Lean to shed plans the lean to shed style is one of our most popular designs. our plans are designed to aid both the beginning builder and the seasoned professional to successfully build a lean to shed. our plans show detailed information like the location of every board in all the shed walls and shed floor.. Lean to shed plans – step by step instructions for building a lean-to shed. 1. prepare the site with a 4″ layer of compacted gravel. cut the two 4 x 4 skids at 70 2/4″. set and level the skids following the shed building plans. cut two 2 x 6 rim joists at 7 3/4 ” and six joists at 44 3/4″.. Plan modifications. it isn’t a requirement that this shed be built against a wall—but the structure is designed to take advantage of the wall for strength. so if you modify it to be a freestanding shed, you’ll need to build a conventional stud wall across the back and face it with the same type of plywood siding used on the rest of the shed..