How To Build a Garden Shed
Pine Harbor Shed Co.

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3. Purlins
Install the purlins (2x4 horizontal wall framing) into the notches on the corner posts. This is the point where you decide where your door(s) / window(s) is/are to be located. In the example shown here the door is a standard 3' and both the door and windows are going on the front or long side if the shed.

Note: On sheds over 10', two 4x4's are installed on the back wall in the center. (one from the top plate down to the purlin, and one from the purlin down to the floor, flush with the outside wall.

The purlins are inserted into the precut notches in the corner posts. They are nailed with spikes underneath (so the nails are not easily seen from inside the shed).

Shed Door

On this shed the door and windows are going on the front, so we left off the purlin on the front of the shed. This purlin will be cut and installed after the door frame is measured or laid out.

To lay out the framing for the door, you must decide the location on the wall for it. This one is going on the center of the front wall. It is a standard 34"door. To lay out your door framing, find the center point of where the door is going and mark it on both the floor and the top plate. Measure the door and add a 1/4" on each side to allow extra for the door opening.

From your center point you go 1/2 door width plus a 1/4" to each side of the center point and make a mark on both the floor and the top plate. This is where your door jambs or side frames go. Make sure to place your frames or jambs to the outside of your door frame marks on the floor and top plate. In this example they are 36 1/2" apart. Use your level to check the door frame for plumb.

Once you have one of the door jambs in place you can apply the door header. In this example the door header measures 36 1/2", and is applied to the underside of the top plate.

After the door jambs are installed, you can cut and install the final horizontal purlins. Place one end in the notch in the corner post, and nail through the door frame to fasten the other end. You can use your level or take a measurement to find the height for the purlin on the door frame.

Shed Windows

Here our installer is laying out the window by making the marks to each side of the center point, both on the top plate, and the purlin.

Next is the window frame, this is done just like the door. Add 1/2" to your window width, find your center point, and make your marks to each side. (window width + 1/2" divided by 2 = measurement to each side of center point) Nail up through horizontal purlin into window frame and angle nail to the top plate.

Once your side pieces are installed, you add 1/2" to your window height and install the window header frame by nailing through the side pieces.
Note: On all our sheds the bottom of the window rests on the perlin or horizontal 2x4.

Inside view of window and door framing

4. Rafters (roof frame)
Next is the roof framing or the rafters. The rafters are installed 2' on center (or every 2 feet) on top of the top plates. The end rafters are installed flush with the outside wall. These are nailed together on the ground before installation. Use spikes.

Nail the rafters together on the floor of the shed.

Nail twice through the top of each side, and angle nail once through the side of each pair.

Nail the rafters in place, one nail down through the top, and two angled nails through each side into the top plate.

The end rafters are installed flush with the outside wall.

Rafters are installed at 2 foot intervals or 2 feet on center.

How To Build a Garden Shed Pine Harbor Shed Co.

Shed Door

Shed Windows

How To Build a Garden Shed
Pine Harbor Shed Co.