The Shed Building Materials used for outdoor buildings is most commonly lumber or wood. The type of wood used is pine or related softwoods or cedar. These are naturally rot resistant and are generally less expensive than most other rot resistant woods. For pine to be rot resistant, it must be pressure treated, with a chemical mixture called Chromated Copper Arsenate. Pressure treated lumber is cheaper than cedar, but it’s not as good looking, so you may want to use it only in areas

where appearance is unimportant. Exterior grade plywood is made with layers of cedar or treated wood and a special glue that makes it weather-resistant. Even though this is the case, it’s always a clever idea to cover exposed wood edges to prevent water possibly leaking in.

Framing lumber such as pine or pressure treated pine come in a few different grades: Select Structural, Construction or Standard, and Utility. For most peoples needs, Construction Grade No.2 offers the best balance between quality and price. Utility grade is a lower-cost wood suitable for blocking and similar uses but should not be used for structural members, such as studs and rafters.

Always remember when selecting wood for your shed make sure all nails, screws, bolts, hinges, and anchors that will be exposed to weather or rest on concrete or that come in contact with treated lumber must be corrosion resistant.

The best all around choice for nails and screws is hot-dipped galvanized steel, recognizable by its rough, dull-silver coating. Hot-dipped fasteners generally hold up better than the smoother, electroplated types, and they’re the recommended choice for pressure-treated lumber. Aluminum and stainless steel are other materials suitable for outdoor exposure, however, aluminum can corrode some types of treated lumber.

Expensive stainless steel is the best guarantee against staining from fasteners on cedar and redwood.

Lastly, applying a finish to your shed will help protect the wood from rot, fading and discoloration, and insects. Pine or similar untreated lumber must have a protective finish if it’s exposed to the elements, but even cedar is can  rot over time and will turn gray if left bare and is not treated. If you paint the wood, always apply a primer first, which helps the paint stick and makes it last longer. If you want to preserve the natural wood grain, use a stain or clear finish.

Best,

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