Depending on where you live you may need a building permit.  Building regulations may limit where you can position your structure on the property and also dictate the kind of foundation you must have.

Smaller structures like garden sheds and Gazebos increase the value of your property so you want to do it right the first time.

Tool Use and Ladder Safety Tips

 
Assembly

Although there is no way for us to determine whether the “do it yourself” approach is right for you, we can tell you that families, senior citizens and others of various skill levels and body strengths have had a lot of fun with the assembly of our structures.

Although you certainly do not need to be a carpenter to erect one of our structures, it does help to have some familiarity with a tape measure and a hammer.    Logically, with some of our larger structures or those with multiple options, it is useful to have some skilled helpers on hand.

Depending on the size, most of our structures can be built in a couple of days by two people.  As the structures increase in size and complexity you can count on increasing the assembly time proportionately.  Units, like a five sided Gazebo take a little longer to assemble, but a feature like that is certainly worth the effort.

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Tools You Will Need

You probably have some of these tools.  If not, the has all you need in hand tools or power tools.  You can rent equipment to make things go a little faster. Just remember that the larger your project is the more time it will save you.

Tool Use and Ladder Safety Tips

Electric Drill – Your structure requires wood screws for assembly so pre-drilling is essential as it keeps the structure straighter and its much easier labour-wise.  You will also have to pre-drill holes for bolts.

Hammer – When there's lots of nails to whack a plain old hammer will do the job, maybe two or three if you have helpers.

Tape Measure – You can't do any carpentry without one.

Hand Saw or Circular Saw – Most boards and trim are not cut to length and will require fitting. A circular saw is faster than a handsaw, particularly where the larger pieces are concerned.  Using a handsaw works well enough with trim.

Utility Knife – A utility knife is required for cutting packaging and asphalt shingles (if applicable).

Level – Critical. If your structure is not level you may encounter problems when you get to the roof.   A 4-foot level is ideal, but a 2 foot level will also work for this type of project.

Carpenter’s Square – Angles are very important in carpentry to keep your pieces fitting together properly and making your structure straight.  The use of a square will assist you in the correct placement of the structure’s pieces.

Ladder – Unless you’re a giant or a very tall basketball player you’re going to need a ladder to reach those higher places like getting on the roof.  Again if you have helpers a second ladder is helpful.   Learn more about Ladder Safety

Adjustable Wrench – There may be bolts on a structure such as on some door hardware that require a wrench.

Slot Head Screwdriver – How else can you get those screws in.

½” Drill Bit – Required to pre drill holes for bolts.

Optional Tools

Caulking Gun – A caulking gun may be required for the assembly of some of the structures where you want the joints between the wall sections to be sealed with silicone caulking.

Clamps – When you don't want gaps between the wall sections the use of clamps are effective.

Air Compressor and Pneumatic Nail Gun- The application of shingles can be time consuming and labour intensive and nailing guns are the answer to most carpenter's prayers. 

Jig Saw – The jigsaw is useful for precise cuts, it’s easy to handle and will assist with cutting the materials in your kit.

Mitre Saw – A large circular saw that pivots at its rear allowing you to bring the saw blade down onto the wood to help you cut angles - the trim on doors and windows for example.

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Foundations

Beginning with a fairly level foundation or concrete pad is the key to building any structure successfully. If your floor is not level, measurements will start to get out of whack the closer you get to your roof.  You can position your structure on a variety of materials depending on the intended use, grade, moisture build-up, drainage, municipal bylaws, and even design specifications (i.e. a raised structure with stairs). If you are not able to achieve a level foundation, you may want to call a contractor and have it done professionally.

You can set your structure of on cinder blocks, patio stones, a concrete pad, or concrete footings. The simplest foundation uses patio stones (12" x 24" x 2" concrete slabs) placed at intervals under the runners to support the floor. Site preparation for this kind of foundation usually consists of removing the sod, putting down landscape cloth to discourage weeds from growing underneath your structure, and putting down crushed gravel to help promote good drainage.

Where the ground is uneven or slopes you may be able to Super Spikes to support the structure.

A concrete pad, sonotube/concrete footings, cinder blocks or super spikes may be used in cases where the ground is uneven or slopes. If you plan to mount the structure on a concrete slab, a floor is not required. Please talk to your sales representative about the foundation before you place your order.

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Quality Materials

We strongly suggest using stainless steel nails, screws, and bolts when assembling your structure? That may sound fastidious, but the truth is, sooner or later any other nail will cause rust stains.

Make sure you use new hardware and that it is strong enough to support the weight of your doors and windows.  See our selection of hinges, latches, door lock-sets at the .

How you finish the building also adds to its value and longevity.   Depending on its use you can finish the exterior with paint, stain, siding, trim and decorative features.  Structures like sheds, playhouses, and gazebos are an investment that increase the value of your property so its always better to choose longer-lasting, sturdy materials so that your structure ages well.

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