This step by step diy woodworking project is about tiny house loft plans. This is PART 4 of the tiny house project, so make sure you check out everything else for a complete understanding of the plans. In this article, I show you how to frame the roof for the 12×24 tiny house. The gable roof has a 45 degree slope, so that you have enough space for the loft.
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
Tiny House Roof Plans

Building the roof
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 133″ long, 2 pieces – 93″ long, 2 pieces – 17 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 41 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 51″ long, 2 pieces – 27″ long, 1 piece – 14 3/4″ long 2xGABLE ENDS
- B – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x54 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x77 1/2″ long PANELS
- C – 1 piece of 2×10 lumber – 312″ long TOP RIDGE
- D – 34 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 120″ long RAFTERS
- E – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 12″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 12″x17 3/4″ long, 10 pieces – 48″x96″, 4 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 6 pieces – 17 3/4″x96″ long ROOF
- F – 1200 sq ft of tar paper, 1200 sq ft of shingles ROOFING
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
- 10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 34 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 10′
- 1 piece of 2×10 lumber – 30′
- 20 pieces of 3/4″ plwyood – 4’x8′
- 1000 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- 2000 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
- 1200 sq ft of tar paper, 1200 sq ft of shingles
- wood glue, stain/paint
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
Related
- PART 1: 12×24 Tiny House With Loft Plans
- PART 2: Tiny House Wall Frames Plans
- PART 3: Tiny House Loft Plans
- PART 4: Tiny House Roof Plans
How to build a tiny house roof

Building-the-gable-ends
First of all, you need to frame the gable ends for the tiny house. Cut the components from 2×6 lumber. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to make a few 45 degree cuts to the top of the studs and to the rafters.

Gable end rafters
More details for cutting the components.

Studs
Next, you need to frame the window opening. Therefore, fit double studs around the window, as shown in the diagram.

Fitting the gable ends
Fit the gable ends to the top of the tiny house, as shown in the plans. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the framing. Use a spirit level to make sure the frames are perfectly plumb.

Fitting the top ridge
Build the top ridge from 2×10 lumber. Fit the beam to the gable ends and secure it to the frames with screws and with ties. Make sure the beams are aligned properly before inserting the screws.

Fitting the gable end panels
Attach 3/4″ plywood panels to the gable ends, as shown in the diagram. Make a few cuts so that the panels fit into place easily. Use @” nails to lock the panels into place.

Panel
Follow the pattern shown in the diagram to cut out the panels around the windows. Mark the cut lines and get the job done with a circular saw.

Building-the-rafters
Build the rafters from 2×8 lumber. Cut both ends at 45 degrees.

Making the notches to the rafters
Make notches to the bottom of the rafters, as shown in the plans. As you can notice, you need to make notches only to the intermediary rafters, but not to the overhangs.

Roof Structure
Fit the rafters to the top of the tiny house, as shown in the diagram. Use screws to lock the rafters to the top ridge and to the top plates. In addition, attach ties to make strong joints between the rafters and the framing.

Fitting the rafters
Place the rafters equally-spaced, if you want to get a professional result. I suggest placing the rafters every 24″ on center, but you can adjust it to match the local building codes.

Fitting the roofing sheets
Attach 3/4″ plywood sheets to the roof of the tiny house. Leave no gaps between the sheets and secure them to the rafters using 1 1/4″ screws, every 8″.

Fitting the side trims
Attach 1×10 trims to the end of the rafters. Use 2″ brad nails to secure the trims into place tightly.

Fitting the roofing
Cover the roof of the shed 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 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under.Cover the roof of the house 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 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under.

Back view
Next, you need to fit the windows and the doors to the tiny house. Cover the exterior walls with tar paper and then install the siding. Fit trims around the doors and windows to enhance the look of the tiny house. Fit blocking between the rafters to seal the roof. In addition, you can fit soffit panels.

Front view
You also need to frame some stairs and an entrance platform for the tiny house.

Other side view
The tiny house seen from one side has a neat look. The windows will let a lot of light inside the house. Remember that you can make partitions walls to the tiny house, for a bathroom and for storage.

12×24 Tiny House with Loft Plans – Side view
The opposite side of the tiny house features larger windows. The clean and straight lines help it blend in with any design.

12×24 Tiny House with Loft Plans
Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 100-220 grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.
Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project. Check out PART 3 of the project to learn how to frame the loft for the tiny house.
This woodworking project was about tiny house roof plans. 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.