Need air compressor advice for building a backyard shed - what specs should I look for?

Hey everyone, first time posting here! I'm building a 10x12 shed in my backyard and my buddy said I should get an air compressor for nail guns and maybe some painting. I've only used cordless tools before. What size/type compressor should I be looking at? Budget is around $300-400. Thanks!

Steve, before you buy anything - SAFETY FIRST! Make sure whatever compressor you get has a proper pressure relief valve and automatic shutoff. I've seen too many DIYers ignore this and end up with dangerous pressure buildup. For a shed, you'll want at least a 20-gallon tank to run framing nailers consistently without waiting for refills.

Paul's right about safety - also check the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. Most framing nailers need 2-4 CFM at 90 PSI. I'd recommend a 30-gallon upright compressor like the Porter-Cable C2002. It's in your budget and has enough juice for nail guns AND you could run a small paint sprayer later. Just remember to drain the tank after each use to prevent rust!

Agree with the others on safety checks. For shed building, I'd skip the pancake compressors - they're too small for continuous framing work. Look for something with at least 5-6 CFM @ 90 PSI. Also consider noise - if you have close neighbors, get an oil-lubed model instead of oil-free (quieter but needs maintenance). My two cents: spend a bit more for a belt-drive model if you can, they last forever.

Wow, thanks everyone! Didn't realize there was so much to consider. So I should look for: 20-30 gallon tank, 5-6 CFM @ 90 PSI, safety valves, and maybe oil-lubed for noise. The Porter-Cable Gary mentioned looks good. Any other brands I should check? And should I get specific hoses/fittings?