Assembly tips

Preparation is key to a successful shed selection and assembly!

Before you begin assembly

• Check local building codes regarding footings, location, severe-weather preparedness, and other requirements. Also, confirm that sheds are permitted with homeowners' or community associations, or your landlord, if applicable.
• Be sure that your Arrow shed kit is complete. Lay out all the pieces on a tarp for easy viewing and familiarize yourself with the hardware and fasteners. This will make assembly easier. Note that all shed parts are numbered and pre-drilled for easy assembly. But if a part is missing or damaged, please contact Arrow Customer Service at 1-800-851-1085 (press 1) or e-mail assist@arrowsheds.com
• Thoroughly read through the instruction manual, which can be found inside the hardware bag. You also might watch the assembly animation of a typical Arrow shed. Manuals are also available on this Web site. To view or download a manual, you will need your model number located on a white sticker on the gable section inside your building. DO NOT REMOVE THIS STICKER. Write this number down, as you also will need it to register your product online or to provide to Arrow Customer Service, in the event you need to contact a representative.
• Check the weather forecast. While not always accurate, it can help you determine the best time for assembly. It is important to assemble on a calm day(s) when no wind or rain is anticipated.
• Have at least one other person lined up to work with you so that one of you can do the fastening and the other can do the positioning and holding of panels. Make sure that you both have set aside the required time and be clear on each participant's role.

Prepare your base

• Whether your base is dirt, concrete, crushed gravel, wood or patio blocks, it MUST be square and level. Consider using an Arrow base kit (available for the majority of Arrow sheds), which is self-squaring.

Control condensation

• Provide a well-drained base, such as crushed rock or gravel to help prevent moisture from permeating into the shed through the base.
• Provide for adequate ground water drainage away from the shed's base.
• Divert rain and melting snow accumulations away from the shed's base.

• Install a continuous unbroken plastic vapor barrier with a thickness of 6 mil., such as a plastic sheet (purchased separately), between exposed ground surface and the building's base.

Have your flooring and anchoring system ready

• The instruction manual outlines options for constructing a level, square base for your shed.
• A floor frame is optional but recommended.
• A temporary anchoring system should be in place every time you leave the assembly area – whether you break for one hour or several days.
• A permanent anchoring system must be ready to be put in place as soon as your shed is fully assembled.

Provide those involved in assembly

• Must wear work gloves
• Safety glasses
• In addition, everyone should wear long sleeves

Have basic tools and materials ready

• MUST have No. 2 Phillips screwdriver; we strongly recommend one with a magnetic tip
• Step ladder
• Utility knife or scissors
• Pliers
• Carpenter's level
• Tape measure

Have optional time-saving tools available

• Wrench/nut driver
• Cordless screwdriver with magnetic tip (strongly recommended)
• Extra battery for cordless screwdriver
• Square
• String (for measuring diagonals to square the frame; when the diagonals are of equal measure, the base is square)

Pre-assembly

• The first few steps in your instruction manual show how to join related parts to make the sub-assemblies. These assemblies can be completed in advance so that you can maximize your daylight hours on assembly day.

Assembly

• Take your time. Complete each step.
• All shed parts are numbered and pre-drilled for ease of assembly.
• For their safety, keep children and pets away from your worksite.
• Never concentrate your total weight on the roof. When using a step ladder, make sure it is fully open and on even ground before climbing on it.
• Use weather stripping where instructed during the assembly process. Make sure that the weather-stripping tape adheres to the panels. Do not stretch it. Apply it directly off the roll onto clean panels.
• Make sure that all washers are used where instructed during the assembly process. Ensure that all washers are flush with the panels and do not over-tighten screws, as this can crack the washers.
• If the weather changes and becomes rainy or windy, stop building and immediately temporarily anchor your shed for completion on a calm, clear day. Do this by securing the corners of the shed to your base and placing weights, such as patio blocks or sandbags, on the floor frame.

Note: If you live in a region that experiences snow accumulation, install our roof strengthening kit during assembly. If you wait till a later time, you will have to remove and then reattach the roof panels for proper installation.

Post-assembly

• Add Arrow shelving and tool hanging racks. (Optional accessories)
• Wash off inked part numbers on coated panels with soap and water.
• Add silicone caulking for watertight seals at the washers and throughout the building.
• Treat your clean shed with spray-on car wax and follow our care and maintenance tips to maximize shed life and maintain appearance.