DIY Shed Roof Framing (How to Build a Shed Roof, Make Birdsmouth Cuts, and Install Plywood Decking)

Grab my FREE shed framing Plans! ⬇️
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This video will show you how to Frame a Lean to Shed Roof, step-by-step. Specifically, I will show you how to cut your shed roof rafters to size, how to make birdsmouth cuts, and how to install the plywood roof decking.
There are many different ways to frame a lean to shed roof, but I used 2"x6" pressure treated lumber for my shed roof rafters.
When framing your lean to shed roof, you want to plan our your rafter layout so that your plywood roof decking is fully supported along the edge.
The video will go through every aspect of the DIY Shed Roof Framing Process that I used to build my Modern Shed.
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - Cutting the Shed Roof Rafters to Size and Making Birdsmouth Cuts
02:40 - Determining the Shed Roof Pitch
03:22 - Marking the Birdsmouth Cuts
06:35 - Cutting the Birdsmouth Notches in Each Shed Roof Rafter
09:58 - Mark the Shed Roof Rafter Spacing on the Shed Walls
10:33 - Positioning the Shed Roof Rafters in Place on Top of the Shed
11:33 - Securing Rafters with Hurricane Ties
12:28 - Installing Blocking Between the Shed Roof Rafters
14:19 - Installing the Shed Roof Fascia Boards
17:37 - Installing the Shed's Side Overhang Rafters
19:38 - Installing the Plywood Roof Decking
24:16 - Conclusion
I am creating a complete "Modern Shed Build KZbin Series". Below are the other videos in the series:
Introduction to the Modern Shed Series: • I Transformed my Shed ...
Shed Foundation Options: • Shed Foundation Option...
How to Build and Frame a Shed Floor: • How to Build a Shed Fl...
How to Frame Shed Walls: • How to Frame Shed Wall...
How to Install Shed Siding: Coming Soon
How to Install Shed Windows: Coming Soon!
Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss any videos in the Modern Shed Build Series!
If you want to learn how to build the EXACT shed show in the video, I put together "The Modern Shed Build Course" (bit.ly/3PeKr4V) which includes a materials list🧱, tools list 🛠, and cut list 🪚for each step of the entire shed build process. Basically, this course makes it feel like you built this shed alongside me! Every purchase helps support the channel!
Follow me on Instagram: ATimrprovements
Check out my Blog: Atimprovements.com
🛠🧰 Below are the Tools I used in this video (some links may be affiliate)
Air Compressor: amzn.to/34TatJf
Framing Nailer: amzn.to/3JGpBYU
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Tape Measure: amzn.to/3HaTWgE
Miter Saw: amzn.to/3Q71gik
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Level: amzn.to/3HowUDn
Chalk Line: amzn.to/3MwSDg8
Jig saw: amzn.to/3I6lcyd
Bar Clamps: amzn.to/3JjFrJe
Paint Sprayer (for Siding): amzn.to/3bkuwn8
Thanks for Watching!

[@Klatubarada1979]

Great video! You can scribe your birds mouth using a block of wood with the rafter resting where you want it. This is a much easier and more accurate way.

[@fatman7992]

You helped me put a slanted roof on my pergola with this video! Thanks bro!💯💪🏾

[@patricksmith3135]

You are genius. The Thron Brothers Team are a hit. Such insightful tips too. I might have just screened the openings instead of placing timber there. You make it look so easy too. Can't wait for the next one.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks for the continue support, Patrick. Ryan and I sincerely appreciate it!

[@mariafhp]

Thank you Andrew for your clear and detailed explanation of how to do birdsmouth on rafters . Will be doing it tomorrow and you’ve made me understand what to do. 🤗

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Hi Maria! I'm glad it helped! I hope your project turned out great and thanks for watching!

[@hopechristministries]

Lio

[@clutchbeyers]

@@AndrewThronImprovements How long of overhang do you have on the high end? Do you have to worry about snow load? I want to have a 3' overhang of my shed-style roof rafters that are 16" apart and 2x8's. Will this have enough support for load in winter?

[@josephmargrabia6873]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am not a carpenter. I am DYI about to start building a shed and have watched many (too many LOL) videos about how to frame a roof on a shed. All of them were difficult for me to understand. Your video was the only one that made sense to me. Now I feel comfortable framing my roof. Again-thank you.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it was helpful, Joseph! If you get stuck on any other parts of the build, feel free to check out my other shed videos. Thanks for supporting the channel and good luck with your shed!

[@FLIguy317]

Thanks… I was just building my shed this morning and this video popped up tonight… great break down

[@gss6531]

A much easier way of doing the birds mouth cut is to use an off-cut of your top plate timber (half thickness) and just draw it onto your rafter when you've decided the overhang on each side of the shed while your timber is on the roof, cut your two notches out and trace every other one from that first piece.

[@thefishingmusicians]

its the same difference.

[@gss6531]

@@thefishingmusicians Genius level comment. Of course it is, not the same amount of time taken though. I literally provided an easier method, because it's the same difference.

[@alexbowser9801]

In each similar video, showing dances with a Swenson square I see a comment you made :))) But they still filming these videos explaining a pitch meaning and birds things.

[@gss6531]

@@alexbowser9801 I think you're mistaken and delusional.

[@Klatubarada1979]

I just made this same comment. Makes birds mouth easier and more accurate.

[@user-bs8hp9sp5o]

This helps a lot I’m trying to build a bigger shed for my dad since his current shed is getting cluttered with all our projects

[@steveirl9414]

In the video, the rafter blocking on the back wall was on the inner side of the top plate, not the “outermost” like you narrated. Am I misunderstanding?

[@paisley436]

Thank you so much for this! I was trying to find clear instructions for the birdsmouth cuts.

[@argon3329]

Your a genius at teaching. 👏 very useful and easy to understand. Thanks!

[@furiouzzzz]

that's beautiful I'm gonna build my own shed you have me motivated mate

[@Houseds]

Thank you for guiding everyone in detail the process of making and constructing a beautiful and very modern warehouse. The drawings are very complete and detailed. Best regards

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it helped!

[@FranciscoGonzalez-ro7ht]

A superB build man, you must have tried really hard doing this, thanks for posting, I'mma build something like this, so inspiring.

[@ericrafko1971]

I used this video to put the roof on my chicken coop. Thanks for sharing this info! I’ve never done carpentry but my coop turned out awesome in part thanks to your video.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it helped Eric! Also glad your chicken coop turned out well. Thanks for the comment 🙏

[@hivaluetv]

That's exactly why I am here. Finished leveling the land for my coop and run today. Getting material this weekend to start the build. It will have a single pitched roof like this but I have never done any carpentry either and the roof seems tricky.

[@rudyrivera7426]

Great video! Good camera angle ! Keep up the good work! 👍

[@railtonfeagus8539]

Great video, I'm about to build a shed and was unsure about the birdsmouth cuts on the rafters, so this really helps. I'll also need to get me a pair of your steel toe-capped crocs as well...

[@mayerlito]

Hello Andres. I enjoyed watching your video with very good detail in everything you did. I also really like the sides of that ice cream truck. 🍦☺. Thanks Very much for your work.👍

[@mikecee2729]

QUESTION: What software or app do you use to draw up your projects? Your work and designs are excellent!

[@netsurfer138]

Thanks, mate. A very good upload

[@kidswrestling1281]

Thanks for the details on this. You forgot to angle cut your rafter ends 12 degrees.

[@myaudlife4399]

It’s a style of keeping it that way

[@andrusha77]

Agreed, the water will run down the fascia and streak, and then rot the underneath.

[@travisjohnston1923]

Fellas, I'm sorry I keep coming this way, but misinformation can cause injury. The sheathing is supposed to be staggered like bricks to tie the whole structure together giving extra strength as well as being the truest way to bring your building into square. So far besides the screws which I've already mentioned is awesome! Keep it up guys!

[@kfritz3330]

Great video! He really explains everything. Thank you for that!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it helped you out! Thanks for watching!

[@lizlo8394]

Great work !

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Liz - appreciate it!

[@rumelorbe6339]

Awesome mate👍

[@robertallen3133]

Fantastic video well done thank you ! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jwd888]

very well explained 👍

[@edgarmartinez6526]

I'm going to try to do a similar one . Perfect job u have done my respects 👍👍👍

[@dallionaire8947]

Great job! What program did you use to draw your plans?

[@johntillotson4254]

Thx for sharing

[@petechabot8948]

Thanks Bro ! Good video

[@marcusbrown7817]

Damn homeboy✊🏿💪🏾🙌🏾

[@Justmylukc]

It would make a beautiful tiny house.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I hope to build one soon using this shed as the basis. Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support!

[@sherriesmith2587]

Damn, son!! Now that's nice!! Great job! And thx for the vid!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@prestontripp9891]

Im going to be building a shed very much like this one and this video has been nearly flawless! thank you.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it helped, Preston! Good luck with your build!

[@prestontripp9891]

@@AndrewThronImprovements I did notice that with your rafters you didn't (or failed to mention) cut the ends at the angle to make them perpendicular to the ground. Was that by preference or design, or is that something that's not super important? Just curious.

[@michellejeune7679]

Merci ! Les techniques sont très bien expliquées.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@aftech7268]

I like your videos keep it up

[@powersonic6255]

Well done sir.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@meadowmullen4334]

Thanks!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Really appreciate it! Good luck with your build!

[@lefthandedarcher2126]

Nice job

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@migueldominguez52]

Is that platform attached to the concrete? What is the difference between building the platform or setting it on the concrete?

[@andytrujillo2935]

Next time chase the Ice cream truck!! LOL!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Haha next time for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@grizz6582]

Use nails on your hurricane ties. They are much stronger then screws for shear forces.

[@Sharloboy]

Hello Andrew, I purchased your shed house and it's great. I am wondering if the 10x10 dimensions could be modified for say a 10x7 shed as I'm limited on how much room I have for the depth of the shed?

[@iandavis9380]

In the future, when tracing a template, you would want to cut on the outside part of the line.

[@jamesoncross7494]

If you make the seat cut the wall thickness + the thickkness of the sheathing, you won't have to notch around the rafters.

[@da324]

So, the final siding would slide up behind them?

[@johnfredette5758]

How do you insulate the roof in your design? Since there is no ridge, as in a roof with a gable, there is no ridge vent. Are there no vents installed on the lower or upper sections of the roof, and if that's the case, does insulation take up the entire thickness/height of the rafters/joists? My roof doesn't have a ceiling frame, as the roof is the ceiling. To have additional natural lighting, I have casement windows in the raised area, so I can't install a ceiling frame. Thank you.

[@bobbytmp1322]

After all that measuring and marking, I was sure you were going to cut it with lasers or something. Great video

[@lapalomas]

Why didn't you cut the tails of the rafters to match the pitch of the roof?

[@aau240]

WAs wondering the same thing, easy to drop a vertical chalk line on a plumb bob or just use a level to mark that line?

[@kylerrichmeier5892]

All the difficulty of cutting birds without making the facia verticle hahahaha love it

[@LocalTradesman]

@@kylerrichmeier5892 What about the plywood not running across all the rafters? What about plywood clips?? He is young... but no excuse!!! I am building a 14x32 foot 3 story that I am going to video and put up this Summer of 2023!! Bidge over the Wolf River Tiny Lodge!! PeAcE

[@allwoundup3574]

​@@LocalTradesman no one cares

[@billsmith9249]

@@LocalTradesman you only need clips if you have longer than 16c joists. I don't know if he spaced them 1/8" though. I couldn't tell

[@Roberto3DF1]

Great video! I'm starting to plan an lean to addition my garage and this video is extremely helpful. One question: What software did you use to create your design? Thanks!

[@hockeyman1]

dude, ive seen do many videos explaining about rafters where I always find it hard, but you explained it so easily. appreciate it

[@jakelyons5935]

Check out the channel Training Hands Academy if you need a better understanding of building rafters

[@tombo552001]

So when you put all the crowns up, does it matter if they face outside or inside the wall? Thank you for the great video

[@bschremp]

That triangle tool is a Speed Square, sometimes called a rafter square, but the more common name is Speed Square. The larger two arm thing is a Carpenter Square or Framing Square.

[@aaronhueston2437]

Are the cut outs in the pivot ruler not the line you need for the seat mark instead of using a second ruler? I'm only asking, never used one.

[@mcamodell]

Yes, but only on some speed-squares, not all.

[@beyondhumanfitness1027]

What did you use for your blue print is it a certain app?

[@anthonyrex2714]

Did you put something along side the last rafter before the side fachia?

[@genimarlene]

👏👏👏👏👏👍 Perfeito.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@owenwiseman6112]

Great video, subscribed. One question: You installed the blocking at the edge of the top plate. I agree that will look better, but aren't you worried about ventilation? Are you planning to insulate this space and do you have a ventilation plan?

[@mattiefattie3895]

He doesn't reply to comments but since you're asking you already know the answer.

[@owenwiseman6112]

@@mattiefattie3895 I don't follow. I'm asking because I don't know the answer. Care to help out?

[@mattiefattie3895]

@@owenwiseman6112 the ventilation question

[@Masterked]

I was waiting for the part to see how to install the side pieces of studs from the high to low. From the side plates to to the roof joists or rafters. I guess next time. Great video though

[@CannibalSheepQc]

roof framing a shed in crocs, mad ting

[@Honestandtruth]

I mike build my Shed Like this One 👍😂👍

[@FlipLouy]

are you able to explain crown up and down a little better? I understand crowning when the board is flat. How are you able to tell what the crown should look like when your board is upright? Thanks for any insight!!

[@keldtvanstraten1672]

Love your content. Do you need any kind of permit to build something like this where you live?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! From my research, you usually need to get a permit if you don't have an existing structure in place. Since I already had a shed and slab on my property survey, I was technically replacing in-kind.

[@joseacosta9136]

what type/size of fasteners did you use for each part of the build

[@aliciarodriguez1007]

What size of wood you use for the raptors

[@davereel7386]

When nailing the roof ply make sure you do 6 inch between the nails on the seams and 12 inch in the center you can do closer spacing but not further also cut the ends of your rafters level vertically to prevent your gutter guy from laughing at you later

[@smoke89001]

What kind of cad are you using! This is an amazing build!!!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks - it's Sketchup (free version)!

[@josecorona102]

Una pregunta como buscas la medida de la pared mas alta con las medidas que tienes en el video

[@ibrahim-ri4yj]

اسمح هذا السقف بهذا الشكل يعني لا نحتاج لسقف كلاسيكي .؟

[@jasonwhite7569]

curious if you would do anything different if the same shed was being built as a 14 x 14?

[@clutchbeyers]

How long of overhang do you have on the high end? Do you have to worry about snow load? I want to have a 3' overhang of my shed-style roof rafters that are 16" apart and 2x8's. Will this have enough support for load in winter?

[@LocalTradesman]

3 foot overhang is not to code...just in case you care! I am sure it will be fine though. 24 inches overhang is standard. This dude is young and should have done things different. Plywood always runs across the rafters!! Plywood clips between sheets of plywood is a must. No clips will let the plywood sag. No clips equal sagging. I know shit!! After you have done a hundred you get it!! PeAcE

[@dipf7705]

​@@LocalTradesman or blocks with leftover scraps for free

[@bard44]

A 12-foot roof span needs at the most 8 rafters at 16-inch centres. Are you planning on parking a garden tractor on your roof? Your roof is overkill. Specially at the price of lumber these days. Most sheds are built at 24-inch centres, but16-inch is better.

[@billsmith9249]

maybe he has a snow load to worry about?

[@CannibalSheepQc]

Lmfao

[@ALJessica]

I am trying to find a compressor for framing myself, but as I live in dk I dont have access to porter cable. So how many psi did you use for this Project?

[@LIBERTY0RDEATH]

Enough to make the nail sink in a little more than flush. Take some scrap wood and test it.

[@bobjolliffe2761]

Your blocking is placed on the INNER most edge of the topplate - not the outermost. Correct?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Blocking was placed on the Inner most edge, correct. Sorry about that.

[@alex46801]

Blocking needs to be flushed with the outside top plate, not inside. And the number one rule in sheathing is you never break on one stud/rafter/joists.

[@taweechaikogaphai7819]

❤❤👍👍👍👍

[@an5210]

what is your shed height in front?

[@ohandanotheronebitesthedus6247]

Any tips for a guy with no speed square i gotta do this today and the hardware store doesn't have a speed square and im back at work tomorrow so wont have another chance for a couple of weeks and snow is coming lol

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Oh man.. haha. You might just have to eyeball it until you get a “template” rafter that looks about right. Good luck!

[@romaellodfranco72]

Did you use pressure treated wood for the rafters and top plates. If yes, did you let them dry out first?

[@bv0211]

you dont need pressure treated for the rafters unless they will be exposed to the elements, if properly sealed, there shouldnt be any water penetration

[@romaellodfranco72]

@@bv0211 Thank you so much for the info

[@tallswede80]

are you using sketchup?

[@valentinalexandru8890]

Hello. How much do you pay for a rafter? I have to admit we don't do the birdsmouth anymore. We use brute force( big nails and some conecting rods).

[@LaurentiuRobu]

i was looking for a comment that asked what software have you used for the plans but couldn't find one so , Andrew what is the name of that software ? :D

[@treefiddy2470]

Is the wood all pressure treated?

[@mcamodell]

Notice how the slot your thumb is on is already in the correct position to mark the seat line? that's not an accident ;) No framing square required

[@colomacountry]

Are you talking about the diamond? Can you explain this, or link a video? I guess I'll have to read my Swanson speed square book ;)

[@mikebell4396]

please someone what's the program used for layouts and building design that Andrew uses? THANKS!!

[@jakelong6860]

Dude I built an unground pool I have space for 16×12 pool house you build for us and video. Let us know.

[@joseacosta9136]

where did you get the 3 windows for the top

[@aliciarodriguez1007]

Are those 2 by 4

[@jjyemg2397]

you put the blocking on the inner edge, but you said outer edge?

[@debbushee6970]

i dont understand the formula that you use to get the pitch . i was looking at a wall at 4 feet on one side and 8 foot span and a 6 foot wall on opposit side . so how do you come up with the pitch i tried dividing the 96 inch by 48 and came out with 2 but trying the same with your numbers did not work . ????

[@Alaska7506]

@Deb Bushee... You will need a 3/12 roof pitch to rise 24" with an 8' span. 3" rise x 8 = 24, so 3x8 = 24 inches of rise. You will gain 3" of rise per every 12" of run along the span. I hope this helps and makes sense!

[@brianwideman2342]

Or you could just temporarily attach rafter to side of wall & scribe both birds mouth for a template. This is what builders do.

[@skynetlabs]

Deck screws aren't permitted for hurricane ties. Are you in a wind-zone?

[@josevalentin2567]

👍

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks Jose! Appreciate it!

[@KathleenEdge]

What did you use as soffit?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I just used sheathing (pkywood) and covered it with veneer. Thanks for watching

[@KathleenEdge]

@@AndrewThronImprovements awesome to know! Thanks!

[@rodneybray3245]

Why buy 16’ when used 14’?

[@solidfuel0]

Why not use metal hardware from the sides of rafters to hold them and better distribute the weight

[@funnytrap3309]

what soft you used for shed build?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Sketchup!

[@funnytrap3309]

@@AndrewThronImprovements tnks🙏

[@diegomarquez971]

Do you need permit? I see you added lights.

[@delmasskipper]

What does “crown up” mean?

[@LocalTradesman]

Crown is the hump in your wood. Look down the full length of your rafter or board .and put the Hump or Crown up!!

[@thommytruong29]

any reason why you used 2x6 lumbers instead of 2x4?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Stronger and a longer span!

[@jgn1977]

I can't believe you didnt cut the front and rear rafters to be parallel to the walls. That angle makes the roof look super cheesy.