
A gambrel roof storage shed is a great way to maximize your outdoor storage space, and with the right design, it can be a beautiful addition to your property.
The gambrel roof design features two slopes, one on top of the other, which allows for more vertical space in the attic area. This design can be particularly useful for storing items that are not frequently used, such as seasonal decorations or out-of-season clothing.
A typical gambrel roof storage shed can have a storage capacity of up to 300 square feet, making it an ideal solution for homeowners who need to store a large amount of items.
By incorporating a gambrel roof into your storage shed design, you can create a functional and spacious storage solution that also adds visual interest to your property.
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DIY Kits and Materials
If you're planning to build a gambrel roof storage shed, you'll want to consider your DIY kit options carefully. Little Cottage Company offers Panelized Kits and Precut Kits that are designed to be easy to construct with basic carpentry skills and a few basic tools.
Panelized Kits come with pre-assembled walls, which can save you a significant amount of time and effort. Precut Kits, on the other hand, are precut, primed, labeled, and ready for paint, making them a great option for those who want to get started quickly.
You'll need to provide shingles, drip edge, and paint for both styles, but the kits themselves are primed and ready to go. This is a great option for those who want to get started right away without having to worry about the prep work.
Roofing and Sheeting
To start sheeting the roof, begin with 1/2" osb panels, ensuring the outside short edge is flush with the outside truss and the osb or plywood top is even with the top of the outside truss.
You'll need to nail the edge every 8" with 8d common nails, then nail the top of the sheet to the truss tops. This may require some adjustment to get the sheet to line up, but it will help square up your roof framing.
Stagger the panel joints for strength by nailing panels 8" along the perimeter and 12" in the field or inside trusses.
Broaden your view: Shed Roof Truss Design
Roofing and Sheeting" is most inclusive with the subheading "Truss Top Measurements

The roof of your gambrel shed is a crucial part of its overall structure and functionality. The Classic Gambrel Shed features a steep gambrel roof that creates extra space inside, perfect for storing all your belongings.
Measuring the truss top is a crucial step in building your gambrel roof. To do this, you'll need to draw lines between three points to represent the top of the trusses, and then measure down 3 1/2" off each line to get the necessary measurements.
Each truss piece will be 3' 10" long on the top measurement, with angles cut at 22.5 degrees off each end. This can be achieved using a speed square, making the process much easier.
The gambrel roof pitch is a key factor in determining the height of your shed. The Classic Gambrel Shed comes in various sizes, including 8', 10', 12', and 14', with corresponding heights of 11", 11' 4", 11' 7", and 12' 3" respectively.
Here's a summary of the gambrel roof specifications:
The type of roofing material used is also important to consider. The Classic Gambrel Shed features 30-year architectural shingles, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for your shed's roof.
Gusset Plates
Gusset plates are an essential part of roofing and sheeting, and it's crucial to get them right. They provide additional support and stability to the truss.
Nailing gusset plates to the truss requires precision. You'll need to use 8d common nails, and for each connection, you'll need 10 nails, with 5 at each truss end.
To ensure a secure connection, make sure to nail the gusset plates at all 3 connection spots. This will provide the necessary support and prevent any damage to the truss.
Intriguing read: 12 Foot Gambrel Truss
Structural Elements
Structural Elements are crucial for a sturdy roof.
Adding siding, ceiling joists, and loft flooring will make the process of installing roof sheeting much easier. The loft flooring will provide a solid surface for you to stand on while installing the upper panels.
Additional bracing may be added across the trusses for extra support. This is especially important if you want to ensure each truss is at its exact on-center location across the top.
A unique perspective: Gambrel Shed Loft
Continue Sheeting
Now that we have the top sheets nailed into place, and the roof has been made square, we can finish with the sheeting on the first side, then do the opposite side in the same manner.
Staggering the panel joints is crucial for strength, so make sure to follow this important tip.
Panels should all be nailed 8 inches along the perimeters and 12 inches in the field or inside trusses.
Nailing the sheets to the trusses every 8 inches with 8d common nails will help secure them in place.
Metal
Metal roofing is a popular choice for sheds and barns, and for good reason. It's durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Roofing felt is recommended to be used under metal roofing to protect the underlying structure. For a shed, a 15# weight roofing felt is sufficient, but for a roof with a low slope, a 30# weight is recommended.
Metal roofing requires a solid foundation, and pressure-treated 4×4 skids are a great option for this purpose. You can also use metal drip edge to add an extra layer of protection to your roof.
A different take: Roofing a Gambrel Roof Shed
If you're considering a metal roof, you'll want to choose a material that's resistant to rust and corrosion. Look for metal roofing options with a 30-year warranty, such as the 30-yr architectural shingles mentioned in the architectural specifications.
Here are some common types of metal roofing:
- 30-year architectural shingles
- 40-year metal roofing (as seen in the Metal Lofted Gambrel example)
Keep in mind that the type of metal roofing you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to research and compare different options before making a decision.
Barn Style and Customization
Barn style sheds offer more storage in the attic, especially with a gambrel style shed roof.
A gambrel style shed roof offers the most storage space in the attic when compared to a gable or saltbox style shed roof.
You can customize your lofted gambrel barn with a rich selection of material options and product upgrades.
Classic Gambrel Sheds with engineered wood siding also come with a barn-style gambrel roof.
Expand your knowledge: Gambrel Sheds
A 12×20 Lofted Gambrel Barn can be designed with red wood siding, white trim, a black roof, and double barn doors with transom windows.
Beige 12×20 Custom Lofted Gambrel Barns can be created with 2×3 insulated windows.
Each truss in a gambrel shed will consist of 10 pieces, including 4 truss members and 6 gusset plates.
The top and side truss members of a gambrel shed will be equal in both length and end angle measurements.
Site Preparation and Safety
Site preparation is a crucial step in building a gambrel roof storage shed. As the customer, you're responsible for preparing the site yourself or hiring a professional to do it for you.
If you choose to prep the site yourself, be sure to follow the recommended guidelines and ensure the site is ready for the shed. This includes creating a gravel pad or concrete foundation.
If you prefer to have a professional do the site preparation, we offer same-day services that meet our quality standards. Our team will take care of measuring, detailing, and labor to get the site ready for your shed.
Site Preparation
As the customer, you are responsible for site preparation. You can either prep the site yourself or have it done professionally.
If you choose to do it yourself, make sure to follow our recommendations and guidelines. This will ensure that the site is prepared correctly.
Gravel pad preparation is a crucial step in site preparation. It's essential to prepare the site correctly to avoid any issues later on.
To give you a better idea, here are some specific steps you can take:
- Gravel Pad Preparation
- Concrete Foundation Preparation
If you prefer to have your site prepared professionally, we offer same-day shed foundation site preparations. We will take care of all the measuring, detailing, and labour in exact accordance to our quality site preparation standards.
Safe and Stylish
Our storage solutions are designed to be both safe and stylish. Each barn has optional door styles, including standard fiberglass 6-panel doors, double Dutch style doors, or roll-doors, all of which are secure with keyed locks.

These doors are made of fiberglass, meaning they won't rust. You can choose from a variety of door styles to fit your needs and preferences.
For added convenience, consider adding a ramp to your barn. This will make it easier to store and retrieve items like lawnmowers, four-wheelers, and garden tractors.
Here are some standard features of our Lofted Gambrel Barns:
- Studs are 16″ on centers
- 1/2″ OSB sidewalls
- Truss 24″ on center
- Gable vents for channeling hot air out, and fresh air in
- Fiberglass doors, meaning no rust
- Lofts included at no extra cost
- Your choice of metal, vinyl, or LP Smart Siding for every design
- Standard metal roof or upgraded shingle roof options
Loft and Interior
The loft and interior of a gambrel roof storage shed can be a game-changer for your storage needs. Our Classic Gambrel Sheds arrive with an unfinished interior, so you can customize it to your heart's content.
You can add shelving, a loft, or workbenches during construction for a more functional space. The interior can be easily remodeled with paneling, trim, paint, and flooring to create the perfect atmosphere.
The Classic Gambrel Shed is designed with a gambrel style roof and an accenting 18” overhang, and it comes standard with two 24×36 windows with screens for increased ventilation and natural lighting.
Check this out: Gambrel Shed Design
The interior headspace is incredible, especially with the option of adding a loft for increased floorspace use. This model pairs well with customization options like a loft or shelving.
Double doors complete the front of the Classic Gambrel Shed, and you can choose between wooden doors with engineered wood siding or fiberglass doors with vinyl siding.
Shed Options and Sizes
Gambrel roof storage sheds come in a variety of sizes to fit different needs and spaces.
The smallest option is a 6x4 shed, which is perfect for small backyards and is often used for storing gardening tools and equipment.
These compact sheds can be placed in tight spaces and still provide ample storage for small items.
A 6x6 shed is a great option for those who want a bit more space, offering room for larger items like bicycles and lawn mowers.
This size is also ideal for those who want to store seasonal decorations and equipment without taking up too much space.
On a similar theme: Gambrel Roof Tiny House
For those who need even more storage, a 12x16 shed is a great option, providing ample space for storing large items like outdoor furniture and equipment.
This size shed can also be used as a workspace or studio, making it a great option for those who need a dedicated area for hobbies or projects.
Width Preference
When choosing the width of your shed, consider the maximum width of 12 feet for a safe and manageable project. This is a general guideline to ensure your shed is stable and secure.
You can choose a shed width up to 12 feet wide without needing custom trusses, but be aware that any wider than this requires professional truss manufacturing for safety reasons.
A 10-foot wide shed is a great example of a manageable size, and it's a good starting point for many DIY projects.
12x20 Barn
If you're looking for a compact storage solution, a 12x20 barn is a great option. The 12×20 Gambrel Barn features red wood siding and white trim, making it a stylish choice for any property.
This size barn is ideal for small yards, as it won't overwhelm the space. You can also consider a Lofted Gambrel Barn, which offers additional storage space above the main level.
The 12×20 Lofted Gambrel Barn has a black roof and double barn doors with transom windows, providing natural light and ventilation.
16x10 Shed
A 16x10 shed is a great option for those who need a bit more space for storage or hobbies.
The Gambrel style shed is a popular choice for its unique roof design and ability to add a loft for extra storage.
You can find Gambrel sheds in various sizes, including the 10x16 option, which is perfect for those with a larger yard.
The 10x16 Gambrel Shed can be customized with different colors and siding options, such as green and blue, to match your home's exterior.
Tan is also a great color option for a Gambrel shed, as seen in the picture of the 10x12 Lofted Gambrel Barn.
A different take: Cold Storage Roof
8×12 Barn
The 8×12 barn is a popular choice for homeowners who need extra storage or a cozy loft space. This size barn is perfect for a small backyard or a rural property.
Some 8×12 barns feature double barn doors, which provide easy access to the interior. The 8×12 Lofted Gambrel Barn, for instance, boasts double barn doors and a spacious 6' loft area.
Building and Finishing
A gambrel roof storage shed is a great idea, and building one can be a fun and rewarding project. You can choose from various designs, such as a Brown Lofted Gambrel Barn with an octagon window and double barn doors.
The gambrel roof style is perfect for a storage shed because it provides a lot of vertical space. This is especially useful if you need to store tall items like ladders or seasonal decorations.
To finish your gambrel roof storage shed, consider using materials that complement the rustic charm of the design.
Starting Truss Dimensions
To start building your trusses, find a flat surface like a shed floor or garage floor. Typically, sheds are built to have their exact dimensions equal to their floor size.
A 10' wide shed, for example, will have a floor that measures exactly 10' x 12' after framing and sheeting with plywood or OSB. This means that when you frame your walls, the outside measurements from top plate edges will also be 10' x 12'.
Snap a chalk line on your floor and measure off 10' on this line to get started. You can also use a concrete slab for your floor, which will also be exactly 10' wide x 12' long.
If you're building a shed with a concrete slab, you'll want to make sure it's level and even before proceeding. This will ensure that your trusses are evenly spaced and properly aligned.
In our example, we're building a 10' wide gambrel truss, which requires careful measurement and cutting of the 2x4 pieces. We'll need to transfer these measurements to a 2x4 and cut four pieces to form the first truss.
Related reading: 2x4 Shed Roof
Painted Building
A Painted Lofted Gambrel Building can be a beautiful addition to any property. It's 12×24 in size.
You can choose to add a ramp for your zero-turn mower to increase functionality. This is a great feature for those who enjoy gardening or lawn care.
Beige painted wood siding is a popular choice for these buildings, it provides a classic look.
White Lofted Gambrel Barns can also be painted, in this case, with mountain red trim and a dark red metal roof for a bold look.
Roll-Door
A roll-door is a great addition to any barn, providing easy access and flexibility. The 12×20 Lofted Gambrel Barn features a roll-door, which is perfect for loading and unloading heavy equipment.
Roll-doors are also a great option for side entrances, like the one on the 12×20 Lofted Gambrel Barn. This allows for easy access without obstructing the main entrance.
A urethane finish can be a great choice for a roll-door, as seen in the 12×20 Lofted Gambrel Barn. This durable finish can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions.
Building
Building a structure that's functional and visually appealing is crucial for any project. A lofted building can be a great option, as seen in the Brown Lofted Gambrel Barn with its octagon window and double barn doors.
These unique features can add character to a building, making it stand out from more traditional designs.
Featured Images: pexels.com


