Storage Buildings
Layout and the Square Box
My plans call for a 10 foot by 12 foot storage shed. The key to a successful project is creating a level, square flooring system. It is a breeze. Remember that all of the lumber has to be checked for square ends. The joist materials and rafters often have cuts that are slightly out of square.Wall studs are usually very accurate. Plywood is extremely accurate.
The first thing we are going to do is build the outer box. Take the two 12 foot 2x6 floor joists and cut them exactly 12 feet long. Check the thickness. They should be 1 and 1/2 inches. If so, cut two of the 2x6 floor joists nine feet nine inches. Nail the joists together so that the 12 foot boards cover the ends of the 10 footers. If you did it right you now have a box 10 foot by 12 foot.
Place the box where the shed will be. Use crushed gravel and solid concrete blocks to level the box. Place a block at each corner and every 4 feet along the 12 foot walls.
Now let's square the box so the plywood fits nicely and the roof rafters work! A line between opposing corners of the box is called a diagonal. The box will be square when both diagonals measure 15 feet 7 and 7/16ths inches. Just get it close for now.
Fill in the Joists
I have designed a shed that will handle quite a bit of weight. The floor will be stiff. I have achieved this by placing the floor joists on one foot centers. In addition, I have used metal joist hangers. These really hold the joists in place much better than nailing into the end of the joist through the band board.
Place your tape on one corner of a 12 foot board and mark the center of each joist. Install the joists and joist hangers. Do not use roofing nails for the hangers! They are not structural nails. Use approved galvanized joist hanger nails. Once the floor joists are in place, check the floor joistbox for square. It has to be right now. If you find it necessary to temporarily stake it to stop movement, do so.
Plywood and Vapor Barrier
Install the vapor barrier over the joists. Then begin to install the plywood. Be sure to stagger your seams. The cut piece from the first row will be used to start the second row, so make a nice accurate cut!
Continue to Part II - Storage Buildings - Walls/Wall Framing
Column B144