This step by step diy woodworking project is about 12×16 barn shed roof plans. The project features instructions for building a gambrel roof for a 12×16 barn shed. This barn comes with supports for a basic loft, so all you are left to do is attach the loft floor. Check out PART 3 of the article to see how to frame the double shed doors. See the rest of plans for more outdoor projects.
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. Read the local building codes before starting the project, as you might need a building permit. In addition, level the area and remove the vegetation layer.
Projects made from these plans
12×16 Gambrel Shed Roof Plans

Building-a-12×16-barn-shed
- F – 36 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 55″ long TRUSSES
- G – 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 144″ long LOFT SUPPORTS
- H – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 49 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 59″ long, 1 piece – 68 1/4″ long GAMBREL ENDS SUPPORTS
- I – 4 pieces of T1-11 – 48″x62″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x72″ long SIDING
- J – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 55″ long, 24 pieces – 7″ long 2xOVERHANGS
- K – 16 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x55″ long, 8 pieces – 11″x55″ long ROOF
- L – 350 sq ft of tar paper, 350 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
- 40 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
- 16 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 6 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
- 350 sq ft of tar paper, 350 sq ft of asphalt shingles
- 500 pieces of 3″ screws
- 500 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- 500 pieces of 1 5/8″ screws/brad nails
One day
Building a gambrel roof

Building-the-rafters
The first step of the project is to build the rafters for the barn shed. Cut both ends of the rafters at 67.5 degrees. Take accurate measurements and get the job done with a miter saw.

Attaching the gussets
Build the gussets for the trusses from 3/4″ plywood. Mark the cut lines on the plywood and get the job done with a circular saw. Attach the gussets to the rafters and lock them into place with 1 5/8″ screws.

Fitting the trusses
Fit the trusses to the top of the barn shed, making sure they are placed equally-spaced. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the plates.

Loft supports
Build the loft supports from 2×4 lumber. Cut both ends of the beams at 67.5 degrees.

Fitting the loft supports
Fit the supports to the top plates and secure them to the trusses, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the trusses.

Gambrel ends supports
Build the gambrel ends support from 2×4 lumber. Make the angle cuts to the top of the supports, as shown in the plans.

Fitting the gamrel end supports
Fit the supports to the front and back faces of the shed, as shown in the plans. Toe-nail the supports to the frame of the shed.

Attaching the gambrel ends
Build the gambrel ends from T1-11 siding. Cut the sheets at the right shape and dimensions. Attach the sheets to the frame and lock them into place with 1 5/8″ nails, every 8″ along the framing.

Assembling the overhangs
Build the overhangs for the barn shed. Adjust the width of the overhangs to suit your needs. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the blocking.

Fitting the overhangs
Fit the overhangs to the front and to the back of the shed. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 3″ screws into the rafters.

Attaching the roofing sheets
Attach 3/4″ plywood sheets to the rafters, using the pattern shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the rafters. Leave no gaps between the tongue and groove sheets.

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.

Barn shed – 12×16
Make sure you take a look over the PART 3 of the project, to learn how to build the double doors.

12×16 Barn Shed Plans
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 the rest of the project, to learn how to frame of the shed, as well as the double doors.
This woodworking project was about 12×16 gambrel 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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How could I make the roof taller, so I could have more height in the loft area?
You should take a look over this: https://myoutdoorplans.com/shed/12×16-lean-to-shed-with-loft-free-diy-plans/
If a guy wanted to use 2×6 lumber would all the angles and measurements be the same? Looking to use more insulation need thicker walls.
Thanks
Yes, for the truss components. No for the gambrel end supports.