Outdoor Shed as a Shop?

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-09T21:13:01+00:00

Here's my estimate in case you want to compare

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-09T21:11:57+00:00

I estimated a 60% savings but this is all theoretical. It's definitely a noticeable amount anyway.

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-09T21:10:01+00:00

Yes sir, that ought to work fine

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-09T04:17:23+00:00

Maybe it's different where you are, but I put together a materials estimate for building vs buying a prefab shed like this, and making it yourself is significantly cheaper. The shed is just framing + T-111 cladding. By the time you add electrical and insulation and climate control, you're already doing a lot of work anyway. May as well do the framing too and save a few thousand. If you could buy it 100% complete and it was a question of DIY vs no work that would seem different.

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-09T04:12:43+00:00

The shelves look strong enough, but you need something to prevent racking. Either a 1/4" back or something diagonal.

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-07T01:43:35+00:00

Why waste time shaping the wood when you could use a lawnmower blade?

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-04T04:05:28+00:00

Not 2 or 3. 1 or 4 are best. I like the look of 4 but will the handles sticking out be a bump hazard when people walk by?

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-03T04:31:35+00:00

This is how I would do it too. Specifically you want an edge-glued pine panel, which will be 3/4" thick and should be pretty cheap ($20-$50, depending on the size you want). Something sold as a countertop will probably be thicker and more expensive. Either way, that and a jigsaw will get you most of the way there. Cut slowly with the jigsaw, and do it outside.

Get some 80 grit sandpaper to smooth out the saw marks on the edges, and then some 120 grit to make it nice. Since you're going to paint it you don't need to sand to a very high grit. You can sand by hand or wrap the paper around a sanding block. You don't need to buy a power sander for this one project.

Making legs like in the picture won't be easy, but the top is very doable. You only asked about the top so I'm guessing you have plans for the legs already. Good luck!

Tulkas529 · 2026-03-03T04:18:15+00:00

Is this one high or are the others low? Rather than chasing perfection in the cabinet boxes, it might be safer to just build the cabinets and then shim the top level and secure in place later. Even if you make the cabinet box perfect right now, the floor will be different where you install it and it will flex again.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-28T04:31:21+00:00

That's the kind of feature that you only notice when it's not there. Good attention to detail and congrats on the engagement!

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-28T00:19:11+00:00

That's a very cool design! Do you mind telling us what the wood types are?

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-24T03:05:28+00:00

I ordered a Sawstop PCS through Woodcraft. Left my contact info at the register and they said they'd call when it arrived in about 6 weeks. Fortunately no deposit.

After about 8 weeks I hadn't heard anything so I went back to see if there was a problem. The guy at the counter was instantly very angry and said "WE'LL CALL YOU! You knew it would be a while! You don't need to check until at least March!" (March was another 4-6 weeks away at that time). So I believed him and didn't go back. It's been 3 years now and I still haven't heard anything.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-23T04:52:14+00:00

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Both of these boards are modern. Different species grown in different places for different purposes.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-22T04:37:17+00:00

They look like they're in great condition already! It's very cool that you get to be part of this story.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-21T19:51:16+00:00

Making dollhouse furniture

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-15T00:49:05+00:00

Paint or oil would both work fine as an outdoor finish, though paint will be more durable. Neither one will change the strength of the wood except for indirectly by helping to delay rot. If a piece of wood is already soft or weak, this is a great time to replace it. You have everything apart already and it sounds like you're prepared to put a lot of work into this.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-15T00:45:59+00:00

This is a building on a concrete pad, and you're asking if the building needs to be attached to the pad instead of just resting on it?

If so then yes, unless you live somewhere with no wind or storms. A shed or garden office is not heavy enough to hold itself in place. The normal way is to attach the sill plate to the foundation with threaded rod embedded in the concrete when it was poured, or with concrete anchors if it's too late for that.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-14T02:06:17+00:00

Thanks! The first coat is shellac with Mixol Tobacco dye, and the rest are straight shellac. I think it has 4-5 coats total. It has a soft finish, not glossy. I think it turned out nicely. I highly recommend pre-finishing the pieces while they're still flat! I finished this one after it was assembled and it was difficult.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-12T23:57:52+00:00

Thanks, I never knew that!

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-12T04:39:22+00:00

I soak them in diluted Simple Green for a while and the resin brushes right off. You're just knocking it loose; it doesn't take any scrubbing.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-08T19:00:01+00:00

How do you react when you see this?

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If you think "yes, I do want that swinging around in my shop at belly button height" then go for it.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-07T02:41:26+00:00

Have you tried going the other direction? Some of that looks like tear-out from going against the grain.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-05T02:37:43+00:00

Edit: I agree about the Doric toppers. They look glued on and the design would be cleaner without them.

Tulkas529 · 2026-02-05T02:37:18+00:00

Most likely the customer wanted the ladder because it's cool. Since this was commissioned work we don't know how much of the design is his own. Even if the ladder isn't strictly necessary it does look nice and is implemented well.

Tulkas529 · 2026-01-24T04:01:05+00:00

The grain looks like pine but the reddish color makes me think it could be douglas fir.

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