8x8 Playhouse Roof Building Plans

This step by step diy project is about free playhouse roof building plans. This is PART 2 of the 8×8 playhouse project, where I show you how to build the gable roof. The roof has a 45 degree slope, for an elegant design and appearance. You can make adjustments to the size of the overhangs for a neat result. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

8×8 Playhouse Roof Building Plans

Building-a-8×8-playhouse

Cut & Shopping Lists

F – 4 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x53″ long GABLE ENDS
G – 14 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 7 pieces – 39″ long, 2 pieces – 28 1/2″ long RAFTERS
H – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 12 pieces – 4 1/2″ long 2xOVERHNAGS
I – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 8″x80″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 32″x96″ long ROOF
J – 150 sq ft of tar paper, 150 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
K – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 112″ long, 4 pieces – 81 1/2″ long TRIMS

27 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10′
4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
5 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″
2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″
150 sq ft of tar paper, 150 sq ft of asphalt shingles
6d nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

PART 1: 8×8 Playhouse Plans
PART 2: 8×8 Playhouse Roof Plans
PART 3: 8×8 Playhouse Door and Trims Plans

How to build a 8×8 playhouse roof

Rafters

The first step of the project is to build the rafters for the playhouse. Make a 45 degree cut to one end of the rafters and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Bottom rafters

Lay the rafters on a level surface and the fit the bottom rafter. Align the edges flush and then lock them together with metal plates. Lay the plates over the joints and secure them into place with 1 1/4″ screws. Alternatively, you could use 1/2″ plywood for gussets.

Fitting-the-trusses

Fit the trusses over to the playhouse frame, every 16″ on center. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level and then lock them into place with rafter ties.

Gable end supports

Use 2×4 lumber for the front and back gable ends. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws.

Gable end panels

Fit 1/2″ plywood sheets to the gable ends, as shown in the diagram. Cut the panels to the right size and dimension and lock them into place with 6d nails. Leave no gaps between the sheets for a professional result.

Assembling the overhangs

Assemble the overhangs from rafters and 2×4 blockings. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the blockings.

Fitting the overhangs

Fit the overhangs to the front and to the back of the playhouse. Align the edges with attention, align the edges, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Roof sheets

Fit 3/4″ plywood sheets to the top of the roof, after cutting them to size. Align the edges flush and leave no gaps between them. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the rafters.

Side roof trims

Fit 1×6 trims to the sides of the playhouse. Align the edges flush and insert 2″ nails to lock them into place tightly.

Building the front roof trims

Use 1×6 lumber for the front and back roof trims. Make a 45 degree cut to one end of the trims. Use 2″ nails to secure the trims into place tightly.

Fitting the roofing

Cover the roof of the playhouse with roofing felt, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. In addition, cut a large piece for the top ridge.

Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under. Read the instructions labeled on the asphalt shingle packs before installing them into place tightly. Start with the bottom left side of the roof and install them all the way to the top.

Playhouse Building Plans

This playhouse is super easy to build and it will keep the kids happy and entertained. Check out PART 1 of the project to lean how to build the frame of the playhouse and PART 3 to learn how to build the railings and how to install the trims.

This woodworking project was about playhouse roof plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.