Don’t settle for a boring shed in the garden. Make a statement and learn how to build a Saltbox shed. You know that an out building provides a focal point, and “hardscape” to your landscape. Be the envy of your neighbors. Many garden shops will supply and fit such a shed. Better yet, construct it yourself.

This stylish building brings that bit ‘o country to your property.

What is a Saltbox Shed?

The saltbox is a type of American colonial architecture that developed in New England. Its shape evolved organically as a cost-effective solution to add a shed to the back of a house. They were originally seen around 1650, are still popular today due to their simplicity and strength.

They are sometimes referred to as an Amish style shed, as it is a popular and practical design within that community.

What’s With the Roof?

The roof style is also known as a catslide roof, which is any roof that extends beyond the main eave height in part in the same plane, allowing for more space beneath the roof.

Because of its capacity to expand the footprint of an existing structure at a low cost, the form was popular for structures throughout the colonial period and into the early Republic.

The long sloping roof on the back and the shorter sloped roof on the front identify a saltbox shed. The garden shed’s lower roof also allows it to be constructed up against a wall or fence while still keeping the roof below the fence’s top.

What are the benefit of a Saltbox Shed?

Why the strange roof. It is particularly beneficial in areas experiencing rain and snow. For example, because the majority of the snow drains down the rear side of the shed, the smaller roof on the tall wall side of the shed reduces snow piling up. This is advantageous if you live in a snowy location and use the entrance on the tall wall side of the shed during the winter months since it lowers the quantity of snow that falls from the roof in front of the shed’s access door.

A further benefit of saltbox style is that the front wall of the shed is higher than the back wall. This gives you a higher entry point.

How to Build a Saltbox Shed

At this stage you really have two choices. Get a professional in to build the shed, or build it yourself.

Firstly note that in some countries such as the USA, a construction permit is necessary, in which case make sure you visit the town hall and inquire about the legal criteria you must meet. You’ll also learn important information regarding your shed’s structure this way.

If you have a solid set of shed designs and take the time to carefully plan the job, building a salt box shed from scratch is not difficult. When it comes to designing your shed building, the following are some of the most crucial things to take:

How much room do you require for storage? Are there any limits on erecting a shed in your local building department’s requirements? Are there any building regulations in your homeowners association? On your land, where will you construct the shed? Is the Salt Box Shed design the best option for my storage requirements? What is the approximate cost of constructing the shed? Start planning and constructing a salt box shed right now!

When constructing the shed, make sure the blueprints are detailed and include step-by-step directions as well as a comprehensive list of supplies.

Useful tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jigsaw
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits

Stages of the build

Establish the base of the shed. This may involve clearing an area, levelling it is required and the use of concrete or substantial wooden beams. Make sure you can easily access all sides during construction.

The first stage in the project is to construct the saltbox shed’s floor frame and floor.

Then put together the rear wall and secure it to the floor using galvanised screws. It’s critical to spend money on high-quality, weather-resistant timber.

Assemble the side walls which must be assembled on a level surface; otherwise, they may not fit into position. Pay close attention to the top rails, since these maintain the structure’s rigidity.

The construction of the front walls is perhaps the most difficult aspect of the project, since it necessitates precise measurements and cuts. Pay close attention to detail and ensure that the door is properly framed. Make sure the studs are exactly plumb using a spirit level. To prevent the wood from splitting, drill pilot holes in the rails before inserting the nails.

Last but not least, we suggest that you pay attention to the final touches. Wood filler should be used to fill the holes and allowed to dry for many hours. Use numerous bracing to secure the walls together; otherwise, they may shift.

At this point you will want to attach any sidings to the frame prior to the construction of the roof.

The project’s next stage is to join the top ridge to the shed’s walls. To prevent the wood from breaking, drill pilot holes through the components before putting the screws. Ensure that the building is built properly by using a spirit level to plumb the supports. Check the top ridge is horizontal, place a spirit level on top of it. If necessary, make the appropriate changes. In comparison to the ends of the top rails, leave 69′′ and 22′′ on both sides of the supports. This forms the classic uneven roof style.

The rafters for the saltbox shed are a difficult task. Make the angled cuts using a competent mitre saw. Smoothing the cut edges is critical; otherwise, the rafters may not fit into place smoothly.

Thereafter position the rafters in place, ensuring sure they’re evenly spaced. Before screwing into the top ridge and top plates, to aid you, drill pilot holes into the rafters. Pay special attention to the ends of the rafters, which must be at the same level otherwise the surface will not be flat.

At this point attach trims to the ends.

Attaching the plywood panels to the rafters is one of the final phases in the process. Cut the of plywood to the appropriate size and fasten them to the rafters every 6-8′′. To effectively seal the roof and avoid water damage, make sure there are no gaps between the sheets.

Roofing felt should be used to cover the plywood sheets, with the strips overlapping by at least 2 inches. Roofing staples or nails are used to secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets. Cut a 12′′ piece for the top ridge as well. The side drip edges should be placed over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be placed beneath it. A starting tip is to lay down a starting course at the bottom of the roof.

Last but not least, wood filler should be used to fill the holes and allowed to dry for several hours or overnight. Use numerous bracing to secure the walls together; otherwise, they may shift.

If you want to keep the wooden components from decay and improve the appearance of the shed, apply multiple coats of stain or paint to them. See the remainder of the project for instructions on how to construct the shed’s frame and door.

Alternative construction options.

Conclusion

If gardening is your passion, here is your perfect building. Storage of lawn and gardening equipment can be accomplished on the various wall heights of the Salt Box design. Add a potting bench to make planting chores less of a backbreaking ordeal. Complete the look with some of our window planters and you have one pretty looking storage solution!

A New England Colonial style shed will complement and an even be a centrepiece of your landscape.

Don’t delay. Find those plans and get your hammer out today.

Where to buy Saltbox Sheds in the USA

Countrycarpenters

Jamaica Cottage Shop

Sheds Unlimited

Saltbox sheds in the UK

If you are in the UK you should visit SaltboxSheds based in Frome Somerset. The premier shed shop.