question about Garden Sheds..
 

first, would you buy a kit, or build one from scratch?

i want a wooden structure, for storing garden supplies, and..it needs to do double duty for my chicken coop. i want something maybe 8x8, and i would partition it off, 50/50. one side, would have the birds, and the other can hold my rakes, shovels..and garden stuff. i have very little garden tools. i want to then cut a hole for my hens to go out into a large fenced area.

any ideas? seems the $$ is less if i buy a kit.

Depends on how lazy you are. The kit at Lowes is 500-1000 bucks, depending on what size you want. Then,,,does it go on pier blocks or a concrete foundation. I recommend concrete, and that adds significantly to the price. 16 inch centers, 1 window and a door. Constuction grade 2x4's are still fairly cheap, and T-111 is just so-so. Oriented Strand board is still 8-10 bucks a sheet, and you can make your own trusses fairly easily. All that being said, I'd buy a kit and pour my own foundation using one of those onsite mixing trucks. Used one of those for a friends patio and walkway. Soooooooo much easier.

After re-reading you post, 4x8 for a garden shed ain't much. Build your 8x8, and attach the coup to the outside. Could even cut doors into the shed if you think it would be needed.

Build it yourself. Save money.SmileWavy

I've done both. The Home Cheapo kit was fine for the money but the one I built from scratch is customized precisely to what I wanted for half the money.

Where are you located?

Around here, I can order one from 'Amish' in Pennsylvania for not much more than the cost to build.

Stoltzfus Structures - Quality Sheds since 1972

FWIW, I bought a pre-fab shed from the local Menonite community. They build them to order (door size, window location, etc.) and we painted it the same color as the house when it was still in their yard. I also used Thompson's water seal on the floor- seems to help. Get as big as you can afford- it's surprising how fast they fill up!

I built one this winter for my water cistern. It is 10X14 and I bought a kit and then modified it. I added a foot to the height, put on a 16" overhang, insulated it, and installed a 36" house door.

To do it again, I would stick build it from scratch.

For what you want, at Costco, they have the decent sizr plastic graden sheds on for $1000 right now. They go up quick, don't need paint, and you could run a wall down the middle and cut a door in one end for the chickens.

I have a 4x8 chicken coop and a separate 8x12 garden shed. I'm glad they're as big as they are. They fill up fast. Your chicken coop size is fine, but your garden shed would be too small. If you want to check my spread out in Montara, PM me.

Hmm. I have two sheds. Remember Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson?

I'd build it yourself.

I had a friend's little brother build us one last summer. It's 8x12. I spent $1000 on material and $1000 in labor. I priced a similar size from Home Depot at about $2000 installed and they aren't nearly as nice as this one.

Have built a kit and bought used.

Were i to do it again i'd pour a slab and build from scratch.