The Wood Shed
3 min read
There are many reasons to build a structure with wood. It is custom-made to fit your personal needs, and it saves money. It generates pride, accomplishment, and is a great outlet for physical and mental exercise.
Other reasons using wood:
- Beautiful
- Will last for decades
- Flat and Straight lumber
- Easy to cut and attach
- Insulating qualities
- Prevents moisture and decay
Wood is beautiful. The shed you are choosing to build may be like your house. This similarity of structure and exterior finishing will compliment your homestead and increase its value. Or the shed may meet your needs, and it matters not that it compliments the house.
The shed will be beautiful because of its appearance and that you built it with your talents and skills.
It has been my experience that our woodshed has outlasted aluminum and plastic sheds. Our current woodshed is about 30 years old and still functions. The aluminum and plastic models that we have worn out with rust or fallen apart with cracks. The lifetime of these sheds were 2 to 7 years.
Wood will last for decades. We have learned this from first-hand experience and will confirm this truth.
Select flat and straight lumber to build your shed. Investigate each sheet of wood before purchase. Avoid wood knots that may cause defects in your workmanship.
Lumber is easy to cut and attach. Use manual hand saws or electric or battery-powered saws for more precise and accurate cuts. Ask the lumber department or the store owner to cut wood according to your measurements. This will save you time and labor, and the cost of power or fuel. We may attach the boards with stainless steel nails or screws.
Wood is an excellent source for coziness. It helps to insulate and warm the interior of the building. The insulation value increases as we add more wood to the shed’s construction. Wood requires less energy to warm or cool.
There are many products that will prevent moisture or decay damaging wood.
Purchase pressure treated wood for those posts or woods prone to moisture exposure. Stain or paint all over wood. You may also use polyurethane, varnish, lacquer and sealant combo products as alternatives. Seal the boards with a chosen product. Start building the structure.
Clear your land to treat and eliminate growth of fungus, mold, and mildew. These three plants combined with humidity or moisture will destroy wood.
Inspect and treat the structure for mold, mildew, and fungus.
The preparation work may seem intensive and time-consuming. However; keep in mind that this shed will last twenty years or longer.
Wood buildings have been around for centuries. Whenever damage arises, it is easy to replace or repair.
Danger Elements
- Humidity and moisture
- Heat and direct sunlight
- Chemicals
- Sharp objects and heavy objects leaning against the wood surface
- Termites, rodents, and other critters
- Severe weather and dangerous storms
Do not let these dangerous elements discourage you from working with wood as they can all be prevented or easily managed.
During our 30 years of woodshed ownership, we have only had to replace two boards that had splintered from the rays of the hot sun.
