Shed Roof Cabin Construction and Inspiration

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Posted Nov 4, 2024

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Rustic shed with a red roof nestled beside a rocky hill on a sunny day, surrounded by trees.
Credit: pexels.com, Rustic shed with a red roof nestled beside a rocky hill on a sunny day, surrounded by trees.

A shed roof cabin is a great way to get away from it all, and with the right construction, you can create a cozy retreat that's perfect for relaxation.

The shed roof design is a popular choice for cabins because it's simple and easy to build.

You can choose from a variety of materials for the roof, including asphalt shingles, corrugated metal, and reclaimed wood.

One thing to keep in mind is that a shed roof cabin typically requires a smaller footprint, making it a great option for smaller plots of land.

With a shed roof cabin, you can create a unique and functional living space that's perfect for a weekend getaway or a permanent residence.

Readers also liked: Tikes Log Cabin

Specifications

The shed roof cabin's specifications are crucial to understanding its design and construction.

The cabin's dimensions are 16’ wide by 24’ long, with 2’ overhangs on all four sides.

The height to the top of the plate is 17’-6” with a 3:12 roof pitch.

Credit: youtube.com, DIY Shed Roof Framing (How to Build a Shed Roof, Make Birdsmouth Cuts, and Install Plywood Decking)

The height to the lower top plate is 13’-8”.

The cabin's frame is built with sturdy posts, rafters, plates, tie beams, and braces.

Here's a breakdown of the materials used:

  • Posts – 8×8
  • Rafters – 6×8
  • Plates – 8×10
  • Tie Beams – 8×10
  • Braces – 4×8

The construction drawings, detailed piece drawings, and materials lists come in a total of 27 pages.

Designs and Examples

A shed roof cabin is a great option for a cozy retreat. The design of a shed roof cabin typically features a single slope roof with a wide overhang, which provides excellent protection from the elements.

The cabin's roof pitch can vary, but a pitch of 4:12 or 6:12 is common. This allows for easy construction and a more open interior space.

The shed roof design also allows for large windows and sliding glass doors, which can be installed in the gable ends of the cabin. This provides an abundance of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The simplicity of the shed roof design makes it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway or a small home.

16×24 with Loft

Credit: youtube.com, "16X24 Vermont Cottage - Option B" - 3D Tour of DIY Tiny House - 16X20, 16X24, 16X30 Pre Cut Kits

The 16×24 with Loft design is a versatile and practical choice. This shed roof design has a single plane roof that makes a clean, contemporary statement and simplifies construction.

With a roof pitch of 3:12, it will still shed water and snow well. Plus, there are generous two foot overhangs all around for protection from the elements.

The total square footage of this design is almost 600 square feet. You get a total of almost 600 square feet to use as you see fit!

The ceiling height varies, with one end having a ceiling height of over 17 feet and the other end having a ceiling height of almost 8 feet on the first floor.

Here are the key dimensions of this design:

  • 16’ wide by 24’ long outside of post to outside of post
  • 2’ overhangs on all four sides
  • Height to Top of Plate 17’-6” with 3:12 Roof Pitch
  • Height to Lower Top Plate 13’-8”

The materials needed for this project include:

  • Posts – 8x8
  • Rafters – 6x8
  • Plates – 8x10
  • Tie Beams – 8x10
  • Braces – 4x8

The plans for this design include 27 pages in total, with 12 pages of construction drawings, 13 pages of detailed piece drawings, and 2 pages of materials lists.

Coastal Cabin in Norway

Credit: youtube.com, SMALL HOUSE DESIGNS - A MODERN COASTAL CABIN IN NORWAY | TYIN TEGNESTUE

The Norwegian coast is a dramatic landscape shaped by glaciers that carved deep fjords and left behind thousands of islands. One of those islands is Skardsøya, a two square kilometer island.

The western coast of Norway is a unique place, with its rugged terrain and dramatic scenery. It's a beautiful spot to build a coastal cabin.

The island of Skardsøya is home to a modern coastal cabin designed by TYIN tegnestue.

Low-Impact Cabin in Sweden

The Low-Impact Cabin in Sweden is a one-of-a-kind design that sits among rock outcrops in a forest just southwest of Stockholm, Sweden.

This cabin was designed by Architect Camilla Schlyter of Schlyter / Gezelius Arkitektkontor.

The modern cabin has a tapered profile and angled design that blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

This design choice allows the cabin to minimize its impact on the environment while still providing a unique and cozy living space.

Located just southwest of Stockholm, the cabin takes advantage of the natural beauty of its surroundings.

The cabin's design is a great example of how architecture can be both functional and environmentally friendly.

The Box House

Credit: youtube.com, The Cube - Modern Minimalist | Box House Design

The Box House is a basic cabin in the Australian bush several hundred kilometers south of Sydney.

Its owners started by camping on the land, indicating a desire for a more permanent and comfortable shelter.

The Box House is designed as an off-grid cabin, suggesting a focus on self-sufficiency and minimal environmental impact.

Its remote location requires careful consideration of building materials and design elements to ensure the structure can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Llano Exit Strategy | Matt Garcia Design

The Llano Exit Strategy project is a great example of how friends can come together to create a unique living space. Four couples who are good friends purchased a beautiful piece of land on the Llano River in Texas.

The friends decided to have separate small cabins instead of one large house, which allowed each couple to have their own private space. This design choice also enabled them to enjoy the natural surroundings and each other's company without feeling cramped.

Aerial View of Crumbling Roof of Abandoned Shed
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial View of Crumbling Roof of Abandoned Shed

The compound consists of separate small cabins, which provides each couple with their own private space and a sense of ownership. This design is perfect for friends who want to share a beautiful piece of land without sacrificing their individuality.

The Llano Exit Strategy project is a testament to the power of collaboration and creative design. By working together, the friends were able to create a truly unique and functional living space that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are shed roof houses cheaper to build?

Yes, shed roof houses are generally cheaper to build due to reduced material usage. This cost-effectiveness makes shed roofs a popular choice for many homeowners.

What is the cheapest way to cover a shed roof?

The cheapest way to cover a shed roof is with felt, which is a budget-friendly option that's easy to install. Felt roofing is a cost-effective solution that suits many roof styles and shapes.

What is the best boarding for shed roof?

For a durable and long-lasting shed roof, consider using a rubber roofing material like EPDM, which outperforms traditional shed roofing felt in all aspects.

How much weight can a shed roof hold?

A standard 8-ft shed roof can hold up to 1800 lbs, or 22.5 lbs per square foot, but a Snow Load Kit can increase this capacity to 2400 lbs for areas with heavy snowfall.

What are three disadvantages of a shed roof?

Here is a concise FAQ answer: A shed roof can be challenging due to increased gutter workload and limited design options. It may not be suitable for larger houses.

Tom Tate

Lead Writer

Tom Tate is a seasoned writer and editor, with years of experience creating compelling content for online audiences. He has a talent for distilling complex topics into clear and concise language that engages readers on a deep level. In addition to his writing skills, Tom is also an expert in digital marketing and web design.