Shed Roof Designs and Ideas For Your Next Shed

39 Shed Roof Designs and Ideas For Your Next Shed

non traditional shed roof designs

Who knew there were so many shed roof designs and ideas to put a lid on your shed?

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DID YOU KNOW the roof of your shed is far more than just a way to put a lid on it?

There is far more to a good roof than simple good looks, the best shed roof designs are a combination of looks, the right style,and the right materials.

I spent a lot of time looking for that one perfect roof to cap off all of the hard work I put into finding the right shed for my backyard project.

Here are some of the best shed roof designs and ideas I came up with, I hope you find what you are looking for amongst them.

1. Flat Roof

A Simple Way to Build a Shed Roof

If your after a simple shed build, and there's no concern of heavy snow, then a flat roof is a great choice

Although there is a slight angle, it is much simpler to build a flat roof than one that is pitched. Great idea for a first shed build

2. Gazebo Style Single Point Roof

A Roof for Taller Items

taller_shed_roof

There is something to be said for a high peak roof, especially if you live in snow country or in areas where the rains are heavy.

This photo shows a beautiful gazebo style single point roof that sits on the perfect wood storage shed, but you can use this type of roof on any style of shed.

3. Natural Roof

Give Your Shed a Natural Look

messy_roof

Branches, leaves and different organic materials have been used for roofs for centuries in some parts of the world. Not only do these roofs help to insulate your shed, but they help the environment.

However, one word of caution, you need to have a waterproof base under it or your shed is likely to get wet.

4. Flat Tiered Roof

Tiny in Size but Big in Stature

bike_storage

This roof is quite ingenious. Although we don't have an image from above, it is flat and has concealed guttering.

The flat roof is easy to build. but having it move water is the difficult bit. We think this has been done with rubber matting that gets put down with a heat gun/torch. If you know, contact us - we'd love to know

5. Wood Shingles

Old World Style and Strength

wood_shed

Start this roof out with a series of log beams just like they used back in the good ole days and then cover with lathes and cedar shakes.

Not only does this give your shed a truly old world look, but cedar shakes will last for far longer than many brands of shingles.

6. What You Don't Want

The Last Thing You Want to See

old_shed_roof

When it comes to garden shed roofs, the last thing you want to see is daylight, that is unless you have skylights built into it.

This particular roof has a lot of damage that has led to daylight being let in, along with rain, snow, birds, and just about anything else.

On the good side, if your roof looks like this your shed is getting plenty of ventilation.

7. Thinking Skylight

Let the Sun Shine In

thinking_skylight

While adding windows to your garden shed is a great way to let in daylight, adding one or more skylights is even better.

Depending on the type of roof you have and how big your shed is you can add several skylights for extra light. If you install openable skylights, you can significantly increase your ventilation.

8. Open Pitched Roof

Add a Little Outdoor Workspace to Your Shed

open_pitched_roof

When you need more workspace than your shed has on the inside, why not add an extension to your roof and use is to create a covered outdoor workspace.

This open pitched roof design offers plenty of outdoor workspace and keeps you protected from the elements.

9. Fancy Fascia

Who Said Your Shed Shouldn't Be Pretty?

fancy_fascia

Just because you are building a garden shed that few people are likely to see, doesn't mean it can't be pretty.

Why not add a fancy fascia like this to the front and back of your shed along the roof lines? What an easy way to dress up what would otherwise be a plain boring shed. (And please excuse the setting 🙂

10. Old Exposed Corrugated Iron

Nothing Like looking Old and Well Worn

old_exposed_corrugated_iron

Not everyone wants a shed that looks brand new. You can probably find a ton of rusty corrugated iron or steel roofing in your local scrap yard that can be used to achieve this weathered look to your shed for a very reasonable price.

11. Flat Roof Extension

When You Need More Room in Your Shed

flat_roof_etension

If you are planning to build an extension onto the end of your shed, you have a couple of choices with regards to the type of roof to be used.

You could add onto the existing pitched roof, but this is likely to be very expensive.

Alternatively, you can add a flat pitched roof to the extension and save money while still adding a strong roof to the extension.

12. Round / Bunker Style

There Are No Corners to A Round Roof

round_roof

For those who remember the old military Quonset huts, this should look familiar. This round roof style helps keep the weather at bay and is exceptionally resistant to high winds.

While this type of roof might look strange, it is worth noting that many of the Quonset huts built in World War II are still standing and in use today.

13. Classic Pitched Roof

The Classic Timeless Look

classic_pitched_roof

This is the classic styleroof most people think of when you start talking about roofs. You can adjust the pitch to meet your local building codes and weather conditions.

In this particular design, the builder added windows to the gables for added light.

14. Standard Roof Line

Corrugated Good Looks That Work

standard_roof

Corrugated metal has been used for decades as roofing for everything from garden sheds to houses. It is a strong material that will provide decades of service, making it a very affordable investment.

You can let it slowly rust with age or keep it painted to make it look good and last longer.

15. Corrugated Bunker Shed Roof Design

Winning the War One Shed at a Time

bunker_shed_roof

Just like the round roof style above, this is a Quonset hut style shed that looks a lot like a pipe that has been cut in half.

This particular one has been built using corrugated iron sheets. They offer plenty of strength and will keep your belongings safe and sound.

16. Living Roof / Green Roof

Mother Nature Will Provide for You

living_roof

There is nothing like a living roof for your shed, this type of roof is often made from sod, but in recent years many people are planting flowers as a way to contribute to feeding the birds and bees.

Once again remember to start out with a waterproof base to keep everything in your shed protected and dry.

17. Fiberglass

Solid, Safe, and Long Lasting

fiber_glass

Corrugated fiberglass roofing comes in wide range of colors and sizes. Fiberglass makes a perfect roofing material as it is lightweight, flexible, and weatherproof.

If you buy the right type of fiberglass, it will let plenty of light in so you can see what you are doing.

18. Spire

Are You Up for a Challenge?

spire

This spire style roof has four sides that peak in the middle and can be quite challenging to build. But as you can see from the photograph, your efforts will be well-rewarded.

This type of roof is also well suited to adding a cupola to your shed.

19. Steel on Steel

Steel, the Ultimate Roofing Material

steel_on_steel

Corrugated steel has long been one of the most popular materials for use in garden sheds. It is easy to work with, strong, and very durable.

As long as you keep a fresh coat of paint on it, your steel roof should provide you with many years of reliable service.

20. Double Roof

Double the Protection

double_roof

Why not get fancy with your shed roof and build a double layer roof like this one? Done right, you add a space between the layers which will help add with more ventilation - great in warm and hot climates.

The overlapping layers will help keep most rain out, but this type of roof is best suited to arid climates where you never have to deal with much rain.

21. Chimney Roof

Beating the Cold of Old Man Winter

chimney_roof

If you live in an area where it gets cold enough that you need to add a wood stove, fireplace, or furnace to your shed, you need a roof that lets you add one or more chimneys.

This will help you provide for proper ventilation, just be sure you flash the chimneys to the roof properly so you don't have water coming in.

22. Dome Shape

Stunning Good Looks Even Your Neighbor Might Appreciate

dome_shape

So you have decided to build a garden shed, but do you want a run of the mill shed or one with stunning good looks that are sure to catch everyone's eye. This round style shed with a dome roof is very European in design and might be just what you are looking for.

23. Dry Grass Roof

The Europeans Did It First

dry_grass_roof

Thatch is an extremely versatile material that has been used as roofing for centuries. One of the great things about thatch is that it can be molded to fit even the most unusually shaped roofs with ease.

While there is a certain amount of upkeep, thatch only gets better looking with age.

24. Ukrainian Style

Simple, Strong, Construction

ukrainian_style

In the Ukraine, they have been building sheds with this style of roof for longer than most can remember.

The design doesn't call for the use of any kind of roof trusses as the interlocking shingles manage to stay strong by virtue of the way it has been put together.

25. Thatched Roof

Super Thick and Not Going Anywhere

thick_roof

Building a super thick roof like this one might take a little more time, but depending on the type of materials you decide to use, this type of roof requires very little in the way of maintenance.

On top of this you can expect to get many years of service without having to worry about replacing it.

26. Triangle Shape

Simplicity is the Keyword Here

triangle_shape

If you are looking for one of the simplest sheds to build, this triangle design could be just what you are looking for.

The triangle roof also forms part of the walls and is perfect for use anywhere where there is a lot of snowfall in the winter.

27. Steel Pitched Roof

When You Have a Truly Big Shed

steel_pitched_roof

Steel has long been the roofing material of choice for really large commercial and farm structures. Heavy gauge steel that has been powder coated can provide you with many years of reliable service.

It comes in sheets that are several feet wide and can be cut to fit the length of your roof. Steel roofing can be pitched to meet your needs based on the weather and is installed using screws that have rubber grommets on them to seal out the rains.

28. Close Up

Take a Good Close Look

close_up

Here is a close up look at the point at which a simple corrugated iron roof is connected to the fascia panels.

As you can see, the steel has been folded over the edge of the fascia panel to help keep water, snow, and ice from seeping under the edge of the roof. It also extends over the soffits for the exact same reason.

29. Classic Barn

You Can See this Style Roof All Over the Country

classic_barn

Farmers developed this barn style roof as a way to maximize the usable space in their barns. The double pitch of the roof can add many square feet of perfectly usable space to your garden shed and make it possible for you to stand up close to the walls.

30. Australian Style

In Australia, They Like Lots of Open Outdoor Space

australian_style

This roof is typical of those seen in the Australian outback where the sun only stops shining when the rains come pouring down.

With the extension added to your shed roof, you can create a porch for your shed that can be used as a protected workspace or simply somewhere to relax in the shade.

31. Shed Roof Plans

The Best Shed Roofs Start with a Good Plan

shed_plans

No matter what kind of garden shed you plan to build, you should always start off with a good set of plans. Most plans will walk you through building the roof for your shed step-by-step and include a list of all the materials you are likely to need to get the job done.

32. Snow Ratings

If Your in an Area that Gets Snow, Think Snow Loads

pitched_roof

This type of roof is relatively easy to build, even for someone with only a little experience in building and construction.

You can adjust the pitch to meet your needs with regards to snow load or rain.

33. Wind Direction

They Call the Wind Mariah

wind_direction

Once you have decided on the style of your shed, it is up to you to decide just how fancy you want to get.

Why not add a cupola to the top of your roof with a custom weathervane on it? This way you get to add extra ventilation to your shed and will always know which way the wind is blowing.

34. Dutch Gables

Add a Little European Character to Your Shed

dutch_gables

In Europe, it is not uncommon for roofs to be steeply pitched, especially in the Netherlands where winters tend to bring a lot of snow.

In this image, the builder has added gables to the roof, which not only add character but also add ventilation and light.

35. Unusual Overhang

Keep the Rains at Bay

unussual_overhang

Adding a little extra overhang to your shed's roof will not add much extra work or cost to the design. But the extra overhang can help keep the rains and snows out of the doorway, which means out of your shed as well.

36. Colored Roof

No One Wants a Boring Shed Roof

colored_roof

Add a little style and flair to your shed by using colored materials to build the roof.

Alternatively, you can paint just about any type of roofing material to match your tastes. Bold and bright is always a great alternative to plain and boring.

37. Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Roof

And Now for Something Completely Different

non_traditional

In countries like Germany, Denmark, Austria, and Slovenia half-hipped roofs like this one are common on shed, barns, and even some houses.

The design is simple and provides a steep surface that helps snow and ice slide off the surface.

38. Ceramic vs. Concrete Tile

Putting Mother Nature to Work for You

stone_coated

Stone coated roofing is not only aesthetically pleasing but offers a lot of strength and durability. Stone can stand the test of time better than practically any other material known to man.

The stones are attached to a substrate to ensure that they remain in place and keep everything in your shed cozy and dry.

39. Attic Space in Your Roof

Add a Little Extra Ventilation to Your Shed

with_attic_roof

By adding a steeply pitched roof to your shed, you have room to add in soffit and gable ventilation that will help keep your shed well-ventilated during the hottest dog days of summer.

You can also add in a couple of dormer style windows for even more ventilation.

Putting a Lid On It All

The roof of your shed is perhaps one of its most important features. I enjoyed putting together this selection of shed roof designs and ideas after spending countless hours of research trying to find the perfect roof for my shed.

Each of the different styles has something to offer, in the end it is up to you to decide which one works best for you. I hope you find the perfect roof to put a lid on all of your hard work building your own garden shed.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at the pictures of these very cool shed roof designs and ideas as much as I have enjoyed collecting them and that they have inspired you to go the extra mile in choosing the perfect roof for your garden shed.

If you liked what I have put together for you here, please let me know.

Let everyone know you enjoyed reading this on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thank you for reading this.

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