How to Finish the Interior of a Shed – A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Sheds are great for storage but what if you need something climate controlled or you want to turn it into a office, she-shed, or any outdoor room? Let's go through all the steps and things you have to have in mind to finish a shed into your cozy outdoor space.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

• Decide on the shed’s purpose (workspace, guest room, storage, etc.). First of all we have to make sure what is needed to finish the shed, and this depends a lot on what you are going to use the shed for. You will have to install electrical, insulation, and maybe even plumbing so you want something that allows those to be installed and be safe and last you a long time.
• Next is this project something you want to do yourself or are you hiring someone to do it? If you have the knowledge and tools it might be worth it doing it yourself but otherwise it will be better to hire someone that has the tools and knowledge already.
• Also check with your city or HOA if permits are needed for the shed itself if don't have it yet and also if there are any limitations.
• To have a good interior you have to start with a great exterior that is water proof and will keep the interior dry, make sure there are no leaks at all and everything is in great shape.
• Create a floor plan drawing showing where you want electrical and water. Don't forget about A/C units, water heaters, and any appliance and be aware of there amperage and what kind of outlet they require.

Step 2: Interior Framing

• The first thing you have to look at to finish the interior is the interior framing itself. Usually storage sheds are not designed to be finished in the inside so it will require some extra framing to finish the interior. You will have to add "dead wood" in all corners and sides so you have something to nail the sheetrock or whatever material you use in the interior. This includes corners in the ceiling and walls.
• If you want to have any interior divisions, you will have to frame those as well before you continue.

Step 3: Installing Electrical and Plumbing(If Needed)

• If you want any electrical or water inside your shed this is the time to add that, this usually consists of running all the rough wiring to the electrical outlets, lights, and breaker box. And also running all the water pipes that are needed.
• If you are not an electrician or plumber this is better hired out to a professional since they have to be installed properly and it requires knowledge and skill to do.
• In terms of cost, that will depend on how much you want but you are probably looking at $500 minimum for simple electrical wiring and connection.

Step 4: Insulating the Shed

• Insulation is what will help keep your shed at the right temperature during winter and summer, so after the electrical wiring and the water pipes are run, you can work insulating the shed.
• There are many different types of insulations, if you have a lower budget you can get the batt insulation which you can get ready to fit between the studs of the wall and the rafters. Or if you want something even better and more expensive you can go with spray foam insulation that will be completely air tight.
• Insulating the floor depends on the floor type that you have, if it is a concrete slab then most people won't install insulation but something more like a barrier to have a separation between concrete and the flooring. If you have a wood floor with floor joists you will have to leave without insulation or use closed cell spray foam insulation which is water and moister proof as well.

Step 5: Wall Paneling

• Wall covering options:
  • Plywood or OSB (budget-friendly, durable, easier to install, but not as good looking).
  • Drywall (gives a finished look but requires mudding/taping).
  • Shiplap or wood paneling (for a rustic look).
• Every material has its way of installation, most will require you to trim out the corners to finish.

Step 6: Installing Flooring

• Choosing the right flooring:
  • Existing subfloor.
  • Vinyl plank flooring (durable, waterproof, easy to install).
  • Laminate or engineered wood (good for home-like feel).
  • Epoxy coating (great for workshops).
• If you have a wood subfloor you can just seal it and sand it if you like the look of it. And if you have a concrete pad you can also seal it and use it like that as the floor.
• The other types of floorings you will have to buy and install over the wood subfloor or the concrete pad

Step 7: Painting and Finishing Touches

• Choose the color for the paint in the interior, lighter colors will make the space look bigger and choose the right paint for the material you are painting.
• Install cabinets, shelves and the most permanent furniture.
• Also finish all the electrical and water fixtures.

Step 8: Install A/C Unit

Last step is installing the A/C unit. There are different ways of doing this, you can hire someone to do it but there is also some DIY kits that you can install yourself if you want to go that route and safe a little bit. Also if your shed has a window you can install a window unit in it(plan this ahead since a plug is required close to the window and an A/C unit uses more power that some appliances. It is important that you don't leave your shed sealed with no ventilation or A/C since moister inside will get trapped and create mold.

Conclusion

• After following these steps you will have yourself a nice cozy space for you to use throughout the year no matter the temperature outside.
• If your project will have furniture and cabinets inside it is strongly recommended to plan really well where everything is going to go so you can build everything from the first step accordingly, you don't want to have a plug or light misplaced or have to add a plug or light after everything is done. Take your time to plan it at the beginning.
• And if you are thinking about getting a high quality shed you can take a look at the options we offer to see if we can help you out with your project.

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