12×12 Lean to Shed – Free Large Shed Plans

If you want to learn more about 12×12 lean to shed plans you have to take a close look over the free plans and step by step instructions in the article. This shed features the double 8 ft front doors and a metal sheet roofing. The DIY large shed has overhangs on all sides and a wall structure with 2×4 studs, every 24″ on center. 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.

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.

12×12 Lean to Shed – Free Large Shed Plans

Building-a-12×12-lean-to-shed

Materials

• 1 – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft long, 10 pieces – 141″ long FLOOR FRAME
• 2 – 5 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12 ft long SKIDS
• 3 – 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 3 pieces – 48″x48″ long FLOOR
• 4 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 137″ long, 1 piece – 144″, 7 pieces – 79 1/2″ 2xSIDE WALL
• 5 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 9 pieces – 79 1/2″ BACK WALL
• 6 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long, 1 piece – 137″ long, 1 piece – 144″ long, 6 pieces – 79 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 74″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 99″ long FRONT WALL
• 7 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft long, 9 pieces – 21″ long TOP WALL
• 8 – 7 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 156″ long RAFTERS 
• 9 – 11 pieces of T1-11 siding – 48″x84″ long, 1 piece -8 1/2″ x48″long, 2 pieces – 29 1/2″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 21 1/4″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 13″x48″ long, 3 pieces – 24″x48″ long SIDING
• 10 – 22 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 80″ long PURLINS
• 11 – 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 80″ long ROOF TRIMS
• 12 – 10 pieces of roof sheets – 3’x8′ ROOF
• 13 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 75 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 103″ long JAMBS
• 14 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 1 piece – 68 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 41″ long, 1 piece of T1-11 siding – 75 1/2″x48″ 2xDOOR

• 12 pieces of 2×6 PT lumber – 12 ft
• 5 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12 ft
• 5 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
• 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
• 40 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
• 22 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 8 ft
• 7 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14 ft
• 16 pieces of 5/8″ T1-11 – 4’x8′
• 10 pieces of roof sheets – 3’x8′
• 1000 pieces of 1 5/8″ screws
• 300 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• 1000 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
• 1000 pieces of 6d nails
• wood glue, stain/paint
• 24 pieces of rafter ties
• 1 1/2″ structural screws
• 3/4″ roofing screws
• door hardware kit
• broom holder

Tools

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

Time

• One weekend

Made from this plan

STEP 1: Building the large shed floor

Building-the-12×12-shed-floor

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the 12×12 lean to shed. Cut all the joists from 2×6 lumber. Lay the components on a level surface and align the edges flush.

Next, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to assemble the frame. Make sure the corners are square and place the joists every 16″ on center.

Fitting-the-skids

Also, select the location for large slanted shed and remove the vegetation layer. Continue by spreading a 2-3″ layer of gravel under the shed floor, so you can protect the floor from moisture. Next, lay the 4×4 skids under the floor frame and lock them together with rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws.

The skids will lift the floor frame from the ground to protect the components from moisture. Use pressure treated lumber for the floor frame, as the boards will be exposed to moisture.

Floor-sheets—12×12-shed

After that, fit the 3/4″ tongue and groove 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.

Consider buying Pressure Treated lumber for the skids, at least, if not for the floor frame, as well. Notice the pattern you have to lay the plywood sheets to, so you enhance the rigidity of the floor.

STEP 2: Building the shed frame

Building-the-side-wall-frames

The next step of the project is to build the side wall frames. Cut the components at the right dimensions from 2x4s and drill pilot holes through the plates. Furthermore, insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the plates to the studs. Make sure the corners are square and place the studs every 24″ on center.  You can also fit the studs every 16″ on center, if you want to add more rigidity to the structure.

In addition, measure the diagonals and make adjustments if necessary. You need to have the frames square, therefore the diagonals should be equal.

Header

We need to assemble a double header for the front wall opening. We will use 2×6 lumber and 1/2″ plywood.

*Don’t mind the dimensions in this diagram. This diagrams is only to display the techniques for the double header

To assemble the double header, join together two pieces of 2×6 lumber and a piece of 1/2″ plywood in the middle. Add glue to the joints and insert 2 1/2″ screws from both sides.

Front-wall-frame—large-lean-to-shed

Next, use 2×4 lumber for the front wall frame. You can adjust the size of the door opening to suit your needs. Notice the double studs placed at both ends of the walls and the jack studs that support the double header.

Back-wall-frame-for-shed

Also, build the back wall for the large lean to shed, using the same techniques described above.

Front-and-back-wall-frames

Next, fit the front and the back wall frames to the floor of the shed. Therefore, align the edges of the wall frames to the floor shed and plumb them vertically with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor. Use 2×4 temporarily braces to lock the frames into place, till you add the side walls.

Assembling-the-shed-frame

Furthermore, fit the side wall frames to the floor of the large storage shed and plumb them with a spirit level. Align the bottom plates flush to the exterior edges of the shed floor. 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 and make sure the corners are square.

Top-front-wall-frame

Build the top back wall frame, using 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center, as shown in the diagram. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.

Fitting-the-top-front-frame—lean-to-shed

Fit the frame to the top of the front wall. Remember that you can easily add the frame to the front of the shed as well. It all depends on the direction of the lean to you want for your shed.

Additionally, align the edges flush, drill pilot holes through the bottom plate and insert 3 1/2″ screws to secure it to the wall frame.

STEP 3: Building the lean to shed roof

Building-the-rafters—large-lean-to-shed

Next, you need to build the rafters from 2×6 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then get the job done with circular saw.

Fitting-the-rafters—12×12-shed

Fit the rafters to the top of the shed and place them every 24″ on center. Secure the rafters to the top plates with ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws.

Fitting-the-side-lean-to-supports

Use 2×4 lumber for the side lean to supports and make the 10 degree angle cut to one end of the supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws.

Side-shed-siding-panels

Fit the 5/8″ T1-11 siding sheets to the sides of the shed. Align the edges with attention and insert 6d nails to lock them to the framing, every 8″. Use a circular saw to make the angle cuts to the top panels. Leave no gaps between the panels.

Fitting-the-front-wall-panels

Next, attach the siding sheets to the front wall of the shed. Use a saw to make the cuts around the double door opening. Insert 6d nails to lock the panels to the wall framing.

Back-wall-panels

Attach the siding sheets to the back wall of the shed. Align the edges flush and insert 6d nails to lock the panels into place tightly.

Fitting-the-purlins

Fit the 1×4 purlins to the top of the lean to shed. Place the purlins every 16″ on center, making sure you get 8″ overhangs on both sides.

Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the purlins to the rafters tightly. Start installing the purlins from the bottom up to the top.

Front-and-back-wall-trims

Next, fit the 1×8 trims to the front and back of the large lean to shed. Insert 6d nails to secure the trims to the rafters.

Fitting-the-roof-sheets

Install the metal roofing sheets to the top of the shed. Install 3/4″ roofing screws to secure the sheets to the purlins. Install drip edges, as well.

PRO TIP: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions, before installing the metal roof sheets. They provide essential information about the installation of the sheets.

STEP 4: Building the shed doors

Fitting-the-door-jambs

Install the 2×4 jambs around the front wall. Align the edges with attention and insert 3 1/2″ screws to secure them into place tightly.

Assembling-the-shed-door-frame

Next, we will assemble the door frames for the lean to garden shed. Cut the components from 2x4s and then drill pocket holes at both ends of the middle supports and of the vertical supports. Align all the edges flush and make sure the corners are square. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the door frame together tightly.

Attaching-the-door-panel

After you cut the panels you need to lay them over the door frame. Align the edges flush and add glue to joints. Insert 6d nails to lock the shed doors.

Fitting-the-double-shed-doors

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

How-to-build-a-12×12-lean-to-shed

You can easily build this 12×12 lean to shed and it will help you add valuable storage space to your property.

12×12-lean-to-shed-plans

This is a large shed that you can build on a budget. It features a metal sheet roofing and generous overhangs on all sides. The lean to shed features the large double 8 ft doors to the front, so you basically can fit almost anything inside. You can build a simple shed ramp to the front, so you can shelter a lawn mower or even bikes inside the shed.

12×12-lean-to-shed—overall-dimensions

Similarly, 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.

This diy project was about 12×12 lean to shed plans. If you have enjoyed the free project, we recommend you to share it with your friends, by using the social media widgets.