Step by step instruction on how to build a shed. This presentation shows you how to build a shed foundation.

1. HOW TO BUILD A SHED?
1. HOW TO BUILD A
SHED FOUNDATION

2. Step 1: Cut the shed foundation rails
The first step is to cut the foundation rails to the length shown on the
plans and then locate them on the ground where they will be
permanently installed.

3. Step 1 (Cont’d)
Locating them on the ground is done by setting the rails in their
approximate location and checking them for square.

4. Step 1 (Cont’d)
To check that the rails are square in relation to each other you will first
make sure that they are the proper distance apart from each other and
then measure diagonally from corner to corner.

5. Step 1 (Cont’d)
Your goal is get both of the diagonal measurements to be the same
length. So move the rails parallel to each other until the measurements
are the same.

6. Step 1 (Cont’d)
The locations of the rails only need to be within a few inches of perfect
as you will be moving them to prepare the ground underneath.

7. Step 2: Level and repair the rail beds
The second step is to prepare the rail beds. This is done by making them
level with each other and themselves

8. Step 2 (C0nt’d)
To check that the rails are sitting at the same height in relation to each
other you will use a straight board and a level. Set the board so that one
end is on one rail and the other end is on the other rail. Put the level on
top of the board to check which rail needs to move up or down.

9. Step 2 (C0nt’d)
You will need to repeat this process several times as you adjust the rail bed
levels until the rails are the same height as each other and the rails are
level in their own beds.

10. Step 2 (C0nt’d)
On slightly sloping ground you may need to dig holes or build up the lower
areas with gravel to allow the rails to sit level. This shed required that the
higher rail be dug down to the height of the lower rail that was sitting on
top of the ground.

11. Step 3: Check the rails for square
The third step is to get the foundation rails parallel and square with each
other. This is done exactly the same way you located the rails the first time
by using a tape measure to check the locations of the rails.

12. Step 3 (Cont’d)
It is usually easiest to get one of the rails sitting where you want it, and
then adjust the second rail so it is parallel and the correct distance from
the first rail. You will need to repeat the measurement checks and adjust
the rail locations until they are correct.

13. Step 3 (Cont’d)
Although it is not shown in this tutorial because this shed will be moved to
another location, each rail should have a few inches of gravel under it.
This gives good drainage under the rails and makes it easier to level the
rail beds. Once the rails are square and level you are ready to set the floor
joist on them.

14. NEXT STEP: HOW TO BUILD A SHED
FLOOR?
Continue learning about shed building
through other presentations.