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Erecting a shed or summerhouse is
definitely not beyond the means of any DIYer, especially if you follow the
guidelines set out below. In many cases we can arrange a professional
erecting service for your chosen building, but if we can't supply this
service in your area, or you would like to do it yourself, then follow the
guidelines below. Here we show you how to build a standard 8x6
timber apex shed, but the same principles apply to most of the garden buildings
we sell.
Before you start :
You will need two people to erect a
shed.
Make sure there are no underground cables or
pipes in the area you are digging, seek expert advice if necessary.
On a hard standing area, such as tarmac or
concrete, we recommend the use of 75mm x 75mm tanalised/pressure treated wooden bearers to
elevate the floor from any drainage or standing water. A paved site usually
allows excess water to drain away naturally between the slabs.
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Tools required for assembly:-
4.5mm drill bit (battery operated drill recommended)
Screwdriver (pozidrive)
Hammer
Stanley Knife
Step Ladder
Paint brushes (for treatment)
Saw |
To construct a 2.43m x 1.86m (8'x6')
slabbed base:-
30 paving slabs (450 x 450mm)
6x25kg concrete sand
1x25kg Portland cement
Spirit level, Rake
Pegs and string
Tape measure
Spade, Rubber Mallet
Sweeping brush
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Decide where to position the shed. Allow enough
distance from hedges or fences
for easy access to all sides. Using pegs and string,
mark out a square larger than the area of the shed.
An 8'x6' shed will require an area of approximately
2.7 x 2.25m.
Measure diagonals to ensure the area is square. |
Strip the topsoil and dig out to a depth of 70mm
to accommodate the base.
Level the area and
remove the pegs. |
Use one part cement to eight parts concreting
sand for a dry sand / concrete mix.
Spread evenly to about 42mm depth, raking to level.
Starting from a corner and working outward tap down on the centre of
each slab with a rubber mallet.
Using a spirit level,
ensure all the slabs are square, level and firmly butted together for a
solid base. |
The completed base should now be level and
square. Brush off any excess dry
sand / cement mix, which could hinder the levelling of the shed. |
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For added protection, we
recommend applying an
additional coat of wood preservative to the underside of the floor before
assembly. Study the erection instructions and prepare tools and fixings.
Position the floor
centrally on the base.
Consider the location of doors and windows.
As per instructions, fit the back gable onto the floor and secure to a plain
side. |
Using the same
procedure fit door and window sections,
ensuring they are flat to the floor and the sides are square.
Nail the bottom rails of the sides into the bearers of the floor as
directed.
Position the roof
sections, locating roof purlins into the cut-outs in the front and rear
gables.
Square roof sections
with the building, leaving an even overhang front and rear. Fix roof and
walls as per
instructions. |
Position the first lengths of roofing felt along
the lower edge of the roof
section, with equal
overhang at ends and covering the bottom edge of the roof framing.
Secure with felt tacks, making sure that the felt remains flat.
Repeat procedure for
opposite side.
Position centre piece
with equal overlap on
either side. Secure
along overlays with felt tacks at around 100mm intervals to prevent lifting. |
Fit corner trims, fascia boards and finials and
trim any protruding felt
for a clean finish.
It is advisable to treat glazing bars and rebates
prior to glazing.
Position glazing panels into rebates and secure with glazing beads as per
instructions.
Finally apply a quality timber treatment. |
