12×16 Shed Plans – DIY Gable Shed

If you want to learn more about 12×16 gable shed plans you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. I have designed these large storage shed plans so you can add lots of useful storage space to your backyard. I have spent a lot of time planning this project, to keep the costs as low as possible and to get a sturdy and durable backyard shed. Remember to read the local codes before starting the project and to comply with the local regulations. The codes differ from one area to another, so it is safer to read them thoroughly. To download the plans as a PDF file, check out my Shop.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional garden project. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather.

12×16 Shed Plans – DIY Gable Shed

Building a 12×16 gable shed

Materials

• 1 – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 192″ long SKIDS
• 2 – 13 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 141″ long, 2 pieces – 192″ long FLOOR FRAME
• 3 – 5 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x48″ long FLOOR
• 4 – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 136″ long, 1 piece – 24″ long, 1 piece – 192″ long, 1 piece – 185″ long, 15 pieces – 91 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 82 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 3 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 29″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long, 4 pieces – 15 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 35″ long, 4 pieces – 39″ long SIDE WALL WITH WINDOW
• 5 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 137″ long, 1 piece – 144″ long, 10 pieces – 91 1/2″ long BACK WALL
• 6 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 1 piece – 185″ long, 15 pieces – 91 1/2″ long SIDE WALL
• 7 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 1 piece – 144″ long, 6 pieces – 91 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 82 1/2″ long, 8 pieces – 3 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 99″ long FRONT WALL
• 8 – 13 pieces of T1-11 siding – 48″x96″ long, 1 piece – 48″x12″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x23 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 48″x33 1/2″ long SIDING
• 9 – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 144″ long, 2 pieces – 88″ long, 1 piece – 26 3/8″ long, 2 pieces – 35 7/8″ long 13xRAFTERS
• 10 – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 88″ long, 14 pieces – 4 1/2″ long 2xOVERHANG
• 11 – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 48″x40″ long, 2 pieces – 40″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 8″x88″ long ROOF
• 12 – 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 89″ long, 2 pieces – 208″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 36″ long, 2 pieces – 43″ long TRIMS
• 13 – 300 sq ft of tar paper, 300 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
• 14 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 84″ long, 1 piece – 39″ long JAMBS
• 15 – 1 piece of T1-11 siding – 32″x84″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 77″ long, 2 pieces – 32″ long, 1 piece – 25″ long DOOR
• 16 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 84″ long, 1 piece – 103″ long JAMBS
• 17 – 1 piece of T1-11 siding – 48″x84″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 77″ long, 1 piece – 41″ long 2xDOOR

• 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16′
• 3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
• 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16′
• 13 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
• 15 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16′
• 18 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
• 105 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 18 ft
• 15 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
• 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 300 sq ft of tar paper, 300 sq ft of asphalt shingles
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 3 1/2″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint
• rafter ties
• door hardware kit

 Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One weekend

12×16 Shed – Video

STEP 1: Building the shed floor

Building the floor frame

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the gable storage shed. As you can see in the diagram, you need to cut the joists from 2×6 lumber. Lay the components on a level surface and align the edges flush. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to assemble the frame. Make sure the corners are square. Select the location for the lean to shed and remove the vegetation layer. Spread a 2-3″ layer of gravel under the shed floor, so you can protect the floor from moisture.

Fitting the skids

Next, lay the 4×4 skids under the floor frame and lock them together with rafter ties. The skids will lift the floor frame from the ground to protect the components from moisture. You can use 6×6 skids if you want to lift the floor frame more inches. Use pressure treated lumber for the floor frame, as the boards will be exposed to moisture.

Fitting the floor sheets

Fit the 3/4″ tongue and groove pressure treated plywood sheets to the floor frame and align the edges flush. Leave no gaps between the sheets and secure them into place, every 8″ along the joists, using 1 5/8 screws.

STEP 2: Building the shed frame

Building the side wall

The next step of the project is to build the plain side wall frame. Cut the components at the right dimensions and drill pilot holes through the plates. Insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the plates to the studs. Make sure the corners are square. Place the studs every 16″ on center. This will add extra strength to the frame of the shed.

Use 2×4 lumber for the other side wall. Frame a 3’x3′ window so you can have enough light inside the shed. In addition, frame a 32″ opening for a side door/ This door will allow you to have an easy access to the interior of the shed when you don’t work with large objects. You should notice the double headers that are made from 2×6 boards and 1/2″ plywood sandwiched between. You can easily adjust the size of the opening to suit your needs.

Building the front wall frame

Frame the front wall for the 12×16 gable shed using 2x4s. Place the studs every 16″ on center and frame a 6′ opening for double doors. Use 2×6 lumber for the double header. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. You can adjust the size of the door opening to suit your needs.

Back wall frame

Build the back wall for the shed, using the same techniques described above.

Assembling the shed frame

Fit the wall frames to the floor and plumb them with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor. Lock the adjacent walls together with 3 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square.

STEP 3: Attaching the shed siding

Front wall siding panels

Attach the 5/8″ T1-11 siding sheets to the front of the storage shed. Cut the sheets as shown in the plans and then secure them to the frame with 6d nails, every 8″ along the framing. Leave no gaps between the sheets and align them flush with the framing.

Back wall siding sheets

Attach the T1-11 siding sheets to the back of the shed frame. Align the edges flush and insert 6d nails to secure the sheets, every 8″ along the framing. Leave no gaps between the sheets for a professional result.

Side wall siding sheets

Fit the siding sheets to the plain wall frame. Align the edges flush before inserting the 6d nails.

Side wall with window siding panels

Attach the T1-11 siding sheets to the opposite side wall. Make a few cuts so you can attach the panels around the door and window openings.

STEP 4: Building the lean to shed roof

Building the rafters

Continue the large storage shed project by assembling the trusses. Cut the rafters from 2×4 lumber using a miter saw (see my tool recommendations HERE). Lay the rafters on a level surface and align the edges with attention.

Vertical support

Build the middle truss support from 2×4 lumber and attach it to the truss, as shown in the diagram.

Building the diagonal braces

Next, build the diagonal braces for the trusses from 2×4 lumber. Use a miter saw to make the angle cuts at both ends of the supports. Fit them to the trusses.

Fitting the gussets

Use 1/2″ plywood for the gussets. Mark the cut lines on the plywood sheet and then get the job done with a circular saw. Attach the gussets over the joints and then insert 1 5/8″ screws to reinforce the joints.

Fitting the trusses

After you built the trusses, you need to lift and lay them to the top of the 12×16 gable shed. Align the trusses and place them every 16″ on center. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level and then lock them into place with rafter ties. Once you attach the plywood sheets to the roof, the whole structure will be a lot more rigid.

Gable ends panels

Use T1-11 siding sheets for the gable ends. Mark the cut lines on the sheets and then cut the panels with a circular saw. Attach the panels to the front and back of the garden shed. Align the edges, leave no gaps between the panels and then insert 6d nails to lock them into place tightly.

Building the overhangs

Continue the shed project by assembling the front and back overhangs. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the blockings. You can easily adjust the size of the overhangs to suit your needs.

Attach the overhangs to the front and back of the shed and align the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the overhangs into place.

Fitting the roof sheets

Attach the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the roof of the shed. Start laying the sheets from the bottom up. Leave no gaps between the sheets and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the rafters.

Side roof trims

Fit the 1×6 trims to the sides of the shed. Align the edges with attention and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Front and back roof trims

Fit the 1×6 trims to the front and back roof of the shed. Use 3 1/2″ screws to secure the trims into place.

Fitting the roofing

In order to waterproof the shed, you have to cover the roofing sheets with felt. Make sure the strips of roofing felt overlap at least 2-3″ and staple them to the plywood sheets every 8″. Continue the project by installing the asphalt shingles. Place the starting course at the bottom of the roof, before fitting the rest of the shingles.

PRO TIP: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions, before installing the shingles. They provide essential information about the installation of the shingles. If you have a homestead, you should check out my 10×12 run in shed plans, as well.

STEP 5: Building the shed doors

Side door jambs

Fit the 2×4 jambs around the side door opening. Align the edges with attention and insert 3 1/2″ screws to secure them into place tightly.

Building the side door

Next, you need to build the side door for the large shed. Use 2×4 lumber for the frame and T1-11 siding sheets for the panels. After you cut the panels you need to lay them on a level surface. Lay the trims over the panels and then insert a few 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place. Turn the door upside down and insert more 1 5/8″ screws through the panels into the trims.

Fitting the door to the side wall

Fit the door to the opening and then lock them to the jambs with hinges. Install a latch to keep the door closed and your possessions safe.

Window trims

Fit the 3’x3′ window to the opening and lock it into place following the manufacturer’s instructions. Attach 1×4 trims around the window to enhance the look of the shed.

Double door jambs

Fit the 2×4 jambs around the double door opening. Align the edges and insert 3 1/2″ screws to secure the boards into place tightly.

Double doors

Next, build the double doors for the large shed. Use 2×4 lumber for the frame and T1-11 siding sheets for the panels. After you cut the panels you need to lay them on a level surface. Lay the trims over the panels and then insert a few 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place. Turn the door upside down and insert more 1 5/8″ screws through the panels into the trims.

Fitting the double doors

Fit the double doors to the opening and then secure them to the jambs with hinges. Attach a door latch to keep them closed. This shed is easy to build, but make sure you comply with the local codes.

12×16 Gable Shed Plans – Back view

How to build a 12×16 shed

12×16 Storage Shed Plans

You can add decorative trims to the shed to make it pop. In addition, a few coats of paint over the exterior of the shed will get you far in terms of looks. Remember that you need to fit blockings between the rafters to seal the shed. In addition, add a vent to make sure the air circulates properly inside the shed. See more outdoor storage plans and ideas HERE. See 10×12 lean to shed plans and 12×12 gable shed plans. To download the plans as a PDF file, check out my Shop.

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