What's the Best Wood For a DIY Shed?

What type of wood should you use for your DIY shed? The three most common woods used in the building of a garden shed or storage shed are pine, cedar and redwood. Each has its advantages and we'll look at each in turn.

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Pine - Pine must be properly treated if it is to be used for your DIY shed. In fact, pressure treated southern pine will last for a hundred years, even posts that come in contact with wet soil. Untreated or poorly treated pine will rot quickly so make sure the treating is certified with a stamp or label from the AWPB, the American Wood Preservers Bureau. Wood without this mark is likely to require repair or replacement in not very many years. The biggest advantage of pine is its low cost. For many, the cost savings justifies the potential hazard to the environment caused by the chemicals used to treat the wood. Pine must be stained or painted to protect it from the elements.

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Cedar - The heartwood of Alaska cedar and western red cedar are very resistant to decay and insect damage. Be aware that the sapwood, which is white in color, does not have the same level of resistance as the heartwood of old growth. Old growth heartwood cedar looks good and will last a long time. It will cost more than pine, however, and as the name implied, old growth means it will take longer for the forest to replace the tree used to make your shed than faster growing pine. Cedar will withstand weathering without being stained or painted, but if left unstained it will fade in color when exposed to sun. The effect is purely aesthetic and the choice to stain or not is a matter of taste.

Redwood - Redwood is an excellent choice for a shed because it is naturally resistant to rot and insects like cedar. In addition, it will not warp, split or cup like other soft woods when exposed to moisture. Also like cedar, it is only the heartwood that is resistant to decay and insects. The sapwood will rot as quickly as untreated pine. Redwood comes in a variety of grades so be aware of what you're buying. There is a clear grade called Heart B that is all heartwood but allows a limited number of knots or blemishes per board. It will stand up over time and the knots and blemishes give it a character that some people like. It is not necessary to protect redwood with staining, but staining will maintain its color.

Which wood you use in your DIY shed will depend on your budget, the look you want, and how you feel about cutting old growth trees. Pressure treated pine will do the job just fine on a budget. Cedar and redwood cost more but will require less maintenance in the future. Whichever you choose, be sure to get a grade of wood that will resist sun, moisture and insects. The wood you use to build your DIY shed is as important as the plans you choose.

What's the Best Wood For a DIY Shed?
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Black Friday HyLoft 419 Add On Storage Rack, Tool and Ladder Hangers, 2-Pack 2011 Deals

Nov 14, 2011 04:43:21

Black Friday HyLoft 419 Add On Storage Rack, Tool and Ladder Hangers, 2-Pack Deals
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HyLoft 419 Add On Storage Rack, Tool and Ladder Hangers, 2-Pack

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Black Friday HyLoft 419 Add On Storage Rack, Tool and Ladder Hangers, 2-Pack Feature

  • Accessory storage hooks attach to HyLoft 540 overhead storage system and 967 wall shelf 2-pack
  • Holds ladders, rakes, and other long items
  • Steel construction for optimal durability, stability, and safety
  • Powder-coating ensures optimal rust resistance
  • Keeps frequently-used tools and ladders close at hand


Black Friday HyLoft 419 Add On Storage Rack, Tool and Ladder Hangers, 2-Pack Overview

An even handier accessory to the already amazingly handy HyLoft storage unit, this tool and ladder rack attaches to the base of the HyLoft overhead storage unit to keep frequently-used tools and ladders right where you need them, rather than up against the wall where they tend to tumble and take up floor space. A versatile addition to the HyLoft overhead storage system, these powder-coated steel ladder hangers hang from the HyLoft unit and will hold ladders, rakes, and other long items. Powder-coating ensures optimal rust resistance for years of reliable storage use down the road. --Brian D. OlsonAccessory storage hooks attach to HyLoft 540 overhead storage system and 967 wall shelf 2-packHolds ladders, rakes, and other long itemsSteel construction for optimal durability, stability, and safetyPowder-coating ensures optimal rust resistanceKeeps frequently-used tools and ladders close at hand

Black Friday HyLoft 419 Add On Storage Rack, Tool and Ladder Hangers, 2-Pack Specifications

An even handier accessory to the already amazingly handy HyLoft storage unit, this tool and ladder rack attaches to the base of the HyLoft overhead storage unit to keep frequently-used tools and ladders right where you need them, rather than up against the wall where they tend to tumble and take up floor space. A versatile addition to the HyLoft overhead storage system, these powder-coated steel ladder hangers hang from the HyLoft unit and will hold ladders, rakes, and other long items. Powder-coating ensures optimal rust resistance for years of reliable storage use down the road. --Brian D. Olson

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HyLoft 419 Add On Storage Rack, Tool and Ladder Hangers, 2-Pack

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