Build a Gambrel Shed with Loft for Storage and More

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Bright premise for storage with concrete floor and metal beams inside modern industrial building
Credit: pexels.com, Bright premise for storage with concrete floor and metal beams inside modern industrial building

Building a gambrel shed with a loft is a great way to create additional storage space while also adding a unique touch to your property. A gambrel shed typically features two slopes on its roof, which allows for more vertical space inside the shed.

The loft can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing seasonal decorations, out-of-season clothing, or even as a cozy reading nook. In fact, a typical gambrel shed loft can be as large as 100 square feet.

The gambrel design also allows for a larger window area, which can provide natural light and ventilation to the loft area. This can be especially useful for storing items that are sensitive to light or moisture.

A gambrel shed with a loft can be built in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, to fit in with your home's aesthetic.

Design and Planning

A gambrel shed with a loft is a great way to add some extra storage and functionality to your property.

Credit: youtube.com, 24x36 Gambrel Barn Timber Frame Home

The design and planning of your shed is crucial to ensure that it meets your needs and fits in with your existing architecture.

A gambrel roof is a great choice for a shed with a loft, as it allows for a larger living space and can be designed to match your home's style.

You'll want to consider the size of your shed, taking into account the space you need for your loft and any other features you want to include, such as a dormer window or a shed door.

A typical gambrel shed with a loft can be built with a width of 8 to 12 feet and a length of 10 to 20 feet.

The materials you choose for your shed will also impact its design and functionality, so be sure to select materials that are durable and weather-resistant.

A gambrel shed with a loft can be built using a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and vinyl.

Roof and Trusses

Credit: youtube.com, How to build Gambrel Trusses | Barn Style Rafters | Shed Build Part 3

The roof and trusses of a gambrel shed with loft are designed to provide a unique exterior profile and plenty of space inside. The Gambrel Outfitter is built with gambrel-style roof trusses, which are built in an arch shape instead of the more typical a-frame roof trusses.

These trusses are great for storing taller items or having more loft space. To build the trusses, you'll need to measure the width of the truss by marking a chalk line along the floor and finding the midpoint. Then, draw a line perpendicular to this middle point to find the precise height of each corner truss section.

Every truss section will have the exact same angle at each end and the same length at the bottom and top. Draw lines connecting the top of the three lines, the horizontal line, the 45-degree line, and the 90-degree line to determine the lengths between the points.

Credit: youtube.com, Building 12x16 Gambrel Shed with Loft

The trusses will be crafted using 2x4s, and each truss section will be aligned at an angle of 22.5 degrees. The number of trusses needed to build the roof framework will be determined by the size of the shed.

Here's a step-by-step guide to building the trusses:

  • Lay down 2x4s on the lines you snapped and copy over the measurements.
  • Craft four timber pieces to create the first truss.
  • Assemble the trusses on the floor in position to complete the first truss.
  • Check that the width of the truss from one end to the other matches the width of the shed.
  • Craft six gusset plates from half-inch thick plywood and secure the truss sections to each other by driving five nails at each connecting end.

To assemble the roof, align the trusses on the top wall plates and secure them at sixteen inches on center. Toenail each end of the truss to the top wall plate by driving three galvanized nails at each end. If you live in an area with strong winds, then reinforce the roof frame with hurricane ties secured with deck screws.

Here's a list of the materials you'll need for building the roof:

  • 2x4s for the trusses
  • Half-inch thick plywood for the gusset plates
  • Galvanized nails for toenailing the trusses
  • Deck screws for securing the hurricane ties
  • Roofing panels (such as OSB boards) for sheeting the roof
  • Asphalt shingles for completing the roof

Interior

The interior of a gambrel shed with loft is a game-changer for storage and organization. Above the front porch is a large loft area that's perfect for storing large objects.

You can keep your main floor clean and tidy while still having a place to stash your stuff. This loft area can even be finished out to create an extra sleeping area if you need it.

A gambrel shed with loft offers a unique opportunity to maximize your storage space, making it ideal for homes with limited attic space or for those who love to tinker and need a dedicated workspace.

Plans and Measurements

Credit: youtube.com, How To Design And Calculate Gambrel Roof Measurements Using The Old Fashioned Half Circle Method

Building a gambrel shed with a loft requires careful planning and precise measurements. The attic floor will be supported by 10 joists, each 12 feet long, cut at a 45-degree angle for a sturdy foundation.

To ensure the wall frame is secure, use 11.5-foot-long bottom plates and 12-foot-long top plates for the knee walls. This will provide a solid base for the walls, which will be framed with 4 end studs and 20 long studs.

When crafting the roof frame, use 2×6 stock to create a 14-foot-long ridge board, mitered at a 16-degree angle for the front. This will serve as a guide for the common rafters, which will be spaced 8 inches from the back and 16 inches from the front of the ridge board.

10x10 Plans Overview

A 10x10 shed is a great size for a small project, and with the right plans, you can have a sturdy and functional structure in no time. To start, you'll need to construct a concrete slab foundation, which should be at least 12 feet by 12 feet in size.

Credit: youtube.com, Square Gazebo Plans Blueprints For 10x10 Gable Roof Summerhouse

You'll also need to install J-bolts into the concrete, spaced 1.5 inches from the outer perimeter, with four bolts at the corners and one every 2 feet along the edges. This will provide a solid anchor for your shed's walls.

Before framing the walls, you'll need to craft headers using 2x8 stock for the door and window. This will ensure a sturdy and secure frame for your shed's openings.

For the roof, you'll need to create a ridge board, which should be 14 feet long and made from 2x6 stock. You'll also need to miter it at a 16-degree angle in the front.

Here's a list of the materials you'll need for the roof frame:

  • 20 upper and lower rafters
  • Six upper and eight lower rafters for the gable overhangs
  • Four 34-inch long collar ties
  • 13' 4" long soffit ledgers
  • Blocks made from 2x4 wood for the rafter ends and ledgers

12x12 Storage Wall Frame Diagrams

To craft the wall frame for a 12x12 storage shed, you'll need to start by constructing the floor for the attic. This requires 10 joists, each made from 12-foot-long 2×6 lumber. Cut the upper corner of each joist at a 45-degree angle to ensure a sturdy foundation.

Credit: youtube.com, How To: Reading Construction Blueprints & Plans | #1

The joists should be secured to the walls with galvanized nails, keeping a 3.5-inch space for the wall studs. This will provide a solid base for the knee walls.

For the knee walls, you'll need 11.5-foot-long bottom plates and 12-foot-long top plates. Craft 4 end studs and 20 long studs to frame the walls. Install the plates such that the joists of the attic are directly beneath the studs.

To complete the wall frame, you'll need to install plywood sheeting over the attic floor. Use 8d galvanized nails to secure the plywood floor at 6-inch intervals over the joists.

Here's a summary of the materials needed for the wall frame:

Truss Measurements

To find the truss measurements, you'll want to start by building the shed floor and using it as a reference to measure the width of the truss by marking a chalk line along the floor.

The width of the truss will be determined by the size of the shed, and you'll need to find the midpoint of the chalk line to draw a line perpendicular to this middle point.

Credit: youtube.com, Truss Dimensions

Draw a 45-degree angle between the horizontal and vertical lines to find the precise height of each corner truss section. This angle will be the same at each end of the truss.

The truss sections will be crafted using 2x4s, and each section will be aligned at an angle of 22.5 degrees.

To build the trusses, start by laying down 2x4s on the lines you snapped and copying over the measurements. Craft four timber pieces to create the first truss, and assemble the trusses on the floor in position to complete the first truss.

The width of the truss from one end to the other should match the width of the shed. You'll need to check this measurement to ensure accuracy.

Here's a summary of the truss measurements:

10x12 Plans - Material List

For a 10x12 gambrel shed, you'll need 15 sheets of t1-11 exterior siding, each 4'x8' in size.

You'll also need 8 sheets of 1/2" plywood, also 4'x8' in size, to serve as the roof deck.

Credit: youtube.com, 99 - DIY Shed - Complete Instructions - Best Tutorial There Is!

To frame the walls, you'll need 6 pressure-treated 2x6s, each 12' long, and 9 pressure-treated 2x6s, each 11'9" long.

For the rafters and truss, you'll need 25 pressure-treated 2x4s, each 8' long, and 1 1/4" galvanized finishing nails.

To secure the floor deck, you'll need 2" deck screws.

The front wall frame will have a door, and for instructions on framing the door or window, see the pages below.

Amy Martin

Senior Writer

Amy Martin is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience in various industries. She has a passion for creativity and enjoys exploring different perspectives on life. Amy's work often inspires readers to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.

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