Free Shed Plans?

Looking for free shed plans? Over the years, I've seen the free shed plans come and go. And I've posted links to free shed plan sites that have since disappeared. Through it all, I've always wondered why someone wouldn't want to fork over a few bucks for a decent plan. Free is never a bargain if it's poorly designed.

When your budget is super-tight (and hey, I've been there), scrimping with a free shed plan is rarely the best way to conserve cash. When you get right down to it, the money you spend on the plan will be the least of your costs. You'll be spending hundreds, if not a thousand dollars or more on materials (depending on the size of your shed). A perfectly usable shed plan can be had for less than the cost of a sheet of T-111 plywood. When you order and cut your lumber carefully you'll more than pay for a good plan.

If you're looking for something basic, you can find gable, salt box, and contemporary shed designs, as well as the ever-popular gambrel yard barn plans on eBay. They might not be free, but they're about as close as you can get ... a great number of these shed plan auctions end at under ten bucks. Check out the handy shed plan auction page for a complete listing of active auctions.

While distinctive architect-designed shed plans will cost you more money up front, they'll pay dividends year-after-year. You want to look at the shed you build with pride, not with the thought that "hey, it may look butt ugly, but I saved enough for a case of beer by using those free shed plans!"

A great design will endure, bringing a source of pride and compliments for years to come.

Popular Mechanics has a free shed tutorial worth looking into. You can find their colonial style yard barn here. While the tutorial is free, you'll have to fork over $29.95 for the actual plan sheet.

Wolmanized Wood offers a simple free shed design. You'll find a plan GIF here.