You don't need a full workshop. Here's the honest, no-nonsense list.
These are the tools you genuinely cannot do without. If you don't own them, buy or borrow before you start. There's no winging it without these.
Your most-used tool by miles. Get one with good torque and two batteries. You'll be driving a lot of screws.
At least 5m. Write measurements down as you go — your memory is not as good as you think it is.
Essential for getting corners square. A speed square is about £10 and you'll use it constantly.
A hand saw will do, but a circular saw makes life significantly easier. If a neighbour has one, beg to borrow it.
For nailing cladding and general bashing. The claw end will save your life when you inevitably bend a nail.
1.2m is the most useful length. You'll use this when laying the base and checking your frame is plumb.
Obvious but easily forgotten. Always mark before you cut. Always.
You need more hands than you have. Clamps are your extra hands. G-clamps or F-clamps both work fine.
These will make the job quicker, easier, and less sweary. If you can get hold of them, brilliant. If not, you can manage without.
For cutting angles quickly and accurately. Makes roof work and trim much easier. Worth hiring for a day.
A step up from a regular drill driver for driving long screws. Not essential but very nice to have.
For snapping straight lines over long distances — particularly useful for laying out your base.
Good for cutting out window apertures and anything with a curve. A hand saw can substitute but it's slow work.
If any timber is slightly warped, a hand planer saves the day. You probably won't need it but it's satisfying.
For smoothing down cladding before painting. Not vital, but gives a much better finish.
Hire, don't buy: If you're only building one shed, it makes no sense to spend £200 on a circular saw. HSS Hire, Speedy, or your local hire shop will have everything you need for around £30–60 a day. Much more sensible.
Not the exciting bit, but important. You only get the one set of eyes and fingers.
Sawdust in your eyes is not a vibe. Wear them. They cost £3.
Timber splinters are vicious. Decent work gloves protect your hands without sacrificing dexterity.
Needed if you're using power saws for extended periods. Your hearing is not worth saving ten quid.
Particularly important when treating wood, painting, or using a sander. A standard FFP2 mask does the job.
Let's talk timber, fixings, and all the materials you'll need to get from B&Q.