Shed Roof-Which style is best ??

by Bryan Miller
(Reno, NV-5000ft )

Hello Shedking,
I am building a 10x12 shed and have finished the floor/deck, 16 in oc, 12 ft spans front to back. I used 3-12 ft skids(treated) Used your info to get me started. I t also lays on a large cement pad(22x22). I thought the walls would be straight forward, yet I have questions on the roof. The more I llok at your drawings, the more little details I see that I did not account for, such as doubling the top plate of side walls, where roof trusses will attach. I am also unsure of the best design for my area. There is a wind concern in winter-25-55 is common. Every few years we get from 3-5 ft of snow also. It appears the simple Gable roof looked best fitted for my simple skills, yet I like the the saltbox even more. I am not sure which way to turn the shed to face the incoming wind and if that is even a concern? Also thought it might be prudent to acquire a set of your roof truss plans or maybe shed plan, as I find I need more detail to refer to, as opposed to pro just whipping it together. I want it fit right and withstand some wind & maybe snow. I really liked your "ridge-board" design w/a steeper pitch, featured under "how to build a roof section amongst the truss directions (ridge-board-400.jpg), but I am not sure how to add the front supports above the door opening or in what order.
Can you help me out please,

B. Miller
Reno, NV
High desert valley hills, unprotected,@5000ft

PS I am also very tentative about the door opening, having never biult a door. Worried it won't open/close correctly on my 1st try. I like the wide door opening in the attached (ridge-board-400.jpg). I had not previosly considered even using a ridge-board, but looks like I should for strength ?
I also attached the floor design I used (10x12-floor-layout2).
PS#2 My neighbor thinks I should add 2 more 12' skids, along w/ many other costly upgrades-he builds boats-ugh. Is that necessary, I used 5/8 OSB for floor sheating. Trying to scrimp a bit on cost.

Thanks in advance

Johns Answer

Hi Bryan,

Your floor construction for this size shed is fine! I have built many sheds this way.

As far as a shed roof with or with out a ridge board they will both accomplish the same purpose.

You just need to make sure that you have some sort of cross boards going across the top of the walls to eliminate any sort of 'wall spread'.

The picture of the gable shed roof off my site shows front wall construction without the top plates. this is somewhat harder to build and I would recommend building all walls with top plates.

Now, the reason to have a double top plate is only if your roof rafters or trusses will not line up exactly with with the corresponding wall studs below.

I try to design most of my plans this way. Cost wise, if money is not an issue for you I would go with 16" on center wall studs and the same with your roof trusses, and a double top plate.

I do have a 12' wide saltbox plan and a 12' wide gable shed plan available on my site. They are only $5.95 so you cant beat the investment and I offer email support too for any questions you may have after purchasing the plans. They both have construction with trusses 2' on centers.

Thank you for visiting my site Bryan and I hope this helps you out. You can respond to this just by posting a comment on this same page.

Hope to hear from you soon!

John
shedking