Best Barns the Aspen 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 2010
the Aspen 10' x 8' or 12' x 8'
Revised December 2, 2012
Assembly Book
Best Barns USA

Tongue Edge
LAP Edge
Tool List
Hammer & Phillips Screwdriver
Framing Square & Level
Hand or Circular Saw
Always wear safety glasses when cutting or nailing!
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.
Exterior Siding
Power Drill/Screwdriver
Measuring Tape - Caulking Gun
2-6' Step Ladders
Thank you for purchasing our Aspen shed kit. These instructions will construct a 10'x8' or
12'x8' building. If you received two books, use the one with the latest revision date.
The siding and roof sheathing, along with the optional floor package, will be supplied by
a local supplier. The material breakdown is listed on the back page.
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: Unpack the material from the pallet, then unscrew the bottom 2x4s from
the pallet runners. The bit for the screws is packed in the hardware bag.
Stacking the boards, according to size, will make them easier to find when needed. Some
boards have colored ends. 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 [e-mail].
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
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SHED KIT

Material Description 10' x 8' shed 12' x 8' shed
2x4 Joist Headers 2 pcs. 10' 2 pcs. 12'
2x4 Floor Joist 9 pcs. 8' 10 pcs. 8'
4x4 Treated Runners 3 pcs. 10' 3 pcs. 12'
Flooring 5/8" or 3/4" 3 pcs. 4x8 3 pcs. 4x8
Screw Floor Nails 1 lb. 8d 1 lb. 8d
Galv. Box Nails 1 lb. 16d 2 lb. 16d
Floor length for 10' shed is 9' - 11"
Floor length for 12' shed is 11' - 11"
!
It is important that the floor be
level and square. Square the
floor as follows: 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.
2x4 Floor Joist
spaced 16" o.c.
2x4 Joist
Header
4x4 Treated Runners
Flooring
96" Depth
Cut Floor Joist to fit
between Joist Header
Side Walls
!
1. Cut joist headers to floor length. See Below.
Layout for 16" on center joist spacing. 'X' marks where floor joist will be placed.
XX
XX
X
X
16"15-1/4"
Joist Header X
X
16"
Constructing Details for Deluxe Floor System
Deluxe floors include 4x4 runners, standard floors do not
Check local building codes in your area, the construction may have to change. For a concrete slab,
install sill sealer as a moisture barrier between the concrete and the wall plates. Foam sill sealer can
be purchased at home centers in rolls 3-1/2" or wider.
2. Cut 2x4-8' floor joist to 7'-9". See note below.
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 8'-0" building length.

77-3/4"
88"
87"
71-1/2"
56-3/4"
1. Locate a 69-1/2" long 2x4 with angle cuts on both ends.
2. Locate a 47" long 2x4 with a 2x4 block
attached to one end.
"
"
"
"
"Same Measurements
Step 1 Assemble End Walls
3. Locate wall studs, see detail right, that
measure the length shown. Measure from
the longest side of the board.
4. Locate a 71-1/2" (Red End) and a 24-1/2"
long 2x4.
5. Place this framing on the floor as shown.
6. To hold the perimeter 2x4's in position, nail
14-1/2" long 2x4 blocks to the floor.
7. Nail 2x4 wall studs to the top and bottom
plates using 10d sinkers. Nail 2x4s together
at the peak. Nail a 14-1/2" long 2x4 to the
4th stud to help secure the bottom plate.
2x4 Block
71-1/2" Long Plate
128"
2x4 Block
24-1/2"
Long Plate
2x4 Block
2x4 Blocks
71-1/2" Long 2x4 24-1/2" Long 2x4
2x4 Block
Note: The angle measurement of the wall should be 128". See drawing below.
Overall frame height will be approximately 96-1/2".
2x4 Block
2x4 Block

2. Repeat to assemble another end wall frame.
Step 2 Install Siding on End Walls
1. Install siding panels. Install the siding to extend 3/4" below the bottom 2x4 plate. Cut the
top and sides flush with the top and side of the frame.
LAP
Edge
WARNING: Before you apply siding on the other end wall frame, you will
need to turn the wall frame over before applying siding! If you don't, the
siding will face the inside of the building!
Step 3 Assemble Roof Trusses
1. Before removing the 2x4 blocks, assemble the roof trusses. This will insure the trusses will
match the shape of the end wall. Locate a 47" long 2x4 and a 69-1/2" long 2x4 and place
against the upper blocks nailed on the floor.
2. Reposition 2x4 blocks under the truss 2x4 to further secure these boards.
3. Assemble (4) four more trusses, applying wood gussets to
both sides of the trusses. Nail gussets to truss using 6d
common nails. For additional strength, apply wood glue
between gussets and 2x4 framing. Note: For a 10' long
building, assemble (3) three more trusses.
Wood Gusset
Siding Flush with Frame
Siding Extends 3/4"
Below Plate

6' Long Wall Plates
If you are constructing a 10' long building, go to Step 5.
X
X
X
X
14-1/2" Plate
70-1/2" Plate
71-1/2" Long 2x4
5. Measuring from the 'LAP' edge, cut the width of the 2nd siding panel to 27-1/2". The cut
edge should extend 3-1/2" past the side of the wall frame.
6. Cut the remaining siding panel so the cut edge will extend 3-1/2" past the right side.
27-1/2" Siding Cut Edge
Cut Edge
LAP Edge
Step 4 Build 12' Front Wall Panel
1. Install (4) four 6' long wall studs between (2) two 70-1/2 long wall plates as shown below.
2. Locate (2) two of the 14-1/2" long 2x4's and install (2) two studs between them.
X
X
24"
23-1/4"
If you are installing the optional
window you can cut the opening now.
3. Install 71-1/2" (Red End) long 2x4 boards on each side of the wall panels.
4. Square frames. Cut (2) siding panels to a length of 77". Install a siding panel on the
right side of the 6' wall panel with the 'LAP' edge flush with the right end of the wall
frame. The siding should extend 3/4" below the bottom plate.
Siding Extends 3-1/2" Past 2x4 Stud
Siding will extend 1-1/4" above the top plate.

71-1/2" Long 2x4
30-1/2" Long 2x4
Left Wall Panel
Right Wall Panel
1. Locate (2) two 70-1/2" long boards and cut them into (4) four wall plates 30-1/2" long.
2 Install (3) three 6' wall studs between the wall plates.
3. Install 71-1/2" long 2x4 boards on each side of the wall panels.
4. Build another wall frame.
Step 5 Build 10' Wide Front Wall (doors centered)
5. Square wall frames. Cut a (2) two 4x8 siding panel to a length of 77".
6. Cut the siding panels to the 35-1/2". Save the 12" wide cutoffs. When installed the siding
should extend 3-1/2" past the outside edge of the wall frames and flush with the inside edges
of the wall frames. Install this siding panel with the cut edge extending 3-1/2" past the side
of the wall frame as shown below. The bottom edge of the siding will extend 3/4" below
the bottom plate. Siding will extend 1-1/4" above the top plate.
LAP
Edge
Cut Edge Extends 3-1/2"
Past 2x4 Stud Cut Edge Extends 3-1/2"
Past 2x4 Stud
Tongue Edge

A
A
B
B
2. Install 52-1/2" long wall studs, between the wall plates, over the 'X' marks and where the
plates meet. Use 10d sinkers. Nail wall frames together.
3. Install a 83-1/2" long 2x4 in the center of the wall frame. Square wall frame.
4. Cut a 52-1/2" long 2x4 in half and install on each end of the wall frame.
XX
XX
XX
XX
If you are constructing a 10' long building, go to Step 7.
6. Install the siding panels.The siding should extend
3-3/4" beyond the wall frame and extending 3/4"
below the bottom plate.
Step 6 Build Back Wall For 12' Building
5. Cut (3) three siding panels to a length of 59-3/4". Save the cutoffs.
Siding Extends 3/4" Below Plate
1. Position (4) four 68" long 2x4s 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'.
LAP Edge
LAP Edge
68" Wall Plate
24"
19-3/4" 24"
23-1/4"
68" Wall Plate
83-1/2" Tie Plate
68" Bottom Plate
AB
AB
Siding Extends 3-3/4"
Beyond Frame
Siding will extend 2"
above the top plate.

2. Install 52-1/2" long wall studs, between the wall plates, over the 'X' marks and
where the plates meet. Use 10d sinkers. Nail wall frames together.
3. Install a 83-1/2" long tie plate flush with the end of the wall frame.
4. Cut a 52-1/2" long 2x4 and install at the end of the wall frame.
XX
XX
XX
XX
X
X
X
X
Step 7 Build Back Wall For 10' Building
Siding Extends 3/4" Below Plate
1. Cut (4) four 68" long 2x4s to a length of 56". Position these 2x4s 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'.
LAP Edge
56" Wall Plate
24" 24"
23-1/4"
56" Wall Plate
83-1/2" Tie Plate
56" Bottom Plate
AB
AB
28-1/2" Tie Plate
Siding Extends
3-3/4" Beyond Frame
B
B
5. Cut (2) two siding panels to a length of 59-3/4". Save the cutoffs.
6. Cut the 12" side siding panels, cutoffs from the front wall, to a
length of 59-3/4".
7. Install these siding panels as shown below.
A
A
23-1/4"

Step 8 Assemble Door Header
Step 9 Set Walls
1. Locate (2) two 2x4 boards that are 51"
in length and OSB filler
2. Nail boards together.
1. With a helper, set the back wall and end wall on floor. Secure walls at corner with 10d coated
sinkers. Nail bottom plate to floor. Warning: Use 'Pressure Treated Nails' when nailing into
treated boards. Use leftover nails from the floor assembly.
2. Install the other end wall and front wall panels together using the same procedure. Make sure
you have 48" between the front wall panels.
3. Plumb the end walls and make sure the door opening is square. Trim off any siding on the back
wall that extends past the siding on the end walls.
4. Install a 83-1/2" and 52-1/2" long 2x4 tie plate across the top of the front walls.
5. Install 2x4 door header between front wall panels. Nail header to the wall studs and top plate.
6. Cut and install a small piece of siding over the 2x4 that overhangs the front wall. Cut the
height of the siding to 4" to receive the soffit that will be installed later.
7. Install a 5-1/4" x 48" siding panel on the door header. The siding will extend 1/2" below the
door header. This will serve as a door stop when the doors close.
Siding on Header
83-1/2" Long 2x4 Tie Plate
52-1/2" Long 2x4 Tie Plate

XXX
XXX
Metal Bracket
2x4 Tie Plate
X
1x3 Collar Tie
Step 10 Install Roof Trusses
24"
Important: When marking the front
wall plate for the truss location, place
the 'X' on the correct side of the lines
to keep the trusses parallel.
23-1/4"
24"
Nail Through
Siding
4. Install trusses over the 'X' marks on the front
of the building. Make sure the front wall is
straight. Measure each truss so the overhang
is the same. Secure the trusses to the metal
brackets.
5. Install a 1x3x66-1/2" long board as a collar
tie on one of the center trusses for support.
inside of building
1. Layout front and rear 2x4 wall plates
for trusses. The 'X' marks where the
trusses will be placed.
2. Install metal truss supports, on the
front tie plate, where the trusses will
be located. Install with roof nails.
3. Toenail the back of the truss to the wall
plate. Also secure the truss by nailing
through the rear siding into the end of
the trusses. See detail bottom right.

2x4 Truss
1x6 Fascia
Plyclip
2. Install a 22-1/2" long 2x4 block
between the center truss to
support the 1x6 fascia board.
Truss
Shingles
Air
Space
1. Install 4x8 roof sheathing across the top of the roof. The bottom edge of sheathing should
extend past the end of the 2x4 truss to receive the 1x6 fascia. Secure sheathing with 7d sinkers.
Space nails 12" apart. Note: If you are installing optional ridge vent allow a 1" space at the
peak of the trusses for air flow. See detail below.
Step 11 Install Roof Sheathing & Soffit
3. Cut leftover siding and install as soffit under the truss overhang.
4. Install 1x6 fascia over the ends of the trusses, flush with the top of the roof sheathing.
The 1x6 should extend 3/4" beyond the siding on the side walls to receive the 1x4
gable trim installed next. Use 8d galv. nails.
4x8 Sheathing
5. Install a full sheet at the lower portion of the
rearofthe building.Install2'wideroofsheathing
at the top rear of the building. Insert a plyclip
where the rear roof sheathing butts together
between the trusses.

1x4-47" Gable Trim
1x4-72" Gable Trim
Use 8d galv. nails to install trim
Step 12 Install Trim
1. Install 47" and 72" long gable trim, flush with the top of the roof sheathing.
2. Install 77-1/2" long 1x3 trim, at the front corner, flush with he siding on the sidewall.
3. Install 60" long 1x3 trim, at the rear corner, flush with the siding on the sidewall.
4. Install the remaining 1x4 trim boards at the fsidewall corners.
77-1/2" Long 1x3 Trim
1x3-60" Trim
(not Seen)
5. 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 move the trim later when
you install the doors. Install a 1x3x55-1/4" board, that has angle cuts on both ends, across the
top of the side trim.
1x4 Trim Sidewall Trim

Air
Space
Truss
Shingles
Install Siding Flush
With Bottom of Door
Step 13 Assemble Doors
4. Place door on level surface, face side down. Position siding on frame. Secure
siding to door frame with construction adhesive and 1" screws provided.
1. Locate (2) two siding panels left over from the back wall.
2. Cut the siding to the width of the door frame. Measure and cut the bottom siding
panel flush with the bottom edge of the door frame and the top edge centered in the
1x4 center trim board. Cut the top siding panel length allowing the door frame to
extend 3/4" beyond the top of the siding.
2. Install shingles according to the instructions on the wrapper. If you need more detailed
instructions on installing shingles, there are good publications at book stores or newsstands.
Step 14 Install Roofing — Not Supplied in Kit
1. Install metal roof edging perimeter of the roof area.
Building Tip: Install ridge vent in lieu of shingles
caps. Ridge vent provides ideal ventilation, pre-
venting heat and moisture from damaging your
building or its contents.
5. Install a 2x4 x 69-1/2" long board to the back
of the door. Position this board flush at the top
of the siding and extending 3/4" past the edge
of the door. This board will serve as a door
stop. Secure with 2-1/2" long wood screws.
6. Apply siding to the other door frame.
2x4 Extends 3/4" Past Door
3. Trace the shape of the door frame on
the backside of each siding panel. This
will serve as a guide for fastener
placement.

Left Door 2x4 Extends Past Trim
Step 15 Install Doors
4. Before you fasten the hinges to the door trim, temporarily prop the doors in the opening. Set
the door on a piece of OSB, see detail below. Leave a space at the top of the doors and between
the doors and the side trim to allow room for the doors to expand when they absorb moisture.
If your door opening is out of square, the
space around the doors will not be even.
You can remove and reposition the side
trim to make allowances for this. The
side trim does not have to be flush with
the frame of the door opening. You can
move the trim in or out to make the door
spacing equal.
Secure hinges to door trim with 2" screws.
Install Door Latch
Back of
Left Door
Barrel Bolt on the
back of left door
5. Install a barrel bolt on the lower back
of the door to secure this door in place
when closed. You will need to drill a hole
for the round shaft to drop into.
2x4 Door Stop
1. Lay the left door with the trim facing up. The 2x4
door stop on the left door extends past the trim. See
detail below.
2. Install hinges to the left side of the door frame with
1-1/4" long screws. To position the hinge properly,
hold the rectangular plate against the frame.
3. Install hinges to the right side of the other door.
Use 1-1/4"
Screws Here

Material Supplied by Local Supplier
Material Packaged In Component Kit
Building Size Material List
10' x 8' 12' x 8
2 1x3 Corner Trim 77-1/2"
2 1x3 Corner Trim 60"
2 1x4 Corner Trim 79-3/8"
2 1x4 Corner Trim 58"
2 1x3 Door Trim 72"
1 1x3 Door Trim 55-1/4"
1 1x3 Collar Tie 66-1/2"
2 1x4 Gable Trim 47-1/8"
2 1x4 Gable Trim 72"
2 1x6 Fascia Trim 75"
2 1 lb. box 10d Sinkers
2 1 lb. box 8d Galv.
1 1 lb. box 7d Sinkers
2 1 lb. box 6d Common
2 1 lb. box 1-1/4 Shingle
6 ea. 4" Door Hinges
1 ea. Swivel Door Hasp
2 ea. Barrel Bolts
5 ea. 2x4 Truss Hangers
5 ea. 7/16" Plyclips
1 bag Screws & Screw Bit
1 ea. Bottle Wood Glue
1 ea Tube Constructiion Adhesive
2 2x4 Sidewall Studs 88"
2 2x4 Sidewall Studs 87"
2 2x4 Sidewall Studs 77-3/4"
2 2x4 Sidewall Studs 71-1/2"
2 2x4 Sidewall Studs 56-3/4"
2 2x4 Top Plates - sidewalls 47-1/8"
2 2x4 Top Plates - sidewalls 69-1/2"
5 2x4 Truss/Rafters - rear 69-1/2"
1 2x4 Door Stop 69-1/2"
5 2x4 Truss/Rafters - front 47-1/8"
4 2x4 Bottom Plate & Door Jack 71-1/2"
2 2x4 Bottom Plates - sidewall 24-1/2"
6 2x4 Wall Studs - front wall 72"
2 2x4 Wall Plates - front wall 70-1/2"
4 2x4 Wall Plates - back wall 68"
8 2x4 Wall Studs - back wall 52-1/2"
2 2x4 Tie Plates - back wall 52-1/2"
2 2x4 Tie Plates - front & back 83-1/2"
2 2x4 Door Header 51"
1 2x4 Fascia Block 22-1/2"
12 2x4 Blocks - Truss Jig 14-1/2"
1 7/16" Header Filler 3-1/2"x51"
10 7/16"Truss Gussets 8-1/2"x12"
2 Door Trim Panels 24" x 71-3/4"
8 pcs. 9 pcs. Exterior Siding 4x8
4 pcs. 4 pcs. OSB Sheathing 4x8
Building Size
10'x 8' 12' x 8'
4 bdl. 5 bdl. Roof Shingles
5 pcs. 5 pcs. Roof 'drip' Edge 10'
Optional Shingles