12x16 Gable Shed Plans
A do-it-yourselfer who would like to build a shed from 12x16 gable shed plans has a number of options when it comes to saving or spending time and money. Although some building materials appear more expensive at first glance, these materials are often the best investment in terms of long-term wear-and- tear. From the top of the shed to the bottom, here are just a couple of suggestions for choosing materials to make a shed last.
Convenient and Long-Lasting Roofing Materials
The number one thing novice builders who are looking to save time should remember is to look for prebuilt roof trusses. Climbing up and down a ladder to frame a roof one rafter at a time requires a lot of effort. Roof trusses that are precut by a manufacturer are much easier to use and typically cost just a few dollars more than the lumber required to raise a roof.
When it comes to roof coverings, asphalt shingles are by far the most popular building material. However, metal is a smarter financial move. How is that possible when metal costs nearly two times as much as asphalt?
The answer is found in terms of scale. While the size of a home can make metal roofing unattainable in terms of affordability, choosing this material for a small shed typically results in an additional expense of $100 to $200. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years, whereas asphalt roofs need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years.
In addition, installation of metal roofs is much simpler. Asphalt roofs require the roof be covered with plywood, and then the builder must nail in each individual shingle. A metal roof only requires the builder to screw the metal panels onto just three or four purlins nailed across the rafters.
Alternative Finishes and Foundations
Just as metal panels are reasonable substitutes to asphalt shingles, composite materials can be used to replace nearly any wood piece used to cover the exterior. Siding and trim made from composite materials or PVC can be manipulated just like wood and lasts just as long. These materials eliminate the worry of rot and usually cost as much or even less than wood boards.
On the other hand, a frame of pressure-treated wood placed over a layer of gravel is a perfectly acceptable alternative to a concrete foundation. Garden pavers can also be used to set the foundation. This makes for a particularly attractive interior floor that is easy to clean with a spritz of a garden hose; the natural spaces along the pavers allow the water to drain through to the ground.
To finish up the shed, consider adding a few decorative details. Features like a gable window, decorative trim or even a porch can take a shed from mundane to eye-catching. When all is said and done, adding wow-factor to finished 12x16 gable shed plans can be as simple as placing potted plants outside the door or doing a bit of simple landscaping around the site.
Convenient and Long-Lasting Roofing Materials
The number one thing novice builders who are looking to save time should remember is to look for prebuilt roof trusses. Climbing up and down a ladder to frame a roof one rafter at a time requires a lot of effort. Roof trusses that are precut by a manufacturer are much easier to use and typically cost just a few dollars more than the lumber required to raise a roof.
When it comes to roof coverings, asphalt shingles are by far the most popular building material. However, metal is a smarter financial move. How is that possible when metal costs nearly two times as much as asphalt?
The answer is found in terms of scale. While the size of a home can make metal roofing unattainable in terms of affordability, choosing this material for a small shed typically results in an additional expense of $100 to $200. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years, whereas asphalt roofs need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years.
In addition, installation of metal roofs is much simpler. Asphalt roofs require the roof be covered with plywood, and then the builder must nail in each individual shingle. A metal roof only requires the builder to screw the metal panels onto just three or four purlins nailed across the rafters.
Alternative Finishes and Foundations
Just as metal panels are reasonable substitutes to asphalt shingles, composite materials can be used to replace nearly any wood piece used to cover the exterior. Siding and trim made from composite materials or PVC can be manipulated just like wood and lasts just as long. These materials eliminate the worry of rot and usually cost as much or even less than wood boards.
On the other hand, a frame of pressure-treated wood placed over a layer of gravel is a perfectly acceptable alternative to a concrete foundation. Garden pavers can also be used to set the foundation. This makes for a particularly attractive interior floor that is easy to clean with a spritz of a garden hose; the natural spaces along the pavers allow the water to drain through to the ground.
To finish up the shed, consider adding a few decorative details. Features like a gable window, decorative trim or even a porch can take a shed from mundane to eye-catching. When all is said and done, adding wow-factor to finished 12x16 gable shed plans can be as simple as placing potted plants outside the door or doing a bit of simple landscaping around the site.
