How to build a small shed roof

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a roof for a 4×4 shed. If you want to learn how to build a small storage shed roof, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article and to check out the related projects. There are many shed projects featured on our site, so don’t be afraid to browse through the rest of the woodworking plans.

In most of the cases, a building permit is required so make sure you go to the town hall and ask information about the legal requirements you have to comply with. In this manner, you will also find out useful details about your shed construction. When building the shed, you should make sure the plans are detailed and come with step by step instructions, as well as with a complete list of the materials.

It is essential to invest in high quality materials, that are also water-resistant, such as pressure-treated lumber. Cut the components at the right size by using a circular saw and smooth the cut edges with a sand block. Don’t forget to ask a skilled friend to assist you during the project, especially if you don’t have a large expertise in the field. You need someone to hold the components into place, while you drive the screws in. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

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Small storage shed roof plans

How to build a small shed roof

Materials

G – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 9 3/4″ long, 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 48″ long TOP RIDGE
H – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 34 1/4″ long, 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber- 60″ long RAFTERS
I – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 35 1/4″ long, 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 2 1/2″ long 2xOVERHANGS
J – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 35 1/4″ x 60″ long ROOFING
K – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 79″ long, 1 piece – 43″ long DOOR JAMBS
L – 1 piece of 5/8″ siding – 79″ x 36″ long DOOR PANEL
L – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 36″ long, 2 pieces – 72″ long, 1 piece – 29″ long DOOR TRIMS

7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
9 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
1 piece of 5/8″ siding – 4’x8′
2 1/2″ screws
3 1/2″ screws
6d nails

Tools

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

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Week

Part 1: How to build a 4×4 shed
Part 2: How to build a small storage shed roof

Installing the top ridge

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the top ridge for the shed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the supports out of 2×4 lumber and the top ridge out of 2×6 lumber. Drill pilot holes and secure the supports to the plates by using 2 1/2″ screws. Fit the top ridge with galvanized screws and make sure it is level by using a spirit level.

Building the rafters

Next, build the rafters out of 2×4 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the slats and get the job done by using a circular saw. Take accurate measurements otherwise the rafters won’t fit into place. Cut out the notch in the rafters as described in the diagram.

Fitting the rafters

Next, attach the rafters to the top ridge, as described in the diagram. It is essential to place the rafters equally-spaced, otherwise the structure won’t support the weight of the roof properly.

Attaching the gable ends

Fit the gable ends to the front and to the back of the shed, as you can see in the diagram. Smooth the edges and secure the sheets to the structure, as described in the diagram. Leave no gaps between the components and secure the sheets to the frame using finishing nails.

Building the overhangs

Building the overhangs is the next step of the woodworking project. In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to build the rafters and the blockings out of 2×4 lumber. Lock them together using 2 1/2″ screws and leave no gaps between them.

Attaching the overhangs

Attach the overhangs to the front and to the back of the shed, as described in the diagram. Work with attention and make sure the edges are flush, otherwise the ends result won’t raise up to your expectations.

Fitting the rafter trims

Fit the 1×4 trims to the ends of the rafters, as described in the diagram. Use brad nails to secure the trims into place properly. Work with attention and make sure the edges are flush one with another.

Attaching the plywwod roof sheets

Next, attach the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the roof of the shed, as described in the diagram. align the sheets with great care and secure them into place using finishing nails and waterproof glue.

Fitting the roofing

Cover the roofing sheets with tar paper. Install the tar paper starting with the bottom of the roof and make sure the strips overlap for at least 2″. In addition, fit a 12” strip over the top ridge. Install the shingles starting with the left- bottom of the roof, after fitting the starting course. Use roofing tacks to secure the shingles into place.

Building a shed door

Build the door for the shed out of siding and using 1×4 trims. Cut the components at the right size and secure them together by using 1 1/4″ screws and waterproof glue. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the door jambs

In order to secure the door into place, we recommend you to fit appropriate 1×4 jambs to the front wall, as described in the diagram. Cut the components at the tight size and secure them to the siding by using finishing nails and waterproof glue. Fit the door top the opening and secure it to the jambs by using hinges and a door latch. Work with attention for a professional result.

How to build a small shed roof

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Build a shed ramp if you want to have a proper access to the small storage shed.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a 4×4 shed roof and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends and LIKE us, by using the social media widgets, if you want to be the first that gets our latest articles.

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