Build your own inexpensive storage shed

Avid gardeners agree every gardener needs: a storage shed. It enhances your yard by keeping unsightly tools, supplies and machinery away from view. It only takes a few hours to build and is worth the effort.

If your budget is tight, use pine. If you want a fancier look and you don't mind spending a little more, source rough-sawn cedar and use that instead.Start the process by assembling your lumber and tools then follow these steps:

1. Cut 1 x 12-foot long, 3/4-inch thick pieces of lumber to the lengths in the cutting list below. Nail and glue the sides, base and back together, then attach the rafters and gables.

2. Fasten the shorter roof panel on one side, leaving two centimetre (7/8 inch) overhangs in the front and back. Caulk the top edge, then nail the long panel on.

3. Cut hinge mortises into the door and side and hang the door. Stain or paint the wood inside and out to seal it. If you want a rustic look, use green branches for the handle, nailing them in place. You can also opt for more traditional hardware. Check your hardware store to see what handles suit your needs and your style.

• 125 x 40 cm (11 × 15 3/4 in) door
• 224 × 42 cm (9 1/2 x 15 7/8 in) sides
•  128.5 × 20 cm (11 1/4 x 8 in) bottom
• 128.5 × 42 cm (11 1/4 x 15 7/8 in) back
• 232 × 16 .5 cm (12 3/4 x 6 1/2 in) gables
• 128.5 × 32 cm (11 1/4 x 12 3/4 in) roof panel
• 128.5 × 30 cm (11 1/4 x 12 in) short roof panel
• 228.5 x 6 cm (11 1/4 × 2 1/2 in) rafters
• Quick clutter solution: One great way to get rid of clutter in your storage shed or garage is to screw 40 centimetre (16 inch) pieces of scrap 2 x 4s at a slight upwards angle to each side of a wall stud. They will hold a wide variety of yard tools like rakes, shovels and hoes.