Can You Build a DIY Shed with Free Shed Plans?

Last Updated on January 4, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford

In this age of tiny houses, storage space is never enough. In fact, most homeowners lack sufficient space to store all their stuff. If you have a little outdoor space, you may be thinking of building a shed. 

But if you have limited cash, you may be wondering, “Can I build a DIY shed with free shed plans?”

The answer is “Yes, you can.” 

You can easily create a man cave, a she shed, garage, or simple place to relax and unwind.

Here is a good example of free shed plans: https://shedplans.org/shed-plans/

Types of Free Plans

1. Gable Shed Plans

A gable shed has a roof containing identical sloping planes on each side of the ridge. Gable sheds are a popular choice because they are not expensive to build and complement almost any home style.

They are ideal for storing garden equipment and also make great workshops or hobby rooms. Gable sheds are ideal for high-wind areas and allow snow and water to easily runoff. They also offer more ventilation, a feature that makes them great hobby sheds.

2. Gambrel Shed Plans

A gambrel shed has a two-sided roof with two pitches on each side: one shallow and one steep. The lower roof slopes usually have a steeper pitch.

They also provide more headroom, making the shed ideal for homeowners who need plenty of overhead storage. This type of shed is also known as a barn shed.

A gambrel roof is more expensive to build than a gable roof because it uses more materials and has higher labor costs.

3. Lean-To Shed Plans

A lean-to shed is mostly built for storage. It is easy to construct and is highly functional. It contains a single-plane sloping roof and can be built next to a house or a fence.

Most lean-to sheds are built on the side of houses with their roofs sloping away from the buildings.

The sloping roof keeps water and moisture away from the house, maintaining its structural integrity. A lean-to shed is one of the most popular sheds because of its simplicity. 

4. Saltbox Shed Plans

This type of shed has a short sloping roof at the front and a long sloping one at the back. Its design originated from England and was introduced in the 16th century.

A saltbox shed is ideal for different applications and can be small or large. Many homeowners build saltbox sheds on their properties to serve as playhouses for their children. They can also be used for storage. However, a saltbox shed can be difficult to build on your own.

5. Colonial-Style Shed Plans

A colonial-style shed is made of durable wood or vinyl. It can withstand all types of weather and is ideal for any backyard. You can use it as a pool house, a relaxing spot, a potting shed, or simply a storage shed.

However, because the shed is built using wood, wood-destroying pests like carpenter ants and termites can be a concern. If you decide to construct a colonial-style shed, make sure the wood is stained and treated. Also, keep the shed free of weeds, branches, and sticks.

Related: 13+ Different Types Of Termites With Pictures: Identification Guide

What Do Free Shed Plans Comprise?

cottage garden shed

They contain instructions for building the shed and other resources you need to calculate costs for the materials needed. They may come with video instructions, an ebook, or a physical book that walks you through the steps of building a shed.

The instructions cover all the aspects of shed-building–like cutting and installing roof panels, framing the shed door & walls, and installing the siding and trim.

Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a Shed?

It is a lot cheaper to build a shed. All you will need is good planning and materials. When you build your own shed, you can make small changes and build exactly what you want. You can also add more features to it to increase its functionality

When you build a shed, you have complete control over the budget. You can decide how much you want to spend and where the money goes. You also don’t have to worry about the quality of the materials as you buy them yourself. Building a shed from scratch is also more rewarding than buying a prefabricated one.

Build a Shed in Your Outdoor Space

Sheds accommodate all our stuff and make our homes more organized. If you’re looking for fresh ideas, there are many you can find online.

Build the shed of your dreams without spending any money on the plans. They are the perfect solution for homeowners who need extra storage space but can’t afford to buy shed plans. If you’ve always wanted to build a storage shed, a crafting spot, or a place to relax, now is the time.