Timber Frame Shed Roof Styles and Options

A timber frame shed roof is a great way to add some extra storage or a cozy workspace to your property. You can choose from a variety of roof styles to suit your needs.

One popular option is the Gable Roof, which is a classic and simple design that works well for small to medium-sized sheds.

The Gambrel Roof, on the other hand, has two slopes on each side, providing more space for storage and a unique aesthetic.

For more insights, see: How to Build a Lean to Roof Storage Shed

If you're looking for a simple and easy-to-build shed roof plan, consider a 16×24 timber frame shed roof plan. This design features a single roof plane, reducing the number of timbers and joints to cut.

Having a clear span design, like the 20×24 foot timber frame lean-to shed structure, can provide plenty of space for various uses, such as a dwelling or open-air structure. It's perfect for a sloping grade with a porch.

For a more unique look, a 16×24 gambrel timber frame plan can add charm to your property. The attached shed roof area can be used as a porch or for additional space inside.

Related reading: Hip Roof Plan

The 14x36 shed roof plan is a versatile design with a full two-story main frame that measures 14x36 from outside to outside of the posts. This size can accommodate a variety of purposes.

Its two-story design offers ample space for different uses, from a cozy cabin to a spacious storage shed. The shed roof style adds a rustic touch to the overall appearance.

The 14x36 shed roof plan has a lot of potential for customization, making it a great option for DIY builders and seasoned craftsmen alike.

You might like: Roof Framing Plan with Truss Details

The 16x24 Gambrel is a great option for those who want a charming and functional shed. This design has an attached shed roof area that can be used as a porch or for additional space inside.

It's a smaller package with all the charm of a barn, making it perfect for small yards or properties. The gambrel frame is a popular choice for its unique and rustic look.

You can customize the attached shed roof area to fit your needs, whether it's for storage, a workspace, or a cozy reading nook. This flexibility makes the 16x24 Gambrel a versatile option for many homeowners.

The single roof plane of the Gambrel design means there are fewer timbers and joints to cut, making it a great choice for DIY enthusiasts or those on a budget. This streamlined frame can be used for a variety of purposes, from a workshop to a guest cabin.

The 20×20 Lean-To Plan is a great option for those who want a spacious and versatile structure. It's a clear span design, meaning it has an open floor plan without any columns or beams in the way.

This design provides plenty of opportunities to use as an enjoyable dwelling or open-air structure. You can locate it on a sloping grade with a porch, which is just one of the many scenarios of how this frame can be positioned.

The possibilities are endless with this design, and it's perfect for those who want a structure that can be used for a variety of purposes.

For another approach, see: Hip Roof Shade Structure

A gable roof is the most common style for timber frame sheds, with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge. This style is easy to build and provides good structural integrity.

A hip roof, on the other hand, has four sloping sides that meet at the ridge, offering better protection from the elements. The hip roof style is more complex to build but provides excellent weather resistance.

A flat roof is also an option for timber frame sheds, but it requires a waterproof membrane and additional structural support to prevent water damage.

For your interest: Timber Frame Scissor Truss

Gable roofs are the most common style of shed roof, easily identified by their A-shaped profile with two sloping planes of equal length. They're formed by pairs of common rafters that run at an angle from the tops of the walls up to the roof peak.

A ridge board, if used, runs horizontally between the pairs of rafters where they meet at the peak. Most storage sheds are framed with 2×4 or 2×6 rafters, spaced 16 in. on center. The ridge board is often cut from a 1×6 or 1×8.

Consider reading: How to Cut Rafters for Shed Roof

Gable shed roofs look best with a roof slope of either 11-in-12 (40º) or 12-in-12 (45º). They have extra space above the ceiling for a loft, storage, or headroom, making them a great choice for those who need extra space.

Here are some key benefits and drawbacks of gable roofs:

However, gable roofs are prone to damage by very high winds, which may require additional support.

The saltbox roof style is a great choice for a shed, especially if you live in an area with cold weather conditions, heavy snow, and rain. It's strong and relatively easy to maintain.

A saltbox roof is similar to a gable roof, but with a unique twist. One roof plane is slightly longer than the other, shifting the roof peak off-center so it's closer to the front wall.

To maintain the roof's proper proportions, run the rafters at 45º to create a 12-in-12 roof slope. This will give your shed a distinctive look.

Related reading: Saltbox Roof Shed

Positioning the peak of the roof one-third of the way back from the front wall is crucial. This will ensure the roof's proportions are just right.

This style of roof is well-suited for cold weather conditions, heavy snow, and rain. It's a great choice for areas that experience harsh weather.

Here are some key benefits of the saltbox roof style:

Remember to set each rafter directly over a wall stud, which will transfer the roof load down to the foundation. This is an important detail to get right when framing the roof of your shed.

A shed style roof is a roof that slopes down in one direction, often referred to as a skillion or lean-to roof.

The slope of a shed style roof can vary in steepness, depending on the design of the building. It's a simple design that's become more popular for houses in recent years.

Shed style roofs are cost-effective, with fewer labor costs due to their ease of construction. This is a big plus for homeowners on a budget.

It's essential to properly insulate a shed style roof, as it can get very hot or cold with the changing seasons.

The most common roof pitch for a shed is 7:12, which is about 30 degrees. This shallow roof type is typical for lean-to-shed roofs.

You can go steeper than 7:12, but keep in mind that the steeper your roof is, the more difficult it will be to install shingles.