How to build a wooden shed with gambrel roof

Wooden sheds at homes are often built to have traditional pitched roofs. While these are easier to build, it doesn’t offer as much space as the gambrel roof does.

This article explains what a gambrel roof is, and how you can build one for your wooden shed.

What Is a Gambrel Roof?

Think of a barn that has a roof shaped like half of a pentagon. This is a gambrel roof—two-sided, symmetrical, one shallow slope, and one steep slope. Typically, barns have this type of roof, as are early Dutch colonial houses. Gambrel roofs usually have a 30-degree angle at the first slope, and about 60 degrees at the second slope. Today, builders can customize gambrel roofs according to their needs and preferences.

Building a Shed with a Gambrel Roof

This tutorial only focuses on the construction of the gambrel roof itself. Once the barn’s body is already finished, proceed to the following steps:

STEP 1

Place the trusses above the plates and use some galvanized screws to attach them. Align the trusses at both ends for a cleaner look. Start fitting 2 x 4 blockings between the trusses to enhance stability.

STEP 2

Using a 5/8″ grooved plywood, attach the gambrel ends to the back and front of the shed. Install the back and front overhangs afterwards. Secure using galvanized screws.

STEP 4

Add roofing sheet using plywood to the roof trusses. It is recommended to cut the sheets at the right size for a more professional look. Lock the sheets in place using nails.

STEP 5

Use roofing felt to cover the entire roof, overlapping each strip by at least 2 inches. Staple tar paper to the roofing sheets afterwards, then fit side drip edges. Start installing the shingles from the bottom upwards.

STEP 6

Planning on building a loft for that extra storage space? Trim the notches at the rafters. Attach two plywood sheets above them. Secure with 1 1/2-inch screws or nails.

STEP 7

To add character and style to your gambrel roof shed, attach pieces of plywood to the overhands. Make sure everything fits nicely before securing them with finishing nails.

STEP 8

Start installing trims to the end of the rafters. Use 1×6 lumber and secure them using 1 1/2-inch finishing nails.

STEP 9

Finally, the last step is the finishing. Use wood filler to fill all gaps and holes, leaving it to dry for a few hours. As a finalization step, inspect the roof for any misalignments or loose components.

Some Last-Minute Tips

While having a loft is not mandatory, builders prefer installing them to maximize the space under gambrel roofs. You can use this extra space for storage. To make walls more secure, professional builders would recommend using braces. For a more durable roof that will last years, it is recommended to go for materials of the highest quality. Not only will this make the roof more durable, but it will also help prevent safety hazards associated with unstable structures.