"He Didn't Build That" I Did... (Part 1)

How I built my solar-powered shed:

Solar-powered Shed

I built this shed, (12 ft. x 10 ft.) 3 years ago for storage purposes and to keep my power tools in a safe and convenient place. I installed solar panel for observation and experimental purposes and to provide the much needed electricity for my toys: CB radio, small TV, Hi-Fi stereo, ceiling fan and for charging my cell phone. It also provided power for my Koi pond's waterfall pump and filter.

If you are interested in building a similar one for storage purposes and for any purpose you may want, here is how I did it:

1. First find a convenient area in your backyard or sideyard (whichever is convenient for you), and make sure you level the ground where you are going to put your floor slab.

2. For this size which is 120 square ft. (12 feet long and 10 feet wide), I used 3 pcs. 4"x4"x12' lumber, each of which is placed on top of 4 pcs. concrete hollow blocks to prevent the wood in direct contact with the ground. I also sealed and cured them before hand prior to installation. You can also use 4" thick concrete slab for your flooring foundation, it's up to you.

3. Then I placed on top of them, a 2"x6"x10' floor joists spaced 16 inches apart and across the 4"x4" floor slabs. After that, you nail down your flooring. You can use a 5/8" plywood or MDF. I just used a 1/2" MDF which is a lot cheaper, available from your local Lowe's or Home Depot.

4. By the way I'm doing this myself and before I knew it, I forgot to take pictures of the initial stages of my construction, so don't get confused. Just follow the procedure as numbered. After laying down and finishing the floor, start framing the wall studs. You can just use three studs per 4"x8" std. size MDF, but in my case I followed the CA building code of 16 inches between studs, i.e. 4 pcs. of 2"x4"x8' per std. size MDF.

5. Next step is to install the rafters for the roof. At this point, I needed some assistance because it's hard to do this part on your own. Spacing is 2 ft. between each rafters.

6. After all the rafters are in place, nail down the MDF board in place. Staple the #15 black felt roof deck protection as shown in picture, and then install metal flashing to protect roof from water damage. 

7. Next nail down asphalt roofing shingles (different styles and colors) of your choice, in an overlapping manner and in alternating positions (as in laying down concrete hollow-blocks).

8. Nail down MDF wall boards and ceiling vents (optional).

9. Install doors and windows and any decorative wall finish of your liking. There you go, you have completed building a wooden storage shed. Now, it's up to you if you want to paint it or leave it as is. I recommend that you paint your completed project with matching color with your house to give it a more aesthetic look, and to protect it from early wear and tear brought about by the harsh environment.

Next time, I am going to discuss how I installed the solar panel (as shown above), and how much it cost me to install one.