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Lean-To Vs. Gable: Which Shed Type is Easiest to Build?

blue and white shed

Congratulations on deciding to build your shed!

This is an exciting time, but now you have some decisions to make.

Like a lot of people, you may be trying to decide between two of the most popular types of sheds – lean-to or gable roof.

How do you know which one is the right one to fit your needs?

Which one is the easiest?

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of both.

What is a Lean-To Shed?

A lean-to shed is a building that has a single, sloping roof.

The shed is usually attached to or leaning against another building or a wall, where it got the name lean-to.

Some contractors refer to the type of roof this shed has as a skillion roof.

Interestingly enough, skillion roofs are now being used in other types of constructions aside from sheds.

Some contractors recommend them for houses as well because they have so many advantages.

lean-to-garden-shed-exterior

What are the Pros of Building a Lean-To Shed?

There are a lot of benefits to building a lean-to shed. They include:

Lower costs overall –

Lean-tos are generally much less expensive to build than other types of sheds because of their simplistic design. Also, because they are so uncomplicated, lean-tos reduce the maintenance and upkeep that is usually needed.

Being easier to build –

If you have never built your own shed before, you may want to consider starting by building a lean-to. They use a lot fewer materials, and with the affordable lean-to shed plan, you’ll find that you can have it constructed reasonably quickly.

Being great in all types of weather –

Do you live in an area that gets a lot of rain? Is your city covered with snow 4-5 months out of the year? If so, a lean-to could be the perfect shed to fit your needs.

The roof’s pitch allows water and snow to run off, minimizing any damage to your shed’s roof year after year.

The beautiful design –

When you’re building a shed, you want it aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Lean-tos can be built against your home or your garage, which adds a lot of architectural interest.

What are the Cons of Building a Lean-To Shed?

There are only a few cons you’ll want to consider before you build your lean-to shed.

First, if you live in an area that gets a lot of high-velocity winds, this might not be the best option.

If your pitch is too steep, you could have problems with low ceilings inside the shed.

Make sure to measure carefully and choose a shed plan that gives you the proper ceiling height.

What is a Gable Roof Shed?

dark gray gable roof

A gable roof shed has a pitched or peaked roof, one of the more popular roof types in the United States.

They have a triangular shape, and they are both traditional and attractive.

A lot of carpenters believe that gable roof sheds are among the easiest to build.

You can choose between low, medium, and high-pitch, depending on what your needs are.

It is essential to use a good gable roof shed plan to make sure the structure is strong and built solidly.

What are the Pros of Building a Gable Roof Shed?

Gable roof sheds can be both functional and beautiful.

They make a great addition to any garden, and they also have a lot of benefits, such as:

  • Easily shedding water and snow. You won’t have to worry about doing much maintenance with this type of roof. Any water damage should be kept to a minimum.
  • Providing you with more space for ventilation and even adding a loft, if you choose. If you are building a shed for more than just storage, a gable roof gives you so many possibilities for the interior.
  • The design is still straightforward, and the shed will be easy to build.
  • Because the design is simplistic, you won’t need a lot of costly materials. This type of shed may not be as inexpensive as a lean-to, but it can still be great for people on a budget.

a-frame-storage-shed

What are the Cons of Building a Gable Roof Shed?

While gable roof sheds tend to stand up under heavy rains and snow, the wind is another story altogether.

If you have a lot of high velocity winds in your area or are prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, you might not want to choose a gable roof shed.

A lot of wind can lead to materials peeling away from gable roofs.

If the shed has too much overhang on the roof, wind can cause an uplift underneath.

The result is that the roof could detach from the walls.

Of course, there are ways to protect your shed from damage even if you live in an area prone to high winds.

Braces should be used to build your shed, which offers some insurance.

It’s also good to inspect the shed for any damage after a storm and then make repairs as soon as possible.

What Type of Shed Will do You Build?

backyard-storage-shed-barn

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to make your final decision.

Will you choose a lean-to shed or a gable roof shed?

Both have their benefits, but there is only one that will work best for your needs.

Regardless of which shed type you choose, we can help you find the right shed plan.

There’s no need to hire an expensive contractor to build your shed.

Our shed plans were created by contractors and written so that they can be easily understood and implemented, even if you have never built a shed before.

You’ll love being able to look at your shed and be proud of your handiwork.

In fact, why not get the whole family involved?

It will be a project you’ll all look back on with fondness for years to come.

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