This is my cute rustic shed in the suburbs. This was my secret shed because in my subdivision the sheds are supposed to look like the house, be placed where the HOA says you can put it, and it is preferred to be designed and built by professionals.
The $1000 price tag on a shed from the home stores was outrageous and too much for me
plus I had a big problem…
A shed would have to built in the back yard and where my HOA would tell me to put it…well, I have a pond, beds of flowers, trees, and shrubs, and the biggest reason — I did not want to see my shed from my windows.
I have wanted-no needed- a shed for a long time
Our 1 car garage is supposed to be our workshop but it also had to house the lawnmower, power washer, my projects, and other various items that belong in a shed. The garage was a HOT MESS and I could not take it any longer. I had to convince my then husband of the fence picket idea but when I dragged him to Home Depot that weekend to see the 6′ & 8′ fence pickets and show him my vision. It helped that I showed him the sheds in the parking lot were not built any different than my plans. He agreed to help me and I was so excited.
Of course, I had to bribe him with brownies and other promises of love and affection…after almost 18 years of marriage, he could not say no. It took me a while (and in this case a few months of coaxing and talking about a new shed) and I had to hear several times during our build how “we are not carpenters!”
I am DIYer with a vision…
I also wanted a project with minimal cutting and easy for most DIYers to do. I will try to be descriptive on the plans and some of the pics have measurements for the size that would fit in our space plus that would enable us to use 8′ 2x4s for the roof at a 15 degree angle.
I chose a lean-to or slanted roof because for 2 reasons-
- I had the clear corrugated roofing panels from a garage sale a couple years ago and had stored them under the deck along with other treasures I had found; and
- that was the angle for using 6′ pickets on one side and 8′ pickets on the other.
The materials list is what I used for the garden shed
- (2) 15/32 OSB sheets for $7.75 each
- (2) 23/32 OSB flooring @ $ 14.08 sheet at my local Home Depot
- 30) pine 2x4s for the interior
- (8) treated 2x4s for the flooring/base
- (15) 6′ fence pickets
- (36) 8′ fence pickets
- $9 Oops exterior stain for flooring and back wall
- 3″ screws or 3″ nails
- We had an air compressor and nail gun so we nailed the pickets on to frame
- (10) rafter ties (need 1 1/4 or 1 1/2″ screws for these)
- Special screws with rubber washers for the corrugated plastic roofing
- I was lucky to buy this at a garage sale for $10
- Tin snips to cut roofing
- Level and a square
The frame had center supports 24″ apart and from the picture you can see the size of the shed was 82 1/2″ x 79 1/2″ which was a result of measuring the pickets out to avoid cutting any of them. After we built the frame for the floor, we laid the 4×8 sheet on the base and cut it. We find it is easier to cut it on the frame and to skip dragging it across the yard to the work area.
The height of the shed was determined by the picket height of 6′ and 8′ available at The Home Depot. The roof angle ended up being 15 degree angle cuts for the front pickets. We used plywood for the back of the shed because the shed was backed up against the garage (which I will build the next one with pickets all the way around).
The walls were constructed as pictured which enabled us to nail on the 
fence pickets along the top, middle, and bottom of the 2x4s wall frames. I chose to put the middle 2×4 brace at 3′ because the wall was 6′ and the opposite side I put one at 3′ and the other 2′ above that. Our measurements are specific to this shed and can be changed to make the shed larger or smaller.
To make sure the outside pickets were the same height all the way around we used a short 2×4 as a guide to nail on the fence pickets (as shown in picture). We also had to brace the shed to keep it square before we could apply the fence pickets as siding.
We messed up at one point and forgot to put the back boards on so we had to draw a line where we had screwed on the wall framing and pull forward to attach the back boards. Then we carefully pushed the shed 
back and screwed the walls back in place. That is why I work with screws – so when I mess up all I have to do is unscrew and start again.
Once the walls were up I put on the roof joists. Since I am not a carpenter I laid out the corrugated roofing panels and overlapped them to get the right width for the shed. I then screwed the roof joists at the measurements of the corrugaged roofing so that the downward groove of the roof would touch the 2×4 and I could screw on the roof on. I left over hang on the front and back of shed for water run off. I used special screws with a rubber washer for the roofing and screwed down until the rubber seal squishes out and before you crack the roofing.
I did the roof myself so I could not take pictures. I used a ladder on the inside of the shed after putting one sheet of roofing up at a time. It was 
precarious for me on a ladder in between boards with a chest that kept getting in the way but I managed to screw the roofing down. For the outside edges of the roofing I went on the outside of the shed to secure the parameter or the edges of the roofing. I forgot to mention: I used tin snips to cut the panels at 9′ so I could have overhang of 5 1/2″ on the 6′ side of of shed.
Next before I finished framing door, I discovered I had to add more supports for roof not to sag. The roof supports were perpendicular to the joists and gave me more support in case of snow or pounding rain.
The screen door I found in the markdown area for less than $15. We happened to have heavy duty hinges so we added a 2×4 to on the right front to start framing in the front and door. we put the screen door in 
and then later I built the framing around it. The 2x4s were not exactly straight so i made sure the screen door looks straight and compromised on the rest of the framing for the front. I measured for the door and put in the 2×4 header across and secured. I also added another 2×4 in the middle to repeat what the other walls looked like to attach pickets. I knew I needed to cut at 15 degree angle and so I measure to put in first picket. each picket after that starting from the left corner was another 1 1/2″ larger. I always measured to be sure. I also added a firring strip as stop for the screen door making it flush with the picket siding
The screen door I found in the markdown area and even though it has issues it works and to somewhat weatherproof it I cut and screwed on the inside of screen door the lat piece of corrugated roofing. I also happened to have heavy duty hinges and a gate latch I wanted to use 
that I found in the garage.
Framing the screen door was improvising with pieces of 2×4 and 1×2 strips. It took a bit of figuring to get the door to and framing to look straight since some of the 2x4s were not exactly straight. After the door frame was done and screen door hung I then hung the pickets cutting them at 15 degree angles to match the roof line.
These directions are not exact and we did a lot of improvising but this shed stood for 2 1/2 years until I had to sell it. The one word of advice I have is to buy your pickets and let them dry out for a couple weeks or more. We did not do this so after a few months the pickets shrank and 1/4-1/2″ gaps appeared.
This was one of my projects I did before I started blogging as a hobby. I
know now to take step by step pictures and video to make it simpler for my audience. One day I hope to build another garden shed and give even more detailed directions. Until then, I hope I have given you enough direction to build your little garden rustic garden shed.
Thanks for stopping by and feel free to contact me with any questions.
Creating. Inspiring. Gardening without the rules!
2017 copyrighted material C Renee
Absolutely beautiful!!!! I have been researching garden sheds for the fast few days as our one car garage is also filled with yard/garden tools and I came across your shed on the Hometalk Facebook page. This is exactly what I need and I believe I can make this one myself (well, mainly by myself). Thank you for your instructions and material list as well!!!!!
I am so glad I could inspire you! Have fun!
This is another must have ! Thanks so much. p.s. Turn your horseshoe around to hold in your good luck- lol
thank you for stopping by. I love my garden shed!
Wow, wow, WOW! Absolutely brilliant! And here I thought I was the queen of jerry rigging! *hangs head in shame and begrudgingly hands crown to the new queen* Now to see if my husband would be willing to make me one next year. *fingers crossed*
Thank you! I love my shed and it was not hard to do. A weekend project. Hope you get to build one! but make sure to let the pickets dry out first. I got in a hurry cuz hubby was willing to help right then and there so they shrunk but i do not care because the shed is just the way i want it. LOL
Could you explain more why you had to cut the 8ft side at a 15% angle? I love your shed and I might just make my own! Thanks for the post!
15 degree angle is for the roof. You cut the 8foot side so the slope meets the 6foot slant.
Oh also I wondered the 2×4 you purchased for framing, were they 2x4x8ft did you end up having them all cut specific sizes?
in each pic I have the measurements of what each 2×4 should be in the section as we built it. I tried to make minimal cuts and most measurements are the same for ease of building. the 8foot studs had only a 15degree angle and the 6foot sides were cut at 6foot. so that was only 2. the pics should give you the measurements.
I love it!
thank you!
I am going to try and make the shed this summer. How creative and cute!
I love it!
Thank you! I love it too
Tank you fo
the picture and all the instructions .Very cute ,just what I need!Good job guys!
thank you. I love my garden shed
The house we bought recently already has the frame but has wooden lattice as the roof and walls. We’ve been trying to decide what we should do to as the lattice is sagging and ugly, when I found your shed I was euphoric!!! Thank you, we will copy your finishing details and replace the lattice with your recommendations!! You have made my day!!!
Just remember to let the fence pickets dry for week or so in the sun to dry out (an shrink). Goodluck!
Wow, that came out fantastic! How cute. And handy. I just had a thought regarding your roof/heat dilemma – purchase the tinted rolled roofing and plop it right on top of the clear panels, or just find some shade cloth fabric and drape it (in a cute sort of way) over the roof during the hottest part of the season. Have fun with your new garden addition.
thank you!
I love the look. Boyfriend and I are going to take this, modify the measurments, and turn it into a chicken coop! Love it!
Great! Thank you for stopping by!
Well it is simple and i love it.Just thinking i could do this with pallets. And as far as the HOA i understand they want order but when i pay my own taxes and insurance I don,t think i want someone else telling me what and where i can put things in my yard. I just don,t roll like that. With that said ,it would make a great mini greenhouse.
For me, pallets are too much work plus the are not readily available in my area. many places need pallets for return on deposits. I love my shed too <3 and thank you the compliment
This garden shed is absolutely brilliant!! Adorable, yet affordable. Easy, yet strong. I’m thinking of adapting your plan to build a playhouse for my gran daughters! They would love this! I’ll probably add a window or two also. Or…….maybe I’ll just make a “She Shed” just for me! Thanks for the great instructions! For not being “carpenters” you and your hubbie did a fantastic job!
thank you Edie! I love my shed and wish I had more yard so I could build another one just as a greenhouse sigh one day…
Garden frog, I absolutely love you and your hubby! You both inspire me. Thank you for sharing your DIY. I’ve been searching for a shed and just cannot come up with the cash for what they are asking for. Your shed is amazing! Hoping my hubby will get on board.
Thank you. Lesson learned fir me: but pickets and remember they will shrink when new. Have fun!
Cute. But I don’t know how a person (or two) could possibly build this using your directions here. Do you have a printable version with a cut list and step by step instructions?
I am working on a printable version. I am not tech savvy so it will take me some time.
I w ould like something like this over my well. Is there a handyman that does this?
You could probably find a handyman to build you something similiar. I would ask around for references. good luck
Hi!
Love, love this shed! My boys & I are planning on building a similar version in February 2017, I can’t wait! One question though, what did you use to seal the cracks on the fence panel? Or did you leave as is?
Thanks,
Connie
I did not use anything but you could use the board and batten idea which is to put a 1×2 furring strip on top of each gap. Or what I am going to make sure next time- buy the pickets and let sit in sun to dry for a couple weeks. Have fun!
and thanks for checking it out!
This is exactly what I was looking for to store my gardening tools and some of the kids water toys for our pond. I needed something useful, but cute and I like the price tag!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I love creating and sharing. Have fun creating your own picket shed!
Oh my goodness! I LOVE it! I know all about HOA rules and you definitely found a way to get what you wanted and make it adorable as well as useful. What a great idea and your outline of the steps is so handy! Sharing!!!!
Thank you! Moving out of a HOA soon so I will build another!
I’d like to try this! Love this shed!
thank you! I cannot wait to build another one when I find my new home
Hello! What are the dimensions of this shed please. It’s so cute! Thank you.
82 1/2″ x 72″ and 8 ‘ tall sloping down to 6’. did that help?
Yes! Very helpful, exactly what I needed. Thank you!
your most welcome!
thank you for featuring my rustic garden shed!