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This step by step diy woodworking project is about 8×8 playhouse gable roof plans. This article is PART 2 of the run in shed project, where I show you how to frame the lean to roof and how to fit the decorative trims. Make sure you check out 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.
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Projects made from these plans
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8×8 Playhouse Roof Plans
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Cut & Shopping Lists
- H – 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long, 5 pieces – 96″ long RAFTERS
- I – 2 pieces of T1-11 siding – 48″x89″ long, 2 pieces – 44 1/2″x89″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x60″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x62 1/2″ long SIDING
- J – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 12″x96″ long, 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 20″x96″ long ROOF SHEETS
- K – 150 sq ft of tar paper, 150 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
- L – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 60 1/4″ long, 2 pieces of 1×6 – 100 1/4″ long TRIMS
- 8 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
- 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
- 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10′
- 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 2’x8′
- 150 sq ft of tar paper, 150 sq ft of tar paper
- rafter ties
- 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
Tools
 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
 One week
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It’s that simple to build a large playhouse!
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Building a gable roof for a 8×8 playhouse
Build the rafters from 2×4 lumber. Use a miter saw to make a 25 degree cut to one end of the rafters.
Next, build the bottom rafters and lay everything on a level surface. Align the edges with attention and leave no gaps between the components.
Use 1/2″ plywood for the gussets. Cut all the gussets and then lay them over the joints. Align the edges with attention and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure them to the rafters.
Fit the trusses to the top of the plates and secure them into place with ties. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level and then attach the rafter ties.
Next, you need to attach the T1-11 sheets to the sides of the playhouse. Mark the cut lines on the sheets and get the job done with a saw. Align the edges with attention and insert 6d nails to lock them into place tightly.
Attach the sheets to the back wall. Leave no gaps between the sheets and then insert 6d nails, every 8″ along the framing.
Attach the siding sheets to the front of the playhouse. Align the edges and insert the 6d nails to secure them into place tightly.
Attach the 1/4″ plywood soffit to the front porch. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the soffit into place.
Fit the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the roof structure and secure them with 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the framing.
Use 2×6 lumber for the roof trims. Use a miter saw to cut one end at 25 degrees.
Fit the side trims to the roof with 3 1/2″ screws. Fit the trims to the front and back of the roof. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the trims into place tightly.
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 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under.
Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 100-200 grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.
Top Tip: Check out PART 1 of the project, to learn how to build the frame for the 8×8 playhouse. Check out PART 3 of the project to learn how to build the decorative trims.
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This woodworking project was about 8×8 playhouse 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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5 comments
Hi. I was wondering why you use 2×6 for the roof side trims and 1×6 for front and back ones? Thanks!!
I want the roof to have some overhang on the sides. You can go with 1x6s if you want.
Is it possible to change this so you can have a loft inside?
In the shopping list, it says 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 5′
I think that is supposed to be the 8′ rafters.
True. I’ve updated the list.