Gambrel Shed Building Guide with Free Plans and Support

Building a gambrel shed can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. The gambrel roof style is a great choice for a shed because it allows for more storage space and a unique aesthetic.

Gambrel sheds typically have a sloping roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope is often steeper than the lower slope, which creates a distinctive look.

The free plans and support provided with this guide make it easy to get started on your project. You can find the plans in the "Gambrel Shed Plans" section of this article.

A typical gambrel shed is around 8-10 feet wide and 12-16 feet long. This size range is perfect for storing small equipment and tools.

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The plans for a gambrel barn shed are quite detailed, with 108 pages of instructions, photos, tables, and figures. This includes options for overhang and a loft.

If you're a handyman, you can skip some of the instructions and head straight to the tables and figures. But if you're a first-time builder, it's a good idea to read and study the instructions until you feel confident to get started.

The plans include several tables to help with the design and planning process. Here are some of the key tables you'll find:

If you're planning to build a 12x12 timber gambrel shed, it's essential to construct a solid foundation. A 12-foot by 12-foot concrete slab foundation is recommended, as per the guide mentioned in Example 4.

The foundation should be cured for at least 72 hours before starting work on the shed. This allows the concrete to set properly and ensures a stable base for your building.

To secure the walls to the concrete floor, J bolts should be installed at a distance of 1.5 inches from the outer perimeter, with four bolts at the four corners and one at every 2 feet interval along the edges.

The bottom of the wall plates should be fastened to the concrete floor by securing nuts and washers to the J-bolts. Additionally, two plates should be fastened on the upper part of each wall during framing.

Here's a summary of the steps for constructing the foundation and walls:

The table of contents for your Gambrel Barn Shed Plans is a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the detailed plans. It's 108 pages long, packed with instructions, photos, tables, and figures.

If you're a handyman, you can skip some of the instructions and head straight to the tables and figures. But if you're a first-time builder, it's best to read and study the instructions carefully before getting started.

The table of contents includes several important tables that will help you plan and build your shed. Here are a few of them:

Roofing is a crucial part of building a gambrel shed, and it's essential to get it right to ensure a sturdy and watertight roof. You'll want to start by sheeting the roof with 1/2" OSB panels, making sure to flush the outside edge with the outside truss and nail it every 8" with 8d common nails.

For strength, stagger the panel joints and nail panels 8" along the perimeters and 12" in the field. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent any weaknesses in the roof. By following these steps, you'll be able to create a solid foundation for your shed's roofing.

As you continue with the roofing process, consider adding roofing felt paper or tar paper to protect the OSB or plywood sheeting underneath. This will help prolong the life of your shed and prevent any water damage. You can choose between 15# or 30# weight roofing felt, depending on your roof slope. A 15# weight is usually sufficient, but 30# may be necessary for very low pitches.

You can also add drip edge along all perimeter edges of your roof for further protection. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a durable and long-lasting roof for your gambrel shed.

Roofing felt is a crucial layer that protects the osb or plywood sheeting underneath it, prolonging the life of your shed. It comes in 15# weight or 30# weights, with 15# being commonly used.

For a shed with a moderate roof slope, 15# weight is sufficient. However, if your roof slope is very low, like a 3/12 pitch, 30# weight is recommended.

Using drip edge along all perimeter edges of your roof provides further protection and is highly recommended. It helps to prevent water from seeping under the roofing felt and damaging the underlying structure.

Drip edge can be installed in conjunction with roofing felt to create a robust and watertight roof. It's a simple and effective way to add an extra layer of protection to your shed.

Related reading: Shed Roof Drip Edge

Venting and overhangs are crucial components of a gambrel shed's roof. Venting can be accomplished by placing gable end vents on both ends up close to your ridge, or a ridge vent can be installed.

Gable end vents should be placed as close to the ridge as possible to ensure proper airflow. This will help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of rot and decay.

Overhangs can be constructed of 2x6's laid flat or toe-nailed on edge, which are called fly rafters. This method provides a sturdy and weather-tight overhang.

Alternatively, you can create ladder assemblies by nailing 2x4 struts between two trusses. These ladder assemblies can be installed before your roof sheeting is put down, allowing you to start sheeting on the outside edges of your overhangs.

Installing overhangs before roof sheeting provides additional strength and stability to your shed.

The floor and walls of your gambrel shed are crucial components that require careful planning and execution. The floor will need either a slab foundation or concrete footings, so make sure to choose the right option for your project.

To craft the rim joists, use 2×8 pressure-treated pine, which is a great choice for outdoor construction. The end joists should be 11.5 feet in length, and the side joists should be 16 feet in length.

Fastening the perimeter joists together is a key step, and you can use metal brackets and galvanized nails for this purpose. The inner joists should be 11.5 feet in length and secured at 24-inch intervals inside the outer floor frame.

Installing the finished floor framework on the concrete footings and fastening it with metal anchors is a must. Attaching plywood panels over the frame in a staggered manner and securing them to the joists with screws or nails will provide a sturdy base for your shed.

As you build the walls, remember to construct four corner posts that are seven feet in length from 4×6 lumber for assembling the front wall. The top plates for the wall should leave a gap of 3.5 inches for the side wall's top plate to overlap.

Crafting the door posts according to the door dimensions is also essential. You can place the corner posts and top plates on the floor and secure them together with angle brackets and galvanized nails.

To ensure the walls are plumb and level, check them regularly and attach diagonal braces inside the walls temporarily to keep them square. Use temporary bracing from the floor frame to corner posts to hold the walls erect.

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Here's a summary of the wall frame assembly steps: