Why Every Roof Needs a Ridge Vent
June 17, 2025
Building Materials Distributor Pennsylvania
July 15, 2025By: Blog Writer Published: July 1, 2025 Category: Shed Industry
When you build a shed, every board, joist, and panel matters. Having a clear shed material list helps you plan your budget, avoid extra trips to the store, and build a structure that lasts for years.
Use this guide to understand every core part of your shed — from the skids underneath to the roofing and trim on top.
Foundation Runners (Skids)
What They Do:
Foundation runners, or skids, lift your shed off the ground to improve airflow and prevent rot. They help level your shed on uneven terrain and protect the floor from moisture.
Recommended Materials:
Pressure-treated 4×4 or 4×6 lumber rated for ground contact. Southern Yellow Pine or Douglas Fir treated to UC4A or UC4B standards is common.
Floor Joists
What They Do:
Floor joists sit on the skids and support your shed floor. They distribute weight evenly, providing strength for heavy tools and equipment.
Recommended Materials:
Pressure-treated 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8 lumber for added decay resistance.
Flooring
What It Does:
Your shed’s flooring panels create a strong, stable walking surface. They need to handle weight, traffic, and occasional moisture.
Recommended Materials:
Use 5/8″ or 3/4″ exterior-grade plywood or OSB panels designed for flooring. For extra protection, Forest Guard panels are an excellent choice — they’re pressure-treated to resist rot and insects while minimizing swelling, delamination, and extra kiln time. Forest Guard flooring helps ensure your shed floor stays strong and structurally sound in damp or exposed conditions.
Wall Framing
What It Does:
Wall framing forms the skeleton of your shed, supporting siding, windows, doors, and the roof.
Recommended Materials:
2×4 kiln-dried SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir) or Douglas Fir framing lumber, spaced 16″ or 24″ on center.
Roof Framing
What It Does:
Roof framing defines your shed’s shape and supports the roof’s weight. It needs to handle wind, rain, and snow loads.
Recommended Materials:
2×4 or 2×6 rafters for small sheds. For larger spans, pre-fabricated trusses are a good option. Southern Yellow Pine or Douglas Fir are reliable choices.
Sheathing
What It Does:
Sheathing covers the wall and roof framing. It adds strength, helps keep the structure square, and provides a base for siding and roofing.
Recommended Materials:
OSB or plywood panels rated for exterior use. Use 7/16” OSB for walls and 5/8” or thicker for roof decks.
Roofing
What It Does:
Roofing protects your shed from rain, snow, and sun while adding curb appeal. It’s your shed’s first line of defense against the elements.
Recommended Materials:
Asphalt shingles or for a more natural look, use Western Red Cedar shingles like Certi-Label™. Add a ridge vent for ventilation.
Siding
What It Does:
Siding shields your shed’s walls and gives it a finished look. Good siding keeps out moisture and pests and resists warping.
Recommended Materials:
Duratemp® engineered panels or Eastern White Pine board & batten for a rustic style.
Windows & Doors
What They Do:
Windows let in natural light and ventilation. Doors provide secure access and need to be strong enough for repeated use and wide enough for large items.
Recommended Materials:
Vinyl or aluminum single-pane or double-pane shed windows. Barn-style double doors built with 2×4 framing and exterior plywood. Heavy-duty strap hinges, keyed latches, and garage door seals.
Trim
What It Does:
Trim finishes the edges of your shed, sealing gaps around windows, doors, corners, and roof lines. Good trim keeps water and pests out while giving your shed a clean, polished look.
Recommended Materials:
MiraTEC® composite trim is an excellent choice. This resists rot and holds paint well.
Build It Right from the Ground Up
A clear shed material list is the foundation for a sturdy, long-lasting backyard shed. Choosing the right materials for each part — from your skids and floor joists to your roofing and trim — will make your build easier and ensure it stands up to years of weather.
Looking for premium framing lumber, siding, roofing, or trim? Capital Forest Products sources quality building materials from trusted mills and suppliers. Let us help you get what you need to complete your shed material list.
