Beginner's Guide to Backyard Building - Simple Step-by-Step Instructions for Constructing Your Own Shed, Studio, or Tiny House

Design and build a simple backyard structure-from a basic garden shed or chicken coop to a fully finished tiny house-even if you've never built anything before!

In this inspiring beginner's guide to building, author Lee Mothes illustrates the entire process from start to finish, beginning with site evaluation and ending with a finished building. Using his own detailed drawings and clear step-by-step instructions, Mothes shows how to:

- Build one small (6¿ x 8¿) structure-suitable for use as a workshop, studio, garden shed, playhouse, or chicken coop.
- Use that basic knowledge to build a more permanent structure, such as a tiny cabin, granny flat, or home office.
- Modify the structure to suit your needs and location by adding a loft, moving doors or windows, changing the roof pitch, or adding rooms.

You'll end up with an attractive, functional building, as well as construction skills you can use for a lifetime.

List of contents

Introduction
Part 1: Getting Ready to Build
Chapter 1: Tools and Techniques
Chapter 2: Making Plans and Finding Materials

Part 2: Building a Simple Structure
Chapter 3: Building the Foundation and Floor
​Chapter 4: Framing the Walls and Roof
​Chapter 5: Finishing
​Chapter 6: Building It Bigger and Better
​Chapter 7: Making It Your Own

Part 3: Building a Backyard Retreat
​Chapter 8: Planning
​Chapter 9: Building the Foundation, Sills, and Floor
​Chapter 10: Building the Walls
​Chapter 11: Building the Roof
​Chapter 12: Finishing Up

Glossary
Index

About the author

Lee Mothes

Product details

• Authors: Lee Mothes, Mothes Lee
• Publisher: Workman
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 07.05.2026
• EAN: 9781635869606
• ISBN: 978-1-63586-960-6
• No. of pages: 176
• Illustrations: Full-color; illustrations throughout
• Subjects: Guides > Hobby, home > Home improvement, DIY; HOUSE & HOME / Do-It-Yourself / Carpentry, HOUSE & HOME / Design & Construction, HOUSE & HOME / Small Spaces, Home & house maintenance, DIY: carpentry & woodworking, DIY: carpentry and woodworking, Home and house maintenance / renovation / building