A lot of the time, we focus on how the interior of a shed or log cabin is going to look and forget about the exterior! So to give you some pointers before you get started (or too ahead of yourself!), we created this resource on stick builds vs. shed kits.
Conventional Framing / Stick Built Construction
“Stick-built” is a term describing framing materials delivered to a site with little or no pre-assembly of the components.
Advantages:
If you are seeking to build a shed in your garden and can handle reading blueprints and starting from scratch, then stick-built may be a viable option for you.
This allows you some additional flexibility when it comes to selecting the type of materials you use as part of your foundation kit. It also provides you with the option to build a non-standard-sized base foundation to better fit in with your surroundings. Because stick-built sheds are built on site, piece by piece, the building materials are easy to store. If you are a DIY expert, then constructing a stick-built shed can go smoothly, provided you follow the plans.
Disadvantages:
Despite the conventionality of stick building, there are some disadvantages to choosing this method of wooden shed kits. The first is that stick-built sheds are labour intensive. Also, the process of building wooden sheds requires at minimum a modest level of construction expertise.
References:
- Traditional Timber Framing
- Basic Wall Framing Tips
- Fast and Accurate Wall Framing
- Wall Framing Calculator
- Roof Framing Basics
- Roof Framing 101
- How to build a shed Roof: 11 Steps with Pictures
- Roof Framing Angles Calculator
- Build Your Own Storage Shed
- Build Your own Eco Shed
Panelised Construction
“Panelised Construction” is a method of building a shed in the factory rather than at the construction site.
Advantages:
A panelised shed is designed with the aid of a computer and is constructed in a climate-controlled facility. Wall and roof panels are built to specification, then packed, delivered and assembled at the site. Once shipped to the worksite, the whole kit can be put together easily.
Because the walls and roof sections are pre-built, these kits are attractive to do-it-yourselfers. A study by the Structural Building Components Association showed that a panelised building, compared to a stick-built structure, required 37% fewer man-hours to build, also making them attractive to contractors.
That’s why we use pre-measured and cut tongue and groove panels for many of our garden buildings. And if you’ve got any concerns, just check out what other customers have said about the assembly process over on our blog.
Disadvantages:
One potential disadvantage of a panelised shed is the package size, which may need to be broken down for carrying to the site or for storage. Furthermore, pre-built walls and roof structures are heavier than individual boards, but with a little help, should not be too difficult to handle. Although most shed base manufacturers offer a large variety of sizes that should fit most any need, certain limitations may not allow for a “standard” sized shed.
Reference:
- What is Panelised Construction
- Panelised Construction: How it Affects Construction Cost
- Why Panelised?
- Selecting modular construction over the conventional “stick-built”
- Build green from the Ground up with panelised Wall Construction
- Sustainability: Panelisation
- Comparison: Pre-Fabricated Wall Panels vs. Traditional Wood Framing
- Timber Roof Truss
- Pitched Roof Construction
- Roof Cost Guide
Conclusion:
Both shed types have pluses and minuses to consider.
Stick-built sheds offer custom sizing and lower upfront costs. That said, those cost savings can be eaten up in material waste and extra labour. Plus, one needs to be able to read plans or blueprints and have an intermediate level of construction ability in order to build one.
DIY shed kits offer the quality control of a factory-built product, virtually no waste, huge time savings in construction and ease of building that even the average do-it-yourselfer can handle. Based on those factors, it’s easy to see why shed kits are preferred by most homeowners and contractors.
And if you want to learn more, check out what some of our writers over on our blog have written about – they’ve got loads of tips on garden buildings!