Plans

How to Build a Better Barn DVD
Do it yourself with this instructional DVD. Narrator Pete Charest walks you through the complete process of building a barn to meet your needs. 45 minutes. How to Build a Better Barn DVD

Building a Shed

Building a Shed
By: Daniel Lazaj

Before you begin building a shed, find out whether the storage shed will be allowed by zoning regulations. Zoning governs the size and height of your storage shed, and the location you choose to build your shed. By calling or visiting your local building and zoning department, you can determine a few things about your storage shed project.


Building a storage shed can be easy with some simple step-by-step instructions. Building your own storage shed can be a fun weekend project. This can be a storage shed project that will take a few weekends to build.You can customize your own storage shed and design the perfect outdoor storage shed to fit your needs. With some simple step by step instructions you can build a storage shed like an expert. These 8x8 storage shed plans featured here is a simplified design to minimize the amount of materials needed to build this shed.


Building your own storage shed is alot easier than most people think. Whether you are building a tool shed, garden shed, or a utility storage shed, some good shed plans will make this project alot easier. You can save quite of bit of money by building your own storage shed yourself. A well designed and built shed will always add value.
Gable and gambrel roof style storage sheds are the most popular shed plans. A gable roof shed has two equal pitches that meet at a center ridge, a gambrel roof storage shed is designed to look like a barn


Some steps you should take before you build your storage shed is making a site plan. A site plan is a detailed layout of the storage shed on the property. This will give you an idea of where to place your storage shed.


A backyard storage shed means extra storage, and everyone can use extra storage. Remember to paint, stain or varnish your storage shed as soon as possible to protect the wood from the elements.

How to Build a Shed
This blog will take you through the process of building a storage shed, price estimate for material. I have also added a material list and a cutting list. http://mystorageshed.blogspot.com How to build a shed

Choosing Your Storage Shed Location

Build your own Shed Choosing the Location

By: Daniel Lazaj

Beware of the location you choose, some things you may want to consider before building your storage shed.

Remember, well-thought-out advance planning is crucial when choosing the storage shed location.

One of the first things you want to do before choosing the location for your storage shed, is checking with local building and zoning department. By calling or visiting your local building and zoning department you can determine a few things, about your storage shed project. Find out before building your storage shed if it will be allowed by zoning regulations. Zoning governs the size and height of your storage shed and the location you choose, to build a storage shed. Find out if you need a permit to build a shed, if you do need a permit you will have to submit plans. A site plan is a detailed layout of the storage shed on the property. If your storage shed is small, permits may not be required. If you do need a permit to build your storage shed, and your project is approved you must buy a permit to display on the building site.

Once you are ready to start building a storage shed, you can take a slow walk around your yard and your property with your tape measure and mark the location spot for your storage shed.

You will need to consider if you have the time and experience to build your storage shed, or if you will need to hire a contracter for all or part of the storage shed project. Once that is decided you will be ready to start building your storage shed.

Some of the things you want to consider when picking the location of your storage shed would be :
Sunlight, south facing windows and doors bring in the most sunlight to your shed .
Access to your storage shed.
View of the shed from your house. Do you want to see it from your house, or do you want it to blend in with the outdoors.
Setback of your shed from buildings or fences. Your shed must be set back a specific distance from the property line, it may range from 6" to 3 feet or more, check with your zoning laws.

Also you might check for utility lines. Contact your local utility to find out where the water line, gas line and electrical line run through your property. You do not want to build your storage shed over lines that may need repair.

Do some extremely careful planning before you start building your storage shed.

I have built many do- it- yourself projects. My most recent was a storage shed. Other outdoor projects I have built include gazebo, tree hose, outdoor chairs, benches and tables. You can see my most recent project here Free storage shed plans
This blog will take you through the process of building a storage shed, price estimate for material. I have also added a material list and a cutting list. http://mystorageshed.blogspot.com

Building your own Storage Shed

Building your own Storage shed
BY: Daniel Lazaj

Building your own storage shed can be a very uniquely satisfying process, not to mention the money you can save by building your own storage shed. Building a storage shed is alot easier than most people think. Building a storage shed does not require alot of skill, as much as patience. Measure twice and cut once, means be patient, take your time, and don't hurry. If you can use a hammer, saw and can follow step by step instructions, you can build your own storage shed.

There are only a few common tools that are necessary to build a shed. Some of the tools require to build a storage shed would include a hammer, hand saw, measuring tape, pencil,rafter square, level, drill, and my favorite the miter saw. Precise cutting is made alot easier with a miter saw or a table saw. The cuts are made more quickly than by hand.
If you need to buy tools buy them as you need them and avoid getting tools that you don't need or ones you will find you will never need.

Check and level the floor by laying a straight board on the ground and then a carpenter's level on top of it. Next you will neen to choose your foundation type. The most commonly used types are the wooden skid and the concrete slab. A wooden skid is cheaper to build and it allows you to move the storage shed. If you build a wooden skid foundation, you should prepare a gravel base. The gravel provides a flat stable surface that drains well and helps keep the timber dry. To prepare your gravel base, remove 4 inches of soil in an area about 12 inches wider and longer than the dimension of the storage shed. Fill the area with 4 inches of compactible gravel, rake the gravel and then check it for level using a 4 foot level and straight 8 foot long 2x4. Rake until it is fairly level. Tamp the gravel using a hand tamper. Add and remove gravel until the surface is level.

Most of the framing can be done with a miter saw. The nails used for the framing are called common nails. These have a larger diameter than box nails, making them stronger.

The roofing typically follows the framing. Roofing includes installing the roof sheathing, facia boards, and shingles. The most commonly used materials used are asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most durable and low maintenance material available for your storage shed.

Plywood siding is the least expensive and easiest to install. The most common is the T1-11. It resembles vertical board siding and has a lip edge that forms weather proof verticle seams to protects the siding. To protect the siding from the elements apply protective finish, stain, paint, or varnish as soon as possible.


Install the trim to cover the storage shed seams and cover gaps around windows and door frames. This will weather proof as well as give it a decorative look.

I have built many do- it- yourself projects. My most recent was a storage shed. Other outdoor projects I have built include gazebo, tree hose, outdoor chairs, benches and tables. You can see my most recent project here Free storage shed plans
This blog will take you through the process of building a storage shed, price estimate for material. I have also added a material list and a cutting list. http://mystorageshed.blogspot.com

Hammers

21 oz. Anti-Vibration Hammer
Ergonomically designed straight framing hammer has a perfect balance of power and weight to virtually eliminate shock and vibration. 21 oz. Anti-Vibration Hammer

Vaughan® Hammers
Beautifully balanced hammers have high-quality straight grain white hickory handles — triple wedged to head for maximum strength. Choose from 10 oz. cabinet maker's hammer and 16 oz. general purpose hammer. Vaughan® Hammers

Miter Saw

Miter Saw

Having a miter saw will make cutting your material faster and more enjoyable. A compound miter saw can be considered a must have tool when building your storage shed. The miter saw is the tool of choice for cutting long boards, and making angle cuts. These cuts will be made quick and accurate, when cutting your storage shed material. A miter saw is a must have tool for anyone who enjoys making do it yourself projects. The price of a miter saw can be very affordable. When buying your miter saw make sure the controls are conveniently located and easy to use. When shopping for a miter saw test out the displays and see which one is the easiest to use. You can also read miter saw reviews on the net. One place I like to read reviews from is Amazon, you can read reviews from people who have used the product.

Some miter saw features include:

• Compound feature allows the blade to change horizontal plane this allows the saw to be used for bevel cutting.
• Slide allows the cutting blade to be moved several inches along the cutting plane during the cut.
• Laser guide provides a visual of where the cut will be positioned on the board.
• Blade guard, most miter saws have the self retracting blade guard which automatically retracts when the saw is lowered onto the board your cutting.
• Safety clamp locks the workpiece before making the cut, very useful when cutting small workpieces.

Miter saws can't cut wide lumber, but miter saws with sliding arms can increase the cutting reach. Just remember, the more features on the miter saw, the higher the cost.

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Angle Fix® Miter Guide Now it’s easy to set the saw angle for perfect miters every time! Automatically halves the angle joint for external and internal angles... Angle Fix® Miter Guide

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Mitermate Saw Guide
Enjoy cutting corners! Get super accurate cuts of all types with a circular saw and Mitermate. Mitermate Saw Guide

step 1 Building The Storage Shed Foundation

Foundations

The most common storage shed foundation are the wooden skid and the concrete slab.
I built this storage shed on a skid foundation, it's easier and cheaper to construct, and it allows you to move the storage shed if you need to.
How to build a storage shed
Material for the foundation.


2- 4x4x8 treated pine for the skids.

2 2x4x8 treated pine for bands.

7 2x4x93" treated pine for floor joist.

2 3/4" plywood 4x8 for floor decking.














I measured 7- 2x4 to 93" for floor joist and 2- 2x4x8 for bands.














I cut 7 -2x4 to 93" for floor joist and 2- 2x4x8' for bands














Position your joist approximately 16" apart.
Nail through the bands and in to the end of the joist.














Position your skids so joist hang over about 16" beyond the skids. I will be setting my storage shed on concrete bocks. If you want to set it down with no concrete blocks you should prepare a gravel base. To do this remove 4"of soil in an area about 12" wider and longer than your dimension of the storage shed. Fill in the area with 4" of compactible gravel. check for level using a 4 foot level and 8 ft long 2x4. rake until it is fairly level. Tamp the gravel using a hand tamper, check for level, add or remove gravel until the surface is level.




Tonail the joists to skids.















Level the floor, lift the frame where it's low, add treated 2x4 or whatever you need to get it leveled.



Measure diagonally across the floor to square it. Shift the frame until both sides measure the same both ways.



Lay your plywood and nail it.