How to Make an 8×14 Gable Shed in a Week or Less?

Having a huge shed in your backyard can be a delight. It can be a storage place for your supplies or an area for your hobbies and activities. And above all, it would definitely add value to your property. If all that makes you want a shed in your yard but you can’t afford paying professional builders then you are the right place!

Welcome to 3DSHEDPLANS. We have the most elaborate shed plans for you to follow and make a shed in your yard without need of any professional help. Our FREE AND PREMIUM shed plans are written by professional shed builders with step by step details for any amateur or experienced woodworker. Want to see it in action? Here’s a sample plan you can follow to build your very own 8×14 Gable Shed in less than week!

Here’s what you should do to make a shed on your own.

Step # 1: Get the Legalities Sorted

If you need a permit to do any additional construction on your property according to the law of the state you live in, head straight to the district attorney and acquire a permit for your shed. Once you have the legalities sorted you can now plan the size/type and shop the required material for your shed.

Step # 2: The Size and Roof Type

Before you head out shopping, it is necessary for you to decide how big your shed will be and what type will it be. Based on the type of roof, sheds come in 3 basic categories.

1. Lean-to Sheds: As the name says, this shed leans against a wall. It could be your garden’s wall or your back yard’s, the lean to shed is best suited for storage purposes

2. Gable Sheds: Gable sheds are a mini cabin. They can vary from small to medium large sizes and are suited for both storage and other purposes. The gable roof is the most popular roof type and has a subtle inclination on both sides.

3. Hip Roof Sheds: A little more complicated and sophisticated, the hip-roof sheds are the third type of shed. Their multifaceted tilted roof makes them sturdy and gives them quite an exquisite look.

If you need a smaller sized shed, say 8×14, a gable roof is most recommended for it.

Step # 3: Take the Measurements

An 8×14 gable shed has a roof spanning at a width of 15 feet and a maximum height of 12 feet and ¾ inch. The front walls have a width of 8 feet and 1 inch. The width of the side walls differ from the top and bottom to accommodate the roof. The front wall also has an entrance door while the side wall accommodates the window.

Step # 4: Get the Materials and Tools for Construction

Once you know all the dimensions, head to the hardware store to buy the construction materials. You will need pressure treated timber, normal timber for rafters, studs and joists, galvanized nails, L-joints, ¾ inch thick tongue and groove plywood, shingles, fascia boards, soffits and trims. You will additionally need to buy door and window. The basic tools required for construction include hammer, saw, wrench and of course a ladder.

Step # 5: Make the Foundation Framework and Floor

Start the construction by laying the foundation.

• A Skid foundation is made using pressure treated timber placed at even distance on the floor.

• Hammer the joists and the bands on the skids using galvanize nails making a skid framework.

• Next cover the framework with ¾ inch thick tongue and groove plywood.

A Few Pointers:

• The foundation must be made on an even ground without any vegetation to make sure your shed has a steady base.

• It is also important to note that the foundation must be built exactly where you intend to build the whole shed as moving it from one place to another can be hectic and can cause damage to the structure.

Step # 6: Make the Walls Structure

• Make the wall structure independently using top and bottom plates, wall studs, cripple studs and headers.

• The front wall will accommodate the door while the side wall will accommodate the window.

• Make cuts for the door and window and secure the structure with cripple studs and header.

• Hammer the T1-11 siding panels from the exterior to give your shed a refined exterior. Finally, hammer the walls on the foundation using galvanized nails and temporary brackets.

• Remove the temporary brackets once the walls are fixed properly on the foundation.

Step # 7: Gable Roof Framework

Making the roof is the trickiest job of shed construction.

• Make trusses on the floor using rafter timber, cross pieces and gussets.

• Follow the identical dimensions for all trusses to ensure they are exactly in the same size.

• Hammer the trusses over the wall studs to make your gable roof framework.

Step # 8: Cover the Roof with plywood & Shingles

• Hammer ¾ inch thick plywood at the top of your framework to cover your roof.

• Once you have hammered the plywood, install asphalt shingles to make your roof leakage proof.

• While there are many other types of roofing available, plywood and asphalt shingles are cost effective and very durable, hence recommended.

Step # 9: Fit the Fascia Boards and Soffits to Finish the Exterior

To make your walls leakage proof, hide the joints, and nails on the edges, cover the walls and the edges with fascia boards and soffits. Keep the soffits flush with the trim.

Step # 10: Add Some Finishing Touches

• Lastly, install the door and window using the manual provided by the manufacturer. The doors and windows will be brought separately hence not added to the plan.

• You can paint the shed and insulate it to give it a better look and to avoid short circuit in case you use electrical equipments inside.

That’s it! Your 8×14 Gable Shed is now ready! If you are looking for more instructions or guidance, we recommend downloading one of our PREMIUM SHED PLANS that come with step by step instructions, 3D images of each and every step of the process and even professional tips to get you through easily.