DIY: Metal Sheds
- Most metal sheds are available in steel or aluminum varieties. Steel is the cost-effective option, and is easy to paint if desired. Aluminum is slightly more expensive, but is better able to resist rust and corrosion. This means that aluminum sheds will likely last longer and are a better option for those living in coastal areas. For areas subject to high wind and extreme weather, a heavier steel shed will be better able to resist damage due to wind, weather or impacts from sharp objects.
- Metal sheds typically come without a floor structure and require a solid foundation base to ensure a long-lasting installation. To construct your foundation, dig a 6-inch hole that is several inches wider and longer than your shed. Fill the hole with four inches of pea-sized gravel, then build concrete forms around the perimeter using 2-by-4s. Add four inches of concrete on top of the gravel so that half of the slab is above ground and half is below. Smooth and level the surface using a piece of lumber, then allow it to cure for one week before assembling your metal shed.
- To assemble the shed, start by laying out the floor frames or tracks. Fasten them to one another, but do not attach them to the slab yet. Use the fasteners that came with your kit to frame and install each wall panel, attaching them to one another using the predrilled holes. Lay out the roof panels and connect them together to roof framing members, if applicable. If no roof framing is included, screw the panels together and fasten them to the perimeter walls. Slide the door into place and add screws to each jamb to fasten it to the wall frame. Once the shed is complete, use lag bolts to anchor each corner to the slab below. This keeps the shed from shifting due to heavy winds.