Build a Firewood Storage Shed

two 6x6x10 pressure-treated boards
six bags quick-setting cement
four 2x8x8 pressure-treated boards
10 1-1/4 inch 6x8 boards
10 2x4x8 boards
two sheets 1/2-inch OSB (oriented strand board)
six 3/8-inch carriage bolts (6-inch long with nuts and washers)
four 2x4x8 pressure-treated boards
2-1/4 inch galvanized nails
3-1/2 inch galvanized nails

Tools:

air compressor with hoses
framing nailer
level
measuring tape
pencil
post hole diggers
safety glasses
shovels

1. If you're replacing an old wood shed, tear down and remove the previous structure. Clear the area of trash and debris so you have a clean, safe place to work.

2. Using the post-hole diggers, dig a hole about 12-inches in diameter and 18 to 20-inches deep. These will be used to set the two posts. Make sure the posts are 8-feet apart, measuring from the outside to the outside, putting 85 inches between posts (figure A).

3. Set the 6x6 posts in the hole and use a level to make sure they're plumb (figure B). Plumb means the post is straight and level on the vertical. Use scrap lumber to brace the 6x6 in place until you pour concrete to set them permanently (figure C.

4. Set the posts with fast-setting concrete. It does not need mixing, just pour the mix in the hole and spray with water. The posts will be ready to build on in about an hour.

5. Trim the 6x6 posts to the desired length as you go. The first step is to notch the 6x6 for the floor joists on the end (the "band board"). Cut the notch using a circular saw to score the top and bottom of the notch (7-1/2 inches high by 1-1/2 inches deep). Clean out the notch using a sharp chisel. Cut notch in one post, then cut the notch in the other post, making sure the two notches are level with each other.

6. After the notches are cut, put a 2x8 cut to 48-inches long in the notch, centering it. Nail it in temporarily for now, it will be secured by a bolt later (figure D). Run an 8-foot long 2x8 from each band board to create a rectangle. Next, add a 2x8 cut to 93-inches on each side of the 6x6 post.

7. Cut 18 pieces of 1-1/3 inch 6x8 decking to 48 inches. Nail these to the floor frame using the framing nailer and 2-1/4 inch galvanized nails.

8. Measure up from the finished floor 72 inches. Make a mark on the front of the 6x6, then use a speed square to draw a line at 10 degrees slanting toward the back of the shed. This will be the roof line. Repeat the process on the other side.

9. The roof frames just like the floor. Notch the top of the 6x6 at 10 degrees, 3-1/2 inches down to allow for the 2x4 framing. Nail a 52-inch 2x4 centered on each post. Add an 8-foot 2x4 on each side, then a 93-inch 2x4 on each side of the 6x6 post.

10. Nail the 1/2-inch OSB (oriented strand board) on the roof framing. This requires two pieces cut to 52x48 inches. Next, cover the top with asphalt shingles, rubber roof or other roofing material.

11. The only thing left to do is bookend the shed so the firewood can't fall out. Simply add a vertical pressure-treated 2x4 on each end to contain the wood.

12. Paint the underside of the roof. OSB plywood is rated for exterior use, but must be painted with an exterior paint.