The garden
shed guide —from gable to saltbox, it's all in the
roof
When researching your garden shed project, you'll
find that most manufacturers group storage buildings and outdoor sheds according to the style of
roof. Of course, a garden shed can copy any type of building style, so an
oriental-style shed might have eaves that curve upwards, or a cottage-style
shed would be complete with windows, painted shutters, and flower boxes.
However, when it comes to sheds, think of these are your roof
basics:
Gable—The gable garden shed is possibly the most common style. A
gable is two pitched roofs back to back that form a triangular roof.
Gambrel—The gambrel garden shed, sometimes called barn, mini-barn,
or high-wall barn style, is a gable type roof
with breaks in the planes. Gambrel sheds have great loft storage
possibilities and wonderful country appeal.
Hip—The hip roof garden shed is often advertised as a
cottage-style shed. All planes of the roof (usually all four sides) are
angled or sloped.
Salt Box—The salt box garden shed has a short front gable roof and
a gently sloping rear roof. It takes its name from the shape of wooden
boxes used to store salt in the colonial 1700's.
Lean-to—The lean-to garden shed is built standing next to an
existing structure. The roof slopes away from the building it is attached
to. The doors and windows can be placed on any of the three
exposed sides of the shed.
