Asked on Jun 09, 2012

Jacking up a Shed

Just wanted to share - in case you've got a structure sitting on the ground and rotting out, all hope is not lost. Recently jacked up an 8x12 shed and re-built an 8x12 addition attached to it. Loved spending some time in mid-Maine.
Shed for a Maine camp.
The addition to this shed was sitting on the ground. Sills and joists had rotted out and the roof was a goner.
The old shed had crumbling bricks for posts.
That whole in the corner sat atop the old privy.
Demolition done. End of day 1.
Lord knows how I got that fridge out of there. But once I left the fridge by the side of the road and let the transfer station know it was for the taking, it disappeared within a day.
How to jack a small shed from the inside.
Jacking with 20-ton bottle jacks and some 2x lumber to tie the structure together.
Up on new beams.
The slope and rocks posed a challenge.
Gorgeous sunset on Horseshoe Pond. Can almost hear the loons.
That beam isn't going anywhere.
Bought my first framing nailer for this one. Sped up production considerably, but I still like to swing a hammer from time to time.
New workspace.
Added some single-hung windows for a view of the pond. Re-fashioned an old door to fit.
  6 answers
  • Miriam Illions Miriam Illions on Jun 10, 2012
    Wow, that looks like a lot of hard work. Great job!
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 12, 2012
    Been there and done that...not so much jacking a whole shed, but replacing a rotten sill plate and rim joist. I used a 15 ton bottle jack to lift the side of a stucco house one joist bay at a time.
  • Lori J Lori J on Jun 19, 2012
    Nice save. Has a sort of beach changing hut feel to it.
  • Tonya Tonya on Mar 10, 2015
    Great job. Thanks for sharing and spreading the inspiration. It looks awesome.
  • Deb K Deb K on Mar 05, 2023

    Hello!! That looks great!! Lots of hard work but you saved yourself some money in rebuilds by doing this!!

  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 05, 2023

    Agree with Deb dirty work but you saved yourself a lot of money. Good for you. Bet had you had a great feeling of accomplishment. Now you are making me feel lazy....LOL