Gambrel Small Cabin Roof Plans

This step by step diy project is about 12×20 gambrel roof plans. This is PART 2 of the shed project where I show you how to build the barn style roof for the small cabin or for the hunting shack. I have designed this cabin with a gambrel roof, as you will have a lot more space in the loft. 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

Gambrel Small Cabin Roof Plans

Building-a-small-gambrel-cabin

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 92 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 47 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 144″ long, 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 137″ long POSTS
• A – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 47 1/4″x96″ long, 1 piece – 47 1/4″x48″ long CEILING
• B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 55″ long 11xTRUSS
• C – 8 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 8 pieces – 7″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 7″48″ long ROOF
• D – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 49″ long, 4 pieces – 59″ long, 2 pieces – 68″ long SUPPORTS
• E – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x73 1/4″ long, 4 pieces – 48″x63 1/2″ long GAMBREL ENDS
• F – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 55 1/2″ long OVERHANGS 
• G – 400 sq ft of tar paper, 400 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING

• 7 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 12′
• 52 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 6′
• 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
• 3 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 6 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
• 4d nails, 6d nails
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
• 250 sq ft of tar paper, 250 sq ft of asphalt shingles

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• PART 1: 12×20 Small Cabin Plans
• PART 2: 12×20 Gambrel Cabin Roof Plans
• PART 3: Small Cabin Trims Plans

Building a gambrel roof with loft for a 12×20 cabin

Porch top plates

The first step of the project is to build the components for the front porch. Make cuts to the 4×4 beams, as shown in the diagram. Smooth the edges with sandpaper, for a professional result.

Fitting the porch framing

Fit the 4×4 posts and the 4×4 plates to the porch of the 12×20 cabin. Drill pilot holes and insert screws to lock the components into place tightly. Plumb the posts with a spirit level and then make sure the corners are square.

Building-the-rafters—gambrel-shed

Build the rafters for the gambrel roof. Make 22.5 degree cuts to both ends of the 2×4 rafters and then lay them on a level surface. Leave no gaps between the rafters for a neat result.

Fitting the gussets

Use 1/2″ plywood for the gussets. Mark the cut lines on the plywood sheets and then get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper for a professional result. Fit the gussets over the joints and secure them into place with 1 5/8″ screws.

Fitting-the-trusses

Fit the trusses to the top of the 12×20 cabin. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level and then place them equally spaced, every 24″ on center. Use rafter ties to secure the trusses to the top plates.

Porch ceiling joists

Fit the ceiling joists to the front of the gambrel shed. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 2×4 beams and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square for a professional result.

Gambrel end supports

Fit 2×4 lumber supports to the gambrel ends. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws.

Gambrel end panels

Fit 3/4″ plywood sheets to the gambrel ends. Use 6-8d nails to secure the sheets into place. Insert the nails every 8″ along the framing.

Porch ceiling

Fit 1/2″ plywood to the ceiling, as shown in the diagram. Make notches to the sheets so they can go around the posts. Use 1 5/8″ screws, so you can lock the sheets into place tightly.

Overhangs

Fit the 2×4 trims to the front and to the back of the gambrel cabin roof. Use 2 1/2″ 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 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.

Small Cabin Plans – Back view

Make sure you check out PART 3 of the project, so you learn how to attach the trims to the small cabin. In addition, I will show you how to build small railings for the front of the cabin, so you can build a nice porch.

12×20 Cabin with Loft Plans

Don’t forget to take a look over PART 1 to learn how to build the frame of the small hunting shack. Check out PART 3 to see how to build the railings.

This woodworking project was about 12×20 gambrel cabin 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.

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