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Video Series

Video Series: How to Build a Tool Shed

By Rick Arnold

This Fine Homebuilding video series follows Rick Arnold as he constructs a charming and sturdy backyard tool shed. Each episode walks you through an entire phase of shed construction. Follow along as Rick and his helper build a solid foundation; frame the floors, walls, and roof; install doors, windows, trim, and siding; add shelves and other accessories; and finally finish off the job with some landscaping.

In addition to the video, you’ll also find complete 3D plans with Rick’s notes on construction plus a design gallery of great ideas for detailing a shed. If you’re looking for even more shed construction ideas, take a look at Rick Arnold’s article, “Shortcuts to a Shed.”

 

Building Sheds by Joseph TruiniBuilding Sheds by carpenter Joseph Truini is another great resource for shed-building ideas.

Buy the book
Download the ebook

Shed-SketchUp-PlanDownload the Digital Project Plans
Online members can download the digital project plans with complete construction details as a PDF or a SketchUp file you can customize.Shed Plans PDF
Shed Plans SketchUp (zipped)
Photo Gallery: Sheds

Inspiration
Browse photos of sheds in our reader gallery for inspiration or upload photos of your own shed project.

Shed Gallery
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Start Watching

Videos in the Series

  • Introduction: How to Build a Simple but Sturdy Tool Shed

    Build a classic shed with digital plans, a series of videos, and trade secrets and time savers from the pros.

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Install a Block Foundation

    Locate, square, and level your shed foundation quickly using the floor framing as a template

  • Shed Floor Framing Basics

    Get your shed off to a good start. Learn how to size, cut, and assemble a square and level floor frame for your shed.

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Building a Gable-End Wall, Pt. 1

    While simple to accomplish, this advanced technique of framing and siding a wall before raising is a real time saver

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Building a Gable-End Wall, Pt. 2

    Install the window, trim, and shingles to the gable-end wall then lift it into place

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Building the Bearing Walls

    Learn a valuable wall-building technique that applies to any house as well as this shed

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Build the Roof (Part 1)

    In the first part of this two-part episode, Rick and Mac get started building the roof by laying out and building the roof trusses

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Build the Roof (Part 2)

    In the second part of our episode on framing the shed roof, you'll see the framing come together as Rick and Mac install the site-built roof trusses and sheathing

  • Installing Trim on a Simple Tool Shed

    Learn how to install trim to dress up a shed for a finished look.

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Installing Windows and Doors

    Learn the ins and outs of installing windows and doors in this episode of our series How to Build a Shed. Rick takes you from a framed opening to a finished installation with his fool-proof process.

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Installing Lap and Shingle Siding

    In this episode of How to Build a Shed learn two sure-fire techniques to side an exterior wall with lap siding or shingle siding

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Install Architectural Shingles

    Learn time-saving tricks for handling shingles on a steep roof as well as tips on reducing waste.

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Foundation System

    Learn the basics of the most common shed foundations and what to consider when deciding on the right foundation for you

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Siding Options

    Get an overview of siding options for your shed as Rick explains his choices for siding materials

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Accessorize Your Shed

    Build a ramp for easy access to larger yard equipment. Also, watch as Mac assembles a small planter box to spruce up the front

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Shelving and Storage Options

    Rick describes his favorite choices for site-built shelving and other ways to make the most of your shed

  • Build a Tool Shed Series: Landscaping Completes the Look

    For this video, Rick enlists the folks at Fine Gardening Magazine. Learn how top-notch techniques from landscaping professionals completes the cottage look.

  • Shortcuts to a Shed

    Time-saving tips about planning, materials, and construction that will get any outbuilding up in a hurry.

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About Video Series

Fine Homebuilding is constantly producing new videos to provide you with the details and techniques you need to build beautiful, high-quality homes. Watch all of our videos to see builders, remodelers, and other tradespeople demonstrate how to do a top-notch job when installing foundations, roofs, and everything in between.

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