How To Build A Shed Roof

A Short Illustrated Guide To Build a Gable Roof

In this short guide I'll show you how to build a gable style shed roof. Building a barn style shed roof is very similar so you can follow most of the steps given here. Check also how to build a shed foundations - another quick illustrated guide you may want to read first. At the end of this article I will give also few useful resources for building other types of shed roofs.

Step 1.

At this point we will assume you have already built the shed foundations, walls and door.

Install four good wood beams on the top of the shed. They will enforce the construction and will help attaching the shed roof to it.

The beams can be slightly thicker than the thickness of the walls to give better stability.

Rectangle construction of shed roof beams

Step 2.

For simplicity this picture is illustrating only the front size of the roof. In yoir real construction there will be vertical joist on the other (back) end as well.

The vertical joists must be attached exactly at the middle of the underlying beam if you want to build a symmetrical gable roof.

Step 3.

Now prepare the shingles for the roof rafters. Each shingle needs a stopper near the bottom end.

The ends of the shingles need to be cut diagonally as shown on the picture. This will allow them attach nicely to the top joist from step 2.

See here for more detailed info on roof rafters.

Step 4.

Now attach each rafter in a way that it connects the top joist with the the bottom horisontal beams.

There must be equal number of rafters on each side and each couple must be placed in equal position so each two rafters form a roof frame.

You can have 10" - 20" space between each frame.

Step 5.

If you want to strengthen the shed roof construction even more, you can install one additional horisontal joist.

Put it on each roof frame, 5" - 10" above the bottom beams.

Step 6.

Here is how your roof construction looks at the end.

Now all you need is to attach pieces of thick plywood and isolate with roof tiles or plastic so there are no water leaks.

Such a gable roof is simple to build and very stable.

Do you want to get started? I recommend you to check these shed plans, pick a model you like and go ahead!

If you prefer to build other type of shed roof, check out these guides:

How to build a Flat roof

How to build a Hipped roof (video)

How do you frame a Pyramid roof

The Super-simple Gambrel Roof

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