How To Build a Smokehouse Roof

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a gable roof for a homemade smokehouse. I have designed the roof for the 4×4 wood smokehouse so that you get both a beautiful appearance and functionality. Use cedar for the components, as they will be weather resistant. If you want to smoke meat you can do it with this easy to build smokehouse. Remember to check out PART 1 and PART 3 so that you can learn how to build the frame and the door. Take a look over the rest of our 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 weekend. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

How To Build a Smokehouse Roof

Building-a-meat-smokehouse

Cut & Shopping Lists

• G – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 49 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long, 2 pieces – 17″ long GABLE ENDS
• H – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 9 3/4″ long, 16 pieces – 34 1/4″ long, 20 pieces – 2 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 48″ long RAFTERS
• I – 12 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 60 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 60 1/2″ long ROOF

• 15 pieces of 1×6 tongue and groove cedar – 8′
• 9 pieces of 2×4 cedar – 8′
• 1 piece of 2×6 cedar – 8′
• 100 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
• 200 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• vent

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• PART 1: Smokehouse plans
• PART 2: How to build a smokehouse roof
• PART 3: How to build a smokehouse door

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4×4 Smokehouse Roof Plans

Fitting the top ridge

The first step of the project is to attach the top ridge to the top of the smoke house. Center the 2×4 supports to the top of the plates and lock them into place with nails or 2 1/2″ screws (drill pilot or pocket holes to prevent the wood from splitting).

Use a spirit level to make sure the supports are plumb before attaching the ridge beam. Align the edges with attention and make sure the corners are right-angled. Drill pilot holes and lock the beams into place with 2 1/2″ screws.

Building-the-rafters

Build the rafters from 2×4 lumber. Cut one of the the 2×4 beams at 60 degrees. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Building the notches to the rafters

Make small notches to the bottom of the rafters, so that they can fit to the top plates easily. Mark the lines on the rafters accurately and get the job done with a circular saw.

Fitting-the-rafters

Fit the rafters to the smokehouse, locking them to the top ridge and to the top plates with 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot house. Place the rafters equally spaced to get a symmetrical look and a professional design.

Building the gable ends

Attach the 1×6 cedar boards to the gable ends. Cut both ends of the slats at 30 degrees, as shown in the diagram. Use 2″ nails to lock the slats into place tightly.

Building the overhang rafters

The next step of the project is to frame the overhangs for the smokehouse. Cut one end of the boards at 60 degrees.

Assembling the overhangs

Assemble the overhangs using the previous components and blockings. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the blockings. You can easily adjust the size of the overhangs to suit your needs.

Fitting the overhangs

Fit the overhangs to the front and to the back of the smokehouse, as shown in the free plans. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the frame of the roof. Make sure the edges are flush before inserting the screws, for a professional result. Leave no gaps between the overhangs and the smokehouse.

Fitting the roofing slats

Attach the 1×6 cedar boards to the top of the smokehouse, so you seal it from the elements. Make sure you leave no gaps between the slats. Use 2″ nails to lock the slats to the rafters. Alternatively, you can overlap the slats, if you want to prevent the water from dripping inside between the slats.

Fitting the vent

Now, we need to make a hole in the front gable end to fit the vent. The went will allow the excess smoke come out of the 4×4 house.

Fitting the rafter trims

Attach trims to the end of the rafters to enhance the look of the homemade smokehouse. Use brad nails to secure the trims into place.

Smokehouse

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. Don’t forget to take a look over PART 1 and PART 2 of the project to see how to build the frame of the smokehouse, as well as the door.

This woodworking project was about smokehouse gable 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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