Building a Short Shed Gable Roof

This step by step woodworking project is about building a short shed gable roof plans. This is the second article about how to build a 8×12 short shed, where I show you how to make the rafters and install the front door. My plans come with step by step instructions and you can easily adjust all the dimensions to suit your needs. 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

Building-a-short-shed

Materials

F – 4 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 siding – 48″x77 1/2″ long SIDING
G – 14 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long, 2 pieces – 12″ long, 4 pieces – 6″ long RAFTERS
G – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 12″x96 long, 2 pieces – 12″x48″ long ROOF
H – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 12″x96 long, 2 pieces – 12″x48″ long ROOF
I – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 60 1/4″ long, 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber- 148 1/4″ long TRIMS
J – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 89″ long, 4 pieces – 57″ long FRONT WALL
K – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 53 1/2″ long, 1 piece of T1-11 siding – 60 1/2″x48″ long DOOR
L – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 60 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 55″ long JAMBS

7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8′
4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″
7 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 6′
2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 14′
4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 6′
5 pieces of T1-11 5/8″ siding – 4’x8′
150 sq ft of tar paper, 150 sq ft of asphalt shingles
2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
4d nails, 6d nails
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
shed hinges

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Time

One Day

How to build a gable roof for a short shed

Building-the-rafters

The first step of the project is to build the rafters for the short shed. Cut one end of the rafter at 75 degree (make a 15 degree cut). In addition, you need to make a birdsmouth cut to the rafter, so you can fit it to the top plates.

Assembling-the-trusses

Assemble the trusses by attaching 1/2″ gusset. Align the edges with attention and insert 1 5/8″ screws, so you lock the trusses together tightly.

Fitting-the-trusses

Place the trusses to the top of the roof, every 24″ on center. Use a spirit level to plumb the trusses and lock them into place with 3 1/2″ screws. Drill pilot holes and insert the screws into the top plates.

Gable-ends-supports

Attach the 2×4 supports to the gamble ends of the shed. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the components into place tightly.

Attaching-the-back-wall-siding-sheets

Attach the 5/8″ T1-11 siding sheets to the back wall frame. Align the edges with attention and insert 6d nails to secure them into place tightly.

Front-wall-siding-sheets

Make a few cuts to the sheets that go around the door opening. Align the edges flush and insert 6d nails to lock the sheets into place tightly.

Fitting-the-roofing-sheets

Attach the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the top of the roof. Align the edges flush and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure the sheets to the rafters. Leave no gaps between the sheets for a neat result.

Building-the-roof-end-trims

Build the trims for the roof from 2×6 lumber. As you can notice in the diagram, you need to make a 15 degree cut to one end of the trims.

Side-roof-trims

Attach the trims into place and secure them with 2 1/2″ screws. Attach 1×6 trims to the sides of the shed. Use 2″ brad nails to secure the trims into place tightly.

Fitting-the-roofing

You could fit asphalt shingles to protect the shed, as it is a straight forward solution. Therefore, install roofing felt over the roofing sheets, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under. Place a starting course at the bottom of the roof, before installing the asphalt shingles. Always read the manufacturing instructions before starting the installation, as there are several aspects that differ.

Smart Tip: The first course should star with a 3 tab shingle, the second course with a 2 1/2 tab , the third course with a 2 tab, the forth course with a 1 1/2 tab, the fifth course with a 1 tab, the sixth course with a 1/2 tab. Repeat the process from the beginning, starting with the seventh course. Don’t forget that the shingles should overhang from the drip edge about a 1/4″. In addition, secure the asphalt shingles to the roof decking with tacks.

Door-jambs

Fit 1×4 trims around the door opening. Secure the jambs into place with 2 1/2″ screws.

Building-the-door

Build the door for the shed from T1-11 siding and 1×4 trims. Use glue and 1 1/4″ screws to lock the components together, after making sure the edges are flush.

Fitting-the-door

Fit the door to the opening and use hinges and a latch to secure it into place tightly. Make sure the door opens and closes properly, before taking care of the finishing touches.

DIY-short-shed-plans

Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper, for a neat result. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the project.

DIY-short-shed-plans-back-view

DIY-short-shed-plans-side-view

If you want to build the frame for this shed, make sure you take a look over PART 1. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.

Thank you for reading our project about free short shed roof 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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