Building a wooden garden shed or storage shed is not rocket science, but it can be overwhelming figuring out how to do it right.
The first thing you need to realise is that this is not a one-day project. You will have to plan your time accordingly and take things step by step.
Planning should include creating sufficient free space and easy access to all the corners including the front and back wall.
Measure the area where the shed will be built so that you can purchase everything according to specification. Make a materials list that's necessary for building the shed itself (flooring, walls, windows) and additional stuff like lighting and electrical fixtures. This can include a circular saw, having a concrete slab poured, wall frames, tape measure,a spirit level and more. You can also make a separate tool list and list for other materials. Remember that the floor and wall must not be left undone.
Build the roof frame. Use nails or screws to attach everything together correctly and leave no gaps for water to enter the shed.
Now, build the roof using wood planks as well as shingles made out of aluminium or poly-carbonate sheets (for sheds in areas where there's high moisture). Attach all your fixtures: lights, electrical switches, windows etc.
When building a new shed, make sure to nail holes especially at the corner posts, bottom plate and top plate. The shed's roof should, hopefully, be able to withstand heavy rain. Keep the rim joist tight and fastened.Now that your shed is ready to be used, you can start with the finishing touches. You will have to put a coat of paint on all the wooden surfaces and cover up any gaps in order to protect it from moisture. If you have bought a slightly larger than usual shed, then make good use of that area by installing shelving up high (for garden tools and other items you want to keep out of sight). You can paint only the front wall or both front and back walls. You may also build floor joists, shed floor (to store gardening tools), a small garden office, install single or double doors, etc.
Deciding to build a shed from scratch is a huge undertaking. You can cut back on your costs by doing at least some of the work yourself. Research different plans and blueprints online. This will give you an idea of what to do, and how much supplies you'll need. Checking out hardware stores for deals on lumber, roof shingles, plywood etc., will help you save money too. You could also consider buying pre-cut pieces that have been de-nailed (which will save time).
Pine is the most affordable option out there and it's a good choice for first-time DIY builders. It is not as strong as cedar but it lasts a long time, even when exposed to harsh weather conditions
Cedar wood costs a bit more than pine, but it holds up extremely well in moist environments (a must in Australia). Cypress sheds are hardy against insect infestations and rot.
The time to build and or install depends on where you live and what type of shed you're building. If you're only putting up a basic structure or installing a small garden shed (without windows or electricity), then 2 days is enough for the entire install process. If there are more intricate details (like a garden room or gazebo) involved, then plan on spending about 1 week working on your project. You will also need time to paint and finish everything off once the construction part is over with. Half time will be taken to assemble the parts. The most time-consuming process will be the installation. A single door or a shed with one large door will take less time to finish. To create a shed with several doors, build time will increase.
You don't need a foundation if you're only putting up a small shed (like an 8 x 4 foot garden room) on a frame. If your structure is much larger, then consider building it on concrete frame so that it will be more stable. It's important to level out the ground before laying down the slab or blocks. Either way, you will want to make sure that the shed is well-supported by the ground.