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You can store anything in your shed, but don’t forget to keep a set of tools for building, repairs, or maintenance. Here are the must-haves in setting up your garden storage and looking after it.
What Tools Do I Need to Build a Wooden Shed?
Trying to build a shed without the right tools is like trying to mow the lawn with a spoon. Here’s your starter kit for getting it done right.
How to Build a Shed from Scratch
Cordless drill
Keep a couple of wood and metal bits handy, and store the drill somewhere dry so the battery is ready when you need it. Use it to start screws slowly so panels don’t split.
Hammer
A claw hammer is a must. You can pull nails as easily as you hit them. A smaller hammer is also handy for fiddly adjustments. Hang them on a pegboard or toss them in your toolbox.
Screwdriver set
Grab a mix of flathead, Phillips, big and small. Might as well get magnetic tips to avoid losing your screws in cracks. Keep them in a small tray or rack to avoid the hassle of rifling through drawers mid-job.
Spirit level
Even if your shed is on even ground, you’ll need this to check the walls, shelves, and doors. Keep it hanging or flat—nothing worse than a bent bubble when you need it.
Tape measure
Use it to mark cuts and spacing, and keep it clipped in a convenient drawer or on your belt; hang it on the hook. Let the tape measure extend and retract slowly to avoid snapping the spring.
Handsaw or jigsaw
Quick straight cuts? Use a handsaw. Curves or angles? Go for a jigsaw. Clamp your timber first, keep blades sharp, and store them in a case to avoid accidents. Makes cutting a lot smoother, doesn’t it?
Adjustable wrench or spanner set
One wrench handles most bolts, but a couple of different sizes on hand are also smart. Store them together in a small box or hang them on a pegboard. Wipe off any moisture after being in a damp shed; rust can creep up fast.
Work gloves
Leather or reinforced palm gloves for heavy-duty jobs. Thin nitrile or cotton-coated gloves for detailed tasks. Stick the heavy gloves on a hook and leave the thin ones in a small box on the bench.
Utility knife
Perfect for trimming sealant, cutting panels, or opening packaging. Have a few spare blades and tuck them in a small tin or pouch for easy access.
Ladder or step stool
You’ll need one for the roof, gutters, or high shelves. Fold the ladder against a wall or tuck it in a corner. A small step stool is optional, but it comes in useful for those awkward spots you can’t reach otherwise.
This guide can give you an idea of how long the project will take to complete:
How Long Does It Take to Build a Shed?
Tools for Maintenance and Repairs
Next, these are the tools that will help you care for your shed and handle small repairs as they come up:
- Wood glue or filler – Patching cracks, filling gaps, or reinforcing loose joints.
- Sandpaper or sander – Smooth rough edges, remove splinters, or prep surfaces before painting.
- Paintbrushes or small roller – Touch up worn areas, repaint panels, or seal timber.
- Lubricant (WD-40) – Stops door hinges from squeaking and keeps locks and fasteners moving.
- Hinges or locks – Replacements for rusted, bent, or loose door components,
- Sealant or caulk – Fill gaps, seal joints, and protect your shed from damp and drafts.
- Rubber mallet – Gentle taps to adjust panels or realign doors without denting wood.
- Wire brush – Clear rust or dirt from metal fittings and shed hardware.
Some tools from the building list are just as handy for maintenance. The same goes for a few of the repair tools, which can be handy when you’re putting up a shed, too.
Find a home for each tool—hang it on a hook, drop it in a box, or stash it on a shelf. If you don’t have a shed yet to store all these (and more), we have something for you below:
