Building a shed – what air compressor should I get?

Hey everyone! I’m finally building a 12x16 shed in my backyard this spring. I’ll be framing, siding, and doing a bit of trim work. I don’t own an air compressor yet and I’m not sure what size to get. I’ll probably use a framing nailer and maybe a finish nailer. Any recommendations on CFM and tank size? Trying to keep it under $300 if possible.

For a shed, you don’t need a huge compressor. A pancake or hot dog style with 2-3 CFM at 90 PSI will run a finish nailer fine. But for a framing nailer, you might need more. I’d say look for at least 4 CFM and a 6-gallon tank if you want to use a framing nailer continuously. Check out the Bostitch BTFP02012 or the California Air Tools 10020C – both around your budget and reliable.

I’ve got a DeWalt DWFP55126 and it’s been a workhorse for my shed and deck projects. 6-gallon, 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI, and it’s not too loud. It’ll run a framing nailer all day. Plus it’s got oil-free pump which is nice for maintenance. You might find it used for around $250 if you’re lucky. But if you’re only doing one shed, a smaller pancake could work with a brad nailer for trim and a manual nailer for framing – saves money.

I agree with Pete – I built my whole shed with a Porter-Cable C2002 pancake and a 18ga brad nailer for the siding and a manual hammer for framing. It was slow but cheap! If you plan on more projects, go bigger. But if it’s just this one shed, save your cash. Also, don’t forget you’ll need a hose and maybe a coil siding nailer if you’re doing LP siding – that changes CFM needs.

I’m a specialist in renovations and I always tell my clients: buy once, cry once. For a shed, even a 6-gallon is fine but a 10-gallon is better if you ever do decks or fences later. I’ve got the Makita MAC700 – it’s 2-gallon but 4.2 CFM and quiet. It’ll run a framing nailer but you’ll wait for it to cycle. For $300 you can get a decent 6-gallon. But if you’re just nailing a shed, any compressor that does 4 CFM will do. Just check the nailer specs.