9 DIY 12x16 Shed Plans You Can Build this Week (with Pictures) | House Grail (2024)

9 DIY 12x16 Shed Plans You Can Build this Week (with Pictures) | House Grail (1)

If you’ve got a big yard, you need a shed. Lawnmowers and fertilizer spreaders, hoses and hand tools. You want all those things collected and organized in one, easy-to-get-to place. One of the perks of having a shed is that your tools are closer at hand when need to do yard work. Another perk is that it also frees up space in your garage.

We searched the Internet for plans so that you can build your own 12×16 shed from scratch. This list should help you to find a plan that gives you the storage space you need, and in a way that is also paired with your yard. Feel free to modify these plans as you see fit. We’ve also included a couple of plans you can find on YouTube in case you learn better from watching tutorials. Additionally, we’ve included a couple of links to where you can purchase a bunch of plans.

9 DIY 12x16 Shed Plans You Can Build this Week (with Pictures) | House Grail (2)

The 9 DIY 12×16 Shed Plans

1. 12×16 Shed with Gambrel Roof from My Outdoor Plans

9 DIY 12x16 Shed Plans You Can Build this Week (with Pictures) | House Grail (3)

This shed is big enough to store all of your outdoor tools, and it’s also big enough that you can add a loft with a pull-down ladder if you want. It’s got a pretty standard barn-like appearance and the plans at My Outdoor Plans come complete with blueprints, materials, and instructions on how to build the roof. It’ll even tell you how to attach the shingles.

2. Storage shed with gabled roof plan from Shed Plans

9 DIY 12x16 Shed Plans You Can Build this Week (with Pictures) | House Grail (4)

There is nothing exciting about this storage shed. It’s just a big place to hold your things when you don’t need them. It’s big enough to accommodate everything, though, including a riding lawnmower. This downloadable PDF from How To Plans includes a materials list, so you can take it to the big box store with you and get everything in one trip.

3. 12×16 shed from How To Specialist

9 DIY 12x16 Shed Plans You Can Build this Week (with Pictures) | House Grail (5)

The plans for this basic 12×16 shed from How To Specialist are on a simple downloadable PDF. For a big project like this, it’s handy and efficient. But don’t skip reading the text on the home page, because it offers all kinds of helpful tips on how to build a storage shed that will last a long, long time.

4. 12×16 shed plan from How To Build a Shed

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Although these plans are technically for sale, there’s enough information about how to build a 12×16 shed at this link that you can cobble one together. Just take the measurements and build your frame. Once the hard part is over, just pre-drill holes for the screws to hold it all together for a longer life.

5. 12×16 shed with a loft from Country Plans

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One way you can maximize storage space in a 12×16 shed is to build vertically. This shed from Country Plans comes with a tall loft that can function like an attic. Unlike other plans, this was a person’s how-to post, so you not only get the full list of materials and hardware he used but also what he screwed up and what he got right.

6. 12×16 shed with gabled roof plan from Construct 101

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The plans for this 12×16 gable-roofed shed from Construct 101 are detailed with regard to both the materials needed and how to assemble it. This is a perfect DIY project for people with limited experience. It includes a window (which you can skip if your skills in that area are lacking) and a double front door that’s ideal for storing riding lawnmowers or ATVs.

7. 10-minute shed plan from Cheap Sheds

These plans from Cheap Sheds include a checklist of materials that comes complete with a grid so that you can also track your costs. When it comes time to build it, there are plans and also a handy video that you can watch. Follow those instructions, and you’ll get a white gable-roofed 12×16 storage shed out of it.

8. $400 12×16 YouTube video from WNC Portable Sawmilling

This particular shed project is the ultimate DIY job since the person who built it also milled his own lumber for it. The downside is that since it’s a YouTube video you won’t get documentation of instructions or what you need. But, if you learn from watching, this is probably better than a sheet of paper.

9. Backyard shed plans from iCreatables

9 DIY 12x16 Shed Plans You Can Build this Week (with Pictures) | House Grail (9)

The plans we’ve looked at up to this point are all available free on the Internet. If you have a few extra bucks, and if you’re spending the kind of money needed to build a shed, you can also pay for several plans to choose from via iCreatibles.

Featured Image Credit: Blueee77, Shutterstock

Contents

9 DIY 12x16 Shed Plans You Can Build this Week (with Pictures) | House Grail (2024)

FAQs

How much will it cost to build a 12x16 shed? ›

How Much Does a 12×16 Shed Cost? Generally, a 12×16 shed costs anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 depending upon whether it is DIY or prebuilt. The pricing is affected also by the style, type of roofing, or other special customizations.

How long does it take to build a 12x16 shed? ›

For 2 typical DIYers, it will take about 5 8-hour days to build a 12×16 shed. Another way to think of this is it will take you about every Saturday in a month to complete.

How many 2x4s do I need for a 12x16 shed? ›

Cut two 2 x 4's lumber to 15'-5” as top and bottom plate, then a full 16' 2 x 4 as the double top plate. then cut 12 2 x 4's to 7'-5 3/4” for the wall studs. The single door studs are 6'-3 ½” in length.

How much stuff can fit in a 12x16 shed? ›

Large machinery, like band saws, drill presses, and table saws will fit nicely in a shed of this size. If you're a collector, this shed has an ideal amount of space to store treasures. Multiple bicycles, motorcycles, or ATVs will fit in this shed and the extra wide double-door will provide easy entry and exit.

Does a 12x16 shed need a foundation? ›

A 12×16 shed will need a space of at least 221 square feet. The reason you need the additional square footage is due to the need for a foundation. We recommend using a gravel shed foundation.

What is the cheapest style of shed to build? ›

If you want to build a budget-friendly shed, opting for a classic wooden structure will be the most affordable option, along with styrene glazed windows, with roofing felt and panels. If you maintain it yearly and take good care of it, a cost-effective shed can be extremely long-lasting and durable.

What size floor joist for a 12x16 shed? ›

If you desire to attain the strongest floor in your storage shed, 2x6 Floor Joists should be used. It is standard to space 2x6 Floor Joists 16” O/C. Stateline Builders includes 2x6 Floor Joists in all Quality Series buildings for sizes 12' & 14' wide.

How long does it take one person to build a shed? ›

After putting it to the test, we can say it's a project that can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It all depends on your level of skill, the complexity of the shed, and, of course, the amount of time you can dedicate to the project.

What materials do I need for a 12x16 shed? ›

Plywood or OSB for Sheathing: For walls and roof. Tongue and Groove Plywood for Flooring: For a sturdy floor. Roofing Material (Shingles or Metal Roofing): To cover and protect the shed. Siding Material (Vinyl, Wood, T1-11, etc.): For exterior walls.

Is 12x16 a good size shed? ›

The 12×16 storage shed is a popular size. It is small enough to be maneuvered into most backyards, and yet large enough to hold all your basic garden and lawn maintenance equipment or could even hold sports equipment as a sports shed. It's also a large enough shed for bike storage.

Is 2x2 OK for a shed frame? ›

Framing of 2"x2" or 50x50mm nominal thickness or larger is recommended for the largest garden sheds. QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: A feature of these quality sheds is the heavy duty doors, with substantial ledges and braces and a good quality lock.

Does a large shed need a foundation? ›

Generally, a well-constructed and level foundation is crucial to ensure the shed's stability and longevity. Concrete slabs are a good choice as they provide a durable and long-lasting base suitable for heavy or larger sheds. However, another very popular option is a gravel base.

How much does a gravel pad for a shed cost? ›

How Much Does a Gravel Pad Cost Per Square Foot? Gravel costs about $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot, or around $200 to $288 for an average 10-by-16-foot shed base.

How much weight can my shed floor hold? ›

The Average Shed Can Hold 20 Lbs Per Square Foot.

At Valley Structures, our buildings boast a capacity of 40 lbs per square foot. Bonus tip: Distributing weight evenly within the structure is essential to minimize the risk of sagging or long-term wear and tear on the floor.

Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy one already built? ›

You may pay less money per square foot to build a shed because you're saving on labor costs. Building a shed gives you more creative control and budget control. Buying a shed saves you time. You don't have to worry about the cost of materials.

Is it cheaper to build your own shed? ›

Higher Cost

Pre-built sheds tend to be more expensive upfront when compared with building your own; you are paying for the convenience and expertise of the manufacturer, which often results in a higher price tag compared to sourcing materials and building it yourself.

How much does it cost to build a 14 by 16 shed? ›

14×16 shed prices range from $5,574 to $14,264 and above, depending on building design, style, siding, add-ons, and more.

References

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