Building A Cheap Tractor Shed – Guide

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Your tractor won’t do well sitting outside due to the harsh environmental conditions. Exposure to the sun can harm the rubber tubing used for fuel lines on the engine.

Direct sunlight can also make the tires on your tractor dry out and crack prematurely.

A storage shed can provide shelter for your equipment to ensure that it serves you well for a long time.

But the good thing is that you don’t have to spend too much money on a decent shelter. Here’s our guide on building a cheap tractor shed.

Comprehensive Guide On Building A Cheap Tractor Shed

Building a cheap shed doesn’t need to be an intimidating task. And by cheap, we don’t mean a poor quality structure.

It means a low-cost but still high-quality shed, strong enough to withstand weather and elements.

You can significantly cut down the cost of construction if you know what to do and what the project needs.

That will help you avoid mistakes that can cost you so much money.

The Tools And Materials You Need

You’ll need all the carpentry power and hand tools to build your tractor shed regardless of the size.

Knowing which tools you need beforehand will help you decide if you want to construct the shed yourself or hire a builder.

These are the power tools that you’ll need for the project:

Cordless drill for drilling holes
Impact driver for driving screws
Jobsite table saw, or portable circular saw for all the crosscuts

For the hand tools, you must have all the necessary carpentry tools, including:

Tape measure and a hammer
Combination square and framing square
Chalk reel and handsaw
Flat pry bar and 2 ft. and 4 ft. lever

The following is a list containing some of the materials you’ll need for building a cheap tractor shed:

12 in total, 6 x 6 piers
2 x 10 pressure-treated pine beams
3/4 tongue and groove plywood
24-inch On-Center 2 x 4s
7/16-inch outside grade tongue and groove T1-11
2 x 8 pressure-treated pines
3/4 pressure-treated pine
18 x 27 inches (single suspended) aluminum shed windows
Wall paints
Latex floor paint

Tip:

Check out various home improvement stores and lumber yards for discounted materials. That can save you a lot of bucks and enable help to build a tractor shed cheaply.

The Step-by-Step Tractor Shed Building Process

Step 1: Sink 6 x 6 Piers 3.5 ft down In Concrete

Identify a smooth and layered site for your tractor shed. After that, start the construction by sinking 6 x 6 piers 3.5ft in concrete.

Weight is the primary concern here. The floor must be strong enough to support the tractor’s weight and maybe a few other items.

Note:

Your neighborhood and local authorities have rules and regulations regarding the construction of sheds. Ensure you take time to familiarize yourself with them.

Following all the guidelines will save you time and avoid making costly mistakes.

Step 2: Prepare The Floor

Use 2 x 10 pressure-treated pine beams for the floor 16-inch On-Center. Then put 3/4 tongue and groove plywood on top for a sturdy floor.

If you want, add another layer of plywood for safety, especially on the place that will come directly under the tractor’s wheels.

But if you don’t mind spending a little more, you can add the second layer to the whole area of your shed.

You’ll need 12 piers for the entire project; 4 on each end and 4 in the middle (3ft interval). The procedure will create two 12ft sheds linked together.

Ensure one side of the shed rests on the concrete mass on the ground for its entire length on the side where you’ll pack the tractor.

That will add an extra layer of safety.

Step 3: Construct The Walls

Build the wall of your tractor shed using 24-inch On-Center 2 x 4s. After that, cover them with a 7/16-inch outside-grade tongue and groove T1-11.

Create 8 shed windows by cutting the walls. Find 18 x 27 inches single suspended (flush supported) aluminum shed windows.

You’ll need to put an extra stud per window to mount it properly. The 8 additional studs will support some additional weight.

Make sure the door is big enough for the tractor; measure the tractor’s width, including its bucket. You don’t want to have any issues later.

If the bucket is about 6 feet wide, make the door approximately 8 feet wide. Avoid making two 4ft. wide double doors as that would be difficult to suspend.

Instead, choose a 7ft, 7-inch sliding door.

Step 4: Roofing The Shed

Go for a flat roof to keep the cost of the shed as minimum as possible. Use 2 x 4 rafters if you’re not in a heavy snow-prone area.

But, for a roof that’s likely to experience heavy snow and wind, use 2 x 6 rafters.

Use 26-gauge metal roofing sheets or asphalt shingles according to your preference and budget.

Note:

A slanting or gable roof with 2 x 4s for your shed would be better. This design is more durable and long-lasting than a flat roof.

The slant enables the roof to withstand snow, ice, and water as it will shed off it immediately. But you must choose the pitch right if you decide to go for a slant roof.

Allow the slight angle to fall at least 4/12.

Step 5: Building The Ramp

Construct the ramp using 2 x 8 pressure-treated pines on 16-inch On-Centers suspended with galvanized beam hangers.

Cover them with heavy-duty, 3/4 pressure-treated pine. That will withstand the weight of the tractor when getting in and out.

Step 6: Paint The Shed

Treat the walls with suitable primers and then apply 2 coats of paint. Next, apply two coats of latex floor paint to the interior and make a few shelves between the studs.

The tractor shed is now ready for use! Your tractor will fit inside and still have a space to keep other tools and accessories.

Factors To Consider Before Building A Tractor Shed

Consider the following factors before building your tractor shed to ensure you make informed decisions. They include:

How much energy and time does the project require – You might need days to complete the construction. Can you afford to devote this time? Do you need help putting up the structure? Should you go for a prefabricated shed instead, and how much are you able and willing to spend?
What roofing material and style is best – Choose the materials and the style according to your budget and preferences.
What kind of foundation is ideal for your shed – Concrete foundations are suitable for a tractor shed. They are also very cost-effective. However, you’re free to choose other options.
What kind of security does your shed need – Consider if you need a door (types of doors, including sliding doors, double doors, etc.) or not. Do you need other security measures to secure your shed?