Building a Shed

An Estimation Activity

You are going to build the walls and roof of a shed based on the following information:

• Size of shed – 8 x 12 x 8 feet high
• 2 x 4 spaced 2 feet apart (centres)
• Trusses spaced 2 feet apart (centres)
• 4 x 8 sheet of plywood

1. Draw the dimensions of the shed onto graph paper. Determine the scale you are going to use on the graph paper (for example, four squares on the graph paper equals a foot).
2. Estimate how many 2 x 4s you will need.
3. Estimate how many trusses you will need.
4. Estimate how many sheets of plywood you will need.

Handout 9.7