What size air compressor for building a shed?

Hey everyone, I'm planning to build a 10x12 shed in my backyard this spring. I'll be using a framing nailer, a finish nailer, and maybe a brad nailer, plus blowing out the sawdust and inflating wheelbarrow tires. I currently have no compressor. What size (tank, CFM, HP) should I get? I don't want to overspend but I don't want to be disappointed either. Budget around $200-$300.

For that kind of work, you could get away with a pancake compressor with 2-3 CFM @ 90 PSI, but honestly, I'd step up to a 6-gallon or even 8-gallon with ~4 CFM. The downside of a pancake is they run constantly with a framing nailer. I've seen guys burn them out. Since you're building a shed, you'll be using trim nails and framing nails – those require more volume. Look for a hot dog compressor with dual quick connects. You can find one on sale for around $250. Harbor Freight's Fortress line has a 2.5 HP that puts out 5.1 CFM – that's a steal. I've got one for my side jobs and it keeps up with my Paslode nailer. Just don't expect it to run a HVLP sprayer.

I agree with Gary. I've been in the trades for 40 years, and I've seen too many guys buy a small compressor and then wonder why they keep tripping breakers or burn out the pump. For a shed, you'll also want to use a pneumatic staple gun for roofing felt and maybe a small nailer for shakes or shingles. Even if you don't think you'll do it now, you'll find uses later. I'd suggest a 20-gallon 2-stage if you can afford it, but that's overkill. Actually, for your budget and needs, an 8-gallon 150 PSI with a good CFM rating is perfect. Pay attention to the SCFM at 90 PSI, not the HP. Many companies lie about HP. For a weekend project, you don't need an oil-free pump – they're loud and die faster. Look for an oil-lubed belt-drive, but those are more expensive. If you're just doing a shed, a single-stage pancake will work, but if you're going to be nailing for 8 hours, it'll be annoying. I'd buy a used one on Craigslist – like a Craftsman 30-gallon. Just check for leaks and change the oil. You can get a good deal.

Hey! Welcome to the club. I'm a weekend warrior myself. I literally just built a 8x10 storage shed last summer. I used a 6-gallon pancake from Ryobi (the $199 kit). It worked fine for my framing nailer and brad nailer. The compressor kicked on a lot, but it never overheated. I did set the regulator to 90 PSI and my nailer recommended 100, but it still sunk nails fine. The only pain was the noise – it was loud enough to wake the neighborhood wives. But hey, it got the job done. If you're like me and only use it a few times a year, a pancake is fine. But if you're planning to do more projects, maybe step up. The 8-gallon from Ridgid is on sale this week at Home Depot for $279 – it has a 2.5HP engine and 4.2 CFM. That'll give you more headroom. Just buy earplugs.

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll go with the 8-gallon from Ridgid – it seems like a good balance. I have a couple more questions: I need to run a 50-foot air hose. Is it better to get a 3/8 inch or 1/4 inch? Also, should I add a water separator? I just don't want moisture in my finish nails. And is there any specific feature I should look for like a pressure regulator? Thanks again!