Begin by Drawing an Outline of the Shed
Think about your own needs as well as local codes and zoning laws. Imagine what you'll use it for now and in the future because we tend to need more space as time goes on. You'll need to identify spacing needs inside this structure. Begin by drawing an outline of the intended structure on graph paper as close to scale as possible; using a scale of ¼ inch equaling 1 foot works well. Then start measuring everything you will store inside: cars, bikes, boxes, workbenches, lawn mowers, etc. and think about how all of it will be stored. Pencil these inside your structure's outlines and check the spacing to make sure you have plenty of room. Leave at least a 12-inch-zone around lawn mowers, bikes, and boxes so you can walk around them.

Check Zoning Restrictions and Local Building Codes
In many areas, zoning restrictions and local building codes regulate where you can place your structure and define its maximum dimensions. To find out, consult with your building inspector. He will let you know if you'll need a building permit and inspection to see if the structure meets minimum code requirements. Once you know of any restrictions, you can pick the final spot to put it. Think about access and traffic flow in all four seasons. Walk around and observe how the structure will be seen from your house or property line.

Five Shed Styles to Choose From
There are five major shed styles to choose from: gable, gambrel, lean-to, saltbox, and hip. They are the basic shapes but there are variations of each type.



On a gable shed, the two halves of the roof join together in the classic triangular shape. Gable roofs are simple and economical to build and offer superior load-bearing and drainage capabilities.

A hip roof is formed by sloping the ends of a gable roof toward the center. This creates an overhang around all four sides of the structure.

A gambrel roof is a gable roof with two slopes or pitches on each side. It's more complicated to frame, but it offers a lot more headroom and storage space than a gable roof.

A salt-box, or offset-ridge shed, is similar to a gable except that storage space is added to the front and capped with a narrow roof section. This creates a ridge line that's offset from the center and also more space inside.

A lean-to roof design is inexpensive and easy to frame. But because of the slope, headroom inside varies a lot from front to back.