need advice re. small backyard shed

[sohungry]

I've finally gotten around to tidying up the side of our house so that I can build a shed. I'm thinking of using it to store some of our larger ugly stuff (eg, wheelbarrow, lawnmower, rakes, etc). Also, I'm guessing it might be safer to put my gasoline/propane tanks in it instead of keeping them in my garage.

Anyway, here's a pic of the side area:

in case it's not obvious, I plan to build the shed over the dirt area. If I build the shed all the way to the gate, the length would be

12'. However, if I build it shorter to allow the gate to fully open, then the maximum length the shed could have is 8.5'. (The width in both cases would be 3' to allow sufficient space for the paver walkway. I haven't settled on a height for the shed, but my neighbors are fine as long as it's no taller than 10".)

I took some pics of the gate in various positions, and laid some rocks just to better illustrate the path of the door:

first question: Would you go with a 12' long shed, or would you leave room so the gate can fully open? (At this point in time, I can't think of a reason why I'd need the gate to fully open. But then again, I'm not the brightest at thinking of all the scenarios possible.)

My next question is regarding shed plans.... Here are my door requirements:

1) I want the shed to have a door at the lower left hand side of the picture. (Sorry about the junk in the pic--I forgot to move it out of the way beforehand.) The reason I'd like a door there is so that I can conveniently roll the lawnmower into the shed. 2) I also want the shed to have a door of some sort along the length of the shed so that I can easily access other stuff (eg, wheelbarrow) without having to first remove the lawnmower.

Any idea where I can get plans for a shed with these specs? (FYI, as a first time homeowner, I try to be handy whenever possible, but I don't have a whole lot of experience just yet. I do have basic tools, though, as well as a miter saw and circular saw.)

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[lwhaley]

Since your proposed shed is so narrow, only 3 feet wide, you may want to make it as long as possible. So far as the gate is concerned, it can be temporarily removed if at some point it is in the way.

There will be no plans with specs for a 3 foot wide shed unless it is a woodshed. Considering your situation you might consider making it like a wood shed with a shed roof and open walls.

The most straightforward way is to dig holes for supports at the corners and plant a treated 4x4 in each corner. Then frame it up like any pole barn. Any book on pole barns or residential framing will give you the details.

This type of construction greatly simplifies the framing compared to stud walls and gives you a totally open design allowing you to put in doors at any location. You could even go without doors or walls, like a wood shed, perhaps having a tarp stretched over the framework rather than solid walls. Out of sight, out of mind?

My real opinion is that this is not a good space for a shed. Not only is the space too narrow but the fence is in the way. And which way will the water from the shed roof drain?? It will drain towards the fence possible damaging it and perhaps upsetting the neighbors.

[Pat]

3 foot wide shed? If each wall is 6 inches thick the inside will be 2 feet wide! You can change the gate so it opens the other direction. The fence and gate can be one end and back. I would just put a roof up and build it so it overhangs the path. Leave the front open for access next to the path. No doors. If you wish another gate could be installed to create the other end of the shed and control access.

[Al]

I have actually seen this kind of shed sold in hardware house.Also pool companies have similar ones for store away the filter and other stuff that is needed for salt water pools ( they are normally narrow and long to fit on the side of the pool next to the fence). it is made out of colourbond (tin), which makes sense in your case, you do not have to worry about the thickness of the walls. And as a bonus they are really cheap. I think they are abut the 200 Au dollars. All you do is to either make some sort of base eg concrete, timber, paver's etc. or just leave it as is and plunk the shed on it.

cheers Al

[J T]

Sat, Jun 16, 2007, 12:30am (EDT+4) [e-mail] (sohungry) came in and mumbled: Here are my door requirements:

1) I want the shed to have a door at the lower left hand side of the picture. (Sorry about the junk in the pic--I forgot to move it out of the way beforehand.) The reason I'd like a door there is so that I can conveniently roll the lawnmower into the shed. 2) I also want the shed to have a door of some sort along the length of the shed so that I can easily access other stuff (eg, wheelbarrow) without having to first remove the lawnmower.

I've got news for you. A door on the end is well enough, but I'd want a lot more than just one door along the length. I'd want several. You're gonna wind up stuffing all sorts of stuff in there, and I for one, would not feel like trying to get it thru a 3' wide space to an opening. Doors, lots of doors.

JOAT If a man does his best, what else is there?

- General George S. Patton

[Allen Roy]

Is the fence yours or the neighbors?

3' isn't very much room. Conventional framing would take up quite a bit. If the fence is yours, I would remove 2 sections leaving the posts. Then frame as a polebarn as described in a previous post. You can always match the new siding for your shed to the old fence maybe even using the old fence as the siding.

You will really want to think about water drainage from the roof.

Also I would leave the sides open. Go to the BORG and buy some outdoor roll up shades to use as the doors. They come in 3'-8' lengths. As far as the floor, either regrade the floor and add some gravel or extend the pavers to the rest of the area.

Some pictures from the other side of the fence would be helpful.

Allen

[BillinDetroit]

Consider a sliding door (or two) across the front of the shed. If you re-hinge the gate, it could swing shut and latch on the corner of the shed. Most especially, it could swing outward.

I actually think the suggestion to NOT enclose it (just roof it) is a good one. Once paved, it should be simple enough to keep neat and presentable. Possibly limit storage there to lawn & garden tools with one end lockable for various chemicals such as fuels, fertilizers and pesticides.

I think the walkway is going to feel cramped with a shed there. You may want to put a gutter on the shed rather than drain into the neighbors yard. He might be agreeable to that but, if he ever sells the house, the next guy might raise objections. Alternatively, slope the roof to the right or the left. Do NOT 'do a Jonestown' on the site of a future flower garden.

Bill