Build a She Shed or Studio Space

A Sanctuary in Your Own Backyard!

Dreaming of escaping to your own “cozy cottage” or “She Shed” in a quiet corner of your backyard? LeDrew Lumber can help! The She Shed is becoming increasingly popular as a personal sanctuary away from the busyness of everyday life.

If you’re not up to building a shed by yourself, ask a handy friend to help you. Or hire a pro for a customized space that’s right for you and your hobbies, be they reading, bird watching, painting, crafting, or puttering in the garden. Let your creativity run free to design your space with your personal flair.

How Do You Get Started?

The first step is to determine the purpose of your She Shed. Once you know this, you can start moving forward with layout and design ideas. Will the space be a four-season shed and require heating or will it be a summer oasis? Answering these questions will guide you as you develop a plan for the She Shed of your dreams.

Will you be using your shed at nighttime? You’ll need to think about installing good electrical lighting or battery-powered lights. Maybe you will want lots of natural light in the daytime, so large windows will be an important feature to include.

How Much Space Do You Need?

Decide how big your space needs to be. Plan how you’re going to store all your supplies and furniture for your hobbies. Maybe it will be a quiet place to read or write. Plan ahead and measure the furniture for your She Shed to ensure it is cozy, comfortable, functional and uncluttered.

Options to Build Your She Shed

Building your She Shed will depend on your budget, available time, building skills, and comfort level using power and hand tools, and your experience reading construction plans.

There are many ways to build your tiny space on a budget, and whether you do it yourself with a partner or friends, or hire a company, it’s a fun project that will give you years of pleasure.

Recycle and Repurpose an Existing Shed

A convenient and budget-wise option is to repurpose an existing shed if you are lucky enough to have one, or if you find one that can be moved to your property. You may be able to score a bargain by scanning the buy and sell ads or your local ReStore. Some sheds can be taken apart, moved and reassembled on your site.

DIY She Shed Plans

The satisfaction of designing and constructing your She Shed by yourself using your own design ideas cannot be matched, but you will need the tools and patience! It’s a great way to hone your building skills and get the shed you really want.

There’s something so peaceful about sitting in your own backyard hideaway, and especially rewarding if you have designed, and maybe even built it yourself!

Money-Saving Tips for Building Your Own

Search for salvaged windows and doors, reclaimed wood boards, posts, siding, and metal roofs to give your new space character while saving money and reducing the environmental impact.

Find leftover paint at your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore and look around your house for old paint, wood trim and other materials.

She Shed Kits

Shed kits are a great option for the handy do-it-yourselfer. Pricing is usually lower than for prefab sheds, and all parts are pre-cut and partially assembled for you. You’ll get detailed construction plans and step-by-step instructions for cutting and assembly. You’ll still need time, tools and some knowledge of construction.

If you decide to purchase a kit, be aware that not all items you will need are included, for example, concrete for the foundation, electrical work, light fixtures and accessories.

Prefab She Sheds

When time is of the essence and your budget can be stretched, then prefab sheds are an excellent choice. You can expect a well-built and good-quality shed by going the prefab route.

Keep in mind that delivery and transportation costs will need to be factored into your budget. You will also need the space on your property to allow the delivery vehicle access to unload the shed. Keeping your shed under 8.5 feet will help avoid extra wide transport costs.

Choose modular construction and inexpensive materials to keep costs low.

You can also choose the size and dimensions that will make the most efficient use of standard lumber sizes.
Another option to consider is to find a used shipping container – prices range from $500 to $3,500 or more depending on your geographic location and the demand.

Shed Kits can be purchased for $2,000 and up, and include drawings and all the materials and components you will need.

Custom designed and built sheds range from $35 to $250 per square foot before taxes depending on the size and materials used.

Local Building Regulations

Before you start building your She Shed, inform yourself of the building regulations in your area. Be sure to check your local bylaws before purchasing or building. You may need to get approvals to meet local municipal bylaws and building codes. And be sure to check with local utilities for underground service locations.

Design and Décor

Start brainstorming and jot down your ideas, then sketch how you want the space to look, inside and out. Make sure you design your shed to give you room to comfortably stand up. The best part about building your DIY She Shed on a budget is how creative you can be! Have fun!

If you have any questions or need more information, visit LeDrew Lumber. Our team is always available to help in any way we can.