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How to Calculate the Weight of a Shed

TS Jordan

Calculating shed weight can be important when attempting to move a structure in its entirety, or where you need to know if an adequate foundation has been prepared.

Although the easiest way to calculate shed weight is to place the shed on a large commercial scale, that method is impractical for larger sheds that are not readily mobile. If this is the case, use a few simple tricks to estimate the weight of your shed to a reasonable degree.

Tip

Understand that the weight of the shed will be nothing more than the weight of its component parts. Thus, you can reasonably calculate the overall weight of the shed by simply knowing what each component weighs and multiplying that against the number of components in the shed. Where the shed is a commercialy built, try contacting the retailer first to potentially determine the shed weight without the need for tedious calculation.

  1. Obtain a sample of the lumber used in the construction of the shed, preferably in the same size as the majority of boards. Weigh the individual board on your scale, then tally up the total number of boards used in the construction of the shed and multiply by that number to find the total lumber weight of your structure.

  2. Purchase or locate a spare roof tile. Weigh the tile, then count the number of roofing tiles on your shed. Multiply the individual tile weight against the number of tiles to ascertain the total roofing weight.

  3. Locate a similar piece of glass to those used in the windows of your shed. Weigh that, multiplying it against the number of windows to determine the glass weight of your shed.

  4. Calculate the materials' weight by weighing one or more nails, then multiplying it against the number of nails used in your shed. Do not neglect this step, as nails in the aggregate can add a substantial amount of weight. To save time, simply count how many nails are used per board, then multiply that against the number of boards counted in step 2.

The Drip Cap

  • Calculating shed weight can be important when attempting to move a structure in its entirety, or where you need to know if an adequate foundation has been prepared.
  • Calculate the materials' weight by weighing one or more nails, then multiplying it against the number of nails used in your shed.
  • Do not neglect this step, as nails in the aggregate can add a substantial amount of weight.