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Somebody to Lean On: Making a Lean To to Protect Stuff from the Elements

Got a load of stuff you want protected from the rain or the sun, but it doesn't need to be indoors or even in a shed? Like firewood or building materials you don't plan to use for a while? Then consider a lean-to for storing it.


First, the part that's the most work! Digging holes for the columns. We dug ours about 1 m deep. A trench shovel was very useful for digging to this depth for something narrow (to start with, a normal shovel may be quicker). You may need to cut through thicker roots with a saw – dig as much as you can around it first. There probably won't be enough room to use normal loppers but a cable type lopper may work.


Hole in sand with chopped through root
Chopping through those pesky roots

Make sure the columns are the same distance from the shed or other structure. Use a spirit level to make sure each column is plumb while backfilling. If you have clay soil, compact while backfilling.


Hole with a timber column in it
Let’s put a column in it

Digging is great exercise!




Putting the soil back is easier but needs more care than digging


Cut the columns to the required height, if necessary.


Timber column in sand by a fence
Slightly too high - cut with a saw (we want the roof to be lower than the top of the fence)

Compact using water if you have sandy soil. Check out this fancy system.


Using rainwater


Next requires two people. Rule a line using a spirit level where the upstream end of the roof will be. Allow for a generous slope for drainage.


Drill pilot holes in the shed. The Tek screws will go in these.


Man drilling holes in a shed
These need a bit of care, but not a pilot's license

With one person holding a timber beam, the other person drills Tek screws to secure the beam. If the beams are shorter than the length of the lean to, use multiple lengths.


Timber beam screwed to a tin shed
Watch your hands if you're the beam holder!

Cut slots in the top of the columns using a saw. With two people, Tek screw on a beam spanning between the columns.


Consider fitting beams between the shed and columns for additional strength.


Cut and Tek screw sheets of tin on top.


Finally, cut the Tek screws to the required length for safety.


And check out the sheltered stuff – er, useful materials -  under the handy dandy lean to! Hey, even if we get rid of/use the pipes and wood, we can put the wheelbarrow and garden tools under there to increase their lifespan.


Lean To by a Tin Shed
That timber is safe from the rain and those PVC irrigation pipes are safe(r) from the sun

I had already installed a simple path to go underneath - check out how to make one.


Consider a gutter as well – especially here, where the fence provides protection from the other side. A gutter would protect the fence to a degree as well.


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