Building a shed

djonesax

I am trying to estimate the materials needed to build a 12X16 shed. Does anyone have a method that they use? I could probably do it but I thought I would see if someone had a worksheet or something so that I don’t forget anything.

Thanks,

David

RippySkippy

Since you know the size, all you have to do is put your material list together, and hit the road. If you're not sure of the specifics of what you'll need, head to one of the suppliers and they will at times have pre-packaged kits for $####.##

One local place has the software that allows you to add/remove and modify a structure, when your done it prints a bill and cost of materials. Use that as a comparison sheet.

djonesax

I tried that at home depot. I asked them for a materials list for one of the display models. They said that since those were built by contractors and were not their products that they couldn’t tell me. I asked, well cant I just go out there and count the materials? Which is what I did but I thought I would ask just incase I missed something.

RippySkippy

Do you have a Menards near you? Ours has a small kiosk that you design the shed of your liking...roof pitch, windows, doors etc. and it'll print the list out. If you don't have that available, it looks like either work with what you have or consider a trip to the library.

Here's some links that may get you started...
Wiki How look for books from Taunton and sometimes a good ol google search can start you off....

Good luck to ya!

Termite

As a former lumber estimator for all sorts of commercial and multi-family projects, I'll tell you that most of the software out there won't actually get your project built in the real world. Buy off of a computer generated list and you're guaranteed that you will be back at the lumber yard buying more for miscellaneous use, even if you're not wasting much of anything. It isn't all that easy if you don't have a deep understanding of how everything goes together.

To be safe, figure up every stick and sheet of material you think you'll need and then add 15% or so. Also buy enough 2x4 for temporary bracing of the walls. Count on things like 4 to 6 studs per opening, and 3 studs at corners. Buy pre-cut studs (not 8 footers) and also get plenty of extra random length plate stock to do a double top plate and frames around windows and such. If you're using trusses, be sure to get plenty of extra 2x4 material for bracing. Little things like subfascia, frieze boards, drip edge, anchor bolts, sillseal, etc. will add up to a lot.

My suggestion is to break your building up into sections. Start with slab materials. Then go to walls and openings. Then to the ceiling/roof framing.
Finish estimating one phase at a time before moving on to the next.

It helps to get a book that shows how a building is framed, even if you know what you are doing. I use the book "Architectural Graphic Standards." Even if you know what you are doing, it helps to have a diagram of a framed building in front of you so you don't accidentally omit something.

ukdavid

I just finished building a 10'x 16'. Designed the floor and founds. for 120lbs/sq.ft. 2"x 4" @ 16" walls and mansard roof. 5/8" T-111, 1 window I got for free, door built from T-111, cedar trim, loft area, loft doors built from T-111, cheap shingles. T-111 stained. Thought that if I build it myself then that's the cheapest way. Wrong. Cost $4000 getting everything from HD. Wifes boss got a bigger shed with more windows installed for him for less. I'm sick as a parrot.