Shed plans

Shed Plans Buying Guide

Choosing to build a shed from plans is a rewarding project that offers customization and cost savings compared to pre-built options. At Craftcamp, we provide a wide range of shed plans designed to meet diverse needs, from simple storage solutions to multipurpose spaces. This guide will help you navigate our selection and choose the perfect shed plan for your needs.

Popular Shed Sizes

Our collection includes plans for the most popular shed sizes based on customer demand. Small sheds under 100 square feet include our 4×6 Bike Shed, 6×8 Storage Shed, and 8×12 Storage Shed options. For medium sheds between 100-200 square feet, consider our bestselling 10×10, 10×12, or 12×16 Storage Shed plans. If you need maximum space, our large shed options include 12×20 Garage Shed and 16×24 Workshop Shed designs.

The most searched-for shed plan sizes include 12×16, 10×12, and 8×12, all of which are available in our catalog and designed for optimal functionality. For a detailed walkthrough of building a larger shed, check out our guide on How to Build a Storage Shed.

Types of Shed Plans We Offer

Our shed plans are categorized by primary purpose to help you find exactly what you need. Our versatile Storage Sheds maximize space for tools, equipment, and household items with efficient designs. For gardening enthusiasts, our Garden Sheds include features for tool organization and sometimes built-in potting benches. Our innovative Greenhouse-Shed hybrids combine storage with plant cultivation areas for year-round gardening.

For DIY enthusiasts, our Workshop Sheds provide ample space for projects with features for tool storage and workbenches. Need vehicle storage? Our Garage Sheds offer protection for vehicles while providing additional storage space. We also offer specialized solutions like our 4×6 Bike Shed designed specifically for bicycle storage.

Design Features and Styles

Our shed plans incorporate various design elements to match both aesthetic preferences and practical needs. Most designs feature practical gable roofs for excellent water drainage and interior space, while some offer lean-to options for placement against existing structures. Many plans include built-in shelving, modern design elements, and specialized features like garden bed integration.

Our plans are designed for common building materials including wood, plywood, asphalt shingles, and sometimes polycarbonate panels for greenhouse sections, ensuring you can source materials locally without difficulty. For guidance on selecting and working with wood, our blog post on How to Build a Wood Shed provides valuable insights.

Difficulty Levels

We classify our shed plans by difficulty level to help you choose one that matches your skill set:

Easy (39% of our plans): Perfect for beginners with basic DIY skills and simple tools. These plans feature straightforward construction methods and minimal complex cutting or framing.
Medium (43% of our plans): Suitable for those with some carpentry experience and a more comprehensive tool set. These designs might include features like windows, more complex roof designs, or specialized storage components.
Hard (16% of our plans): Designed for experienced builders who have completed similar projects before. These plans often feature larger dimensions, complex architectural elements, or sophisticated integrated features.

Local Regulations and Planning

Before selecting a shed plan, consider important regulatory factors for your area. Check your local building department for specific requirements, as most municipalities have different rules based on shed size. Permits are typically required for structures over a certain size (often 100-120 square feet), so our smaller shed options may not require permitting in many areas.

Remember to verify setback requirements (minimum distances from property lines) and review any HOA restrictions if applicable. Always call your local utility locating service before any digging begins to avoid costly and dangerous utility line damage.

Choosing the Right Location

The perfect shed plan must be matched with the right location on your property. Ensure proper drainage with water flowing away from your foundation. Choose a relatively level spot to minimize site preparation work. Consider accessibility both during construction and for future use, with thought given to door positioning relative to your yard layout.

Think about sun exposure and how it will affect the shed’s interior temperature and natural lighting throughout the day and seasons. A properly positioned shed will be more functional and require less maintenance over time.

Defining Your Shed’s Purpose

Our plans cater to various uses—being clear about your primary purpose helps narrow down your options. For pure storage, focus on maximizing interior space with our storage shed designs that often include shelving options. If you’re creating a workshop, look for plans with good headroom, window placement for natural light, and space for workbenches.

Multi-purpose needs might be best served by our larger designs that can incorporate separate zones for different activities. Some of our plans include options for future expansion or modifications if your needs change over time.

Selecting the Right Dimensions

Choosing the appropriate size is critical for ensuring your shed meets your needs. Start by listing everything you plan to store and calculate the minimum space required, then add at least 25-30% for future needs. Consider headroom requirements for storing tall items or creating loft storage—our plans clearly specify wall height and ceiling clearance.

Door dimensions are often overlooked but crucial—ensure doorways are wide enough for your largest equipment. Many of our plans feature double doors for easy access to larger items. Always stay within the size allowed by local regulations, typically under 120 sq ft to avoid permit requirements in many areas.

For specific uses, we recommend:

• Lawn Equipment Storage: Minimum 8×10 for a typical suburban lawn setup
• Workshop: At least 10×12 to allow for workbenches and movement
• Garden Storage: 6×8 works well for basic garden tools and supplies
• Bike Storage: Our 4×6 bike shed is perfect for storing up to 3 bicycles

Foundation Options

Our plans detail appropriate foundation types for each design. Concrete slabs provide the most permanent and stable base, recommended for larger sheds and workshop designs. Gravel pads with skids offer an economical and effective option for most medium-sized sheds, while pier foundations elevate the structure and work well in areas with poor drainage or uneven terrain.

Building Materials

Our plans are designed to use readily available, quality materials that balance durability with cost-effectiveness. We specify appropriate lumber grades and types, including where pressure-treated wood is necessary for ground contact or moisture resistance. Siding options vary by design, including plywood, traditional wood siding, or modern alternatives depending on your aesthetic preferences and local availability.

Roofing typically calls for asphalt shingles for their durability and ease of installation, though some designs offer alternative roofing suggestions. Each plan details the specific fasteners and hardware needed for a sturdy, long-lasting build.

Construction Quality Indicators

Look for these features in our plans to ensure a durable, long-lasting shed: proper wall framing with standard 16″ or 24″ stud spacing and double top plates; robust corner construction for enhanced structural integrity; adequate roof pitch to ensure proper water runoff and prevent leaks; and comprehensive weather protection details for flashing, moisture barriers, and proper sealing.

Doors, Windows and Ventilation

Our plans offer various door configurations to meet different needs, from single doors for small storage sheds to double doors for workshop access. Door placement is strategically positioned for optimal interior space usage, with construction details for building sturdy, weather-resistant doors.

Natural light and airflow are important considerations in our designs. Window placement is strategically positioned for optimal lighting, while ventilation options include designs for roof vents, soffit vents, or ridge vents. These elements are positioned with seasonal considerations in mind for airflow in summer and heat retention in winter.

Interior Features

Beyond the basic structure, our plans often include specialized interior features. Many designs, especially our greenhouse-shed hybrids, include detailed shelving specifications. Workshop designs incorporate space and framing details for sturdy workbenches, while storage solutions might feature wall-mounted organization systems, lofts, or specialized tool storage.

While our plans don’t include electrical diagrams, they account for potential wiring runs and suggest outlet placement for those who wish to add electricity to their finished shed.

Cost Considerations and Saving Strategies

When budgeting for your shed build, consider the cost of the plans themselves, all required materials (the largest expense), any tools you’ll need to purchase or rent, optional features or upgrades, and permit fees if applicable.

To manage your budget effectively, take advantage of our detailed material lists to prevent waste and unnecessary purchases. Consider phased construction for certain features that can be added later as budget allows. Where appropriate, our plans suggest cost-effective material alternatives without compromising structural integrity. And don’t forget to consider tool rentals for specialized equipment rather than purchasing outright.

From Site Preparation to Completion

Proper preparation ensures a stable, long-lasting foundation. Begin by precisely marking your shed’s footprint before excavation. Remove sod and topsoil to reach stable ground, create a perfectly level base for your foundation, and incorporate proper drainage to prevent future water damage.

Plan your construction timeline according to the difficulty level of your chosen plan. Easy plans typically require 1-2 weekends for completion, medium plans usually take 2-4 weekends depending on experience, and hard plans may require several weeks of dedicated time. Always plan around favorable weather conditions for optimal results.

Our plans are designed to use common tools, though requirements vary by project. Basic tools needed typically include a hammer, circular saw, drill, tape measure, level, and square. For faster construction, consider optional power tools like a miter saw, nail gun, or impact driver. Any specialty tools required are specified in the plans.

From Beginner to Advanced

If you’re new to building, consider our simpler designs. Small storage sheds like our 4×6, 6×8, or 8×8 plans make excellent starting points. Designs with single-pitch roofs are typically easier to frame and finish. All our beginner plans include highly detailed, step-by-step guidance to ensure success.

For those with some experience, medium-sized structures like our 10×10 or 10×12 sheds provide more challenge while remaining manageable. These often feature basic gable roofs that introduce more complex framing techniques, and may incorporate windows or specialized door designs.

Experienced builders looking for a project will appreciate our advanced designs. Larger structures like our 12×20, 16×24, or workshop plans require more advanced skills and offer greater customization potential. These plans might include complex roof designs with multiple pitches or dormers, and specialized features for specific purposes like workshops or greenhouse-shed hybrids.