Introduction: My Real Experience Testing My Shed Plans in 2025
My Shed Plans landed on my radar when I was searching for storage solutions last spring. The promise seemed straightforward - $37 gets you access to 12,000 shed blueprints created by woodworking expert Ryan Henderson. After three months of actually using these plans and building two sheds, I'm cutting through the marketing hype to give you the unfiltered truth.
Here's my bottom line upfront: My Shed Plans isn't a scam, but it's not the miracle solution the sales page suggests. You're essentially paying for convenience - a massive collection of plans in one place. About 21 plans are genuinely excellent with detailed instructions. The rest? Basic blueprints that range from decent to barely usable. Many are pulled from free public domain sources.
Get Access To My Shed PlansProduct Overview: What You Actually Get for $37
The Digital Package Contents
When you purchase My Shed Plans, you receive instant digital download access. No physical books arrive in the mail. The download includes multiple PDF files organized into categories.
The "12,000 plans" claim is technically true but misleading. Here's the breakdown:
- 21 "Most Popular Plans" - These are the stars of the collection. Professional quality with detailed instructions, multiple views, materials lists, and cutting diagrams. These alone might justify the $37 cost.
- 119 Mid-Tier Plans - Decent blueprints across five ZIP files. They have basic measurements but lack step-by-step guidance. Suitable if you know what you're doing.
- Thousands of Basic Plans - Sketches, scanned magazine articles, photos of existing sheds, and materials from government agricultural extensions. Many are duplicates or variations of the same basic design.
Important Reality Check: The advertised "3D CAD drawings" exist, but only for a handful of plans. Most are standard 2D blueprints. Some are literally hand-drawn sketches that were scanned. Manage your expectations accordingly.
The Four Bonus Packages
Your purchase includes four bonus guides worth more in perceived value than actual usefulness:
- Woodworking Course - Basic woodworking fundamentals. Covers tool safety, measuring, cutting techniques. Helpful for absolute beginners.
- Advanced Shed Plans - Additional specialized designs including barns and large storage buildings.
- Foundation Guide - Different foundation types (concrete slab, pier blocks, gravel pads). This was actually useful.
- Kids' Playhouse Plans - Plans for children's outdoor structures. Nice bonus if you have kids.
Current 2025 Pricing
One-time payment • Lifetime access • 60-day money-back guarantee
Who Is This Product Actually For?
My Shed Plans works best for:
- DIY homeowners wanting multiple design options before committing
- People with intermediate woodworking skills who can interpret basic blueprints
- Builders who want inspiration and rough frameworks to customize
- Hobbyists working on various outdoor projects beyond just sheds
This product isn't ideal if you're a complete beginner needing hand-holding through every step, or a professional contractor who needs engineering-stamped plans for permit approval.
Get Access To My Shed PlansDesign Quality: The Good, The Bad, and The Unusable
The Premium 21 Plans - Actually Worth It
These featured plans impressed me. My 10x12 storage shed came from this collection. The blueprint included:
- Front, side, rear, and top elevation views
- Detailed framing diagrams showing stud placement
- Complete materials list with exact lumber dimensions and hardware specifications
- Cutting diagrams to minimize waste
- Step-by-step assembly instructions with photos
Following these plans, I completed the shed frame in two weekends. The instructions were clear enough that my neighbor, who has minimal building experience, helped without confusion.
The Mid-Tier Plans - Hit or Miss
For my second project, I used an 8x8 garden shed from the mid-tier collection. This experience was rougher. The blueprint showed basic dimensions and framing layout, but I had to figure out:
- Exact lumber quantities (the list was approximate)
- How to frame the door opening properly
- Roof pitch calculations
- Siding attachment methods
I made it work because I've built things before. A beginner would struggle hard.
The Bulk Plans - Mostly Filler
The thousands of remaining plans are honestly filler material. I found:
- Scanned articles from old Popular Mechanics magazines
- University extension service publications (available free online)
- Basic sketches with minimal measurements
- Duplicate designs with minor variations
- Plans that reference other sources you need to purchase separately
"The ads show impressive designs. However, once you download the product, you see they're nothing more than rough blueprint schematics that are hard to read and DO NOT contain step-by-step directions. The attached image is the ENTIRE 'plan' for a shed they included." - Verified SiteJabber Review, April 2024
Material Quality and Construction Guidance
The premium plans suggest appropriate building materials. For my 10x12 shed, the materials list specified:
- Pressure-treated 4x4 posts for the foundation
- 2x6 floor joists on 16-inch centers
- 2x4 wall studs and roof rafters
- 7/16" OSB sheathing
- Asphalt shingle roofing
- All required hardware including joist hangers, hurricane ties, and fasteners
This level of detail helps you budget accurately. I spent approximately $2,800 on materials from Home Depot - right in line with the plan's cost estimate.
Get Access To My Shed PlansPerformance Analysis: Building Real Sheds With These Plans
Project 1: The 10x12 Storage Shed Success Story
This build went smoothly because I used one of the premium plans.
Timeline: Three weekends from foundation to completion, working about 6 hours each Saturday and Sunday.
Material Cost: $2,800 including all lumber, hardware, roofing, paint, and a pre-hung door from Home Depot.
What Worked:
- The foundation guide helped me choose pier blocks instead of a concrete slab, saving about $800
- Cutting diagrams minimized lumber waste - I only had about $100 in offcuts
- Instructions clearly explained proper flashing installation around the door
- Roof framing was straightforward with the provided rafter templates
Challenges I Faced:
- The plan didn't account for my local code requirement for hurricane straps (I'm in Florida). I had to research and add these myself.
- Siding installation instructions were basic. I watched YouTube tutorials to get the lap siding right.
- No guidance on running electrical, which I wanted for lighting. Hired an electrician for this.
Project 2: The 8x8 Garden Shed Reality Check
Using a mid-tier plan proved more difficult.
Timeline: Four weekends instead of the anticipated two, with additional research time.
Material Cost: $1,650, but I over-purchased lumber due to the vague materials list.
Problems Encountered:
- Materials list said "approximately 15 2x4x8 studs" - I needed 22 for proper 16-inch spacing
- No door framing details. I had to figure out header sizing myself.
- Roof ventilation wasn't addressed, causing condensation issues initially
- Foundation specifications were missing. I guessed based on the first build.
The finished shed looks good and functions fine, but this project highlighted the quality gap between premium and standard plans.
Cost Analysis: DIY vs Hiring a Contractor
Building yourself saves significant money compared to professional construction:
| Shed Size | My DIY Cost | Professional Quote | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x12 Storage Shed | $2,800 | $7,500 | $4,700 (63%) |
| 8x8 Garden Shed | $1,650 | $4,800 | $3,150 (66%) |
The $37 investment in plans paid for itself immediately. However, factor in your time - I spent about 80 hours total on both projects. At even a modest hourly rate, the true cost calculation changes.
Skill Level Requirements - The Honest Assessment
Despite marketing claims that "no experience necessary," here's the reality:
You'll need to know:
- How to safely operate basic power tools (circular saw, drill, miter saw)
- How to read measurements and use a tape measure accurately
- How to check for square and level
- Basic framing principles (what a header is, why spacing matters)
You can learn as you go:
- Advanced techniques like compound miter cuts
- Roofing installation methods
- Siding application
- Finishing and painting
If you've never held a circular saw, start with the included woodworking basics guide before attempting a full shed. Or partner with someone experienced for your first build.
Get Access To My Shed PlansUser Experience: From Purchase to Completed Shed
The Purchase Process
Buying My Shed Plans is straightforward but includes aggressive upselling:
- Click the purchase button on the sales page
- Get redirected through multiple offer pages - each time you click "No thanks," they sweeten the deal or reduce the price
- This upsell gauntlet took about 5 minutes of clicking through offers
- Finally complete checkout through ClickBank (a reputable digital product payment processor)
- Receive instant download access via email
The aggressive upselling felt sleazy and raised red flags. Multiple reviewers mentioned this same experience. However, the core product does exist - it's not a complete scam, just aggressive marketing.
Download and Organization
You get a members area login after purchase. The download process:
- Main plans download (about 5 minutes on good internet)
- Bonus materials download separately
- Files organized by category in ZIP folders
- Total storage needed: approximately 2.5 GB
The file organization is mediocre. Plans aren't tagged or searchable by specific features. You'll spend time browsing through categories to find what you want. I created my own folder system to organize favorites.
Using Plans On-Site
I printed the 10x12 plan on standard 8.5x11 paper. The measurements remained legible. For the 8x8 shed with smaller text, I had to zoom in and print certain sections at 150% size.
I downloaded plans to my tablet for on-site reference. This worked better than paper in humid Florida weather - no smudged ink when blueprints got damp.
Customer Support Experience
I contacted support twice with questions:
- Question about foundation options for sandy soil: Response came in 2 days. Answer was generic advice to "consult local experts." Not particularly helpful.
- Request for CAD file instead of PDF for a specific plan: No response after a week. I gave up.
Customer service exists but isn't impressive. Don't count on detailed technical support. The product is essentially self-serve.
"The reason for all the negative reviews is you're getting a copycat product at the wrong site. You can get the official plans backed by ClickBank's 60-day money-back guarantee." - SiteJabber Review, October 2023
Comparative Analysis: My Shed Plans vs Alternatives
My Shed Plans vs Free Online Resources
Here's the uncomfortable truth: much of the My Shed Plans content is sourced from free public domain materials. During my research, I found several "exclusive" plans available free from university extension websites.
Free Alternatives Include:
- University Extension Services - Universities like Maryland, Tennessee, and North Dakota offer free agricultural building plans. These are actually in the My Shed Plans collection.
- YouTube Tutorials - Channels like DIY Creators and See Jane Drill provide complete shed builds with video instructions.
- Websites Like Construct101 - Free downloadable PDF plans with materials lists.
- Home Improvement Store Plans - Home Depot and Lowe's offer free project plans including sheds.
Why You Might Still Choose My Shed Plans:
- Everything is organized in one location instead of scattered across the internet
- The 21 premium plans are higher quality than most free options
- Time savings - no hunting for plans across multiple websites
- The foundation guide and woodworking basics are helpful for beginners
Essentially, you're paying $37 for convenience and curation.
My Shed Plans vs Ted’s Woodworking
Ted's Woodworking is the other major DIY plans package. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | My Shed Plans | Ted's Woodworking |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $37 | $67 |
| Number of Plans | 12,000+ (mostly sheds) | 16,000+ (general woodworking) |
| Focus | Outdoor structures primarily | Furniture, crafts, structures |
| Quality Consistency | 21 excellent, rest mediocre | Similar quality issues |
| Best For | Shed-specific projects | Varied woodworking projects |
If you specifically need a shed, My Shed Plans is the better value. For general woodworking, Ted's offers more variety but costs nearly double.
DIY Plans vs Pre-Fab Shed Kits
Pre-fab shed kits eliminate planning but cost significantly more:
- Arrow Storage Shed (10x12): $1,800-$2,200 - Metal construction, quicker assembly, but limited customization
- Handy Home Wooden Shed Kit (10x12): $3,500-$4,500 - Pre-cut lumber, detailed instructions, better quality than My Shed Plans materials
- Custom Build from Plans: $2,800 (my cost) - Full customization, requires more skill and time
Kits make sense if you value time over money or lack confidence in building from scratch. Plans work better if you're budget-conscious and enjoy the building process.
When to Choose My Shed Plans Over Competitors
Choose My Shed Plans if:
- You need multiple design options to compare before deciding
- You want a low-risk entry point ($37 vs $100+ for individual architect plans)
- You have intermediate DIY skills and can interpret basic blueprints
- You're planning several outdoor projects beyond just one shed
Skip My Shed Plans if:
- You're a complete beginner needing detailed step-by-step guidance for everything
- You want engineering-stamped plans for permit approval
- You prefer video instruction over written blueprints
- You're willing to spend time finding free resources online
Pros and Cons: What I Loved and What Needs Improvement
What We Loved
- The 21 Premium Plans: Genuinely excellent quality with everything you need to build successfully. My 10x12 storage shed turned out great using these.
- Foundation Guide: Helpful information on different foundation types saved me money by choosing pier blocks over concrete slab.
- Variety of Styles: From modern minimalist to rustic barn designs, you'll find something matching your aesthetic.
- 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee: ClickBank's refund policy removes purchase risk. Multiple reviewers confirmed getting refunds when requested.
- Lifetime Access: One $37 payment gives permanent access to all plans plus future updates.
- Materials Lists: The quality plans include detailed shopping lists that helped me budget accurately and minimize waste.
- Cost Savings: I saved over $4,700 building my own 10x12 shed instead of hiring contractors.
Areas for Improvement
- Misleading Plan Count: "12,000 plans" is technically true but deceptive. Most are basic sketches or free materials from other sources.
- Quality Inconsistency: Massive gap between the 21 premium plans and everything else. The bulk of plans lack detail.
- Aggressive Upselling: The checkout process involves multiple annoying upsell attempts that feel scammy.
- No Permit Assistance: Plans don't address local building codes. You're responsible for ensuring code compliance.
- Limited CAD Files: Despite marketing claims, actual 3D CAD drawings are rare. Most plans are basic 2D blueprints.
- Poor Organization: No search function or tagging system. Finding specific plans requires manual browsing through categories.
- Weak Customer Support: Slow response times and generic answers when I had technical questions.
- Skill Level Mismatch: Marketing says "no experience needed" but many plans require intermediate skills to interpret correctly.
Building Permits and Legal Considerations
Do You Need a Permit?
My Shed Plans doesn't address this, but it's critical information. Building permit requirements vary dramatically by location.
General Rules (varies by jurisdiction):
- Sheds under 120 square feet typically don't require permits in most US locations
- Sheds between 120-200 square feet usually need zoning and building permits
- Setback requirements: Most codes require sheds to be 3-10 feet from property lines
- Maximum height restrictions: Often 15 feet or less without permits
- Foundation type matters: Permanent foundations often trigger permit requirements
My 10x12 shed (120 square feet exactly) technically required a permit in my Florida county. I applied for and received permit approval, which cost $85 and took 2 weeks. The inspector visited once during framing and once at completion.
Critical Warning: Building without required permits can result in fines, forced demolition, or problems when selling your home. Always check with your local building department before starting construction. A 15-minute phone call can prevent thousands in fines.
HOA Considerations
If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association, you'll likely need HOA approval regardless of government permit requirements. HOAs often have restrictions on:
- Shed placement (often must be behind house, not visible from street)
- Exterior appearance (must match house colors and materials)
- Size limitations (may be stricter than city codes)
- Prohibited features (metal roofs, certain siding types)
Submit your shed plans to your HOA architectural review committee before purchasing materials. Approval can take 2-4 weeks.
Get Access To My Shed PlansPurchase Recommendations: Who Should Buy This?
Best For These Users:
Budget-Conscious DIYers
If you're trying to add storage without spending thousands on professional construction, My Shed Plans offers a low-risk entry point. The $37 cost is less than one hour of contractor labor. Even if you only use a few plans, it pays for itself in savings.
People Planning Multiple Projects
Building more than one structure? The variety justifies the investment. I used plans for my storage shed, garden shed, and I'm eyeing the firewood shed designs for next year.
Intermediate DIYers Seeking Inspiration
If you know basic construction but want design ideas, this collection sparks creativity. I modified one plan by combining the roof design from another - the variety enabled customization.
Homeowners Wanting Design Options
Comparing 20+ shed styles side-by-side helped me visualize what would look best in my backyard. This alone was worth the purchase price.
Skip If You’re:
A Complete Beginner
Despite marketing claims, this isn't ideal for first-time builders. The premium 21 plans work, but you'll struggle with the rest. Consider YouTube tutorial series that show every step visually instead.
Needing Engineer-Stamped Plans
These plans won't satisfy permit requirements in jurisdictions requiring professional engineer stamps. You'll need to hire an engineer to review and stamp them, adding $500-1,000 to your costs.
Preferring Video Instruction
If you learn better from videos than written instructions, YouTube channels like DIY Creators or April Wilkerson offer free shed builds with complete video documentation.
Wanting Professional Support
Don't expect technical support. Customer service is minimal. You're essentially on your own with these plans.
Alternatives to Consider
For Beginners: YouTube channel tutorials + Home Depot's free project plans provide better step-by-step guidance
For Professional Quality: Sites like iCreatables.com offer individual shed plans ($30-50 each) with engineering details
For Quick Results: Pre-fab shed kits from companies like Handy Home or Tuff Shed eliminate planning uncertainty
For General Woodworking: Ted's Woodworking offers more variety beyond just sheds if you want furniture plans too
Get Access To My Shed PlansWhere to Buy and Current Pricing
Official Purchase Channel
My Shed Plans is sold exclusively through ClickBank, a digital product marketplace. Purchase only from the official website - there are copycat scam sites selling inferior products.
Current Pricing (2025):
- Base price: $37 one-time payment
- Includes all 12,000+ plans
- Four bonus guides included
- Lifetime digital access
- No recurring fees or subscriptions
Money-Back Guarantee Details
The product includes a 60-day money-back guarantee through ClickBank. Multiple reviewers confirmed this works:
"It took about 5 minutes and I was requesting a refund. Once you locate the phone number to call, you do get a refund, but it's not 110% of what you paid. At least I got the refund." - SiteJabber Review, October 2020
To request a refund:
- Contact customer service within 60 days of purchase
- Call the phone number in your confirmation email
- Request refund - no questions asked policy
- Receive refund within 5-7 business days
Watch Out For These Red Flags
- Copycat Sites: Several fake sites sell inferior products under similar names. Only purchase through ClickBank.
- Aggressive Upsells: The checkout process includes multiple upsell offers. You can skip all of them and still get the core product.
- Spam Emails: Some reviewers reported receiving spam after purchase. Use a secondary email address if concerned.
Purchase Tip: The aggressive upselling during checkout is annoying but the base product is legitimate. Click "No thanks" on upsell offers unless you specifically want them. The $37 core package is all you need.
Final Verdict: My Honest Recommendation
After three months using My Shed Plans and building two actual sheds, here's my honest assessment: This product delivers value, but not what the marketing promises.
The Reality Behind the Hype
The "12,000 plans" claim is technically accurate but practically misleading. You're really getting 21 excellent plans, about 100 usable plans, and thousands of filler materials sourced from free public domain resources. That's the uncomfortable truth.
However, those 21 premium plans are genuinely good. My 10x12 storage shed turned out great. The detailed instructions, materials lists, and cutting diagrams justified the $37 investment. If you only ever use 3-5 of the quality plans, you've gotten your money's worth compared to buying individual architect plans.
Who Gets the Best Value
This product works best for intermediate DIYers who understand basic construction principles and need design variety. If you're planning multiple projects - a storage shed this year, firewood shed next year, garden shed eventually - the $37 becomes a bargain.
It's not ideal for complete beginners despite the marketing. The majority of plans require existing knowledge to interpret correctly. If you've never held a circular saw or don't know what a header is, start with YouTube tutorials that show every step visually.
The Money-Saving Potential Is Real
I saved over $4,700 by building my own 10x12 shed instead of hiring contractors. Even accounting for my time (about 40 hours), the savings are substantial. If saving thousands of dollars matters more than convenience, DIY building makes financial sense.
My Bottom-Line Recommendation
Buy My Shed Plans if: You have basic DIY skills, you're planning a shed project anyway, and you want professional design options without paying $200+ for individual architect plans. The 60-day guarantee removes purchase risk.
Skip it if: You're a complete beginner, you need engineering-stamped plans for permits, or you're willing to spend time finding free resources online. Much of this content exists free elsewhere - you're paying for convenience.
The product isn't a scam, but it's not the miracle solution the sales page suggests. Set realistic expectations. Focus on the premium 21 plans. Consider everything else a bonus. At $37, it's a reasonable investment for anyone serious about DIY shed building.
What I’m Building Next
Despite the criticisms, I'm keeping my access to My Shed Plans. I'm planning a firewood storage shed for this winter using one of the covered designs. The cost of lumber will be about $600 compared to $1,800 for a pre-built version.
That's the real value here - enabling DIY homeowners to save thousands by building their own structures. If you're willing to learn and put in the work, these plans provide the framework you need.
Get Access To My Shed PlansEvidence and Proof: Real Results From My Builds
Project Timeline and Costs
10x12 Storage Shed (Premium Plan Used)
- Planning and permit: 2 weeks
- Foundation installation: 1 day (5 hours)
- Floor framing: 1 day (6 hours)
- Wall framing and raising: 2 days (12 hours)
- Roof framing: 1 day (8 hours)
- Sheathing and roofing: 2 days (10 hours)
- Siding and trim: 2 days (12 hours)
- Door installation and painting: 1 day (6 hours)
- Total time: 59 hours over three weekends
- Total cost: $2,837.42 including all materials
8x8 Garden Shed (Mid-Tier Plan Used)
- Planning: 1 week (researching details the plan lacked)
- Foundation: 1 day (4 hours)
- Framing: 2 days (10 hours)
- Roof: 1.5 days (9 hours)
- Exterior finishing: 2 days (11 hours)
- Total time: 34 hours over four weekends (extra time due to research)
- Total cost: $1,687.23 (over-purchased due to vague materials list)
Long-Term Update (3 Months Post-Completion)
Both sheds have performed well through Florida's summer weather including heavy rain and high humidity:
- No leaks detected in either roof
- Doors remain properly aligned and functional
- Foundation remains level (I checked with my 4-foot level)
- Paint holding up well despite sun exposure
- One issue: The garden shed developed condensation inside due to lack of ventilation. I installed two gable vents which solved the problem.
What Experienced Builders Should Know
If you're an experienced contractor or carpenter, My Shed Plans offers limited value. You likely already know how to design basic structures. The plans might spark ideas, but you won't learn new techniques.
However, even as an intermediate builder, I found the cutting diagrams valuable for minimizing waste. The materials lists helped me budget accurately. These time-savers alone justified the small investment.