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How to choose timber for garden shed?

I want to build a garden shed with the size of 2.4M x 1.8M. I have done some research and am still not sure if I have chosen the correct type of timbers for my project.

Bearer : Pine Structural MGP12 Blue H2

Common Stud : L/M Outdoor Framing MGP10 H3 Treated Pine

Stump : F7 H4 KD Treated Pin Premium Post

I am not sure the types of timber for rafter and fascia?

Thank you

Jerry

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community Jerry (@Makita). It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about timber selection.

Your bearer choice is the odd one out there, being the only timber not suitable for exterior use. I'd suggest going with H3 timber if it will be exposed to the elements.

Your rafter choice will depend on what type of roof structure you're creating. Do you have any plans that you could share with our helpful members? Once they know how you intend to build the roof, I trust they'll have suggestions for your roof timbers.

Typically you'd use bullnose fascia on a house, but for a shed, you might like to cut it down to a smaller size. Were you planning on adding a gutter to the shed?

I'm keen to more about your project and provide further assistance. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Makita

I want to build a shed like this. What kind of timbers should I get from Bunnings? Is it possible to use timber rather than steel for roof? It is because I don't have the tool to cut steel. Thanks.

The StructureExternal

MitchellMc

Thanks for those images, @Makita.

You need to select a timber suitable to span the distance, and that can support your roofing material (roof load). You can see in the span table I've included below from one of our timber suppliers Hyne, that 140 x 35mm timber at 900mm centres will be suitable for your project. If your roof is sealed to the elements, you can use 140 x 45mm Framing MGP10 H2 Blue Pine L/M, or if it is exposed, 140 x 45mm L/M Outdoor Framing MGP10 H3 Treated Pine - Linear Metre.

Please let me know fi you have further questions.

Mitchell

Makita

Hi Mitchell,

Thank you for your reply.

I am progressing well with my project. I am looking for ply wood sheet for my garden shed's floor. Plywood (2440x1220x3mm) is expensive. Is there any other alternative ?

Thank you,

Jerry

EricL

Hello @Makita ( Jerry )

Strong flooring for your shed is one of the most important things you can install. Please keep in mind that not only does it have to support your weight, but the weight of the items you'll be putting inside the shed. If your flooring is too thin, it will either bow, bend or break. You also have to remember that it has to withstand the weather which includes heavy moisture from the rain and the intense heat of the sun.

I suggest having a look at 2440 x 1220mm 12mm Plywood Hardwood Marine AA Grade. I understand you are looking for affordability and I am recommending longevity. But imagine if your flooring were to fail and the items in your shed were to get damaged. Opting for a material that will last is always a good investment.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

MitchellMc

A note to readers of this popular discussion: You might like to have a read through this helpful guide: How to choose the right timber for the job.

H4-treated timber is perfect for your stumps as it's being used in-ground. Your bearers are exposed to the elements, so they should be H3-treated instead of H2, which is for internal use. If the shed is to be entirely sealed, then H2-treated can be used for your studs and rafters.

Fascia boards come pre-treated as H3. Or, if you were to select a different size, it would also need to be H3-treated.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Old-gal24

@Makita

Hi Jerry, just came across your post, and wondered how you got on with building your timber shed? I am starting all over again so need to make something on a budget, wishing to make a timber/colourbond shed instead of the normal steel/colourbond shed/prefab set up, I have been looking for suggestions, ideas, inspiration, and hoped you may have had some pictures you wouldn't mind sharing?

I think I may make my own post and see how I get on..

Thank you in advance,

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

@EricL @MitchellMc

Thank you in advance

This old gal

EricL

Hi @Old-gal24

Let me tag @Makita to make sure they are aware of your question. I propose thinking about how big you want your timber shed to be. Once you have a size in mind, I suggest making a plan on paper. This will allow you to quantify the amount of timber you'll need, how many cover sheets and roofing sheets will be required. Plus, all the screws and other bits pieces that you need to assemble the shed.

Now that you have a quantity list, I suggest slowly gathering the materials month by month or when the budget allows. In theory you should be able to gather all the parts you need in a year depending on the frequency of your purchases.

The plus side of this plan is that you won't have to compromise on the quality of your shed. The shed will be well built with good materials and be weatherproof.

My best advice is to store all the parts on a flat surface protected from the elements

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

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