12x16 Barn Shed Roof with Loft | HowToSpecialist - How to Build, Step by Step DIY Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about free 12×16 gable shed plans. This is PART 2 of the 12×16 storage shed project, where I show you how to build the roof and how to create the loft. Remember that you can make a lot of adjustments to the size and to the design of the shed project, so it suit your needs properly. See my other DIY projects HERE.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

12×16 Barn Shed Roof with Loft

Building a 12×16 barn shed

Materials

H – 4 pieces of T1-11 – 48″x63 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x73 1/4″ long GAMBREL ENDS
I – 36 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 55″ long 9xTRUSS
I – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 46 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 56 3/4″ long, 2 piece – 66″ long SUPPORTS
J – 8 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 55″ long, 16 pieces – 7″ long 2xOVERHANGS
K – 8 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 8 pieces – 7″x96″ long, 8 pieces – 10 3/4″x55″ long ROOF
L – 350 sq ft of tar paper, 350 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
O – 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long LOFT JOISTS
O – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 44 1/2″x93 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 48″x93 1/4″ long LOFT

5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
26 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 6′
8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
13 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
6 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
4d nails, 6d nails
rafter ties
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
350 sq ft of tar paper, 350 sq ft of asphalt shingles

Tools

Time

One Day

How to build a barn shed roof with loft

Fitting the loft joists

The first step of the project is to build the loft for the gambrel shed. Use 2×6 lumber for the loft joists and attach them to the side walls. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs.

Loft sheets

Fit the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the top of the joists. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the joists, so you lock them into place tightly. Building this simple loft for the 12×16 storage shed will create a lot of additional storage space.

Building the trusses

Continue the woodworking project by assembling the trusses for the shed roof. Cut both ends of the 2×6 rafters at 67.5 degrees (make 22.5 degree cuts), by using a miter saw.

If you are trying to keep the costs down, you can use 2×4 lumber for the rafters, as well.

Gussets

Lay all the rafters on a very level surface, making sure you leave no gaps between the components. Align the components with attention before attaching the gussets over the joints. Mark the cut lines on the 1/2″ plywood sheets and then get the job done with a saw. Align the gussets over the joints, drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws.

Fitting the trusses

Fit the trusses to the top of the barn shed. Place the trusses every 24″ on center. Use a spirit level to plumb the trusses, so you can make sure they are perfectly vertical. Use rafter ties to secure the trusses to the wall framing.

Fitting the gambrel end supports

Use 2×4 lumber for the supports that will hold the gambrel end panels. After cutting the supports at the right dimensions, you need to drill pocket holes at both ends. Fit the supports into place and lock them tightly with 2 1/2″ screws.

Gambrel end panels

Use T1-11 siding for the gambrel end panels. Mark the cut lines on the sheets and then get the job done with a saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper, align them properly and use 6-8d nails to lock them to the supports and to the trusses.

Building the overhangs

Building these simple overhangs will not only enhance the look of the shed, but they will also protect the front and back walls from water damage. You can adjust the size of the overhangs to suit your needs.

Fitting the overhangs

Fit the overhangs to the front and to the back of the shed. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws, so you can secure them into place tightly. You need a few friends to assist you when installing the overhangs into place, as they will be quite heavy.

Fitting the roof sheets

Cut the 3/4″ plywood sheets for the roof of the shed at the right dimensions and then lock them into place with 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the rafters.

Fitting the roofing

The next step of the woodworking project is to cover the roof with felt. As you can see in the image, you need to make sure the strips of roofing felt overlap at least 2”. In addition, you have to lock the tar paper to the plywood sheets with staples.

Next, you should install the shingles to the roof of the large shed. Start with the bottom of the roof, by fitting the first course, as in the image. Use roofing tacks to secure the shingles to the roofing sheets.

Start the first course with a full tab, the second with 2 1/2 tabs, the third with 2 tabs, the forth with 1 1/2 tabs, the fifth with 1 tab, the sixth with half tab and the seventh with a 3 tabs. Secure the shingles with roofing tacks.

12×16 Gambrel Shed Plans

If you want to build the frame for this storage shed, you should check out PART 1 of the project. Make sure you take a look over PART 3 of the shed, to see how to build the double doors. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest. If you are here, you might as well take a look over my 16×24 shed plans with 10 ft high walls.

Thank you for reading our project about free 12×16 barn shed roof with loft plans and I recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

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