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Building your own backyard storage shed can be a fun and rewarding DIY woodworking project. However, choosing the right type of wood is key to building a shed that will stand up to the elements and last for years to come.
This guide examines the most popular and suitable woods for wooden shed construction to help you make an informed decision when planning your next storage shed project.
For shed framing, pressure-treated pine is the most durable and cost-effective wood choice. It resists rot, insects, and decay for 50+ years.
Cedar and redwood are excellent siding options if you want beautiful, naturally rot-resistant wood. But they cost more than pine.
If your budget is tight, construction-grade pine provides sufficient durability for sheds when properly finished and maintained.
For affordable wall sheathing under siding, plywood, and OSB deliver consistent quality. Protect edges from moisture.
The most common and suitable woods for backyard storage shed construction are pressure-treated pine, cedar, redwood, cypress, fir, pine, and engineered woods like plywood and OSB. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable and durable option for the framing and foundation.
For rot-resistant natural wood siding with good looks, cedar and redwood are premium choices. Pine and fir offer budget-friendly alternatives, while cypress provides a unique rustic character. Plywood and OSB make sturdy, economical sheathing.
Overall, pressure-treated pine provides the best combination of strength, durability, and affordability for the structural framework of a backyard storage shed.
For the structural framing of your shed, pressure-treated lumber is hard to beat in terms of affordability, strength, and decay resistance. Pressure-treating infuses chemical preservatives deep into the wood, protecting it from fungal decay and insect damage.
As long as you use galvanized fasteners and let the wood dry adequately after purchase, pressure-treated pine or fir will make an incredibly strong and durable base frame for your new shed. It's also the most cost-effective option for essential structural members.
When it comes to the visible siding boards on your shed, cedar is a premium yet worthwhile investment. The natural oils in cedar make it resistant to moisture, decay, and pests. This beautiful softwood will enhance curb appeal while protecting your belongings inside.
Cedar's natural resistance to decay makes it one of the best woods for backyard sheds in terms of longevity. Choosing edge-glued boards will minimize twisting and checking. Be sure to keep cedar boards ventilated and dry behind to prevent moisture issues.
Redwood shares many of the same durability advantages as cedar but showcases slightly richer reddish-brown hues. Redwood contains high amounts of tannin, resin, and essential oil that repel moisture, fungi, and insects. This premium softwood is exceptionally suited for outdoor shed construction in wet climates.
If you appreciate redwood's distinctive appearance and are seeking maximum decay resistance, the extra cost can certainly be justified for your storage shed project. Just be sure to apply a UV-inhibiting sealant every 2-3 years to maintain redwood's signature color.
Cypress is an intriguing lesser-known choice for shed cladding. The character of cypress varies widely from mostly clear vertical grain to swirls and pockets. This adaptability allows creative freedom when planning the look of your shed. Cypress performs well outdoors once properly dried and finished.
If you appreciate varied grain patterns and unique rustic character, cypress can be an intriguing alternative to cedar or redwood for your backyard shed's covering Just be picky when sourcing boards or panels with vertical grain for optimal performance.
For shed builders on a tight budget, pine lumber and plywood offer the most cost-effective solution. While not as naturally decay-resistant as cedar or redwood, common construction-grade pine has sufficient durability when properly finished and maintained. Pine is readily available at local home centers in a variety of sizes.
Construction lumber grades of pine offer the most economical route for basic sheathing and trim on backyard sheds. Choosing pre-primed boards or at least quality primer can help pine perform better outdoors. Avoid leaving exposed end grain whenever possible.
Another very affordable wood species, Douglas fir exhibits good strength, stability, and workability at low cost. Fir is a common framing material for houses and sheds sheltered from direct sun and precipitation. Utilizing fir where protected by overhangs and finishes makes sense for budget-minded shed builders.
For interior framing or applications protected from the elements, Douglas fir is an excellent choice to save money over cedar or redwood. Choose higher-quality boards for trim and siding applications. Avoid untreated fir in direct ground contact.
As an alternative to solid-sawn lumber, engineered wood panels offer reliable performance at a reasonable price point for shed walls. Products like oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are ideal for sheathing shed walls prior to installing covering.
For the essential structural sheathing layers under siding, engineered wood panels are an excellent choice for shed walls. Opt for plywood over OSB for cedar shake roofing applications to better resist deflection. Protect all exposed edges with a finish.
When it comes to choosing wood materials for your storage shed, consider these important factors:
Do your homework when researching the best wood species and grades to utilize for each component - framing, roofing, doors, and trim. Combining the right materials will help your shed stand the test of time with proper care. Don't cut corners on wood selection for shed floor framing.
The table below summarizes the suitability of the various wood species discussed in the article for the main structural components of a shed:
Wood Type | Framing | Siding | Roofing | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pressure-Treated Pine | Excellent | Good | Good | Low |
Cedar | Good | Excellent | Excellent | High |
Redwood | Good | Excellent | Good | Very High |
Cypress | Good | Good | Good | Medium |
Pine | Good | Good | Good | Low |
Fir | Good | Fair | Fair | Low |
Plywood | Fair | Good | Good | Low |
OSB | Fair | Good | Good | Low |
When building a storage shed in your backyard, make sure to select the optimal wood species for each component based on climate, exposure, cost, and aesthetic priorities. Pay special attention to properly protecting and sealing any cut ends, edges, and fasteners.
With the right wood materials and sound construction techniques, you can expect your backyard shed to still be sturdy and serviceable for decades to come.
Opt for durable, stable woods that resist warping. Consider water resistance, strength, cost, and climate exposure. Use moisture-resistant wood like cedar shakes for roofing. Choose plywood or OSB for sturdy, affordable shed walls.
Yes, metal can be used to build sheds. They resist decay and pests. But metal can dent, costs more than wood, and gets very hot/cold. Wood sheds offer more customization options.
Exterior plywood is an excellent option for sheathing shed walls before installing siding. The layers resist warping better than solid wood. Protect edges from moisture.
They suggest using pressure-treated lumber for the foundation, quality materials, galvanized fasteners, following building codes, and protecting/sealing all wood from moisture damage.
Consider what you intend to store - lawn mower, bikes, tools, furniture, etc. Most sheds range from 100-500 cubic feet. Plan door size for easy entry and exit of large items. Add windows for natural light.
Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) offer affordable, consistent performance. Use plywood for extra rigidity on roofs. Protect edges from moisture.
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