Cape High students design and build backyard sheds

Shoppers in the market for backyard sheds can find a good deal at Cape Henlopen High School.

For the 15th year, students in William Griswold’s Processes of Design and Engineering III class have completed a year-long shed-build.

“The kids really enjoy it,” Griswold said. “They work on the sheds in teams, and each team builds its own shed.”

Students learn construction methods such as reading and drawing architectural plans using AutoCAD design software, using power tools and machinery, construction scheduling and cost estimating, and safe building methods.

“I’m probably the only teacher who has to look at the weather forecast to plan my lessons,” he laughed. “We mostly work outside, but work inside when it rains or it’s really cold.” 

Each 10-by-12-foot shed is sold for the cost of materials, and money earned is used to purchase materials for the next year’s class. At only $1,200, plus a small delivery charge from Coastal Towing, the sheds are easily $700 to $800 less than comparable sheds sold at home and garden centers.

Griswold says the sheds are more than just a school project. “They’re sheds people buy, so they need to be functional and attractive,” he said. “It’s a great experience for the kids that takes them from the design process to the final product. There’s a lot of craftsmanship involved.” 

Junior Collin Ritchie particularly enjoyed climbing onto the shed roof to install the shingles.

“It was hard because we had to level the whole thing,” he said. “I felt proud because I did it, and it was fun to see it finished.”

To buy a shed or for more information, contact Griswold at 302-645-7711 or william.griswold@cape.k12.de.us.