Backyard Studio Tuff Shed - Start to Finish

BEHOLD! My 20x10 Tuff Shed Backyard Studio. I am a Portland-based graphic designer (yea, yea I know, for a creative professional person this video is not great) who, since the beginning of the pandemic, was spending 8-10 hours a day in a converted space in the garage. So with an indefinite WFH position lined up, it was time to upgrade. Hopefully this video gives some insight into the work involved in building your dream shed.
If you have questions feel free to ask in the comments. I probably left out a lot of details. Sorry about that.
[edit] Since so many have asked, I have added a VERY rough cost breakdown:
Site Prep: ≈1k
Tuff Shed (10x20 Premier Pro Tall Ranch): 10k
Electrical, Lighting, Drywall, Paint, Flooring, AC etc: 6-7k
Furnishing, blinds, TV, etc: ≈2k
In the end, this project cost around $20k, give or take. If you're thinking about doing a similar project, keep in mind that I did almost all the work myself and saved lots of money that way.
A couple words of advice. I have done a TON of DIY work remodeling nearly every room in my house and gleaned a ton of knowledge but one thing I will say is don't mess around with electricity. Hire a pro if you don't know what you're doing because it can kill you. Also, take your time and be patient. This project started in April and finished in September.

[@BobABooey.]

I went to Home-Depot and measured out their barn shaped shed. Coppied the planes, improved the design and made it for less than what they wanted. 20 years later, it still looks like new.

[@randrewsb2300]

Currently doing the same. 3 weekends of work at a casual pace and I’m 2/3rd done

[@BobABooey.]

@@randrewsb2300 Those Tuff Sheds are junk, press wood tha comes apart after a few rains.

[@dillongentry]

@@BobABooey. it’s been raining like crazy here for weeks and so far so good. Hopefully my experience is different than yours!

[@slydog7131]

When I wanted to build a storage shed, I did the same thing. Checked out their sheds, took a lot of pictures of the internal framing and construction, then did my own build. It came out great.

[@Kwedeekhapo]

@@BobABooey. false. I've worked inside one for the last 3 years. No problems whatsoever

[@ohdang8515]

Wish I could like this video twice. Short. To the point. No nonsense. Perfect. Thank you.

[@TheJmcraezy]

Amen. And no crazy music.

[@gerardgmz]

I can't stand videos where they give you so much back story, and extra details

[@TheJmcraezy]

@@gerardgmz Amen!!

[@anchorpoint3631]

yeah pitiful video

[@DJaePea]

📌 Pin worthy comment📍

[@HideousHeathensTV]

The amount of info you put in 5 minutes is amazing. I need this in my life but I know it's 6 months of work.

[@jss3018]

Love it! Love the format and how you went from one job to another. Gave everyone an idea of how it can be done step by step. Excellent.

[@MySilverSprings]

You did such a great job! Your video definitely made it look less daunting and included great information. I am now seriously contemplating getting one for our backyard.

[@onlycambriaa]

I’ve watched youtube DIY’s for over 10 years. This is hands down one of the BEST videos I’ve watched. Informational ✅ Helpful ✅ Short and Straight to the point ✅ Thank you so much!!!

[@dillongentry]

Thanks so much!

[@westcoastrey3679]

Nice job, looks like a nice getaway, even if it's steps from your home. It's still a new place, new space, and it has been made very well. Thank you for sharing your story.👍

[@mikejohn0088]

It's a good place to retire to when the old lady demands you leave the primary residence.

[@andrewortman4402]

I did something very similar this year! Only differences are - I used spray foam (open cell) throughout, and I buried my electrical + fiber connection back to the home.

[@betoinbeta]

love what you did and love that this was as simple no frills explanation, with just the right amount of detail.

[@SC-je7ew]

Thank you for making this video. Been considering the exact size and this helped me visualize the final space and layout better. Well done.

[@justincase8533]

Excellent presentation. Straight to the point on every step. Nice crib!

[@inmyfreetyme]

U had me from the beginning. Loved this video the whole way through. Quick, Informative, To The Point And Enjoyable. Thanks 4 taking your time to make it and share with us ALL. Cheers !!😎

[@MMM-go4pl]

Your man cave looks really nice. We are planning to build something like that in our yard next year. Thanks for sharing and giving us ideas what to do.

[@KensGarage1]

You did a fantastic job on that. Looks to be a very comfortable space for you to work in.

[@brainharrington]

Boom! I'm just at the start of this journey, had our install last week and starting to tackle all our interior decisions now

[@brendenellasfunadventures4186]

I’m From portland but my brother live in.Beaverton . I. Now live in Cali . Great job and it brings back memories of Oregon

[@austinpeters4509]

Nice work and video, thank you for making it concise and not unnecessarily long!

[@Brian28021]

This is a badass setup with an incredible result. This is about quality of life, folks. I applaud not only your tuff shed but your video, which is concise and devoid of the minutiae that bogs down most project videos.

[@garrybest3534]

Nice. It's looks good, it's functional and that "20K give or take" probably added at least 50K to your property value. Who doesn't want a separate 'Office' these days. Good job bro!

[@burningmanmike]

Well done and nice looking! I did the same back in 1988, when I was a rep for L. A. Gear. Had a 10' x 20' shed built onsite, finished the interior myself, added carpeting, a sofa, a desk/phone/FAX machine (thermal paper), and a mini fridge. A place to work and keep separate from my home.

[@dillongentry]

In the 80s I had some LA Gear high tops. They had crazy shark fin things on the side. I loved those shoes!

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

Awww LA Gear!!! One of my FAVs from My youth! The nostalia

[@jbcfamily4802]

​@@dillongentry Don't you still need a permit if it has electric?

[@gregjacksun]

Your nostalgia got derailed. Narcissism sucks.

[@pedrogaio8182]

Great little space you got there. Good job, congrats.

[@sarahjanevintique2387]

I love this! This is exactly what I need for a She Shed!

[@show_your_teeth]

thanks bro, I like the way you simplified everything, even a person with no construction knowledge can understand...like me.

[@marcburrows5783]

Great video man. I’m in the process of doing the same thing. 18x12 Tuff shed. Barn style. Almost done with drywall. Man what a project.

[@bobbyfox3013]

It looks nice, you've done a great job!!👍🏽

[@pokelover02]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for the cost breakdown as well

[@hior12israel49]

It is so refreshing and simple. Love his breakdown

[@MrManicola]

I love this video. Short to the point and the pictures show everything one needs to know. Thank you so much!

[@michaelp4034]

Wow! Came out great my man. I'd definitely enjoy that.

[@ThomasGapinski]

Great job. Perfect amount of space for home office.

[@BigUnk85]

Man that weather is beautiful sky's so blue. Good job on the shed 😊

[@palmchina]

I love it! I would really enjoy something like this in my backyard. Thank you for sharing.

[@ChristopherDillman]

Nice. As a working Art Director myself, goal is to get a design studio in the yard too. Thought about Tough Sheds, but what holds me back are the low ceilings. Compared say to Cerca Shed, with lots of window and air space. Although you can't beat the cost on those tough sheds for sure.

[@dillongentry]

The Premier Pro Tall Ranch is pretty tall at the peak (probably about 10 feet inside) and the interior feels huge. I also considered the Tuff Shed Pro Studio model. Similar to the modern Cerca Shed styling. Not as much opportunity for full glass walls, but you can still fit a lot of window options on it.

[@sweetiepienumber1]

Thanks for sharing. Good job. As you know properly applied modern acrylic paint and silicone caulk will keep the osb in fine shape. That's true for most "wood" construction. I would love to see a toilet, but I realize you didn't need it so close to your house. Nice space. Thanks again.

[@jerwin48]

Nice video Dillon! I live in humid and hot Texas. On my Tuff Shed workshop, I had a ridge vent installed. I also added an 1-1/2" furring strip to the 2x4 ceiling joists and installed a product called "Smart Baffle" (it's corrugated plastic and better than those cheap pieces of foam from the box stores) which allowed for 2" of air movement. I then added 3" of mineral wool insulation which is about an R4 per inch. I also used R15 mineral wool between the walls (no vapor barrier required). I also added 2" round vents where needed on the soffits to allow for proper air movement to the ridge cap. I installed all drywall and also have a cathedral ceiling. I just recently installed a mini split unit and it just added to the comfort inside.

[@dillongentry]

You went all out with the insulation. I just stuffed mine full of R12 fiberglass and put up drywall. No vents. So far, so good.

[@mkLexus]

Straight to the point and none of that extra talk. Awesome video.

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

Wow, nicely done. Looks like a bit of work but certainly doable for a weekend project. There is no denying extra space is always handy!

[@dfelixrx7]

😸 Meow

[@BeingWealthyisntEasy]

Man this thing looks big on the inside. You did an AWESOME JOB kudos to you! 👍

[@beegee22]

Very nice build. Great video showing the process from start to finish in a clear and concise way.

[@5150crazyfun]

That looks awesome. Could pretty much be a tiny home. Perfect for relaxing in too.

[@azmike3572]

Zoning might be an issue for it to be a tiny home.

[@californiahandball]

Awesome build! looks really good

[@nolongeramused8135]

Some years back I was planning a similar project for an inherited home we were making plans to retire to, but we ended up selling the property instead. I was going for a larger shed, with the intention of one end being a workshop, and the rest of it being an office/guy pit.

[@jaimeolivas3749]

Great video, short and to the point. Good job on the build and this is how a video should be done folks

[@eutimiochavez415]

Great job ,I’ love the shed !

[@Ichabod_Jericho]

I used to work as a Tuff Shed installer for 2 years. Never been more taken advantage of in my entire life.

[@dillongentry]

Bummer. The crew seemed like pretty nice folks and I kept them stocked up with cold drinks and snacks.

[@yvonnehogan6526]

Are you saying you were not paid enough for the work you did?

[@Ichabod_Jericho]

@@yvonnehogan6526 that was one thing for certain, but pay rates will depend on which contractor you worked for. If you get to the shop at 6AM, you’re very very lucky to have a shed loaded on your truck by 8. An overwhelming majority of sheds are at least 45 minutes away, often times an hour away and then you have to take an entire unbuilt 1,100 pound shed off your trailer or truck to get started building it. The sales team never did a good job of explaining to customers that we need room to carry 8 foot tall walls to their backyard, and when you show up the side entrance to the backyard is maybe 3 feet wide by 9 feet tall before roof overhang, and where they want the shed is 900 feet away from the house 😭 A lot of the time the roof sheets or floor sheets are cut wrong and you have to recut material, wasting time. Sometimes walls are made wrong and the whole jobs a waste and you pack it back up. NONE OF THAT IS PAID FOR. NONE. they only pay you to build the shed, and after my contractors cut and my helpers cut it equaled out to $120-$150 before taxes in California a day on a good day, but you had to bring and use all your own tools also. That’s delivery, painting, flooring with metal struts and 5/8ths tongue & groove, flawlessly level and flat so wall can join perfectly, joining 4 walls with any windows they had in them (makes the wall heavy as shit), flipping trusses, adding roof sheets, synthetic roof papers, then shingles. Mounting their door, sometimes it’s a double door or Dutch door! Can you name me a local contractor that would do 7 hours of framing and roofing for $130 before taxes? That dude would be out of business in 2 weeks. Tuff Shed thrived upon a work force that had no other option in life than to be taken advantage of as a wage slave.

[@Bob-ub4gl]

@@Ichabod_Jericho Sounds like you should have started your own company, building them...

[@Ichabod_Jericho]

@@Bob-ub4gl why? I started an auto-detailing business.

[@johnswitzer2199]

Finally a good video with haste. Great job on timing and production.

[@TC-tw5zk]

Just got done with mine 12x10. Mine was house wrapped and i used rockwool as insulation. I did all finish work myself drywall ,floor etc. I opted to leave celling open so far its working out great li leave minisplit on around 74 pretty much 24/7 it helps with removing mositure.

[@taquiamckinnie6082]

does it stay cool with the celling open

[@thanatoskatakrima5864]

This is all I need to live in a happy mini house! Now add a bathroom and small kitchen area and it will be perfect 👍

[@thanatoskatakrima5864]

@@kurtlamprecht93 Yeah, but smaller 👌

[@ScopionKing1961]

very nice job I was thinking about doing the same thing, love it.

[@Rockin_Ross]

When you said “studio” I was thinking for music production. I was waiting for the partitioned control room, Amps and drums to show up. Still…perfect work and it looks fabulous!

[@carlosbardales4179]

Wow... I am always impressed by those that are this handy.... and can do most of their work on their own. I have never been able to do any of that... and would not know where to begin in all honesty. So, congrats to you sir and to all those that are handy enough to get it done.

[@dillongentry]

You gotta start somewhere. Find a project and go for it. I believe in you.

[@slydog7131]

If you want to build something, just get a construction book or watch KZbin videos. Then have at it. Learn as you go, buy the tools you need when you need them. When I first bought a home, I bought a Home Depot book called "Home Improvement 1 2 3". Don't know if they sell it anymore. It covered all the systems well. That and the internet was all I needed. I will hire an electrician for serious wiring, though.

[@ARTS8250-Nyc]

Thanks for sharing! Love the mini house build, great idea for a minimalist imo. Although, I would of went with a portable solar generator & panels on the roof for power.

[@dillongentry]

Definitely considered it. Might be something I will look into later. Didn’t really feel like I’d have enough juice to keep things running every day 8-10 hours without a back up grid anyway. It’s Oregon after all.

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

I had a shed moved into my back yard to convert into a wood shop. I couldn't have used solar panels that were affordable the larger machines, but the open wood storage shed and small closet that houses the dust collector and compressor are all lighted with a 50 watt solar power. I also keep a couple of computer fans that on automatically when the two machines are turned on from the inside of the shop. They are on one wall and the upper wall behind the machines to help bring in fresh air on one side and the other fan expells it.

[@DavidD-un5oy]

I have done exactly this kind of work with a Tuff Shed. Perhaps this went better than mine but I found that there were a lot of things you don’t realize when you convert a shed to an insulated, conditioned, building. My rafter rough framing was not all true so it needed furred out The sheds are not set up for insulation so you need to cut in ceiling ventilation and accommodate eve vents yourself. Since the framing is 2 x 4 rafters R30 insulation won’t fit in the ceiling. If you use transom windows they are single pane and glued in, not weather tight. You need to coordinate permits as Tuff Shed doesn’t act as GC, just a shed builder. I figured that, all in all, it would have been a better product to build it from scratch. Cudos to this individual for getting it done, though and, should you try it, best of luck to you.

[@yvonnehogan6526]

Thanks for the additional info regarding vents and insulation. That is very important to know. I am not sure which way to go, Tuff Shed or build from scratch. I don't want to pull permits or pay more taxes. In my area I can go 10X12.

[@dillongentry]

I used R13 insulation all around (agree it would be nice to have 2x6 construction and have room for R21 in the roof, but it is what it is). There were a couple additional 2x4 framing pieces needed on the ends of the building along the roofline for the drywall to be put up. You can see in the video at 2:03 there is nothing for the ceiling drywall to screw into where the ceiling meets the end-wall. At 3:06 you can just barely see where I added the additional roof truss at the ends.

[@JoesPhenomenal]

For mine, I just had them build a foot taller, and I framed in 2x6 ceiling joists connected to the wall on each end and to the existing rafters. Then I put up strapping going perpendicular to the joists to form squares in the ceiling and also to give me something to really secure to connect the drywall to. It all leaves a nice air gap in the attic under the radiant barrier that comes under the roof panels and the R30 that I set up on top of my strapping and joists.

[@TekuilaM]

Wow!!! Great video. It looks amazing. I've watched this video at least five times already.

[@markseifried3959]

Super, quick video! Great Job on the door color and interior finishes. Most men need a man cave to be separate from the loved ones.

[@kingalphadogg]

This is awesome! Im sure the Ikea furniture was more of a headache than this entire build

[@dillongentry]

For sure! between the tv, ikea sofa and other furniture, getting rid of all that cardboard and packing material was a serious chore.

[@simplecarnivore]

I guarantee the hardest part of that job was putting the Ikea furniture together.

[@Agoddamnbetch]

I’m planning to use a shed as an art studio soon. This video helped sparked some ideas, thank you.

[@boschlotz]

Your commentary was killer and made the video that much better. Thanks for sharing...

[@MarlonJoseGE]

You're going to need rain gutters. Besides that...looks great!

[@stevesohn5436]

Good vid. Looks amazing. Would love to see a follow up with a cost break down.

[@dillongentry]

No way I could keep track of everything but I’d estimate the whole thing was a bit under 20k start to finish.

[@stevesohn5436]

@@dillongentry Thanks for the reply mate.

[@ivoted-5489]

@@dillongentry I came to the comments looking for this. Thanks for answering him. :)

[@mogdimitysplitz3216]

Nice! There's even a house number by the door. Sweet! Thanks for sharing.

[@be236]

Cool. Looks nice and comfy inside. I wish I could do this at my place.

[@bradtrades]

Very nice. Electrical seems straight forward enough, but if you wanted plumbing for water or a toilet I guess that would have involved a lot more work. And I wonder if that might have triggered permits as well?

[@dillongentry]

Yes, once you get into building a larger shed or a separate livable space (an ADU), it becomes a much more complex and expensive project from the local government's point of view. Permits, zoning, height and setbacks, property taxes, inspections, etc. Fun stuff.

[@blizzred2143]

@@dillongentryIf I made an outhouse does it require a permit ? Lol

[@pargolf3158]

@@blizzred2143 Depends. Will you use it for peeing, pooing or both?

[@gisenda]

I have been holding back on making a shed with electricity because I thought you needed a permit to install electricity components in a shed.

[@BrightthgirB]

Very nice! Howuch was the cost before interior

[@dillongentry]

The cost of just the shed was a little over 10k. Materials for the gravel pad ran about $1100. I’d estimate I spent around 8-9k on finishing the interior and furnishing it. Saved a lot by doing most of the work myself over the course of many weekends.

[@garyrandhawa]

@@dillongentry so u spent around 25k on that shed, does it make sense to do the home addition instead? May be 5k more but that add value to the home

[@dillongentry]

@@garyrandhawa It came in under $20k for the cost of the entire project. Not sure how the cost of a similar sized home addition would compare. The studio shed was a better option for adding square footage based on the size and layout of the property and home floorplan (we already have an existing addition).

[@lemminjuice]

this man speaks in bullet point i love it

[@cyclejammerj7227]

They're building my new Tuff Shed this Wednesday 8/9/23. After seeing your build I'm pretty excited to get it up and finished. Thanks for the very informative video.....

[@stephenlewis4283]

how'd it go?

[@stephenlewis4283]

Looking to buy one this year and do the same

[@Texas_Takeover]

Married men ultimately end up seeking their own private space away from the wife 😂

[@wingwalker27]

👍👍

[@slydog7131]

Great results. Congrats!

[@g3dmusicgroup26]

THIS WAS AMAZING TO WATCH DEFINTLY HAVE DREAMS OF A TUFF SHED OFFICE IN MY BACKYARD NOW!!!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿❤❤❤❤

[@dillongentry]

Don’t dream it, be it. Good luck, thanks for watching.

[@TC-tw5zk]

HI Dillon, just finishing up my 10×12 this week...did pretty much follow your plan except im leaving cealing open..maybe later using shiplap....i did a out 90% percent myself except electrical which i have a electrian friend do. It will be for my stepson for his studio. Just finished our old garage to adu which detached from house....whole project turned out nice...

[@prevails85]

The ultimate man cave!!!! So sick!!!! My backyard is huge also!!! 😊

[@DollysParadise]

I love the siding on you house, great video!

[@webman1956]

Those Home Depot Tuff Sheds are hard to beat for the price. I got one and finished in out other than the electrical and I didn`t do any plumbing either.

[@2tired2sleep2]

I love your work. thank you for the video and for being straight to the point/transparent

[@AlexanderShuraev]

Great project and amazing home office as result.

[@israelpacheco7670]

Wow… I wanna take the time to say thank you for giving us a quick, precise and clear video with easy step by step instructions with no hidden agendas trying to sell us something.

[@TheFrankwhite81]

Hats off to you all, well done

[@origamicrane685]

Wow. Looks fantastic. Great job!

[@aftabbukhari9893]

Great job making such a well detailed video, especially short one

[@combatvetroobz6396]

Wow, that looks awesome Dillon

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. GREAT VIDEO AND EDUCATION. THANKS FOR SHARING I LEARNED SO MUCH!!!! I LOVE EVERYTHING!!!! IT CAME OUT TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW UPGRADE!!!!

[@cdoffgrid]

Great work, straight to the point. Come and see how we build our shed, curious to know what do you think. Congrats for the amazing work you have done!

[@Westcoastguy]

Awesome job man. Looks great.

[@BuyFromNeil-CoreysCars]

Looks great! Nicely done!

[@MysCathy]

A beautiful space. ❤

[@JenJenANDChrissy]

What a great studio! A+

[@rodc4334]

Very nicely done!

[@kathyfann]

Very Lovely excellent job. Wonderful break getting the Deal on the Mini split

[@hoorayedeneternal897]

Thank you for creating this video. I want to build a shed for my mother and would love this

[@dillongentry]

It's like Mr T always says: Treat your mother right.

[@delang65]

No Plumbing, Great Job👍

[@shocker14369]

That is really awesome man!!! Looks great!!!

[@kims2651]

You did a beautiful job Dillon!👏👏

[@kims2651]

Thanks, Dillon!

[@brando3292]

Outstanding job.

[@SnarkyRC]

Yep. I have two of these in my back yard. They both have insulation and heating and cooling.

[@frankiebigrings7048]

Why 2 if i may ask

[@cheezchris]

That looks cozy! I want one.

[@bevor1785]

Straight to the 👉 point! Love it ! Very nice!

[@brunorosales7387]

Awesome what a beautiful job!

[@SuperNick090]

Very cool !!! That’s one of my dreams to get my own drum studio ! 👍👍🔥

[@chop3625]

Fantastic work.