Shed Roof Styles

Shed

• As its name implies, a traditional shed roof is an ideal match for your shed and is one of the easiest types of roofs to build. It features a single rectangular surface, and its highest point is along one of the shed's walls instead of at the middle of the structure. A shed roof is an effective, basic option if you plan to use your shed solely for storage.

Gable

• A gable roof is often found on houses, but you can also use one for your shed. It features two sloping roofing sections that meet in a ridge in the center. As a result, the roof creates an upside-down V shape with triangular walls supporting it on each side of the shed. Because of its design, there is extra storage space in your shed beneath the roof or headroom if you plan to use your shed as a workspace. You can use a variety of angles for a gable roof, ranging from the usual 20 degree to 70 degrees on a high-pitched roof. You can opt to put your shed's door under one of the gables to create a front-gabled roof, or place it on the triangular wall of the shed for a side-gabled roof.

Gambrel

• A variation of the gable roof, a gambrel roof is an ideal option if you plan to build a large shed because it has sufficient space for a second floor or under-roof storage area. Even if you don't need a second level, this style of roof supplies plenty of headroom for your shed. A gambrel roof has two rectangular roofing sections on each side of the house for a total of four surfaces all together. The two sections on each side feature different slopes, with the lower section having a steeper pitch than the top section. As a result, a gambrel roof is difficult to frame and may not be a good shed roofing option for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers.

Mansard

• Like a gambrel roof, a mansard roof provides additional space beneath the roof of your shed that you can use for valuable storage space or a second floor. It has eight roofing sections in all; each side of the shed has a pair, with the lower section having a steeper pitch than the top. The lower section usually curves inward, but you may opt for an outward curve or an S-shape as well. Like the gambrel roof, a mansard roof is difficult to frame, so it may not be a good option if you do not have experience framing roofs.