How to Build a Roof Truss Over a Shed

A roof truss.
  • 10-15 hours
  • Advanced
  • 500
What You'll Need
Timbers: 2x6s, and 2x4s
Galvanized steel truss plates
Saw
1 1/2 -inch galvanized screws
3-inch deck screws
Level
Sledgehammer
Nails
Measuring tape
What You'll Need
Timbers: 2x6s, and 2x4s
Galvanized steel truss plates
Saw
1 1/2 -inch galvanized screws
3-inch deck screws
Level
Sledgehammer
Nails
Measuring tape

Building a roof truss over a shed can be a somewhat lengthy process but is fun nonetheless. It is important to note that a roof truss is designed not only to support the roof that you plan on building over the shed, but the roof truss also helps to stabilize the walls of the shed.

Step 1 - Measure Your Roof Span

The first step is really important to begin the job as it will make sure you have an accurate measurement of how big you want your truss to be. Use a measuring tape to take appropriate length, breadth, and desired height measurements. Make sure you write these down as they need to be accurate.

Step 2 - Assemble Your Materials

It is best to assemble all your timber on a concrete floor horizontally. If you lean them against a wall, for example, bends can be formed around the timber edges and can affect the structural stability of the roof truss when finished. Also, choose a sunny day to start working on your roof truss. Any chances of rain should be steered away from as you don’t want your timber to get damp during the build-up.

Step 3 - Cut the Timbers

When you have the measurements of the roof span, cut the timbers accordingly using a saw. The thickness of the timbers you want to use will depend on how much roof-weight you intend to put on it. 2x6s are adequate for most roofs.

Step 4 - Secure the Timber Together

Use the galvanized steel plates to secure the timber together to form a 3D triangle. The galvanized steel plates work like a charm usually. They embed into the timber and attach to the other timber easily. To embed the steel plates into the timber, hammer them with a heavy sledgehammer. Secure the whole timber triangle with 1½-inch galvanized screws.

Step 5 - Add a 2x4 Brace

Dissect the center of the triangle with a 2x4 brace. The idea here is to make the trusses more secure and weight-bearable when the roof is added. Add more 2x4s as support at 90-degree angles from the brace to the top of the truss. The more the 2x4-reinforcement in the center of the trusses, the more the strength of the whole build.

Step 6 - Attach The Trusses to the Framing and Finish the Job

Attach the trusses to the framing every two feet. This will ensure a stronger attachment and will reduce the chances of the frame to give way. Make the attachment secure using the three inch deck screws. When securing the trusses, make sure that you secure both the ends of one truss first and then move on to bringing in the next truss to attach to the previous truss.