Shed roof designs come in various shapes, sizes and costs. The design that you choose may depend on your skills as a carpenter and the time that you are willing to invest in the construction of your DIY shed. A good set of plans will go a long way in making the most of your woodworking skills.
Whether it is a shed for your garden or an extra room for the overflowing tools and equipment in your garage, the roof can be the most challenging part of the job.
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If you are not very comfortable with a more complex roof design, you can opt for the pent roof shed. Among the five common types of roofs, this is the simplest design and does not involve a lot of complex cuts. This roof is ideal for a shed that is positioned against a fence or a wall. It is a single slope that spans between the back and front walls resting on a single beam. Keep in mind that the span of the shed roof depends on the strength of the joists that you will be using. Timber can be used for a shorter shed roof, but, a mono-pitch truss is necessary to cover wider spaces.
Probably the most complex shed roof design is the hip roof. You might see this configuration in a poolside cabana or summerhouse.
Although the hip roof is very distinctive looking it is difficult to build because of the many compound cuts that are required. Another disadvantage of the hip roof is if you need overhead storage there is not a lot available with this design.
If your shed location is near the beach or an area where there may be strong winds you could consider a salt box shed roof design. It is simple, yet sturdy, and can withstand strong winds. The design is not proportional like other roof configurations, however, if you look closely you'll notice that it's just like an extension of the gable roof. The single side of the roof drops like a "cat-slide" or lean-to extension.
If you need more space to store things like sailboat masts, tree trimming saws, and ladders then your best bet is the gambrel roof also known as a barn roof. Construction of this roof is somewhat more complex than the gable roof due to the multiple angles. But if you are reasonably skilled and have a good set of detailed plans you should be able to handle a gambrel roof with no problem. The gable roof is also an option, however, it does not offer as much overhead space as the gambrel roof although it is quite easy to build.
Although it may cost you more because of the large timber requirement, the gambrel is the best choice if you are looking for overhead storage. Ultimately your roof choice will depend on whether you are looking for appearance, functionality, ease of construction, and, of course, your budget.