How to Build a Shed & Turn It Into a Workshop

This past spring, my parents sold my childhood home, which meant I was left without a workshop (my workshop was in a small shed in their backyard)… and since I live in a studio apartment, I was stranded without a place to run my small business or build projects! So, this summer my dad and I worked together to build a 12×12 shed from a DIY Shed Kit and turn that shed into my new workshop!

As someone who has a passion for woodworking, but doesn’t have access to a garage or commercial space, a shed was a great option for creating a shop space. Even better, I’m sharing how we tackled our shed build in hopes of showing you how tangible it is to create your very own home workshop in your backyard shed!

Psst… want to watch the entire build process? Check out my Shed-Shop Series on my YouTube channel!

Building code and law differs in every town, so make sure to do some research before building your shed! We were allowed to build a 12×12 structure without a permit and we could not build on top of concrete, so we opted for a 2×6 pressure treated lumber on cement blocks and gravel footings.

We also used 5/8” exterior grade plywood for the floors and I stained them using decking stain!

Once the foundation was sturdy and level, it was time to get to work on the shed! Since we were pressed for time, we opted for a 12×12 DIY Shed Kit, which came delivered straight to our space in labeled and pre-cut pieces (it was like starting a game with a handicap and it was awesome).

The kit also came with all of the building supplies to join the boards together as well as with a step-by-step instruction manual! The build was just as easy as following the instructions in the manual. In fact, we were surprisingly able to build the shed in two days!

Once the shed was built, it was time to shingle the roof. We started by laying out a layer of roofing paper and attaching it with staples. We then installed a drip edge along the edges of the roof.

Next, we added a starter roll along every edge of the roof and then began to install shingles with a hammer and roofing nails. We worked from the bottom of the roof toward the peak. As we made progress, we used a hook blade to remove any excess overhang. Once we got to the top, we installed ridge shingles.

While windows are totally optional in a workspace, I really wanted some natural light in my new shop to help with product photos. So, I chose to install four large windows that were made for the shed kit I picked! I had to cut openings in the shed walls to install, but they fit perfectly in between the studs from the DIY Shed Kit, so installation was a breeze!

I also made sure to seal the windows from the inside and outside (after painting and installing the exterior trim).

Because I’ll be relying on my shed-shop year-round, I decided to spray insulate the inside of the shed (which, was so much easier than I thought it would be)! I used a DIY Spray Foam Kit to insulate the inside of the shop in less than a couple of hours!

Once my shop was insulated, I closed up the walls with plywood, pegboard, and decorative wood planks (who says workshops need to be boring)!

No matter how big your space is, organizing is essential! Simple fixes such as adding pegboard and workbench storage for your tools and supplies go a long way!

I am not only so excited about my new space, but I couldn’t wait to share it with you all and tell you that you don’t need a lot of space to create a custom and beautiful workshop space in your home!

I can’t wait to get started on some new projects in my shed-shop!