How to Build a Gambrel Storage

Foundation and Floor

• 1

  Mark the corners for the shed foundation. Add 6 inches to the shed's dimensions. Mark the corners by driving 2-inch-by-2-inch stakes in the ground. Drive a nail into the stakes and tie a string around the perimeter.

• 2

  Check the diagonal measurement of the area with the measuring tape. Measure from one corner to the diagonal corner. Each measure should be the same size.

• 3

  Excavate the space to a depth of 4 inches. Compact the soil with a hand tamper. Check the surface with a two-by-four lumber and a carpenter's level to ensure a level ground.
  Cover the soil with landscaping fabric to hinder vegetation growth. Pour a 4-inch layer of crushed stones over the fabric. Pack the stone tightly. Install 6-millimeter plastic as a vapor barrier to prevent water penetration from the ground, resulting in moisture on the floor.

• 4

  Build the floor support with 4-inch-by-4 inch pressure-treated timbers. Space the timbers according to the plan or the strength of the support desired for the floor.

• 5

  Place pressure-treated 2-inch-by-8-inch floor joists perpendicular to the timbers, 24 inches on center, and secure with 16d nails. Position three-fourths-inch oriented strand board (OSB) in the long direction across the floor joists. Fasten the OSB to the joists with galvanized screws.

Walls

• 6

  Frame the shed wall sections with two-by-four or 2-inch-by-6-inch lumber. Use these pieces to form the top and bottom plates for the wall. Place both plates on their edges. Start from the end, and use a measuring tape to mark lines at 24-inch intervals.

• 7

  Measure and cut the studs — vertical boards that fit between the top and bottom plates. The height of the studs equals the total height of the wall minus the thickness of three plates, which includes a double top plate. Nail the studs in place with 16d nails. Apply building wrap and cover with OSB.

• 8

  Build the opening for the window or door in the wall section in accordance with the instructions for installing the component. Raised the wall and secure it in place to the floor joists. Nail two-by-four boards to the top plate to create a double top plate.

Roof

• 9

  Fabricate components for the gambrel roof trusses rafters and gussets. Cut 20 rafters out of two-by-four lumber. Make the rafters 36 inches long, with a 22 1/2-degree angle cut at each end. Cut 24 gussets out of half-inch plywood. The triangle-shaped gussets secure the ends of the rafters together to form a truss.

• 10

  Assemble the gambrel truss by connecting four rafters. Use two rafters to form each side of the truss or roof. Butt the angle end of the almost-horizontal rafter against the angle end of the vertical rafter. Secure the joint with a gusset on both sides. Nail the trusses 24 inches on center of the top plate with 16d nails.

• 11

  Cover the roof with half-inch plywood. Apply roofing felt and shingles. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the exterior siding, window and door. Install interior insulation and wall covering.