The Gambrel Barn Design and Construction Guide

The gambrel barn design is a classic choice for rural landscapes, characterized by its distinctive two-sided sloping roof. This design allows for maximum storage space and a unique aesthetic.

The gambrel barn typically features two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope. This design creates a symmetrical and balanced look.

A gambrel barn's roof is often covered with asphalt shingles, which provide durability and weather resistance. The roof's slope also allows for easy snow removal.

The gambrel barn's design is well-suited for rural areas with heavy snowfall, as the steeper lower slope allows snow to slide off easily. This design feature is particularly useful in areas with high snowfall.

The gambrel barn is a versatile structure that can be tailored to fit various needs and purposes. With a clear span of up to 16′, you can create a spacious interior that's perfect for hosting guests or using as a workshop.

One of the key benefits of the gambrel barn is its ability to provide ample storage space without compromising on work or living areas. The loft in this design offers tons of extra storage space, making it ideal for those who need to keep their belongings organized.

In terms of customization, the gambrel barn kit designs can be modified to suit everyone's needs. The example given in the article features a 48’ x 60’ main area with various sheds and storage units, showcasing the flexibility of this design.

Here are some key features to consider when designing your gambrel barn:

The oldest known gambrel roof in America was on the second Harvard Hall at Harvard University, built in 1677. This historic building is a great example of how the gambrel roof has been used in North American architecture for centuries.

The Peter Tufts House, built around 1677-78, is possibly the oldest surviving house in the U.S. with a gambrel roof. This house is a testament to the enduring design of the gambrel roof.

Several claims have been made about the origin of the gambrel roof form in North America. Let's take a look at a few of them:

When designing a barn, it's essential to consider the clear span and clearance. A 16′ interior clear span is a great starting point, as seen in Example 1. This allows for a spacious interior and various options for use.

You can create a workshop or even a wedding venue, like the one mentioned in Example 1. The possibilities are endless with this type of clear span.

The Gambrel pitch is a classic design feature, adding to the barn's dramatic effect. This style is particularly popular, as seen in Example 3, where a large gambrel building is featured.

Heavy Timber Construction and steel plate joinery provide extra strength and durability to the barn. This is a key feature of Example 1, where the barn's construction is highlighted.

Here are some key features to consider when designing your barn:

A split loft, like the one in Example 2, offers a ton of space above for storage or relaxation. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to get away from it all.

The Gambrel Barn Kit Designs in Example 3 feature a large hot tub and exercise area, as well as a boat and pickup truck storage area. This type of customization is possible with a well-designed barn kit.

The gambrel barn's construction involves several key steps. The foundation is typically a concrete slab, which provides a solid base for the barn.

To begin, you'll need to lay out the foundation, which can be a simple process if you're working on a small barn. The gambrel roof's unique design requires a slightly more complex foundation system.

The gambrel roof's distinctive shape is achieved by using two slopes of different angles, with the lower slope typically being around 30-40 degrees and the upper slope around 60-70 degrees.

When building a gambrel shed, you need to consider the width carefully. For safety reasons, it's recommended to have a truss manufacturer build your gambrel trusses for sheds wider than 12'.

You can build a shed up to 12' wide without needing custom trusses. This is a good size for most backyard projects.

A 10' wide barn is a good example of a well-sized shed. It's wide enough to be useful, but not so wide that it requires custom trusses.

To transfer measurements to 2x4's, start by drawing lines between three points to represent the top of the trusses, and measure down 3 1/2" off each line to get a full 2x4.

Each truss piece will be 3' 10" long on the top measurement, so make sure to cut four pieces to form your first truss.

The angles cut will be 22.5 degrees off each end, which can be easily achieved with the use of a speed square.

Assemble enough trusses for your shed roof, usually going 2' on center with your shed trusses is sufficient, but 16" on center is better for added strength and support.

If your shed wall studs are framed at 2' on center and you decide to go 16" on center with your trusses, then you will need 2 top plates.

Check to make sure the width of your truss is exactly 10' from one bottom side to the other, as this is critical for the first truss.

Now that we have the top sheets nailed into place, and the roof has been made square, we can finish with the sheeting on the first side, then do the opposite side in the same manner.

Stagger the panel joints for strength, as this will help prevent water damage and structural issues down the line. Panels should all be nailed 8" along the perimeters and 12" in the field or inside trusses.

To start, nail the sheet to the truss tops every 8" with 8d common nails, making sure to line up the outside short edge of the panel with the outside truss. This will help ensure a secure and even fit.

As you work your way around the roof, use 8d common nails to secure the sheet to the trusses, spacing them every 8" for added stability. This will help prevent the sheet from shifting or warping over time.

Remember to check your progress regularly to ensure the roof remains square and even, as this will make the sheeting process much easier and more efficient.

As you reach the midpoint of your shed construction, it's time to add some crucial elements: lower siding, ceiling joists, and loft flooring. This step is a game-changer, making it easier to install your roof sheeting.

With the addition of loft flooring, you'll be able to stand on it for most of the upper panels, saving you time and effort. This is especially useful for larger sheds or those with more complex roof designs.

Make sure each truss is exactly at its on-center location across the top if you're adding additional bracing for more support. This ensures a sturdy and secure structure.

The loft flooring will also give you a solid base to work from, allowing you to focus on finishing the interior of your shed.

Venting and overhangs are crucial components of your gambrel shed's design. For proper ventilation, you can install gable end vents on both ends of your shed, placing them close to the ridge. A ridge vent can also be used for ventilation.

Overhangs can be constructed using 2x6's laid flat or toe-nailed on edge, known as fly rafters. 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.

Installing overhangs before roof sheeting will give you more strength and allow you to start sheeting on the outside edges of your overhangs.