Small Shed (3630)

We recommend that you read through these instructions completely before beginning your build.

Tools and materials

• 220 grit sandpaper
• Glue – PVA glue or equivalent white glue, wood glue, etc.
• X-Acto or razor knife with new sharp blade
• 3-2-1 blocks or equivalent square blocks or clamps (Amazon)
• Finishing materials of choice: stain, paint, India ink, weathering chalks, etc.

General Notes

We have included an extra copy of the most fragile pieces. Use extreme care when removing the bench pieces and sanding the bench tabs as it is incredibly fragile.

On occasion, a natural defect in the wood may result in a small uncut portion. This can be fixed by making several shallow cuts with a razor knife.

When gluing pieces together, dip the sharp tip of a toothpick or wood barbecue skewer into the glue to get a very small drop of glue on the tip. Apply the glue sparingly along the edge to be glued. Applying too much glue is one of the most common mistakes.

    

Use 3-2-1 blocks or equivalent squares to hold pieces together when gluing to assure precise 90-degree alignment.

For clarity, the models pictured in our instructions are unfinished. You may choose to paint, stain, or finish the model pieces before or after assembly depending on your preference.

Because finishing options are so diverse and numerous, finishing and weathering techniques are not covered. You can find excellent tutorials for weathering wooden models on YouTube.

 

Assemble The Structure

If you want the doors closed, do not cut the tabs for the doors.

Small tabs hold the pieces in place on the wooden sheet. Cut through the tabs with a sharp razor knife, then lightly sand off any remaining tabs using 220 grit sandpaper. Sand just enough to remove the remaining tabs. Note that over-sanding could change the dimensions of the pieces causing issues with proper fit.

 

Attach Door Frames

Apply glue sparingly to the back of the door frame with a toothpick and attach frame centered on door. Repeat for other door.

    

Assemble Walls

The side walls are positioned with the lower row of nail holes farther from the bottom edge.

Also notice in the diagram below, that the short walls are attached to the outside edges of the long walls.

To install the interior shelf, attach the short rear wall with the window to one side wall.

    

Next attach the shelf directly below the window opening, then attach the second side wall. Assemble one corner at a time and let fully dry.

Attach the front wall to the two side walls. 

Assemble the Roof

The roof is removable and is not attached to the structure. Use 220 grit sandpaper to bevel the inner roof edges to roughly match the roof angle.

    

Place a thin line of glue along the seam to be joined. Place the roof in position on top of the structure. Hold the roof onto the structure with your fingers to maintain the proper angle until the roof maintains its shape.

Attach Fascia

Before the roof is fully dry, attach the fascia as you may need to slightly modify the roof angle to match.

The fascia is attached so that the top of the trim is flush with the top of the roof line. This assures a smooth surface for the roofing material. Place a thin line of glue along the inside of the fascia and attach to the roof. Repeat for other side.

Roofing Choices

We have included roofing materials for either a tar paper or a shake shingle roof.

Tar Paper Roofing

Refer to our instructions on tar paper roofing. 

Tar Paper Roofing Instructions 

Shake Shingle Roofing

Refer to our instructions on shake shingle roofing. 

Shake Shingle Roofing Instructions

Attach the Window Frame

Add any final weathering details to the structure before attaching the clear windowpane. 

Remove the window glass from the acrylic sheet and glue the glass to the back of the window frame. The shutters can optionally be detached from the window frame and modeled partially open or fully closed. Apply a few dabs of glue to the back of the window frame with a toothpick. Press and hold to the rear wall, centering the window frame over the window opening. 

Attach the Doors

If you chose to have the doors closed, you may skip this step.

Sand a bevel on the side of the door that will be attached to the wall. This will provide additional gluing surface. 

Place a thin line of glue along the inner corner edge of the door. With the shed standing upright, place the door in position at the desired angle and let dry thoroughly. From inside the shed, place an additional line of glue along the door seam for reinforcement. Repeat for other door.

Bench Instructions

Exercise caution when removing the fragile bench pieces from the sheet. We have included an extra copy of the side of the bench.

Note the bench back has the short vertical cutouts and the seat has the long horizontal cutouts. Attach the bench seat to one of the edge pieces, using a square to maintain a 90-degree angle. Let dry. Attach the back, maintaining square and let dry. Attach the other edge piece to the seat and back.