This step by step diy woodworking project is about free 16×18 gable shed roof plans. This is PART 2 of the large garden shed project, where I show you how to build the roof and the doors. The instructions are basic, so you won’t have problems if you follow them step by step. Read the local building codes and consider buying engineered trusses. Make sure you take a look over the rest of plans to see alternatives and more projects for your garden.
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
16×18 Gable Shed Roof Plans
Building-a-16×18-shed
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- H – 14 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 siding – 4’x8′ long, 2 pieces – 16″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 26 1/4″x48″ long, 4 pieces – 48″x48″ long WALL SHEETS
- G – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 192″ long, 2 pieces – 119 1/4″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 50 5/8″ long, 2 pieces – 23 7/8″ long 15xTRUSS
- I – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 119 1/4 long, 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 112 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 104 3/4″ long TRIMS
- J – 6 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x88″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x32″ long, 2 pieces – 22 1/4″x24″ long, 4 pieces – 22 1/4″x24″ long ROOF SHEETS
- K – 400 sq ft of metal sheets ROOFING
- L – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 1 piece – 103″ long JAMBS
- M – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 73″ long, 2 pieces – 48″ long, 1 piece – 41″ long 2xDOOR
- N – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 80″ long, 1 piece – 43″ long JAMBS
- O – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 73″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long, 1 piece – 29″ long DOOR
- P – 4 pieces 1×4 lumber – 96″ long, 4 pieces – 95 1/4″ long TRIMS
- 21 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
- 15 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16′
- 31 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
- 44 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
- 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10′
- 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10′
- 12 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4×8′
- 400 sq ft of metal sheets
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- Truss plans, Truss plate
- Truss ties
- shed hinges+latch
- truss plate nails
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Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Post hole digger, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
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One week
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How to build a 16×18 gable shed roof
Trusses-for-16×18-gable-shed
I recommend you buy engineered trusses, as they give you a good balance between costs and benefits. They will give you instructions on the span you need to leave between them and on the thickness of the truss carriers.
However, I will show you my take on building the trusses by yourself. Remember to read the local codes so you can make adjustments if needed. The first step is to build the rafters for the trusses. Use 2×6 lumber for the bottom rafters and 2x4s for the common rafters. Make a 25 degree cut to one end of the rafters and lay them on a level surface.
Leave no gaps between the rafters. Set the miter saw at 65 degree before making the cuts to both ends of the bottom rafter.
W truss supports
In order to enhance the strength of the trusses, I recommend you to fit the W shaped supports. Use a saw to make the cuts to the supports, as shown in the diagram.
Assembling the w trusses to the 16×24 shed
Attach the supports to the trusses and leave no gaps between the components. Fit the metal plates to the joints of the components, as shown in the diagram. Align the edges with attention and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the rafters.
Fitting-the-trusses-to-the-16×18-shed
Fit the trusses to the top of the shed, every 16″ on center. Plumb the trusses and then lock them to the carrier beams, using ties. You can also place the trusses every 24″ on center, but I recommend you to read the local codes first.
Side wall siding sheet
Fit the 5/8″ T1-11 siding sheets to the sides of the gable. Align the edges flush and leave no gaps between the sheets. Use 6d nails to secure the sheets to the girts, every 8″.
Front wall siding sheets
Fit the sheets to the front of the storage shed. Make the cuts so you can attach the sheets around the door opening. Make the cuts for the gable end panels. Leave no gaps between the sheets for a professional result.
Back wall siding sheets
Fit the sheets to the back of the shed, as well.
Side wall panels
Attach the siding sheets to the other side of the garden shed. As you can notice in the plans, you have to make cuts around the window and door openings. Make sure you cut the panels properly, because we’ll be using those when making the side door.
Roof sheets – 16×18 shed
Fit the 2×4 supports to the bottom chords. These supports will enhance the rigidity of the roof structure. Use 3 1/2″ screws to secure the supports to the bottom chords. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the supports, to prevent the wood from splitting.
Front and back roof trims
Use 2×6 lumber for the front and back roof trims. Secure them to the purlins with 3 1/2″ screws.
Side roof trims
Fit the 1×8 trims to the sides of the roof. Use 6d nails to secure the trims to the trusses.
Fitting the roofing – gable shed
Cover the roof with tar paper and then install the asphalt shingles. Make sure you also install the appropriate drip edges, so you can seal the shed roof. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for a tight fit.
Door jambs – 16×18 shed
Use 2×4 lumber for the door jambs. Attach the jambs around the opening and align the edges flush. Insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the jambs into place tightly.
4-ft-door
Use 2×4 lumber for the door frame and T1-11 siding sheets for the door panels. Drill pocket holes and assemble the door frame on a level surface. Measure the diagonals and make sure they are even. Check if the corners are square. Attach the T1-11 siding sheets and insert 1 1/4″ nails to secure the panels into place tightly.
Fitting the double doors
Fit the doors to the front of the shed. Align the edges flush and attach hinges to secure the doors to the jambs. Install a latch to lock doors.
Door jambs – side of the shed
Fit the 2×4 jambs around the side door opening.
Side door – 16×18 shed
Assemble the side door in the same manner described above.
Fitting the side door
Fit the door to the opening and use hinges to secure it to the jambs. Install a latch to lock the door into place.
Corner trims – 16×18 shed
Fit the 1×4 decorative trims to the corners of the shed.
16×18-Gable-shed-plans
Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Apply a few coats of paint over the exterior of the shed, to protect the components from the elements and to enhance the look of the structure and make it match the design of your house.
Top Tip: Check out the rest of the shed projects for more inspiration for your backyard. Take a look over my other pole barn project, if you need to build a 16×24 shelter.
This woodworking project was about 16×18 gable shed 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.
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