Tools and Materials
What is a Vinyl Shed?
A vinyl shed is constructed from a plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It’s an ideal solution to all your storage issues and does not need a lot of maintenance either. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes to fit all your needs.
Components of a Vinyl Shed Kit
While the specific components of each prefabricated vinyl shed kit may differ, the following components are commonly found in these kits.
- Interlocking wall panels made of vinyl form the sides of the shed and are connected together using interlocking tabs and slots. They are secured to the floor using floor anchors.
- Similar to wall panels, roof panels are included in the kit with a slight slope. The panels are connected together through interlocking tabs. They’re secured to the wall panels and roof frame using screws.
- Pre-cut door and window frames made of vinyl are fitted into the wall panels. This is done through an interlocking system with grooves on the frame that fit into the tracks on the wall panels.
- Hardware such as hinges, locks, handles, screws and nails are also included. These are used to secure and assemble components of the shed.
- A prefabricated floor provides a solid foundation for the shed and involves leveling and securing it to the ground with floor anchors.
- Trim and molding are included and used to cover the joints of the shed. They are installed around doors, windows and roof edges with nails or screws.
How to Build a Vinyl Shed
Building a vinyl shed from scratch might not be recommended. But you can assemble one from a prefabricated vinyl shed kit. It provides you with all the materials you need to make your own DIY vinyl shed.
Tip
Choose a level ground away from trees and power lines.
Assemble the Back and Side Channels
- Place the back channel in position. Use a tape measure to ensure it is centered from both sides.
- Attach a corner block to each end and put the side channels into the corner blocks with self-tapping screws.
- Use a framing square and check if the side channels are perpendicular to the back channels.
- Align the side channels by using a vinyl panel as a guide to ensure they form a straight line. You can do this by holding the vinyl panel straight against the corner blocks and place the side channels next to the panel. Check if they’re straight. This needs to be done if the side channels are made of multiple pieces.
- Double-check the alignment by ensuring that the diagonals of the resulting frame are equal. These diagonals are formed by the back and side channels. If they are unequal, adjust the side channels until they are equal.
Tip
Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from dust or sharp objects.
Mount the Front Channels
- Start by attaching corner blocks to the side channels with screws or nails. Position the front channels into the corner blocks. Make sure you leave enough space for the door.
- To make the threshold, examine the layout and the location of the screws. Use a tape measure for correct measurements.
- Place the channels on the floor in their position.
- To ensure correct assembly, double-check for alignment.
- Mark the screw hole locations on the channels with an appropriate drill bit.
- Fasten the channels to the floor using Phillips-head masonry screws.
Assemble the Corners of the Shed
- Examine the panels of the sheds to differentiate the side panels from the back ones. Sidewall panels are usually identical while back panels may vary in length to match the slope of the roof.
- Insert the sidewall panel into the track at the corner of the shed and fit it securely into the interlocking system.
- Insert the back panel into the rear track and ensure the grooves align correctly. Check if it’s inserted on the right side and aligns with the roof slope.
- Slide the corner post over the installed sidewall and back panels. Pull the corner posts downwards till it securely fits into the corner block.
Attach the Panels
- Attach the panels across the back with the corner posts in place. Insert the next panel into the rear track and ensure that the grooves of the track align correctly.
- To secure the two joined panels together, slide a connector into their grooves.
- Repeat this process to finish assembling the back wall panels. Ensure that the panels follow the contour of the roofline.
- When you reach the middle of the back wall, insert the panel with square ends into the track. This is meant to support the vent.
- Install the vent in its designated opening on the back wall panel.
- Place the vent panel over the vent and use connectors to hold it in place. Use screws to secure the connectors.
Good to Know
Adequate ventilation prevents moisture buildup.
Install the Front Wall
- Install the corner panels by positioning the shortest front wall panel into the corner post. Repeat this on the other corner of the shed as well.
- Now, start next to the corner panel and install the longest front wall panel into place.
- Join this panel to the previous one using a connector.
- Repeat this process while gradually increasing the length of the panel until you reach the door opening.
- Repeat these steps on the other side of the shed, starting from the corner panels again. Then using screws, secure the connectors in place.
- To install the doorposts, position them on either side of the door opening. They should already have the hinges attached.
- Connect each doorpost to the adjoining wall panel with a connector.
- Place the metal upper door frame at the top of the opening and slide each end of the frame into sockets on the doorpost hinges.
- Rest the roof-shaped panels on the upper door frame and connect them using connectors.
Mounting the Roof Beam
- Attach mounting caps to each end of the roof beam and secure using screws.
- Lift the main beam into position with the help of another person.
- Align the beam with the marks made on the panel and attach each end to the panel using screws.
Tip
Use a sturdy ladder when working with heights and ensure it’s situated on a stable surface.
Attach the Doors
- Attach the door hinges to both the door and shed by lifting the half hinge on the door above the half hinge on the shed. Slide the hinge pin into the hinge barrel.
- Repeat the process on the other door and its hinges
- Ensure the top edges of both the doors form a straight horizontal line.
- If they are uneven, gently apply pressure on the side of the shed that needs to be adjusted to align the door.
- The gap between the door should be parallel from top to bottom.
Install the Roof Guides, Panels and Trim
- Attach roof guides on the rear and front wall ends with screws, with the channel facing the inside of the shed.
- Install side moldings on top of both the side walls with the angled flange inside. Use screws or nails to secure the molding at regular intervals.
- Place a roof panel into the roof beam and against a roof guide on one end of the shed.
- Screw a connector to the inside of the roof beam to secure the panel.
- Continue to add panels and connect each to the main roof beam till you reach the center of the shed. Repeat the process from the other side of the shed till you reach the middle.
- Connect the two center roof panels together using a connector.
- Snap the roof trim into position onto the lower edge of the roof. Snap the corner trim over the gutter. Screw the roof trim and corner trim into place to secure it. The trims have an interlocking system that allows for easy installation.
Check the Alignment
- Check for plumb by closing the shed door against a thin wooden strip, like a stir stick.
- Remove the strip without opening the door and measure the gap at the bottom.
- If the gap is uneven, the shed may be out of plumb. Push the side of the shed to align the top of the doors.
- You could also use a piece of wood and hammer to tap the bottom of the shed to make the doors parallel
Add Finishing Touches
- Secure the structure by driving screws into the connectors.
- Attach the gutters to the shed and install the door handles, latch and doorstop to the door.
- Apply silicone caulk to the gaps between the panels and the metal channels. Working from inside of the shed provides easy access.
Tip
Make sure to secure your fasteners tightly to avoid any mishaps.
Add Accessories to Complete the Look
When making your own DIY vinyl shed, you could add all kinds of accessories you like. From LED lights, shelving units and pegboards to insulation, fans and heaters.