Best Barns the Garden Shed Safety guide

Manufactured by Reynolds Building Systems, Inc.
205 Arlington Drive Greenville, PA 16125 724-646-3775
This manual is copyrighted. Under the copyright laws, this manual
may not be copied, in whole or in part, without consent from Reynolds
Building Systems, Inc. © Copyright 2013
Revised February 21, 2013
Assembly Book
12' x 12'
the Garden Shed

Tongue Edge
LAP Edge
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SHED KIT
Tool List
Hammer & Hand Saw
Framing Square & Level
Power Circular Saw
Power Drill/screwdriver
Measuring Tape
2 - 8' Step Ladders
Always wear safety glasses when cutting or nailing!
Thank you for purchasing our kit. These instructions will construct a 12'x12' building plus a 4' porch.
If you received two books, use the one with the latest revision date.
The material that is included in our kit is listed on the back page. The optional floor package, if
ordered, will be supplied by a local lumber supplier.
Our kit does not include the shingles, the quantity needed is listed on the back page. The siding is
primed. You will need to apply a finish coat using latex acrylic paint.
Our framing lumber is imported to provide you the highest quality available. However, if you need
to replace any lumber for any reason please do so and we will reimburse you.
IMPORTANT: The 2x3s used to make the shipping pallet will be used for wall bracing. The OSB
sheathing will be used for roof sheathing. Unpack the material from the pallet, then disassemble
the pallet. The pallet is secured together with square head screws. The bit for the screws is packed
in the hardware bag containing the screws for the door hinges.
Stacking the boards, according to size, will make them easier to find when needed. Some boards
have colored ends. All the wall studs have black ends, stack these boards together. Do Not discard
any material until your building is complete.
If you have any questions about assembling the kit, call 800-245-1577. If you are calling after
normal business hours, call 724-866-HELP (4357) or email to [email protected].
Before you begin construction, be sure to study this assembly manual.Also, obtain a building permit
and check all pertinent building code regulations.
Thank you for your purchase. Bill & Linda Rinella, owners
The siding is made in 4x8 sheets with grooves
cut into the face, the long edge is beveled so
that the siding overlays where they butt.
To identify which edge we want you to use, we
will refer to the edge as either the 'LAP' Edge
or the Tongue Edge. Nail siding with 8d galv.
nails, spaced 12" apart.

To keep 2x4 frame from
moving, toe nail to 4x4.
XX
XX
X
X
16"15-1/4"
2x4 Joist Header X
X
16"
2x4 - 12'
Typical Wood Floor System
Shown below is a typical wood floor. Depending on your area, the construction may have
to be changed to meet local codes.
4x4 - 8'Treated
Runners
2. Cut 2x4-12' floor joist to 11'-9". Treated lumber may be thicker than 1-1/2". Take this into
account when cutting the length of floor joists. Shorten joist measurements if necessary to
obtain 12'-0" building width. Nail 2x4 framing together with 16d galv. deck nails.
1. Cut (2) two 2x4-12' joist headers to a length of 12 '- 0". Layout for 16" on center spacing.
'X' marks where floor joist will be placed.
It is important that the floor be level and square.
Before nailing the flooring, measure the floor
diagonally (corner to corner). Then measure the
opposite corners. These measurements will be
the same if the floor is square.
Material Description 12' x 12' shed
2x4 Joist Headers 2 pcs. 12'
2x4 Floor Joist 11 pcs. 12'
2x6 Porch Flooring 9 pcs. 12'
4x4 Treated Runners 10 pcs. 8'
Flooring 5/8" or 3/4" 5 pcs. 4x8
8d Screw Floor Nails 2 lbs. 8d
16d Galv. Deck Nails 3 lbs. 16d
12' - 0" Floor Length
12' - 0" Building Width
Joist 11' - 9"
2x6 Floor
Boards
!
!
!
!Cut 8' runner in half for
support under 2x6 boards.
4x8
Flooring
3. Install flooring over 2x4 frame, use 8d screw
type flooring nails.
4. Install a 2x4-12' board across the end of the
4x4 runners.
5. Install 2x6 boards over 4x4 treated runners,
use 16d deck nails.

When measurements are given for a board
length or width, it is from the longest side.
measure from here
Step 1 Assemble Trusses
1. Screw (2) two 2x4 blocks to the 12' wide part of the floor, see below. The 2x4 blocks should
extend 2" beyond the outside edge of the floor, see detail 'A'. Use 2-1/2" screws provided.
2. Place (2) two 96" long truss legs together at peak. Important: Bottom of truss legs must
measure 12'-4" as measured from tip to tip. Affix (3) three 2x4 blocks along top edge of each
truss leg. Place middle block 69" from peak, see below.
3. Secure the tops together with a wood gusset. Apply wood glue between the 2x4 boards and
the gusset. Nail the gusset to the 2x4s with 6d common nails. Use 14 nails per gusset.
4. Install a 2x4-84" collar tie between the 2x4 boards. Insure collar tie is parallel with edge of
work surface, see below. Hold collar tie from moving with 2x4 blocks. Install 12"x24" gussets
to the ends of the collar tie. Glue and nail using 14 nails per gusset.
5. Turn truss over and apply wood gussets to the opposite side.
6. Repeat 2 through 5 to assemble (4) four more trusses.
7. Assemble (1) one more truss without the 2x4 collar tie and the lower gussets (used on porch).
Do Not remove blocks from floor until completing Steps 2 and 3.
2x4 Block
12"x24" Gusset
2x4-84" Collar Tie
2x4 Block Extends 2" Beyond Floor
2x4 Block
"
"
Install collar tie the same
distance from edge of floor.
"
Building Tip: If you are installing the building on a wood floor, temporarily screw 2x4
blocks to the floor as described below. There are short 2x4s, that may have an angle
on one end, supplied in kit. This will insure that all the trusses are assembled the same.
See Detail 'A'
DETAIL A
Top Gusset
69"

1. Place (2) two more 96" long truss legs together at peak. Insert a 18-1/2" long 2x4 block
at the peak and secure a 3/4" x 20" wide gable trim board. Use 8d galv. nails.
2. Install a treated 2x4-93" collar tie between the 2x4 boards. Insure collar tie is parallel
with edge of work surface. Install with 2-1/2" long wood screws.
4. Install 90" long 1x6 trim boards over the lower 2x4. The
trim board will extend above and below the 2x4 board.
Use 8d galv. nails.
Step 2 Assemble Porch Gable
3. Install 88" long 1x6 trim boards over the 2x4s. Install the trim boards extending 1/2"
above the top of the 2x4 boards. This will enable the trim to be flush with the top of
the roof sheathing when the roof sheathing is installed later. Use 8d galv. nails.
Important: Install the trim
board extending 1/2" above
the top of the 2x4 boards.
96" Long Truss Leg
18-1/2" Long
Block
93" Long Collar Tie

5. Turn the porch gable over. Install a wood gusset at the peak. Use glue and 7d sinkers.
6. Install 3-1/4" x 12" wood gussets over the
lower 2x4. Use glue and 7d sinkers.
7. Install 30" long 2x4 treated boards, the
have angled ends, on the lower 2x4 board.
Use 2-1/2" long wood screws.
32-3/4"
15-3/4"
24-1/4"
7-1/4"
Step 2 Assemble Porch Gable Continued
Baluster # 2
Baluster # 4
Baluster # 5
Baluster # 6
Baluster # 3
Baluster # 1
Wood
Gusset
10. Install the remaining balusters, mea-
suring from balusters number 2. The
measurements may vary slightly.
11. Install balusters on the opposite side.
8. Install 1-1/4" treated wood balusters creating a sunburst design. Install the center baluster
first, it is numbered 1. Secure with 2" long 'star' wood screws. Screw through the baluster
into the 3/4" trim board.
9. Install baluster number 2.

center line
Step 3 Assemble Roof Gables
1. Butt (2) two 52-1/2" long 2x4s together and
secure by nailing a 3-1/2" x 44" long plywood
gusset across the top where they butt together.
Center the plywood gusset over the 2x4 plates.
Use glue and 6d common nails.
19" Gable Stud
6. Repeat to assemble another gable. Remove 2x4 blocks.
2x4 Gable Plate
2. Remove 2x4 blocks that secured collar tie in place in Step 1.
3. Place (2) two 66" long 2x4 truss members at the top of the truss jig.
4. Install the gable plate assembled above to the truss legs with 2-1/2" wood screws, see
detail 'B'. Install a 2x4 block to hold the plate straight. Secure the top 2x4s together with
a 1x4 barbed metal plate.
5. Install 2x4 -19" gable studs. Nail through the bottom plate
with 10d sinkers and secure the top with 1x4 barbed metal
drive-on plates.
52-1/2" long 2x4
3/4" Plywood
Gusset
2x4 Block
Screw gable plate to truss
leg with 2-1/2" screw.
See Detail 'B'
DETAIL B
Barbed
Metal Plate

A
A
B
B
XX
XX
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
B
A
Step 4 Install Siding on Gables
1. Select one of the gable frames, Turn the gable over letting the bottom
plate overhang the floor so the gable lays flat.
Siding Extends 3/4"
Below Bottom Plate
3. Install siding on the other gable frame.
Install Siding Flush
2. Install gable siding. The siding should extend 3/4" below the
bottom plate. Tip: use a 1x4 trim board as a gauge. Use 6d galv.
nails across the top of the gable frame and gable studs. Use 8d
galv. nails along the bottom edge.
2. Install 55-1/2" wall studs (red ends) between the top and bottom plates.Assemble wall frames
with 10d sinkers, two (2) nails at each stud end. Nail both wall frames together. Use 10d sinkers.
3 Repeat to assemble another sidewall frame.
Step 5 Assemble Sidewall Frames
1. Position (4) four 2x4-68-1/2" boards together and indicate with 'X' marks, where the wall
studs will be located. Mark the ends that will butt together with the letters 'A' and 'B'.
68-1/2" Wall Plate
24"
19-3/4" 24"
23-1/4"
68-1/2" Wall Plate

1. Measure diagonally (corner to corner). The measurements will be the same when
the wall is square.
2. Install a 36" long 2x6 board on the left end of the wall frame. The plate needs to
extend 3-1/2" past the end of the wall frame. Use 10d sinkers.
3. Install a 72" long 2x6 board in the center of the wall frame. The third tie plate will
be installed later.
4. Square wall frame. Install the first full width siding panel with the 'LAP' edge extending
3-1/2" past the wall frame. Work from left to right. The siding will extend 3/4" below the
bottom plate Use 8d galv nails, spaced 12" apart.
Step 6 Install Siding on Left Sidewall
AB
Siding Extends 3-1/2"
Past 2x4 Stud
72" Long Tie Plate
36" Long Tie Plate
AB
LAP
Edge
LAP Edge
Siding Extends 3/4" Below Plate
5. Install the two (2) more full width siding panels. Cut the last
panel to extend 3-1/2" beyond the wall frame.
2x6 Extends 3-1/2"
Past 2x4 Stud Insure frame is
positioned as shown

1. Install a 36" long 2x6 board on the right end of the wall frame. The plate needs to
extend 3-1/2" past the end of the wall frame. Use 10d sinkers.
2. Install a 72" long 2x6 board in the center of the wall frame. The third tie plate will
be installed later.
3. Square wall frame. Install the first full width siding panel with the 'LAP' edge extending
3-1/2" past the wall frame. Work from right to left. The siding will extend 3/4" below the
bottom plate Use 8d galv. nails, spaced 12" apart.
Step 7 Install Siding on Right Sidewall
A
B
Siding Extends
3-1/2" Past Stud
72" Long Tie Plate
36" Long Tie Plate
A
B
LAP
Edge
Siding Extends 3/4" Below Plate
4. Install the two (2) more full width siding panels. Cut the last
panel to extend 3-1/2" beyond the wall frame.
2x6 Extends 3-1/2"
Past 2x4 Stud
Insure frame is
positioned as shown

Step 8 Assemble 4' Wide Back Wall Center Frame
48" Wall Plate
Step 9 Attach Center Back Wall to End Wall
LAP
Edge
3. Install a 48" wide siding panel
over the center wall frame.
Pre-assembled End Wall
Step 10 Assemble Door Jack
74-1/2" Long 2x4 Wall Stud
69-1/2" Long 2x4 Door Jack
1. Locate (2) two 48" long 2x4s.
2. Install (3) three 2x4-74-1/2" wall studs between
the boards. One on each end and the third stud in
the center of the wall frame.
1. Locate the 48" wide pre-assembled end wall panel that has an angled corner on the left when
face of siding is up.
2. Install the wall frame assembled above next to this wall. Nail the frame to the end wall with
10d sinkers.
Assemble a door jack by nailing a 69-1/2" long 2x4 to a
741/2" long wall stud. Use 10d sinkers.

double stud
4. Cut the siding flush with
the edge of the door jack.
Step 11 Assemble Left Front Wall Frame
1. Locate a 21" wall frame with a siding panel attached and the material listed below.
2. Assemble the left wall panel using the above components. Nail the 43-1/4" bottom
plate to the 21" wall frame. Use 10d sinkers.
3. Nail the 33" long 2x4 top plate to the wall frame. Use 10d sinkers.
4. Nail (2) two wall studs to the 21" wall frame. Use 10d sinkers.
5. Install a 22-1/2" siding panel to the wall frame. Use 8d galv. siding nails.
21" Front Wall Frame
w/ Siding
43-1/4" Long 2x4 Plate
33" Long
2x4 Plate
Cut Siding Flush
with Door Jack
1. Cut a 66-1/2" long 2x4 to a length of 43-1/4".
2. Locate a 72" long 2x4 and a pre-assembled door jack.
3. Using the last wall frame, assemble the wall frame using the above components.
1 - Door jack assembled in Step 10
1 - 22-1/2" x 78-1/4" Siding Panel
1 - 43-1/4" long 2x4 bottom plate
2 - 74-1/2" long 2x4 wall studs
1 - 33" long 2x4 top plate
Door Jack from Step 10
2 - 74-1/2" Long 2x4 Studs
Step 12 Assemble Right Front Wall Frame
43-1/4" Long 2x4 Plate
72" Long
2x4 Plate

Step 13 Set Walls
1. Secure wall panels together at the corners. Use (4) four 10d coated nails per corner. Nail
wall panels to wood floor. Nail through the bottom plate. Space 10d sinkers 24" apart.
2. Locate 2x3-7' boards that were used to make shipping pallet. Install at door opening and
back wall panel to hold the walls straight. Use 2x4 blocks from truss jig to secure at bottom.
3. Install the pre-built 59-1/2" door header between the front wall panels. Nail through the
wall stud, on the side panels, into the end of the header. Nail through the top wall plate
that extends over the door header. Use 10d sinkers.
4 Install 6-3/4" x 56-1/2" siding panels over the door header. The door trim will cover where
the siding butts together.
2x3-7' Support Board
2x3-7' Support Board
2x6' Door Header
Siding Panel

3/4" Space
Locate (2) two 3-1/2" wide x 26-1/2" long 3/4" white pine
boards that have a 3/8" thick siding board attached. When
the fillers are installed the white pine board may be facing
out or facing the siding. It doesn't matter, these fillers will
be covered over with trim.
55-5/8" Corner Trim
2. Install a 52-1/4" long 1x4 trim board against the
filler board and flush with the top wall plate.
3-1/2" Space For 2x4 Beam
Step 14 Install Upper Front Wall Trim
2x6 Top Plate
1. Install one of the 29" long filler boards flush along angled
side of wall frame and flush with bottom of 2x6 sidewall
plate. The filler should be 3/4" below the top of the wall
frame. Nail with 10d sinkers.
1. Install a 84" long 2x6 on both sidewalls. Butt up to previously installed 72" tie plate on
side wall. The 2x6 will protrude through the front wall panel. Use 10d sinkers.
2. Install a 61-3/4" long 1x4 trim board with an angled end flush with the top wall plate
and side of the angle wall frame. Install with 8d galv. nails.
3. Install a 51-1/4" long 1x4 trim on the right side of the front wall.
4. Cut a 59-1/8" long 1x4 corner trim to a length 55-5/8".
Install the trim flush with the siding on the sidewall and
3-1/2" below the 2x6 top plate.
5. Cut and install 1x4 trim on the opposite corner.
6. Install 51-1/8" long 1x4
corner trim flush with the
front trim board.
Step 15 Install Upper Back Wall Trim

Gable Siding Rest
on Filler
3/4" Space
3. Install another 29" filler board on the opposite corner.
61-3/4" Corner Trim
Step 16 Install Rear Roof Gable
Important: Bottom edge of the
siding extends over 1x4 trim.
Paint this edge.
1. Install a gable on the rear wall. The gable siding will extend over
the 1x4 trim on the lower wall NOT behind the trim! and rest
on top of filler boards.
Step 15 Install Upper Back Wall Trim Continued
4. Cut to fit a 61-3/4" long 1x4 trim board flush along top of wall frame.
5. Install 61-3/4" long 1x4 corner trim flush with the siding on the
sidewalls at both corners.
2. Secure gable to wall by nailing
through the gable plate with 10d
sinkers. Nail siding along the 1x4
trim board with 8d galv. nails.

Detail 'D'
4. Place reference marks 49" from the peak
of the trusses on both sides. These marks
will be used when installing the first row
of roof sheathing.
5. Set the front gable as per rear gable.
49"
1. Layout the truss spacing from the rear of the building as shown below. Measure from the
backside of the 2x4 gable frame when marking the location of the first truss. Continue 24"
spacing to front wall. Important: When marking the opposite wall, place the 'X' mark on
the same side of the line so your trusses are parallel when they are installed.
Detail 'D'
Inside of Building
2x6 Tie Plate
24"
18-1/4"
Measure From Backside of 2x4
Step 17 Set Roof Trusses
3. Set roof trusses. Secure trusses to metal hangers
with 1-1/2" hanger nails.
2. Install metal hangers to the tie plate with 1-1/2"
hanger nails . The opening should line up with
the 'X' mark, the bottom of the opening, flush
with the 2x4 tie plate. Detail 'D'.

Nail Post to 2x6 Tie Plate
3. Install a 43-5/8" long built-up 2x4 beam under the 2x6 tie plate. The beam should sit on the
1x4 corner trim and be flush with the inside of the 2x6 tie plate. Secure the beam by screwing
through the 2x6 into the beam with 2-1/2" wood screws.
6. Locate a 3-1/2" siding panel over the
side of the 2x4 beam.
7. Install 2x4 beam and post on the
opposite side.
Important: 1x4 Trim
Facing Front
Step 18 Set Front Gable
1. Install a gable on the front wall. The gable siding will extend over
the 1x4 trim on the lower wall NOT behind the trim!
2. Install a pre-cut 2x6 treated board to the bottom
of each porch post. Use a 2-1/2" wood screw.
4. Install a 59-3/8" long corner post
and 42-3/4" long porch railing.
Install post flush with the inside of
the 2x6 tie plate. Secure the post
by nailing through the 2x6 into the
post with 10d sinkers. Screw post
base to the floor with 2-1/2" screws.
Make sure post is plumb before
securing.
5. Install, using 2-1/2" screws, the
porch railing between the corner
posts and 1x4 trim.

WARNING! Your will need a helper to set the porch gable. The gable is heavy
and unstable until the center post and roof sheathing are installed. Use a 2x3,
leftover pallet material, to help hold the gable in position.
Step 19 Install Porch Gable & Center Posts
1. Install the porch gable over the corner porch posts. Secure by toe-nailing (nailing at an
angle) through the back of the 2x4 into the 2x6 tie plate. You can also nail through the
face of the 1x6 trim into the post using 8d galv. Nails.
2. Install the center posts. Use the railing to properly space the posts. Secure the posts by
nailing through the 2x4 into the post with 10d sinkers. Screw post bases to the floor with
2-1/2" screws. Be sure posts is plumb before securing.
3. Install a truss between the front gable and the front wall. Install truss 21-3/8" measuring
from the siding on the front wall. Secure by toe-nailing through the back of the 2x4 into
the 2x6 tie plate.
21 - 3/8"

Optional ridge vent provides
ideal ventilation.
Air
Space
Truss
Shingles
Install, using 2-1/2" screws, the porch
railings between the corner posts and
1x4 trim.
Install roof sheathing per layout below. Be sure the gables and trusses are plumb. Working from
back to front start first row of at the 49" mark and flush with rear gable siding. Be sure sheathing
meets the center of the truss at the break. Use 7d sinkers spaced 12" apart. The top row of roof
sheathing will be about 1" below the ridge to allow for ventilation.
4' x 6'
Remove From Pallet
4; x 7'
4' x 6'
4' x 4'
4' x 3'
Step 21 Install Roof Sheathing
Install This Row First
4' x 4'
4' x 4'
Cut To Fit Behind Trim
#
#
#
Step 20 Install Front Porch Railing

1. Install a 52" long x 2-1/2" wide board with
the angle end at the peak of the roof. Use
8d galv. nails.
4. Install a 45" long x 2-1/2"
wide board.
2. Install a 32" wide half circle trim board
over the bottom of the sunburst design.
5. Install 2-1/2" wide trim
on the opposite side.
2. Locate a 1x3x72" board, that has angle
cut on one end. Cut this board to fit and
install across the top of the side trim.
Step 22 Install Gable Trim
1. Install (2) two 1x3x72" boards along each side
of the door opening, flush with the bottom edge
of the siding. Tack these boards with a couple
nails; you may want to adjust the trim later when
you install the doors. Use 8d galv. nails.
Step 23 Install Door Trim