Q: I would like to build a small utility shed. What would be the easiest method for a first-time DIY’er to construct a roof?
A: For a small outbuilding, you might consider a simple shed roof, also called a lean-to roof. A shed roof is essentially one half of a gable roof that has a single, shallow slope. Both ends of the roof rest on top plates, so marking and cutting the rafters is easy.
Construction basically requires that you determine the rafter lengths, lay out the pitch and calculate the overhangs. Cut bird’s mouth notches in the rafters to seat them on the top plates, and toe-nail them securely with 16d nails.
