So you want to build a barn. Or a shed.  Or a workshop.  It’s not as daunting as you might think – or your better half might have you believe. 

The materials used to build the barn will impact on paint and style.

The first thing to decide is whether you actually want to build one or buy a prefab one. 

If you want to build it – do you want to actually build it yourself or do you want to get someone else to do it for you?  Decisions, decisions.  

Once you’ve made the decision, you need to get the building designed. 

Unless you are an architect or trained in CAD design – and let’s face it if you are, you’re probably not reading this are you? – the best idea is to get the plans done for you.  You can always tweak them as you go with your designer’s assistance.

Next step is to decide do you want a traditional wooden shed?  Or a more modern steel shed.  Your decision here is going to impact on many other things too – paint, style, tools and skills required. 

Don’t forget when you are at this stage of choosing and costing you will need to think about foundations, beams, screws, nails, windows... so if you’re still keen the process is going to go something like this:

Armed with your plans, your tools, and your assistant (possibly four legged but preferably two) measure a spot for the foundations.  Mark the area with a deck pier in each corner, one in the centre of each side and one in middle of the foundations.

From here, you will want to move on to laying the foundations as per your design.  If you are starting to feel nervous, this is probably the best stage to listen to that feeling and ask for help. 

Talk to your neighbours and find out who the best local handymen are – it will be worth it in the long run.  And unless you really are unable to tell one end of a hammer from the other, most handymen will be happy to let you work alongside them on the project.

Once you’ve laid the foundations, the walls go up.  Most sheds will use four studs for the four sides with the addition of vertical studs between them around two feet from each other.

Then come any horizontal beams and if you are going to be working in here a lot you might want to think about insulation before you add the cladding.

If you are really keen you can build a door rather than buying one ready to hang.  Place boards on the long vertical side and connect them with ledges on what will be the inside of the door. It can be a good idea to add a diagonal brace as well.

Finally on goes the roof. This is where you can make your barn, shed, workshop really individual. 

Do you want an American style red barn with a spire or weathervane on the roof?  Do you want a plain, hardy flat top of a roof?  Do you want gables?  Do you want to be able to collect the rainwater off the roof to use on your garden? 

You are limited really only by your imagination and your determination. 

Once you have completed the barn or shed of your dreams why not tell Rural Living about it? Send us your barn photos and stories to editor@ruralliving.co.nz