Best way to build an 8x16 shed without help?

Question

I was originally planning to build each outside wall then put them onto the concrete slab with the help of one girl, but after realizing that each wall is going to be like 300 lbs or more, I'm wondering if its a good idea to build it in its position? By that I mean, place the bottom plate in its permanent spot, then put in 3 or 4 king studs and the top plate on top. Then just trying to slide all the other studs in between. I've never done this without building it lying flat, and not sure if it causes problems doing it this way (especially since you can only nail diagonally into the bottome plate).

Answer 1

It is difficult to build a wall in place, but certainly not impossible.  The biggest problem you will have is trying to hold everything in place while trying to nail the studs in place.  

I would recommend build the wall lying flat and figure out a way to raise the wall.  

One option would be to place a kicker (anything that will stop the bottom plate from sliding past the point you want it) and then using a rope and come-along attached to a truck/tree/other strong object and raise the wall using mechanical force.

I have done similar things when putting up SIP (Structurally Insulated Panel) walls, except using a crane rather than a come-along.

Answer 2

Whenever you can build a wall on the ground and tilt it into place that's what you should do. There isn't anything drastically wrong with building a wall in place and toe-nailing it to the bottom plate. I have built many gable end walls this way.But... if you can avoid it... Fill a cooler with some of your friends favorite drinks and call a couple of them over!

If you must build it in place I would recommend marking your layout and nailing the king studs, trimmers, headers and maybe the corner studs through the bottom plate and first top plate and then raising the wall. As long as you don't have too many doors and windows (I don't imagine you do in a shed) the wall should be light enough for you to lift. As another said, use a kicker to keep the bottom plate from sliding. There are many options for raising the wall: maybe it will be light enough for you to lift: you can cut 2X4 braces and attach them to the top plate with gate hinges and nail some blocks to the floor; as you lift the wall the braces slide along the floor and once past the blocks you can have some 'resting' places. The safest options for raising the wall by yourself are the winch mentioned in another answer if you have a tree or something else to use. There is also a device I have only heard called a wall jack you can rent. It's kind of like a very tall off-road Jeep jack. Attach it to the floor and the top of the wall and crank it on up. You need to use one every several feet depending on how heavy the wall is.

Once you have the wall up go ahead and slide the common studs in place and nail them through the top plate then toe-nail them to the bottom plate.

Answer 3

build the walls on the flat, leave the out side covering off, then lift it into place, [less weight]

Answer 4

Even on the 16' wall you and her should be able to raise it.  Just get one end started then the other by putting a saw horse or such under it back and forth.  Once half way up each can get a hand easy.  Have the board to brace it and such handy.

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Answer 5

build your walls laying flat and then just hoist the walls up they will be alot lighter that way and you can still do this yourself.Good Luck!