Building a storage shed

Flooring
Ideally you would have a level wooden floor, that way you can hammer nails into it for setting cleats and holding down shores, and a bonus is that it’s easy on your legs. But again most of us end up in the garage on a concrete floor which is cold and won’t hold nails. Improvise by spreading old bits of carpet around or if you are really ambitious you can build a timber floor over concrete. Most floors regrettably aren’t level which means a twisted end-product, so make sure you shim your set-up until it is level and make sure the shims don’t move.

Heating
If you live in a climate like I do in Australia where the temperature never drops below 50F even in the winter, heating does not need to be taken into consideration. In cold climates however, heating takes some careful thought. If you have plenty of timber a wood stove is good, it also provides a way of disposing of timber scraps. but if you’re starting from scratch it can be an expensive setup. Electric heaters are safe and cheap, but expensive to run. Kerosene is an option, but make sure you have ventilation and use high grade kerosene. Otherwise you will give yourself a headache.
As mentioned previously some glues and resins will not cure under say 50F, and just heating the air to 65F does not necessarily solve the problem. Your tools, the timber and the actual product may still be below the required temperature. A way to get around this is to keep a hairdryer at hand to warm surfaces and or to store products indoors and bring them out before you use them.

Air Flow
Ventilation is vital. Not only do some heater require ventilation, but epoxy glue, paint, thinners and some ply-woods all release toxic fumes. Wear a mask and when in doubt ventilate.

Lighting
Natural light is best, industrial size fluorescent lights hanging from the ceiling on chains are second best. Also get some clamp-on spot lights to target lighting to areas such as under your boat. Bare conventional bulbs will not provide enough lighting.

Electricity
Make sure that your power supply can handle all the lighting and power tools you will be using in your shop. If not either upgrade or use less tools. If you need extension chords, don’t use the household type, get heavy duty chords for indoor outdoor use. Consider investing in a few cordless power tools and a couple of battery packs. This will make your shop safer and save on power.

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