This is a good starter project to learn how to dado gables and make drawers. A table saw with dado blades and router should be used to built these end tables.

The following drawings:

• Face Frame showing the position of the stiles and rails.
• Front and Side Elevation showing the dimensions.
• Drawer Slide Detail with the position of the drawer slides and a detail of the slider's position with the stile.
• Drawer Detail showing the dimensions and pieces of a drawer.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the cabinet.

The Instructions include a Cutting List giving the sizes of pieces to cut; how to layout the parts of the cabinet, cutting dadoes, the face frame, making the drawers, installing molding, finishing and staining and finally installing the pulls.

Free woodworking plans for a bench seat that doubles as a storage chest. These free plans are for members of DaveOsborne.com.

The following drawings:

• Side and End Elevation showing the dimensions.
• Detail of the attachment of the lid hinge to the side.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the bench seat, as well as a list of the tools needed.

The Instructions include the sizes of pieces to cut; how to layout the parts of the bench seat, installing molding, finishing, staining and finally installing the pulls. An optional wood top is discussed rather than the planned upholstery top and tips given to apply wood edging tape.

This is a custom bike storage shed plan for Curtis, my son-in-law, which I thought you may be interested in. Curtis lives in a strata townhouse and wanted this bike storage shed design to fit into his strata requirements. I came up with this plan and

The following drawings for the Bike Storage Shed:

• Front Framing Elevation, Back Framing Elevation, Left End Framing Elevation and Right End Framing Elevation showing the framing of the studs for the walls, including door and upper shelf opening, bike storage and the framing of the roof joists.
• Floor Plan showing the positions of the utility storage, lower bike storage and upper storage area of the Bike Storage Shed.
• Joist Detail showing the procedure of laying out joists on center.

These plans include a List of Materials for the Bike Storage Shed, listing quantity and dimension of studs, plates, floor and roof joists, sub-floor tongue and groove plywood, OSB for the walls and roof, rolled roofing, screws, roofing nails, hinges, hasps and caulking.

The Instructions for the Bike Storage Shed include the following topics:

• The Floor of the Bike Storage Shed: discussing the number and cuts for the box joists and floor joists and fastening.
• The Walls of the Bike Storage Shed: discussing building the walls including the length and layout of studs, door and storage openings, sheathing and assembling the walls.
• The Roof of the Bike Storage Shed: discussing the dimensions and lengths of the joists, layout, assembly and fascia.
• The Inside Framing of the Bike Storage Shed: discussing the inside partitions, constructing the upper shelf storage.
• The Roofing of the Bike Storage Shed: discussing the type of roofing recommended for a low slope roof and the overhangs.
• The Doors and Trim of the Bike Storage Shed: discussing the fabrication of the doors, installing door stops, hinges and hasps.

Free woodworking plans for a bookcase or storage shelves for members of DaveOsborne.com..

Detailed drawings showing: elevation of the front, a section of the side, and plan view of the kick, all showing dimensions.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the bookcase.

This is a very basic project, kept simple for the beginning woodworker. The Instructions include the sizes of pieces to cut and how to layout the shelves and kick space of the bookcase.

Although, this is a project for a person who has done some wood working before, Dave gives basic instructions to complete the construction of this cabinet as well as to apply the stain or clear finish. The buffet is separate from the upper glass door

The following drawings:

• Front and Side Elevation giving the dimensions of the buffet.
• Face Frame dimensions and layout of the upper and lower cabinets face frame.
• Pieces separate drawings of the pieces with their dimensions.
• Drawer Slide Detail showing the dimensions and detail of the drawers.
• Tape Measure Math a tip for dealing with the thicknesses of materials.
• Detail of the glass doors
• Drawer Detail showing the dimensions and dadoes of the drawers.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the buffet cabinet.

The Instructions include a Cutting List giving the sizes of pieces to cut; how to layout the parts of the buffet cabinet, cutting dadoes, the face frame, making the drawers, making muttin bars for the glass doors, laying out the shelves, making the doors, installing molding, sanding, finishing and staining and finally installing the pulls.

Free woodworking plans for a carpenter tool box for members of DaveOsborne.com.

Detailed drawings showing: Side and End Elevation showing the dimensions; a cross section and a plan view of the compartments.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the tool box, as well as a list of the tools needed.

The Instructions include the sizes of pieces to cut and how to layout the tool box. This is a simple plan with instructions for the beginning woodworker.

The Child Bench Seat and Toy Box Plan is a simple design for the home handyman. It includes step by step instructions, drawings, List of Materials and Tips. The bench seat can be built out of a single sheet of plywood.

The following drawings:

• Front and end elevations
• Detail of cutting the sides
• Plan view
• Detail of the hinge

The plans have a List of Materials, including amount and size of plywood and lumber, fasteners and required hinge.

The Instructions include the following topics:

The cutting list giving the size and number of pieces; assembly; a tip on edge tape; a tip on rounding over the edges with a router; and a tip on removing mill glaze.

Free beginner wood working plans on how to build a child picnic table for members of DaveOsborne.com.

Detailed drawings showing: Side and end Elevation showing the dimensions of this child's picnic table.

This plan includes a List of Materials: showing a breakdown of materials needed for the project, as well as a list of the tools needed.

The Instructions include the sizes of pieces to cut and how to layout the ends of the child picnic table. Tips are included for cutting identical pieces of wood and cutting the end of a bolt off without damaging the threads. This is a simple plan with instructions for the beginning woodworker.

Free woodworking plans for a doll cradle for members of DaveOsborne.com.

Detailed drawings of the Side and End Elevation showing the dimensions. The drawings include a template for the end of the doll cradle.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the doll cradle, as well as a list of the tools needed.

The Instructions discuss putting the pieces together. This is a simple plan with instructions for the beginning woodworker.

Free woodworking plans for a child table and child chair for members of DaveOsborne.com.

Detailed drawings showing: Side and end Elevations of both the child table and the child chair showing the dimensions of each as well as a plan of a tapering jig.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the project. The child chairs are made from 2x4 and 2x6.

The Instructions include the sizes of pieces to cut and how to layout and construct the child table and chairs. Included in the instructions is how to build a tapering jig for the table saw.

This is a simple plan with instructions for the beginning woodworker.

Build this corner cabinet from the free woodworking plans and instructions for members of DaveOsborne.com, the do-it-yourself site.

Detailed drawings showing: Plan views of the gables; section of base; detail of shelf support with dado and ledger strips; detail on fastening down the counter top; the face frame; installation of counter top details; detail of fastening a stile to a rail; detail of the corner doors.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the cabinet.

The Instructions discuss cutting the parts, assembly and tips to scribe the base to a floor that is not level. Included are steps to attach the cabinet to the wall and the top to the cabinet; assembling the face frame and hanging the door.

How to build corner shelves. These free woodworking plans for members of DaveOsborne.com are for an attractive set of corner shelves from a master builder.

A picture of the finished shelves.

The plans have a List of Materials and tools needed to build these corner shelves.

This is a very basic project, kept simple for the beginning woodworker. The Instructions include very basic directions in making a simple shelf series as shown in the picture.

This dog house plan incorporates an offset door to keep the wind off your pet. It is insulated with 1½ " styrofoam on a 2x2 wood frame and designed for a medium sized dog. A gable roof is chosen rather than a shed roof to give greater headroom in the

The following drawings:

• Front and Side View showing framing of the walls, roof including corner boards and trim.
• Framing Floor Plan showing framing of the floor including a section showing the OSB and styrofoam.
• Floor Plan showing the wall layout.
• Side Elevation Framing showing framing of the walls and roof.
• Front Elevation Framing showing framing of the walls and roof and floor.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials for the floor, walls and roof.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Floor: Laying out the joists, sheeting and insulation.
• The Walls: Laying out the walls.
• The Roof: Laying out the roof, overhang and trim.

Free woodworking plans for a dog house for members of DaveOsborne.com.

Detailed drawings of: Front and Side Elevation, giving the dimensions of the unit; Detail of a construction compass.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the dog house.

The Instructions include directions to make a very simple dog house from plywood for a small dog. A cut list is included as well as instructions to layout a circle by making a simple compass. This is a simple plan with instructions for the beginning woodworker.

These are plans for a hip roof over a section of your deck to give the appearance of a gazebo.

The following drawings:

• Front Elevation showing framing of the rafters, the beam and posts, floor and footings.
• Floor Plan showing the framing of the floor, footings and beams.
• Roof Plan showing the layout of the hip and jack rafters as well as the ceiling joists and beams.
• Side Elevation showing the rafters, beams, floor framing and footings.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials for the floor and roof.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation and Floor: The concrete footings and columns, beams, squaring the floor joists, applying tongue and groove plywood.


• The Roof: Laying out the rafter positions on the beams.


• The Common Rafters: The length of the common rafters including how to cut the bird's mouth.


• The Hip Rafters: The length of the hip rafters and angle of the plumb cut.


• The Hip Jack Rafters: The length and angles of the jack rafters.


• The Ceiling: Installing the ceiling joists, fascia, roof sheathing and roofing.

These are plans and instructions on how to build a 10'x10' gazebo with a skylight.

The following drawings:

• Front Elevation showing framing of the rafters, the beam and posts, floor and footings.
• Roof Plan showing the layout of the hip and jack rafters as well as the ceiling joist and beam.
• Floor Plan showing the framing of the floor, footings and beams.
• Side Elevation showing the rafters, skylight and floor framing, footings and beams.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials for the floor and roof, including the skylight and its flashing.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation and Floor: The concrete footings and columns, beams, squaring the floor joists, applying tongue and groove plywood.


• The Roof: The skylight curb, the length of hip rafters and ceiling joists.


• The Common Rafters: The length of the common rafters including how to cut the bird's mouth.


• The Hip Jack Rafters: The length and angles of the jack rafters.


• The Ceiling: Installing the ceiling joists, fascia and roof sheathing, the skylight and flashing and roofing.

This is a plan for a 12' octagon shaped gazebo with an 8' deck extended in front.

The following drawings: Front Elevation giving the dimensions of the unit; Foundation and Floor Plan; Gazebo Floor Plan; Roof Plan; Post Detail; details of the window openings and doors; detail of the hip and common rafters with dimensions; detail of the benches.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials for the gazebo floor, walls, benches, roof and fasteners.

The Instructions include directions on building the gazebo foundation, embedding wood posts or forming concrete posts, laying out an octagon, framing the walls, constructing the door and window opening trim, laying out and cutting the hip and common rafters, applying fascia trim and wood shingles and finally installing benches and fly screen.

These are plans and instructions on how to build a 12'x12' gazebo with a hip roof.

The following drawings:

• Front Elevation showing framing of the rafters, the beam and posts, floor and footings.
• Roof and Ceiling Plan showing the layout of the hip and jack rafters as well as the ceiling joist and beams.
• Floor Plan showing the framing of the floor, footings and beams.
• Side Elevation showing the rafters, beams and floor framing and footings.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials for the floor and roof.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation and Floor: The concrete footings and columns, beams, squaring the floor joists, applying tongue and groove plywood.


• The Roof: Laying out the rafter positions on the beams.


• The Common Rafters: The length of the common rafters including how to cut the bird's mouth.


• The Hip Rafters: The length of the hip rafters and angle of the plumb cut.


• The Hip Jack Rafters: The length and angles of the jack rafters.


• The Ceiling: Installing the ceiling joists, fascia and roof sheathing, the skylight, flashing and roofing.

These are plans and instructions on how to build a 12'x12' gazebo with a skylight to be used over a hot tub.

The following drawings:

• Front Elevation showing framing of the rafters, the beam and posts, floor and footings.
• Floor Plan showing the framing of the floor, footings and beams.
• Roof and Ceiling Plan showing the layout of the hip and jack rafters as well as the ceiling joist and beam.
• Ceiling Joist Plan showing the layout of the ceiling joists, the nailing pattern of the beams and the skylight opening.
• Side Elevation showing the rafters, skylight and floor framing, footings and beams.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials for the floor and roof, including the skylight and its flashing.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation and Floor: The concrete footings and columns, beams, squaring the floor joists, applying tongue and groove plywood.


• The Roof: The skylight curb, the length of hip rafters and ceiling joists.


• The Common Rafters: The length of the common rafters including how to cut the bird's mouth.


• The Hip Jack Rafters: The length and angles of the jack rafters.


• The Ceiling: Installing the ceiling joists, fascia and roof sheathing, the skylight, flashing and roofing.

Free mission entertainment center plans for members of DaveOsborne.com, the do-it-yourself site.

The detailed drawings of: the Front and Side Elevation giving the dimensions of the unit; Details of a router jig to cut dadoes.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials for the Mission Entertainment Center.

The Instructions include cutting a sheet of plywood straight without a table saw using a guide. How to make a router jig for cutting dadoes for shelves, make panel doors, make drawers and assemble the drawer slides.

Here is a handy project to build to store and move your kicker motor around during the off season. This one is based off my own Honda 7.5.

The following drawings: Front and Side Elevation with a plan view giving the dimensions of the outboard motor stand; a detail of the plywood bracket with dimensions.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials for the outboard motor stand.

The Instructions discuss how to build an outboard motor stand made from plywood and dimension lumber, complete with casters to roll out of the way in the off season. The layout of the sides are shown in a drawing and discussed in the instructions.

Free woodworking plans for a picnic table for members of DaveOsborne.com.

The following drawings: Side and End Elevation showing the dimensions.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the picnic table, as well as a list of the tools needed.

The Instructions include the sizes of pieces to cut; how to layout the parts of the gable end of the picnic table. This is a simple plan for the beginner woodworker.

Free woodworking plans for a sawhorse for members of DaveOsborne.com.

Detailed drawings of: Side and End Elevation, showing the dimensions and angles of the sawhorse.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the sawhorse, as well as a list of the tools needed.

The Instructions discuss how to cut compound angles on a table saw for those who don't have a compound miter saw. Although dealing with compound angles, these sawhorses should be an easy build for the beginning woodworker and handyman alike.

Free woodworking plans for a lazy susan for members of DaveOsborne.com.

Detailed drawings showing: Top and Side Elevation: giving the dimensions of the unit.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the lazy susan, as well as a list of tools needed.

This is a very basic project, kept simple for the beginning woodworker. The Instructions include directions how to assemble the lazy susan to the board and the base.

Free outdoor shed plans to build a gambrel roof shed that looks like a little barn. These are free to members of DaveOsborne.com.

The following drawings:

• Front Elevation showing the gable end framing and door opening.
• Wood Foundation showing the floor joist and foundation.
• Concrete Slab showing the profile and anchor bolts in the slab.
• Truss Layout showing the angles of the cuts for the trusses, their lengths as well as the size of the gussets.
• Side Elevation showing the layout of the trusses on the side walls.

The plans have a List of Materials, which includes size and quantities for:

• Exterior trim
• Studs
• Plates
• Trusses
• Joists
• Gussets for the trusses
• OSB for the walls and roof
• Roofing.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation
  • Concrete Slab: Discussing the placement of anchor bolts; the thickness of the concrete slab and perimeter as well as the material under the slab.
  • Concrete Block: The size of footings required; design of the forms; how to install anchor bolts and the sill plate.
  • Wooden Floor: The wood foundation; the layout of the floor, size of joists, their centers, squaring the floor, how to install tongue and groove (T&G) plywood - staggering and nailing the sheets.


• The Walls: Installing the bottom plate; layout of the studs, door and windows; headers; constructing the walls, fastening them to each other; bracing the walls.


• The Trusses: Laying out the trusses full size from the drawings; framing the gable ends and door.


• Putting it Together: Bracing the walls; laying out the trusses on the walls; erecting the trusses.


• Sheathing the Walls: Framing and sheathing the gable ends; installing sheathing on the walls.


• Making the Roof: Sheathing the roof; installing the overhang.


• The Trim and Door: Trimming the roof, door; constructing and hanging the door.

Free outdoor shed plans to build a 10' wide gambrel roof shed with loft that looks like a little barn. These are free to members of DaveOsborne.com.

The following drawings:

• Front Framing Elevation showing framing of the trusses and the walls, including the opening of the door.
• 10' Truss Layout showing the size and angles of the truss parts.
• Foundation Plan including sections of the pressure treated wood, concrete slab and concrete block foundations.
• Side Elevation with Truss Layout showing the spacing of the trusses.

The plans have a List of Materials, including size and number of the door trim and corner boards, studs, plates, trusses, joists, sub-floor, wood foundation, gussets for the trusses, OSB for the walls and roof; recommended adhesives for the sub-floor, fastenings for the hinges, etc., the framing, sheathing and roofing.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation
  • Concrete Slab: Discussing the placement of anchor bolts; the thickness of the concrete slab and perimeter as well as the material under the slab.
  • Concrete Block: The size of footings required; design of the forms; how to install anchor bolts and the sill plate.
  • Wooden Floor: The wood foundation; the layout of the floor, size of joists, their centers, squaring the floor, how to install tongue and groove (T&G) plywood - staggering and nailing the sheets.


• The Walls: Installing the bottom plate; layout of the studs, door and windows; headers; constructing the walls, fastening them to each other; bracing the walls.


• The Attic Floor: length and layout of the floor joists; installing the T&G plywood; the overhang.


• The Trusses: laying out the trusses full size from the drawings; framing the gable ends and door.


• Putting it Together: Bracing the walls; laying out the trusses on the walls; erecting the trusses.


• Sheathing the Walls: framing and sheathing the gable ends; installing sheathing on the walls.


• Making the Roof: sheathing the roof; installing the overhang.


• The Trim and Door: trimming the roof, door; constructing and hanging the door.

Storage shed plans for a 10'x12' gable roof garden shed. Free woodworking plans for members of DaveOsborne.com.

The following drawings:

• Front Wall Elevation showing framing of the rafters and the door opening.
• Concrete Slab Foundation a section showing anchor bolts and slab profile.
• Concrete Block Foundation a section showing the anchor bolts, sill plate and footings.
• Wood Foundation a section of the sub-floor framing and foundation.
• Floor Plan showing the layout of the four walls including the position of the door and window.
• Corner stud detail is included.
• Framing a Window an elevation of the framing of a typical window with the names of its components.
• Rafter Layout a roof plan showing framing of the rafters and soffits.
• Rafter Cuts a detail of a rafter showing the seat cut and plumb cut.
• Types of Soffits a conception of 3 different typical soffits designs.
• Window Trim showing an elevation of a typical window with exterior trim.

The plans have a List of Materials, which includes size and quantities for:

• Wood Foundation including the foundation, the floor joists, sub-floor and fastenings.
• Walls with a breakdown of the size and number of studs, plates, braces, siding, battens and corner boards as well as fastenings.
• Roof including framing materials of ridge, rafters, trimmers, sheathing, fascia and barge boards, soffit backing, shingles and ridge caps.
• Door.
• Window including the window exterior trim.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation
  • Concrete Slab: Discussing the placement of anchor bolts; the thickness of the concrete slab and perimeter as well as the material under the slab.
  • Concrete Block: The size of footings required; design of the forms; how to install anchor bolts and the sill plate.
  • Wooden Floor: The wood foundation; the layout of the floor, size of joists, their centers, squaring the floor, how to install tongue and groove (T&G) plywood - staggering and nailing the sheets.


• The Walls: Installing the bottom plate; layout of the studs, door and windows; headers; constructing the walls, fastening them to each other; bracing the walls.


• Preparing for the Roof: Discusses bracing the walls, laying out the trusses on the walls.


• The Roof: Discusses the size of the ridge board, crown of boards, support of the ridge.


• Layout and Cut the Rafters: How to layout these rafter, the plumb cuts, the seat cut, installing and layout the ridge board, checking out the rafter patter.


• Install the Rafters: Attaching the rafters with the correct nails, installing the trimmers.


• The Sheathing: Showing how to sheath the roof, installing fascia and barge boards. A tip is included to cut the barge board angle precisely.
• The Soffit: Discusses the three ways to frame a soffit.
• The Siding: How to install vertical siding.
• Windows: How to install the windows including the trim on the exterior.
• The Door: How to install the pre-hung unit.
• Finishing Up: Installing the corner boards and battens.

These plans are for a 10' x12' gambrel roof shed, the mid size in our first series of gambrel roof shed plans. These plans include a Materials List, Elevation drawings of the front, back and sides, Truss Layout and 3 examples of Foundation drawings.

The following drawings:

• Wood Foundation showing the floor joist and foundation.
• Concrete Slab Foundation showing the profile and anchor bolts in the slab.
• Concrete Block Foundation showing the anchor bolts, sill plate and footings.
• Front Side Framing Elevation showing the gable end framing and door opening.
• Back Side Framing Elevation with the placement of the studs.
• Front Elevation of the finished door and batons.
• Truss Layout showing the angles of the cuts for the trusses, their lengths as well as the size of the gussets.
• Side Elevation showing the layout of the trusses on the side walls.

The plans have a List of Materials, which includes size and quantities for:

• Exterior trim
• Studs
• Plates
• Trusses
• Joists
• Gussets for the trusses
• OSB for the walls and roof
• Roofing.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation
  • Concrete Slab: Discussing the placement of anchor bolts; the thickness of the concrete slab and perimeter as well as the material under the slab.
  • Concrete Block: The size of footings required; design of the forms; how to install anchor bolts and the sill plate.
  • Wooden Floor: The wood foundation; the layout of the floor, size of joists, their centers, squaring the floor, how to install tongue and groove (T&G) plywood - staggering and nailing the sheets.


• The Walls: Installing the bottom plate; layout of the studs, door and windows; headers; constructing the walls, fastening them to each other; bracing the walls.


• The Trusses: Laying out the trusses full size from the drawings; framing the gable ends and door.


• Putting it Together: Bracing the walls; laying out the trusses on the walls; erecting the trusses.


• Sheathing the Walls: Framing and sheathing the gable ends; installing sheathing on the walls.


• Making the Roof: Sheathing the roof; installing the overhang.


• The Trim and Door: Trimming the roof, door; constructing and hanging the door.

Storage shed plans for a 12'x16' gable roof garden shed/workshop. Free woodworking plans for members of DaveOsborne.com.

The following drawings:

• Artist Conception of the front and side.
• Elevation of the front showing framing of the rafters and the door in the wall.
• Concrete Slab Foundation a section showing anchor bolts and slab profile.
• Concrete Block Foundation a section showing the anchor bolts, sill plate and footings.
• Wood Foundation a section of the sub-floor framing and foundation.
• Floor Plan showing the layout of the four walls including the position of the door and two windows.
• Corner stud detail is included.
• Framing a Window an elevation of the framing of a typical window with the names of its components.
• Rafter Layout a roof plan showing framing of the rafters and soffits.
• Rafter Cuts a detail of a rafter showing the seat cut and plumb cut.
• Types of Soffits a conception of three different typical soffits designs.
• Window Trim showing an elevation of a typical window with exterior trim.

The plans have a List of Materials, which includes size and quantities for:

• Wood Foundation including the foundation
• Floor joists
• Sub-floor and fastenings
• Walls with a breakdown of the size and number of studs, plates, braces siding battens and corner boards as well as fastenings
• Roof including framing materials of ridge, rafters, trimmers, sheathing, fascia and barge boards, soffit backing, shingles and ridge caps
• The size of the door, and windows including the window exterior trim.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation
  • Concrete Slab: Discussing the placement of anchor bolts; the thickness of the concrete slab and perimeter as well as the material under the slab.
  • Concrete Block: The size of footings required; design of the forms; how to install anchor bolts and the sill plate.
  • Wooden Floor: The wood foundation; the layout of the floor, size of joists, their centers, squaring the floor, how to install tongue and groove (T&G) plywood - staggering and nailing the sheets.


• The Walls: Installing the bottom plate; layout of the studs, door and windows; headers; constructing the walls, fastening them to each other; bracing the walls.


• Preparing for the Roof: Discusses bracing the walls, laying out the trusses on the walls.


• The Roof: Discusses the size of the ridge board, crown of boards, support of the ridge.


• Layout and Cut the Rafters: How to layout these rafter, the plumb cuts, the seat cut, installing and layout the ridge board, checking out the rafter pattern.


• Install the Rafters: Attaching the rafters with the correct nails, installing the trimmers.


• The Soffit: Discusses the three ways to frame a soffit.


• The Siding: How to install vertical siding.


• Windows: How to install the windows including the trim on the exterior.


• The Door: How to install the pre-hung unit.


• Finishing Up: Installing the corner boards and battens.


• The Sheathing: Showing how to sheath the roof, installing fascia and barge boards. A tip is included to cut the barge board angle precisely.

Free outdoor shed plans to build a 12' wide gambrel roof shed with loft that looks like a little barn. These are free to members of DaveOsborne.com.

The following drawings:

• Foundation Plan including sections of the pressure treated wood, concrete slab and concrete block.
• Section of the front showing framing of the trusses and the walls.
• Side Elevation showing the truss layout on the walls.

The plans have a List of Materials, including size and number of the door trim and corner boards, studs, plates, trusses, joists, sub-floor, wood foundation, gussets for the trusses, OSB for the walls and roof; recommended adhesives for the sub-floor, fastenings for the hinges, etc., the framing, sheathing and roofing.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation
  • Concrete Slab: Discussing the placement of anchor bolts; the thickness of the concrete slab and perimeter as well as the material under the slab.
  • Concrete Block: The size of footings required; design of the forms; how to install anchor bolts and the sill plate.
  • Wooden Floor: The wood foundation; the layout of the floor, size of joists, their centers, squaring the floor, how to install tongue and groove (T&G) plywood - staggering and nailing the sheets.


• The Walls: Installing the bottom plate; layout of the studs, door and windows; headers; constructing the walls, fastening them to each other; bracing the walls.


• The Attic Floor: length and layout of the floor joists; installing the T&G plywood; the overhang.


• The Trusses: laying out the trusses full size from the drawings; framing the gable ends and door.


• Putting it Together: Bracing the walls; laying out the trusses on the walls; erecting the trusses.


• Sheathing the Walls: framing and sheathing the gable ends; installing sheathing on the walls.


• Making the Roof: sheathing the roof; installing the overhang.


• The Trim and Door: trimming the roof, door; constructing and hanging the door.

Free outdoor shed plans to build a 12' wide, 16' long gambrel roof shed that looks like a little barn. These are free to members of DaveOsborne.com.

The following drawings:

• Foundation Plan including sections of the pressure treated wood, concrete slab and concrete block.
• Elevation of the Back Side showing framing of the studs and height of the walls.
• Side Elevation showing the truss layout on the walls, as well as the arrangement of wall sheathing.
• Elevation of the front showing gable end barge boards and door with trim.
• Elevation of the front #2 showing the framing of the door and overhang.
• Section of a Truss detailing the layout with gussets and angles of cuts.

The plans have a List of Materials, which includes size and quantities for:

• Door trim
• Corner boards
• Studs
• Plates
• Trusses
• Joists
• Sub-floor
• Wood foundation
• Gussets for the trusses
• OSB for the walls and roof
• Area of the roof
• Fastenings for the hinges, etc.
• The framing
• Sheathing
• Roofing.

The Instructions include the following topics:

• The Foundation
  • Concrete Slab: Discussing the placement of anchor bolts; the thickness of the concrete slab and perimeter as well as the material under the slab.
  • Concrete Block: The size of footings required; design of the forms; how to install anchor bolts and the sill plate.
  • Wooden Floor: The wood foundation; the layout of the floor, size of joists, their centers, squaring the floor, how to install tongue and groove (T&G) plywood - staggering and nailing the sheets.


• The Walls: Installing the bottom plate; layout of the studs, constructing the side walls, bracing the walls.


• The Trusses: Laying out the trusses full size from the drawings.


• Putting it Together: Bracing the walls; laying out the trusses on the walls; erecting the trusses.


• Sheathing the Walls: Framing and sheathing the front and back walls; framing the door; installing sheathing on the walls.


• Making the Roof: Sheathing the roof; installing the overhang and barge boards.


• The Trim and Door: Trimming the roof, door; constructing and hanging the door.

This is a very simple 32x96 work bench for the shop. It has an overhang to clamp work pieces to and a shelf to store your power tools under the bench. This would be ideal as a receiving bench behind a table saw or as a table to assemble your projects

The following drawings:

• A section of the length of the work bench
• A section of the end of the work table
• Detail of the work bench legs

The plans have a List of Materials, including the size and number of sheets of MDF, the size and number of the legs and ledgers, the size and quantity of screws and the recommended glue.

The Instructions include the following topics:

The Intro, Constructing the Bents, Assembly and Finishing.

This is our stair calculator that you can download to your laptop.

This is the same stair calculator that's on our site. It's been packaged so you can install it on your laptop and take it to work with you.

This comes as a ZIP file, which you will need to save to your computer's hard drive and then unzip it to uncompress its files. Then simply double-click on staircalc.htm to load the calculator into your browser.

All of Dave's articles in the How to Build Stairs series and the stair calculator.

This package consists of eight articles on How to Build Stairs, our Dave's Dictionary of Construction Terms and our Stair Calculator.

The first article is entitled How to Build Stairs. The following drawings are included in this article: Correct and Incorrect Steps; Total Rise; Parts of a Step; Slope of a Stair; Headroom; Deck Stairs showing pickets, post and beam support, footings stairs and handrails; Handrail Heights. This article discusses how to start off the calculations of a set of stairs, explaining terms such as total run and total rise. It explains the relationship between run and rise and how to calculate the exact number and size of the risers. The article continues with topics such as: Enough Room?; Width of the Stairs; Outside Stairs; Putting it All Together; Stringer Support and Handrails.

Our second article, How to Layout Stair Stringers, discusses choosing the size of the stringer; the layout using the steel framing square; the bottom riser and installing the stringer. The following drawings are included in this article: The Stringer; The square on the stringer; stair gauges; the bottom of the stringer and stringer with strip.

The third article, Installing a Landing in a Set of Stairs, discusses installing a landing in a set of stairs. The following drawings are included in this article: the stringer on the landing and the landing framing. The article discusses changing the direction in a set of stairs; how to place the landing in the set of stairs; constructing the landing and supporting the stringer on the landing.

The fourth article, How to Install an Inside Handrail, is about installing an inside handrail on a set of stairs including around a landing and the floor opening. Spindles and newel posts are also discussed. The diagrams in this article include: Spindles and Newels; Stair parts; the scroll assembly and rail connection; different rail profiles; securing spindles; securing newels and spindles on the stairs; components in a staircase. The following pictures of the staircase in my home are also included: base of the newel post and spindles; spindles on a step; front view of the bottom of the stairs; side view of the bottom of the stairs; view from the top; a curved top rail and newels and spindles around the floor opening.

The fifth article is entitled: Installing Hardwood on Stairs. Its topics include: Top and Bottom Risers; Inspect Your Stringers; Install Risers Before Treads; Installation Details.

The sixth article is How to Build Concrete Stairs. Drawings included are: Concrete Stairs Forms with a riser detail. The article relates to a story of my first job forming concrete stairs and how I did it.

Our seventh article, Lapeyre or Alternating Tread Stairs, discusses lapeyre or alternating tread stairs used for lofts and areas with limited room for conventional stairs. Two pictures are included of finished lapeyre stairs, one of wood and one of steel. The following drawings are included: the working triangle; stringer detail and tread detail. This article gives the building code points for these stairs as well as a math lesson on figuring them out.

Our final article, Frequently Asked Questions on Stairs, consists of 33 questions from members of our site and my answers on the general subject of stairs.

The dictionary consists of construction terms that I use in the articles. Each word is highlighted in the article and linked to the dictionary.

Finally, the package is complete with the Stair Calculator a popular tool on our website. This calculator is downloadable to a laptop or home computer to run independent of the Internet. The builder types in his total rise into the calculator and clicks on calculate to find a breakdown of the size and number of rises, the size and the number of runs and the length to purchase of the material for the stringer. An optional size of floor opening calculation is also included with the height of the floor space inserted.

Free woodworking plans for a sunshine ceiling wooden fluorescent light enclosure. These are free to our members.

Detailed drawings of a plan and elevation showing its dimensions and angles of the sunshine ceiling.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the sunshine ceiling.

The Instructions discuss how to make and install a sunshine ceiling around a 4' fluorescent fixture.

This plan includes my article on a translation of the Building Code into simple layman's terms for building residential ramps for the disabled in wheelchairs. I have given the desired slope and width, as well as height of handrails and curb.

The following drawings:

• Wheelchair ramp side and front views showing the framing of deck support and handrails
• Upper landing detail showing support of the landing at the porch
• Template detail showing how to start the project
• Alternate braces detail showing another option for bracing the posts and handrails.

The plans have a List of Materials showing quantities and numbers of joists, ledgers, braces, posts and handrails; size and number of sheets of plywood for the deck; size and amount of screws and nails.

The instructions include the following topics:

A discussion of the Building Code in regard to ramps for the disabled. How to build a level landing area over the porch and steps; how to determine the length of the ramp; how to layout the slope; tips for a non-slip surface.

Build an ornamental wishing well for your yard.

Detailed drawings of: Side and end Elevation showing the dimensions and angles; plan view of the wishing well ring; roof framing detail; drum and crank detail; detail of the bucket.

The plans have a List of Materials, showing a breakdown of materials needed for the wishing well.

The Instructions discuss how to cut the angles for the ring and octagonal wishing well bucket. The crank has a unique locking device to keep the bucket up. The bucket would look nice with a plant in it. The roof support and framing are also discussed.

Dave