You’ve decided you’ve wanted to build your shed. It can’t be that difficult, can it? After all, your neighbor did it without any special construction skills. But then why do all the shed plans you come across seem so complicated?
I know the feeling. Don’t let complex instructions discourage you, though. I’ve put together this list especially for people like you. Here are 159 DIY shed plans that are a breeze to slap together!
1. 10 x 14 Slanted Roof Shed
This vinyl clad free-standing 10’x14’ Slanted shed provides secure storage for lawn and garden items. A 4-foot grid of 2x6s on deck blocks offers solid support for the lawnmower, snowblower, generator, and building materials. It has space to store ladders and makes accessing implements or materials easy. And it frees up the garage for the car.
Similar to a lean-to, the Skillion has a roof pitch greater than 6/12. It sheds rain and snow away from the door, improving access. The high front wall allows full-height entry, and high windows increase light. The tongue and groove double doors make it easy to move tools in and out, and the front window adds air and light.
Build this slanted roof shed2. 4 x 8 Lean To Shed
This free-standing 4’x8’ lean-to shed is made of dimension lumber material. It is an easy and inexpensive way to increase storage. Built next to an existing structure, it provides storage for fertilizers, pots, planters, and other gardening items that should be kept separate from gasoline and tools. It also has a potting bench!
The SmartSide clad lean-to has a roof slope of 2/12, shingled to match existing buildings. It sits on a foundation of six deck-blocks for a solid, level base. The tongue and groove double doors provide access for larger items and light. Trimmed in 1”x4” pine, the lean-to is an attractive and functional storage addition.
Build this lean to shed3. A Clever Garden Shed
If you want a large entry (without sacrificing aesthetic appeal), then check out this shed plan. Instead of a garage door, which can ruin the ambiance in a garden setting, why not try sliding doors? Not only does it give you a wider opening, but it will also have a domestic vibe.
Inside the shed, this design allows for storage of larger items in the rafters. (Kayaks, canoes, lumber for garden boxes?) The dimensions for this shed probably aren’t good for storing riding lawnmowers, but it can take a push mower!
Build this shed4. 4 x 8 Lean To Small Outdoor Shed (With Video)
With both graphics and a video, these detailed instructions to build a lean-to shed are easy as pie. It would be quite a feat to get confused or lost while building from these DIY lean-to shed plans.
The tools for this project are simple, as well. The heaviest equipment you’ll need is a Kreg Jig, miter saw, circular saw, nail gun, and a drill. And since these plans call mostly for plywood, it can be a less expensive job, too!
Build this shed5. Redwood Garden Tool Shed
Experts consider redwood to be the best wood to use in building above-ground structures. It’s used in decks, sheds, fences, and many other projects due to its natural strength. Redwood repels insects, as well, so it leaves your shed looking great for years.
The plans for this shed are simple and easy to follow. There is a lot of detail in them, so it’s unlikely that you will get lost or have any questions. It even goes into detail about what grade of redwood you should choose and for which parts of the shed.
Build this shed6. A Simple Lean-To
You’re not trying to build a plane hangar or anything crazy. You want a small shed to store a few pieces of garden equipment and other items. In that case, this 5×7 lean-to shed plan should be perfect for you.
This plan tells you every item you need, right down to the type of nails, so there’s no confusion. And if you’re not real construction savvy, that’s okay, because the tools are minimal. The heaviest tools you’ll need are a miter saw, jigsaw, and a drill.
Build this shed7. 8 x 8 Free Storage Shed Plans
If you’re not looking for anything too fancy or you don’t need a lot of space, this is a nice design. It’s built for functionality, so there isn’t much in the way of aesthetics.
This won’t be a play area for the kids or a home office shed plan. (unless you fancy the no-windows thing.)
These plans include a ramp for easy access when loading or unloading larger items. Whether you’re using a dolly to wheel in boxes of seasonal items or you’re storing a push mower, it’s easy.
Build this shed8. Portable Spacious Shed
Maybe you need a shed, but you also know you aren’t living in your “forever” home right now. Or your friend needs a shed, but it’s not feasible for you to drive two counties over every day to work on it for them.
Well, these instructions for an 8′ by 16′ shed will give you plenty of space to store your items. And best of all, it’s portable! You can load this shed onto the back of any flatbed trailer to transport it via highway for easy re-location!
Build this shed9. 10 x 10 Three In One Potting Shed
This easy shed plan is perfect for someone with a green thumb. It’s divided into three segments.
The first gives you an area to store all your basic gardening equipment. The second calls for overhead shelves to store your pots and seed starting trays. There is enough room in this design’s specs to accommodate a sizeable work table. This will be excellent for transplanting!
The last area is a greenhouse area perfect for coaxing your germinating seeds to life.
Build this shed10. Backyard Getaway
Too much noise, too many distractions, and too many people! If this describes your house, then maybe you’re itching for a little home away from home. Out of all the backyard shed ideas, this one is one of the more cozy ones I’ve found.
With four skylights and three windows, you won’t be hurting for natural light. The set of double front doors even opens on a small porch where you could take coffee breaks. Not much sets this shed apart from home, aside from the difference in size!
Build this shed11. Simple Tudor 8 x 7 Shed
This shed is only 8’x7′ and an excellent choice for someone who only wants to store away a few seasonal items. You know, like that snowblower that crowds your garage all summer.
What I like best about these DIY shed plans is that it breaks down each step into sections and subsections. It will be almost impossible to get yourself confused or lost while building this design. The plans include detailed graphics, as well, in case you’re more of a visual learner.
Build this shed12. Woodworking DIY Shed – Workshop
If you need a well-ventilated workshop with lots of extra space, this is the DIY shed plan for you! It’s a simple metal-clad shed with extra storage space in the overhead rafters. The divoted roof is at an incline to assist with proper drainage and to help cut down on collecting debris.
This project appeared in the 2008 issue of The Family Handyman magazine. The designer explains each step to build this great workshop in meticulous detail.
Build this shed13. 8 x 8 Five-Sided Storage Shed
We’ve looked at simple sheds with four walls and sheds that look like miniature houses. But what if you want regular old storage shed, but with an added flair of style? The free shed plans have you covered!
Instead of the usual (boring) four walls, you get five for a kind of curved facade. The roof is almost conical, giving it a unique turret-like vibe. The author of these plans outlines the process using photographs at every step.
Build this shed14. 16 x 20 Second Garage Ultimate Shed
If you’re often tinkering with the lawnmower or your motorcycle, you’re going to love this. This shed looks like a second garage, so it should be easy to make it blend in well with your home. It could even function as extra parking space, should you need it.
This shed plan includes a full list of materials, so you can get everything you need in one shopping trip. With step by step instructions and detailed graphics in PDF format, building this is a breeze!
Build this shed15. A Quaint Garden Shed
Here’s a shed plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. With its exposed wood facade and tiered roof, this shed will look perfect in your garden area.
Imagine yourself working inside as it rains. A loamy breeze drifts in through the casement windows as you pack potting soil around a seedling.
The instructions are available in PDF format, along with a full shopping list. Download, print, and build!
Build this shed16. 8 by 8 Boxy Storage Shed
This shed is a simple 8’x8′ storage shed with large windows to allow for natural light. The design calls for high-quality materials and a wide variety of tools. The author recommends that someone skilled in carpentry build this shed.
What I like about these instructions is that there’s an entire section dedicated to notes. The author offers helpful tips about the designs to help ensure your success.
Build this shed17. Small Lean-To Perfectly Practical Shed
This shed is a simple lean-to with sliding double doors. This would be a great storage space for lawnmowers – either riding or push. The design also calls for shelving, so you’ll have a place to store unused mulch or potting soil.
Above the door, there’s a thin row of clerestory windows to admit natural light.
Build this shed18. Space-Saver Shed
You need the extra storage space, but you don’t have a lot of room to build a structure. Guess you have to keep cluttering up your garage, right?
Nope! This lean-to shed is smaller than a lot of the other designs we already went over, but it gets the job done. If you have a small strip of sideyard you can spare, then this might be the solution for you.
Of course, check your local zoning laws first!
Build this shed19. The Grill House Shed Plus Shelter
This shed design would make the ultimate hang out spot for barbecues! It’s a whopping 8’x16′, but half of it is a sitting area. It’s split longwise down its ridge vent.
The storage area and the porch are equal in size, which has its pros and cons. On the upside, the patio area is massive in comparison to other shed designs. The trade-off is the 4’x16′ space is a little cramped for the indoors.
The storage space is ideal for storing your grill and utensils for barbecues, though!
Build this shed20. 8 x 12 Modern Shed Plans
This 8’x12′ shed’s front stoop is way smaller than the last design, but it’s got more amenities built into the plans. For example, this one prescribes electricity, an AC unit, and clerestory windows.
This shed is an excellent choice for a home office away from all the noise and distractions of your main dwelling. The non-distracting design is perfect for artists that want to hyper-focus on their art.
The final size of the studio is 8′ x 12′ and with all the extras I spent about $3000 total
Build this shed21. 10 x 12 Schoolhouse Storage Shed
This 10’x12′ shed is more like a colonial farmhouse than a garden shed. The front entry is 4’x10′ to accommodate larger items. This is great for woodworking or other projects that might need oversized materials.
The look of this shed will complement any garden area without overpowering it. It will enhance wildflower beds filled with daisies and black-eyed susans best.
Notated photographs aid the building process of this design. Full material and tool list are at the end of the instructions to make preparation a cinch!
Build this shed22. 12 x 16 Double-Duty Pub Shed
Bartender, one scotch on the rocks! Or a daiquiri. A pina colada? Whatever your preference, this is the shed for social gatherings. (21 and over, if you’re serving any of the aforementioned beverages). This is also a great way to store a barbecue or other picnic foods to keep the flies or pets away.
Building this shed is easy, thanks to the detailed instructions and photographs, too. And if your revelry goes on too late? There’s a loft area that you can use for a sleeping area…or storage. Storage is good.
Build this shed23. 10 x 12 Backyard Sunroom Multipurpose Shed
If you’ve dreamed of having a sunroom all to yourself, then this is the shed for you! With plenty of double-hung windows for natural light, you can enjoy a quiet summer evening with a nice cup of tea. Enjoy the sounds of birdsong in the morning or the gentle cooing of a barn owl in the evening.
To build this shed, you only need to download and print the plans (in PDF format for your convenience).
Build this shed24. 6 x 6 Free Saltbox Shed Plans
This shed design is 6’x6′ and does not include windows in the plans. This is ideal for storing something that you would like to keep secure since there is only one entry point. The lack of windows means that would-be thieves cannot peek inside to browse.
These shed plans represent each step with visuals. In fact, they explain most of the design using mostly graphics. This isn’t one of the more difficult shed designs, so even if you aren’t a visual learner, this should be a breeze for you.
Build this shed25. 12 x 16 Spacious And Gorgeous Gable Shed
This shed will fit well in the backyard of any home. It’s 12’x16′ design makes it a more spacious option, as well, so you can use it for many different purposes. It has two entries, both of which are double shed doors.
The designs for this shed are intensive. Most of the plans are on a single graphic, labeled with great precision. So precise, in fact, that you may only need the one page to complete the project.
Build this shed26. 8 x 10 DIY Gardening Shed
Here’s a great shed design for those with a green thumb! These easy to understand plans even include a side porch with an overhang. This means that you will have a bit of shade to work in while you transplant seedlings!
These instructions even explain how to prepare the foundation. And we all know that is the most important part of building a shed, right? Everything is these designs is well explained and complemented with detailed graphics.
Build this shed27. Gable Shed Plans
For this shed, you can choose the size of the finished product. This helps take away some of the math when you’re trying to expand upon an established shed plan. The shed designs for these plans come in 12’x10′, 10’x10′, 10’x8′, 8’x10′, and 8’x8′.
These designs also include a window. You could potentially turn this into a small workspace. Or it would be a nice area for a playhouse if you have small children. Best of all, the instructions are simple and easy to understand.
Build this shed28. Trash Barrel Shed
Want a shed that’s smaller than you are? For what would you even use such a small shed, right?
Well, remember how you feel every day coming home from work and seeing your trash cans in plain view? They look so out of place and they really detract from your home’s beauty. You hate it, but what can you do?
Tiny shed! These designs for the smallest shed on my list are so simple you can complete it in a single weekend. And it’s so small, the overhead cost on it is next to nothing!
Build this shed29. Inexpensive Small Cedar Shed
“Inexpensive” and “cedar” are two words that usually don’t share the same sentence often. But this shed design shows you how to build a $1600 shed for under $300! It’s as easy as using cedar fence slats!
Made of quality materials at a price you can afford, the only thing better is the easy instructions. They take you step-by-step through the entire process and even offer some helpful tips! This is a builder’s workshop built by a builder for builders!
Build this shed30. Shed with Fiber-Cement Walls
This shed design calls for fiber-cement walls. If you aren’t sure what that is, it’s panels made from a mixture of cement, sand, clay, and wood fibers. They are fire retardant and insect/fungi resistant. They also hold up better under UV damage than other materials.
The downside? If you use a circular saw, you’ll need one designed to minimize dust. There is an inherent respiratory health risk in breathing the dust particles.
These plans are well put together, though, and they give you all the tips you’ll need to complete the project. When it’s done, you’ll have a sturdy shed that ensures to withstand the tests of time.
Build this shed31. Home Sweet Shed
This gorgeous little shed is the perfect addition to any back yard. With its charming awning windows and double doors, it looks more like a playhouse than a shed. As a finishing touch, hang a couple of window flower boxes for an added charm to this gable-roofed beauty.
Find these plans on The Family Handyman in an easy to view and download PDF file. This will probably take a little longer than a couple of weekends to build.
Build this shed32. Natural Light For Days
This is a great shed to build if you’re looking for a little workshop for yourself. With eight windows, four on either side and three clerestory windows do you even really need a lamp?
The roof is high-pitched, so you won’t have a lot of problems with collecting debris, either. The double doors make it easy to load or unload larger projects or items that you’re working on, too.
The designer of these plans dedicates a separate PDF for each step of the process. This ensures that you are never overwhelmed by the process and each PDF is quick and easy to download.
Build this shed33. 10 x 8 Easy Lean-To
For these plans, there are a whomping sixteen pages worth of instructions. But fear not! It is not a complicated project. The designer was thorough in describing every step of the building process. The instructions run long with detail.
These plans are also available to download and/or print in PDF format. What’s great about this particular design is that it gives you instructions on how to build on a variety of foundations.
Build this shed34. Garden Shed Addition
Here’s an awesome shed design that you could use for any number of purposes! The awning windows let you enjoy a fresh breeze during a rainstorm without letting in any water. You could use this for a garden shed, a potting shed, or even a party area!
These shed plans call for cedar wood, which means that it will be naturally insect resistant. (Well, except for carpenter bees. They love cedar!) These plans are complex and only somewhat experienced builders should attempt the build.
Build this shed35. 4 x 8 Narrow Shed
This little 4’x8′ shed is perfect for someone short on space who needs a place to keep their garden tools. It will accommodate the snowblower, weed eater, shovel, rake, and other smaller items.
What’s great about these plans is that it breaks everything down into easily manageable components. It lets you know the estimated time to complete, the tools necessary, and a material list. This would be a great starter project for someone who wants to get into the building.
Build this shed36. 12 x 8 Free Gambrel Shed Plans
Want the barn look for your shed, but without all that high-maintenance wood? Well, these plans have you covered! This shed has everything you’d want in a barn, from the contoured roof to the wide entry for larger equipment. And it’s made out of sheet metal!
The plans take you through each step from the foundation to the finishing touches. You’ll find it difficult to get lost trying to build this awesome addition to your home.
Build this shed37. 8 x 12 Value Shed Building Plans
If you’re not looking for anything too involved, give these shed plans a look. It’s a simple square design, a spacious 8’x12′. There’s plenty of room to park your motorcycle or a four-wheeler or your riding lawnmower.
Since this shed doesn’t have any windows, then you probably won’t be using it for a workshop. Then again, it would be nice for someone who doesn’t want any outside distractions, I suppose. The plans include a full shopping list and a balance of graphics and written instruction.
Build this shed38. How to Build an 8 x 10 Storage Shed
Many people love the sound of rain on a metal roof (and I’m no exception). This shed design calls for a corrugated iron roof and also has a window for some natural light. If you’re looking for a quiet place to concentrate and draw inspiration, this might be the shed for you.
It’s a good-sized shed at 8’x10′ and the plans are fourteen pages long. They are not in PDF format, so you will need to print them directly from the website prior to building.
Build this shed39. 16 x 24 Shed with a Beveled Overhang
For this shed, you’re going to want a little more experience or at least have someone to help you out. The instructions for this one can get a little hairy at times.
Sometimes you’ll need to lift great sheets of siding and measure them against the half-completed structure. Although it may not be heavy, it could be unwieldy and difficult to keep steady by yourself.
The plans for this shed not only include graphics and detailed written instructions. It includes photos of each step as it is actually built!
Build this shed40. 10 x 12 Backyard Storage Shed With Porch Plans
You’ll have all the comforts of a vacation deep in the heart of the forest…in your backyard! If you’re a creative type looking for a writing studio all your own, then this is the shed you’ll want to build! It looks just like an idyllic cabin.
This shed is 10’x12′, so it’s big enough for a writing desk and even a sitting area and bookcase. It’s got plenty of natural light from the skylights and the windows. Also, the double doors slide to the side for easy loading and unloading of furniture for your space.
And you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee while you reclaim inspiration on your front porch!
Build this shed41. Adorable 10 x 12 Hip Roof Storage Shed with Dormer Plans
This shed looks like its own mini house. With its hip roof, standard door, and full lifting garage door, it’s ready for whatever you throw at it. And all while looking fabulous!
This shed design is for people who do sculptures (which can get a little bigger than a standard-sized door). This design is also for people who work on cars or need a place to park their riding lawn mower or motorcycle.
This design has plenty of graphics to assist in the building process, but it looks like you’ll need to print directly from the website.
Build this shed42. 12 x 30 Insulated Work Shed
The worst part about working on a project in the winter is the cold. Your fingers get numb and it’s difficult to grip your tools. Also, you have to take lots of breaks to warm up, which makes the project take longer to complete.
Instead of going through all that, why not build this awesome shed? The plans are simple to follow and each step includes a picture of the progress.
Build this shed43. 8 x 8 Easy Gabled Roof
What I like about this shed is that it doesn’t look boring. Both the roof and the door contribute to this building’s unique style. The roof almost looks like it curves and you wouldn’t know the door was there if not for its frame.
How did they accomplish this look? It’s easier than it appears, especially if you have a pneumatic nail gun.
Build this shed44. 10 x 16 DIY Modern Shed Project
This storage building design is awesome because it has tons of natural light. The only downside is that the instructions are pretty spare, but there are loads of pictures. If you aren’t experienced in building structures yet, then this might prove a little challenging.
However, the finished product is a gorgeous garage area. The wood siding gives it a homely feeling while the large garage door makes loading and unloading a breeze.
Build this shed45. 16 x 24 Humble Shed
This small shed is perfect for a novice builder. The detailed instructions explain each step without complicated jargon. The author of these plans also tells you what to expect going into each step, warning you of certain mistakes that are easy to make while working on this shed.
At the end of the plans, there are blueprints and a complete shopping list of everything you’ll need to build this project.
Build this shed46. Hip Roof Shed Plans 6 x 6
My first thought when I saw this shed was that it looked a lot like the TARDIS from Doctor Who. (It’s a British TV series.) This 6’x6’ shed has no windows in the design, only a standard door. It may look small, but it’s bigger on the inside.
Most of the instructions are implied in the graphic, so this isn’t a plan I’d recommend for a beginner.
Build this shed47. 8 x 8 Gable Storage Shed
This plan doesn’t skimp on the visuals in the least. Almost every page of this design features a graphic labeled with care and precision. If reading instructions bores you to death, these plans will be a breath of fresh air for you.
This storage shed is 8’x8’, so you’ll have plenty of room to store whatever you like. Since this project calls for double doors, you also won’t need to worry about it being a pain to load larger objects into the shed.
Build this shed48. Drive-Thru Backyard Shed
If you’ve got a sloped lot and you’re on a tight budget, this “drive-thru” shed is your solution! There are a lot of reasons why someone might want a drive-thru shed, but the biggest reason is accessibility. You won’t have to move your car or lawnmower in order to get to the snow shovel on the other side of the garage. Having two entrances means a lot less work on your part!
Build this shed49. 7 x 4 Small Narrow Shed
If you don’t have a lot of room in your yard for a shed, you might be able to get away with this 7’x4’ storage building. It’s perfect for someone who only needs to store some small ticket items like shovels, spades, potting soil, and so on.
The plans for this shed are seven pages long and are equal parts of graphic and written instruction.
Build this shed50. 8 x 8 Gambrel Storage Shed
There’s something about a gabled roof that makes me smile. They have so much character and dimension. The plans for this shed build an 8’x8’ storage area that looks like a miniature version of a barn. The double doors take the struggle out of loading and unloading larger items, too, so this would be great for a woodworking shop! (Or to store motorcycles, riding lawn mowers, or ATVs!)
Build this shed51. 8 x 8 Lean-To Shed
These plans might put off less experienced builders or builders who hate long written instructions. But if you prefer written explanations to graphics, then it’s time to try your hand at building this lean-to!
The door is standard size and there’s only one small window at the front, so this won’t be practical for storing a riding lawnmower. A good way to use this shed would be as a home office or art studio. You could even make it into a personal library!
Build this shed