Lumber Calculator for Shed

Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key information about lumber for sheds:

Lumber Type	Best Used For	Pros	Cons	Durability	Cost
Pine	Framing, general construction	– Inexpensive – Easy to work with – Readily available	– Less durable than hardwoods – Requires treatment for outdoor use	Moderate	Low
Cedar	Siding, trim	– Naturally rot-resistant – Insect-repellent – Attractive appearance	– More expensive than pine – Softer wood, can dent easily	High	High
Oak	Framing, flooring	– Very durable – Strong – Attractive grain	– Expensive – Heavy – Can be difficult to work with	Very High	High
Pressure-Treated Lumber	Foundation, floor joists	– Highly resistant to rot and insects – Long-lasting	– Can warp or twist – Contains chemicals – More expensive than untreated wood	High	Moderate
Plywood (Exterior Grade)	Wall sheathing, roofing	– Strong and stable – Weather-resistant – Versatile	– Not as attractive for visible surfaces – Can delaminate if exposed to moisture	Moderate to High	Moderate
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)	Wall sheathing, roofing	– Inexpensive – Uniform strength	– Less durable than plywood – Swells when exposed to moisture	Moderate	Low
T1-11 Siding	Exterior siding	– Serves as both sheathing and siding – Rustic appearance	– Requires regular maintenance – Can warp if not properly sealed	Moderate	Moderate
Douglas Fir	Framing	– Strong – Resistant to warping – Good for larger structures	– Less naturally rot-resistant than cedar	Moderate to High	Moderate
Siberian Larch	Siding, cladding	– Naturally durable – Attractive appearance – Resistant to decay	– Can be expensive – May not be readily available	High	High

When building a shed, consider using:

• Pressure-treated lumber for the foundation and floor joists
• Pine or Douglas Fir for framing
• Exterior-grade plywood or OSB for wall sheathing and roofing
• Cedar, T1-11, or treated pine for siding
• Cedar or treated pine for trim