Ryan’s Shed Plans Reviews: The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful Sheds

As a DIY enthusiast and woodworking hobbyist, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of building my own backyard structures. When I first stumbled upon Ryan’s Shed Plans, I was intrigued by the promise of over 12,000 shed designs and step-by-step instructions.

After spending countless hours exploring these plans and putting them to the test, I’m here to share my honest thoughts on this comprehensive shed-building resource.

Table of Contents

The Man Behind the Plans: Ryan Henderson

Ryan Henderson, the creator of Ryan’s Shed Plans, is a professional craftsman with years of experience in woodworking and construction. His goal in developing this extensive collection of shed plans was to make shed building accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level or prior experience.

Ryan’s approach is rooted in the belief that with clear, detailed instructions, anyone can successfully build a beautiful and functional shed. It’s an ambitious claim, but one that’s supported by the sheer volume and variety of plans he offers.

What’s Included in Ryan’s Shed Plans?

When you purchase Ryan’s Shed Plans, you receive:

Over 12,000 shed plans and designs
Step-by-step instructions for each plan
Complete materials lists
3D CAD-designed images for visual clarity
Lifetime access to an online members area
Four bonus items (more on these later)
A 60-day money-back guarantee

At first glance, 12,000 plans might seem excessive. However, this vast selection ensures that you’ll find a design that fits your specific needs, space constraints, and aesthetic preferences.

The Good: Strengths of Ryan’s Shed Plans

Beginner-Friendly Approach

One of the standout features of Ryan’s Shed Plans is it’s accessibility. Each plan comes with detailed, step-by-step instructions that break down the building process into manageable chunks.

For visual learners, the inclusion of 3D CAD-designed images is a game-changer.

These detailed renderings help you visualize the end product and understand how each component fits together.

Comprehensive Materials Lists

Each plan includes a thorough materials list, which serves two important purposes. First, it ensures you have everything you need before starting your project, preventing frustrating mid-build supply runs.

Second, these lists help you estimate costs upfront, allowing for better budget planning.

Customization Options

The vast array of plans becomes a significant advantage when you consider the customization possibilities. Many designs include instructions for modifying dimensions or features, allowing you to tailor the shed to your specific needs. This flexibility is particularly useful for people who have unique space constraints or specific functional requirements.

Cost-Effective Solution

Building your own shed can result in substantial savings compared to purchasing a pre-built structure. While there’s an initial investment in tools and materials, the long-term savings can be significant, especially if you plan to build multiple structures over time.

The Bad: Potential Drawbacks

Information Overload

The sheer volume of plans, while impressive, can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. Navigating through 12,000 options to find the perfect plan might feel daunting.

A more streamlined categorization system or a curated selection of popular designs could help mitigate this issue.

Skill Level Discrepancies

Although the plans are marketed as beginner-friendly, some users report that certain designs require more advanced woodworking skills than advertised. It’s crucial to carefully assess your abilities and perhaps start with simpler projects before tackling more complex designs.

Time Commitment

Building a shed from scratch requires a significant time investment. While Ryan’s plans aim to streamline the process, some users have reported that projects took longer than expected. This could be frustrating for people who have tight schedules or limited free time.

Material Availability

Depending on your location, sourcing all the specified materials might be challenging. While Ryan provides a directory of woodworking suppliers, availability can vary, potentially leading to delays or the need for material substitutions.

The Beautiful: Standout Features

The “We Have It Or We’ll Get It” Guarantee

One of the most impressive aspects of Ryan’s Shed Plans is the commitment to customer satisfaction. If you can’t find a plan that meets your specific needs among the 12,000 offered, Ryan promises to create a custom plan for you.

This level of personalization adds significant value to the package and shows a genuine commitment to customer success.

Lifetime Access and Updates

In an era where digital products often come with expiration dates or subscription fees, Ryan’s offer of lifetime access to the online members area is refreshing. This means you’ll always have access to your purchased plans and any updates or new designs added to the collection.

Bonus Materials

The package includes four bonus items that enhance the overall value:

Advanced Woodworking Tips
Directory of Suppliers
Complete Home Improvement Guide
Lifetime Free Updates

These extras provide extra resources and knowledge to support your shed-building journey and future DIY projects.

Building Your First Shed: A Step-by-Step Overview

Choose Your Plan: Start by browsing the available designs and selecting one that fits your needs and skill level.

Consider factors like size, style, and intended use.

Gather Materials: Use the provided materials list to source everything you’ll need. I recommend buying a little extra to account for mistakes or unforeseen issues.

This is especially important for lumber, as some pieces may have imperfections.

Prepare Your Site: Clear and level the area where your shed will stand.

Consider factors like drainage and sun exposure.

If necessary, create a gravel base or pour a concrete slab for a solid foundation.

Build the Foundation: Follow the plan’s instructions for creating a solid base.

This could be a concrete slab, wooden platform, or another option depending on your chosen design and local building codes.

Frame the Structure: This is where the 3D renderings really come in handy.

Take your time with this crucial step, as a properly framed structure will ensure the stability and longevity of your shed.

Add Walls and Roof: Follow the step-by-step guide to erect walls and install roofing.

Pay close attention to weatherproofing details, such as properly installing vapor barriers and flashing.

Finish and Customize: Add doors, windows, and any interior features.

This is your chance to make the shed truly yours.

Consider adding personal touches like custom shelving, workbenches, or decorative elements.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Underestimating Time Requirements

Building a shed takes time, especially if you’re new to woodworking. Be realistic about your available time and skill level.

It’s better to go slow and steady than to rush and make mistakes.

I recommend setting aside more time than you think you’ll need and breaking the project into manageable chunks.

Skimping on Materials

Using high-quality materials results in a more durable, longer-lasting shed. While it’s tempting to cut costs, investing in good materials pays off in the long run. This is particularly important for elements like roofing, siding, and hardware that will be exposed to the elements.

Ignoring Local Regulations

Before you start, check local building codes and obtain any necessary allows. Failure to do so could result in fines or forced removal of your shed. Some areas have restrictions on shed size, placement, or design, so it’s crucial to do your homework before breaking ground.

Neglecting Site Preparation

A level, well-drained foundation is crucial for the longevity of your shed. Don’t rush this step. Take the time to properly prepare your site, including addressing any drainage issues and ensuring a level base.

This initial effort will pay dividends in the stability and durability of your finished shed.

Forgetting About Maintenance

Plan for long-term care of your shed, including regular inspections and treatments to protect against weather and pests. This might include annual staining or sealing, checking for and repairing any leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Adapting Plans to Your Needs

One of the strengths of Ryan’s Shed Plans is the flexibility to modify designs. Here are some tips for customization:

Size Adjustments

Most plans can be scaled up or down to fit your specific space requirements. Just be sure to adjust your materials list accordingly and consider how changes in size might affect the structural integrity of the design.

Functional Add-ons

Consider adding features like built-in workbenches, storage lofts, or even a small porch. These additions can significantly increase the functionality of your shed. When adding features, be mindful of how they might affect the overall structure and make necessary adjustments to support any extra weight or stress.

Aesthetic Changes

Don’t be afraid to alter the exterior design to match your home or personal style. This might include changes to siding, roofing materials, or color schemes.

Remember that some changes might affect the shed’s weather resistance, so consider functionality alongside aesthetics.

Climate Considerations

Modify plans to suit your local weather conditions. This might mean extra insulation for cold climates, stronger roofing for areas with heavy snowfall, or improved ventilation for hot and humid regions.

Understanding your local climate will help you make smart modifications that enhance your shed’s durability and functionality.

From Novice to Master: Your Shed-Building Journey

Building your first shed with Ryan’s Plans marks the beginning of your woodworking journey. As you gain confidence and skills, you’ll find yourself tackling more complex projects.

Here’s how this progression might unfold:

Start Small

Begin with a simple storage shed to get comfortable with the basics of construction. This initial project will help you develop fundamental skills like measuring, cutting, and assembling basic structures.

Expand Your Skills

Move on to more complex designs, like workshops or garden houses. These projects will introduce you to more advanced techniques such as installing windows, complex roofing, and electrical work.

Customize and Create

Start modifying plans to suit your specific needs and preferences. This stage is where you’ll begin to develop your own design sensibilities and problem-solving skills.

Share Your Knowledge

As you become more experienced, consider joining online woodworking communities to share tips and learn from others. Platforms like Reddit’s r/woodworking or dedicated forums can be great places to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Tackle Advanced Projects

With your newfound skills, you might find yourself taking on larger construction projects beyond just sheds. This could include building decks, pergolas, or even small guest houses.

Exercises to Hone Your Skills

Material Identification

Practice identifying different types of wood and building materials at your local hardware store. Learn about the properties of various woods and their best uses in construction projects.

Scale Model Building

Before tackling a full-sized project, try building a miniature version using popsicle sticks or cardboard. This exercise helps you understand the overall structure and identify potential issues before committing to full-scale construction.

Tool Mastery

Spend time getting comfortable with each tool you’ll need. Practice on scrap wood before working on your actual shed. Focus on developing precision and consistency in your cuts and joinery.

Plan Reading

Study various shed plans, even ones you don’t intend to build, to improve your ability to interpret construction drawings. Pay attention to how different elements are represented and how the plans talk assembly instructions.

Design Challenge

Try sketching your own shed design, then compare it to similar plans in Ryan’s collection to see how a professional would approach it. This exercise helps develop your understanding of structural principles and design considerations.

Key Takeaways

Ryan’s Shed Plans offers an extensive collection of designs suitable for various skill levels and needs.
The step-by-step instructions and 3D renderings make complex projects accessible to beginners.
While the volume of plans can be overwhelming, the customization options and lifetime access add significant value.
Building your own shed can be cost-effective but requires a substantial time commitment.
Careful planning, including checking local regulations and proper site preparation, is crucial for success.