How to Build an 8×20 Gable Shed in a Week or Less?

A big shed not only helps you store all the supplies for your home, but also provides you ample space for your hobbies. Still don’t want to spend a lot of money on the getting a professional woodworker to build a shed for you? Don’t worry about that.

Welcome to 3DSHEDPLANS – where our skilled craftsman create the most immaculate shed plans for amateurs and experienced woodworkers to follow. Our FREE AND PREMIUM shed plans come with step by step instructions, complete list of materials and tools required and 3D imagery to help you visualize the end product and assist you in construction.

Don’t believe us yet? Here’s a sample 8×20 Gable Shed plan that you can follow and see the magic happen yourself!

Step # 1: Obtain the Necessary Permits

If your state has laws on building extensions on your property, then you will definitely need a permit to construct a shed in your yard. Acquire the permit with the legal assistance of your district attorney to avoid getting into any trouble over just a shed.

Step # 2: What Type & Size of Shed Should You Have?

Know the type and size of your shed before you head on to the market to get your supplies. Depending on the type of roof, sheds come in 3 types.

1. Lean to Shed: A lean-to shed is built against a wall and has a roof sliding downwards from the hind wall to the front. This is usually smaller in size and best for storage purpose.

2. Gable Shed: Gable shed is the most commonly used shed around the world. It is easy to construct and can be used for multiple purposes.

3. Hip Roof Shed: A hip roof shed is exquisitely designed and adds a lot of value to the property. It is suited for larger sizes and is a little complicated to construct.

An 8×20 Gable shed serves both as a great storage spot and provides enough space to carry out your activities.

Step # 3: What will be the Height, Width and Other Dimensions?

An 8×20 shed is quite spacious. It has a maximum roof height of 12 feet and 4 ¾ inches and a roof spanning at the width of 21 feet. The front wall has a width of 8 feet and 1 inch. The width of the side walls varies to accommodate the roof slope. All walls have a height of 7 feet and 8 inches. The side wall also accommodates a big garage door and a 3×3 window is adjusted on the front wall.

Step # 4: What Materials and Tools are Needed?

The right materials and tools are necessary to build a sturdy structure. A typical gable shed is built using pressure treated timber, timber for rafters, joists, studs and gussets etc, shingles, fascia boards, soffits, T1-11 siding panels, tongue and groove plywood etc. the necessary tools include hammer, saw, wrench, galvanized nails etc. You will have to buy the door and window for the shed separately which are not included in this plan.

Step # 5: How to Make the Foundation and Floor?

The first step of construction is making the foundation. Lay the skid foundation using pressure treated timber. Hammer the joists and bands on the skid foundation to make the framework along an 8×20 dimension. Once the foundation is fixed, cover it with tongue and groove plywood to make the floor. Make sure you use galvanized nails to fix the foundation and make the flooring.

A Few Pointers:

• Make sure to remove any clutter or plantation from the area where you are placing the foundation.

• Make sure you building the foundation exactly where you intend to place it. Relocating the structure might compromise its integrity.

Step # 6: How to Make the Walls?

The structure of the walls is made separately from the foundation and is later attached to the foundation.

• Start by placing the top and bottom plates 7 feet and 8 inches apart and then attaching wall studs to it using galvanized nails.

• Cut out space for a wide garage door on the side wall and a window on the front wall. Use cripple studs, L-joints, wall studs, headers and plates to make the wall structures.

• Once the structure is intact, cover it with T1-11 siding from the outside. Finally hammer the walls on the foundation.

Tip: you could use temporary brackets to erect the wall structure on the foundation.

Step # 7: How to Make the Gable Roof?

Making a gable roof can look tricky but following these simple steps it can be done easily.

1. Start by making trusses on the ground. Make trusses using rafters, gussets and cross pieces. All your trusses must be identical otherwise your roof framework will not be even.

2. Install the trusses over the wall studs keeping them flush with the outer edges of the wall plates. Use galvanized nails to hammer the trusses to the studs.

Step # 8: How to Cover the Roof Framework?

• Once you have made the framework, cover it with ¾ inch thick plywood as the first layer.

• After the first layer, you should install the asphalt shingles to the roof to make it leakage proof.

• Refer to the manual that comes with the asphalt shingles to learn how to install them.

• You can also use cedar shingles if your state approves or any other different roofing but plywood and asphalt shingles are recommended and are friendly on the pocket.

Step # 9: Installing Fascia Boards & Soffits

Since you made your roof leakage proof with shingles, install fascia boards on your walls to make them leakage proof whilst giving them a refined look. Also install soffits and trims to finesse your shed’s look.

Step # 10: Adding Some Finishing Touches

• Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for installation to affix the door and window to your shed.

• You can additionally insulate your shed to avoid short circuits.

• Coating the exterior with lacquer will protect the wood and give your shed a refined look.

That’s it! Your 8×20 Gable Shed is now ready! If you want more details regarding the dimensions and the materials, our PREMIUM SHED PLAN is recommended for you. The PREMIUM PLAN also includes 3D imagery for each step making your building process all the more easy and quick.