A few summers ago, I set out to build a modern shed from scratch. I modeled the entire shed in the 3D modeling software, SketchUp, ordered the materials, and then got to work. It took me a few weekends to build the modern shed, but the final result was well worth the effort.
Because I have a DIY / Home Improvement community on YouTube and Instagram, I took the framing plans that I used to build my modern shed and I packaged them up into a FREE DIY Shed Building Guide and Framing Plan that I have available at the end of this article.
I recommend that you first read through the overview presented below to get an idea of the overall shed building process. If you want to proceed with building your own custom shed after reading the overview, I recommend that you download the FREE framing plans and get to work!
Many others have already built some amazing modern sheds using my free framing plan – and I have included a few photos of their completed sheds below:
If we can build modern sheds like the ones shown above using these framing plans, I am confident that you can too!
In the next few sections, I am going to give a brief overview of every aspect of the modern shed building process. Let’s begin:
Planning a Shed Build
The first step in every successful project is PLANNING. A shed building project is no different. As you begin the shed planning process, you will want to consider the following:
- Shed Location (If possible, you want to build your shed on flat land. Although building a shed on a slope is possible, it is more complicated.
- Size and Style of Shed
- Door and Window Locations
- Code and permitting requirements (if any)
Once you have a preliminary idea for your shed’s location, size, etc. it is recommended that you create a drawing / model of the shed. However, if you want to make things easy on yourself, you can use a design / framing plan already made (like my FREE shed framing plans linked here). Even if you want to customize pre-made plans, it will be easier than starting from scratch.
Building a Shed Foundation
Obviously, you will want to build your modern shed on a sturdy foundation. The most common types of shed foundations are:
- Concrete Slab
- Gravel Base
Both of these foundation options are “tried and true”, but they both have their advantages and disadvantages. For more information on selecting the right type of shed foundation for your shed, I recommend that you watch my “Shed Foundation Options YouTube Video” Linked Here.
Building a Shed Base / Floor
If you build your modern shed on a concrete foundation, you have the ability to frame the walls directly on top of the concrete slab. If you have a gravel or block shed foundation, however, you will need to build a wooden shed base / floor.
There are many different ways and methods for building a wooden shed base, but I recommend the 4″x4″ method which I document in detail in the video below:
Framing the Shed Walls
To frame shed walls, you are going to need a top plate, bottom plate, and studs. Shed walls are typically framed using 2″x4″ lumber with 16″ stud spacing as shown in the image below:
I go into the shed framing process in detail within my free shed framing guide, but you are essentially going to have to have three walls that are similar in size and height. The front wall is typically going to be taller and will have a header over the door. Refer to the image below showing the general arrangement for the shed walls:
For extremely detailed information on the shed wall framing process, download my free framing plan and watch my “How to Frame Shed Walls” YouTube video linked here.
Framing the Shed Roof
For the modern shed design, you are going to need to install a “lean-to” style shed roof. Fortunately, this style of roof is very simple.
To frame a lean to shed roof, you need to make “birdsmouth” cuts in the rafters so that they will sit flat on the front and back wall of the shed.
After making the birdsmouth cuts for the first rafter, test the fit on the shed. If everything looks good, use that rafter and template to mark and cut all the rest of the rafters.
Secure the rafter to the shed using framing nails (and rafter ties) every 12″-16″ on center.
For detailed information on “How to Frame a Lean to Shed Roof” Check out my Youtube Video:
Once the rafters have been installed, attach plywood roof decking to the top of rafters in preparation for roofing.
Installing the Shed Roofing
Although there are many different roofing options for a shed, asphalt shingles are by far the easiest way to roof a shed. Install drip edge on the bottom and sides of the shed and then roll out the tar paper.
Begin with a starter row of shingles at the bottom of the shed and then attach the rest of the asphalt shingles to the shed roof using 4-6 roofing nails per shingles.
At the top of the roof, install a piece of ridge flashing to protect the top of the shed from water intrusion. For detailed information on the entire shed roofing process, check out my “How to Install Asphalt Shingles on a Shed Roof” Video below:
Installing Shed Siding
T1-11 siding or LP SmartSide panels are the most common shed siding materials. Both T1-11 siding and LP SmartSide Siding are great siding options for a shed with nearly identical installation instructions.
Although T1-11 and LP SmartSide Siding are similar in nature, there are a few differences. A comparison between T1-11 and LP SmartSide Paneling is listed in the following table.
| T1-11 Siding | LP SmartSide | |
| Panel Size | 4โx8โฒ | 4โx8โฒ |
| Panel Material | Weather Resistant Pine | Treated Engineered Wood |
| Approx. Cost per Panel (2022) | $39.72 | $42.98 |
| Warranty | None | 50 year |
| Paintable | Yes | Yes |
Although LP SmartSide Siding is slightly more expensive than T1-11 Siding, the warranty and additional pressure treatment give it a slight leg-up over T1-11 in my opinion.
To install T1-11 siding or LP SmartSide panels, you simply position the 4’x8′ sheets over the wall studs and secure them in place using a framing nailer. Each sheet interlocks with the sheet installed previously. For additional information on installed shed siding, check out my “How to Install T1-11 of LP Smarting” Video below:
I personally find that it is easier to paint or stain the siding before it gets installed on the shed.
Installing the Shed Door
For this modern shed design, I used a metal roll up door. Although I think the metal roll up door looks awesome and that it gives the shed a modern / industrial look, this type of door is quite expensive. If you want to see how to install roll up door, check out my “How to Install a Shed Roll Up Door Video“.
If you want to save a bit of money, you can build a shed door using 2″x4″ lumber, plywood, hinges, etc. The image below shows how one of my “Modern Shed Build Course” customers built a wooden shed door for his shed.
Finishing the Shed
Although the most important parts of building a shed are the foundation, wall framing, roof framing, siding, etc. there are some other “finishing touches” you can add to your shed to customize it. For my shed, I used PVC trim boards at the corners, around the windows, etc.
Additionally, I ran electricity from my house to my shed so that I could have lighting and outlets readily available inside my shed. If you want to see how I did that, check out the video below:
Basically, feel free to customize the shed any way you see fit to make it your own.
FREE Shed Framing Plans
At this point, you have a pretty good idea about what is involved with building a modern shed. If you are seriously considering building a shed like this yourself, I highly recommend that you pick up my FREE Modern Shed Framing Plans below:
These plans go into the entire shed building process from start-to-finish and I am incredibly confident that they will help you to build the shed of your dreams.
Lastly, I have a “How to Build a Modern Shed from Start-to-Finish” video linked below that will show you how to tackle every aspect of the shed building process.
Lastly, if you are curious about how much it cost me to build this modern shed, you can watch my “How much does it Cost to Build a Modern Shed” YouTube video linked below:
I hope all of this shed building information is helpful and I wish you nothing but the best on your modern shed building journey!
Thanks!
DISCLAIMER: This is a reference guide only. Consult local code requirements. Links included in this article might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting ATimprovements so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!