Choosing the wrong shed roof type can cost you thousands in repairs and replacements.
I’ve spent years helping homeowners avoid this expensive mistake. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 13 different shed roof types with their good points, bad points, and when to use them.
You’ll learn which roof works for your weather, budget, and storage needs. I’ll also show you the right materials for each style and when you can build it yourself.
Here’s what you’ll learn: detailed breakdowns of gable, gambrel, hip, and 10 other roof styles, a comparison table to help you decide quickly, professional tips I’ve learned from hundreds of shed projects.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which roof type fits your situation. No more guessing or expensive mistakes.
What Is a Shed Roof?
A shed roof is the protective covering that sits on top of your storage building. It keeps rain, snow, and debris out while supporting the structure underneath.
Think of it as your shed’s umbrella.
Most people focus on shed size and forget about the roof. That’s a mistake. Your roof choice affects everything from cost to durability to how much stuff you can store inside.
Different roof styles offer different benefits. Some handle heavy snow loads better. Others cost less to build. Some give you more headroom inside.
The key is matching your roof type to your specific situation.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Shed Roof
Before we look at specific roof types, let’s talk about what matters most.
Climate comes first. Do you live somewhere with heavy snow? You’ll need a steep roof that sheds weight quickly. Lots of rain? Good drainage is important.
High winds? You’ll want something that won’t blow away.
Your budget matters too. Simple roof styles cost less to build. Complex designs with multiple angles require more materials and labor. Be honest about what you can afford.
Think about your shed’s purpose. Storing lawn mowers? A basic roof works fine. Planning a workshop? You might want extra height for standing room.
Local building codes can’t be ignored. Some areas have height restrictions. Others require specific materials or wind ratings. Check with your local building department before you start.
Consider maintenance needs. Some roofs need cleaning and repairs more often than others. Factor in the long-term work you’re willing to do.
Types of Shed Roofs
Ready to explore your options? Here are the most popular shed roof types.
1. Gable Roof Shed
The classic choice. Two sloped sides meet at a peak in the middle.
Good points:
- Simple to build
- Water drains well
- Lots of interior space
- Works with most shed sizes
Bad points:
- More materials needed than flat roofs
- Wind can catch the peak
- Needs proper bracing
Works best for: General storage, workshops, larger sheds
This is probably what you imagine when someone says “shed.” There’s a reason it’s so popular.
2. Gambrel Roof Shed (Barn-Style Roof)
Imagine a barn roof. Two slopes on each side, with the lower slope steeper than the upper.
Good points:
- Most interior space
- Classic barn look
- Great for tall storage
- Efficient use of materials
Bad points:
- More complex to build
- Higher cost
- Can collect snow in the bend
- Needs proper support structure
Works best for: Large storage needs, hobby workshops, rustic looks
Want to store tall items? This roof gives you the most headroom.
3. Saltbox Roof Shed
One long slope and one short slope. Looks like an old Colonial saltbox house.
Good points:
- Appealing appearance
- Good snow shedding on long side
- Efficient material use
- Easy to build
Bad points:
- Less interior space on short side
- Uneven weight distribution
- Limited ventilation options
Works best for: Smaller sheds, historical home styles, sloped lots
4. Flat Roof Shed
Completely flat or nearly flat surface.
Good points:
- Cheapest to build
- Easy construction
- Modern look
- Can support rooftop storage
Bad points:
- Poor water drainage
- Snow load concerns
- Needs quality waterproofing
- Shorter lifespan
Works best for: Modern homes, tight budgets, areas with little rainfall
5. Skillion Roof Shed (Lean-To Roof)
A single slope from high to low. Looks like half a gable roof.
Good points:
- Very simple to build
- Water drains well
- Modern appearance
- Easy to extend
Bad points:
- Lower ceiling on one end
- Limited interior space
- Can look unfinished
Works best for: Attached sheds, modern designs, sloped lots
This is my go-to recommendation for beginners building their first shed.
6. Hip Roof Shed
Four slopes that meet at the top, like a pyramid with the peak cut off.
Good points:
- Great wind resistance
- Even weight distribution
- Strong structure
- Works in any climate
Bad points:
- Complex construction
- Higher cost
- Less interior space
- Harder to add dormers
Works best for: High-wind areas, permanent structures, square sheds
Hurricane-prone areas love hip roofs. They’re incredibly stable.
7. Pyramid Roof Shed
Four triangular slopes that meet at a single point.
Good points:
- Top wind resistance
- Symmetrical appearance
- Strong structure
- Efficient water runoff
Bad points:
- Limited interior height
- Complex construction
- Higher material costs
- Difficult ventilation
Works best for: Square sheds, extreme weather areas, decorative buildings
Think of this as the storm-proof roof.
8. Mansard Roof Shed
Four sides, each with two slopes. The lower slopes are steeper.
Good points:
- Maximum interior space
- Classic French style
- Can add dormers easily
- Impressive appearance
Bad points:
- Most complex to build
- Highest cost
- Maintenance intensive
- Snow accumulation issues
Works best for: Large sheds, period homes, storage workshops
9. Curved Roof Shed (Arched/Quonset Style)
A smooth curve from one side to the other.
Good points:
- Great snow shedding
- Wind resistant
- Interesting appearance
- Good for wide spans
Bad points:
- Specialized materials needed
- Unusual construction methods
- Limited interior space at edges
- Fewer contractor options
Works best for: Modern designs, agricultural use, areas with heavy snow
10. Combination Roof Shed
Mix of two or more roof types on one building.
Good points:
- Customizable design
- Can solve specific problems
- Interesting appearance
- Functional flexibility
Bad points:
- Complex construction
- Higher costs
- Potential leak points
- Professional installation recommended
Works best for: Large sheds, complex storage needs, custom designs
11. Butterfly Roof Shed
Two slopes that angle down toward the center, like butterfly wings.
Good points:
- Dramatic modern look
- Good for collecting rainwater
- Natural lighting opportunities
- Interesting design element
Bad points:
- Complex drainage needed
- Higher maintenance
- Snow accumulation in center
- Professional installation required
Works best for: Modern homes, architectural statements, dry climates
12. Jerkinhead Roof Shed
A gable roof with clipped corners at the peak.
Good points:
- Better wind resistance than gable
- More space than hip roof
- Classic appearance
- Good compromise design
Bad points:
- More complex than basic gable
- Higher material costs
- Limited space savings
- Unusual framing needed
Works best for: Traditional styles, moderate wind areas, larger sheds
13. Bonnet Roof Shed (Kick-Eave Roof)
Hip roof with extended lower slopes that kick outward.
Good points:
- Extra covered space
- Traditional Southern style
- Good weather protection
- Attractive appearance
Bad points:
- Complex construction
- Higher material costs
- Professional installation recommended
- More maintenance points
Works best for: Traditional homes, areas with intense sun, decorative sheds
Comparison Table of Shed Roof Types
| Roof Type | Cost | Difficulty | Weather Resistance | Interior Space | Best Climate |
| Gable | Low | Easy | Good | High | Most areas |
| Gambrel | Medium | Medium | Good | High | Moderate climates |
| Saltbox | Low | Easy | Good | Medium | Most areas |
| Flat | Lowest | Easiest | Poor | High | Dry areas |
| Skillion | Lowest | Easiest | Good | Medium | Most areas |
| Hip | High | Hard | Great | Medium | High wind areas |
| Pyramid | High | Hard | Great | Low | Extreme weather |
Roofing Materials for Shed Roof Types
Your roof style affects which materials work best.
Asphalt shingles work great on sloped roofs like gable, gambrel, and hip styles. They’re affordable and easy to install. Skip them on flat or low-slope roofs.
Metal roofing works on almost any roof type. It’s especially good for skillion, curved, and pyramid roofs. The material sheds water and snow easily.
Roll roofing suits flat and low-slope roofs. It’s cheap but doesn’t last as long as other options.
EPDM rubber is perfect for flat roofs. It creates a watertight seal that handles standing water.
Here’s my advice: match your material to your roof pitch and local weather. When in doubt, ask a local roofer what works best in your area.
DIY vs. Professional Installation for Shed Roofs
Can you build it yourself? Here’s a breakdown of each roof type:
| Roof Type | DIY Difficulty | Skills Needed | Tools Required | Recommendation |
| Flat Roof | Easy | Basic carpentry | Saw, drill, level | Great for DIY |
| Skillion (Lean-To) | Easy | Basic carpentry | Saw, drill, square | Great for DIY |
| Gable Roof | Easy-Medium | Basic to moderate | Standard tools, ladder | Good for DIY |
| Saltbox | Medium | Moderate carpentry | Standard tools, measuring | Maybe DIY |
| Gambrel | Medium | Moderate carpentry | Standard tools, precision | Maybe DIY |
| Hip Roof | Hard | Advanced carpentry | Full tool set, experience | Hire professional |
| Pyramid | Hard | Advanced skills | Specialized tools | Hire professional |
| Mansard | Very Hard | Expert level | Professional tools | Hire professional |
| Curved/Arched | Hard | Specialized knowledge | Specialty tools | Hire professional |
| Combination | Hard | Multiple skills | Various tools | Hire professional |
| Butterfly | Very Hard | Advanced engineering | Professional grade | Hire professional |
| Jerkinhead | Medium-Hard | Good carpentry | Standard plus specialty | Hire professional |
| Bonnet | Hard | Advanced skills | Full tool set | Hire professional |
Here’s what I tell my clients:
Start with your skill level, not your budget. A poorly built cheap roof will cost more in the long run than a professionally installed one.
Consider the consequences of failure. A leaky shed roof ruins everything inside and can damage the structure.
Safety matters most. Roof work is dangerous. If you’re not comfortable working at height, hire someone who is.
Making Your Final Decision
You now know about different shed roof types. That’s probably more than you expected.
Here’s how I recommend choosing:
Step 1: List your must-haves. Climate requirements, budget limits, size needs, and look preferences.
Step 2: Cross off roof types that don’t fit. Remove anything outside your budget or skill level.
Step 3: Compare the remaining options. Use the comparison table to see which ones meet your needs.
Step 4: Visit local suppliers. See materials in person and get real pricing.
Step 5: Make your decision and stick with it. Second-guessing leads to delays and cost overruns.
Remember: the right shed roof is the one that fits your specific situation. Don’t build what your neighbor has just because it looks good. Build what works for you.
Conclusion
You now have everything needed to pick the right shed roof type for your project.
I’ve shown you different options with their good and bad points. You’ve seen which materials work best and when to hire professionals. The comparison table makes your decision simple.
Don’t let too much thinking stop you. Pick the roof that fits your climate, budget, and needs. Start with your local building codes and work from there.
Your future self will thank you for choosing wisely now. A good roof protects your belongings for 20 years or more.
Ready to start building? Contact local contractors for quotes on your chosen roof type. Most offer free estimates and can answer questions specific to your area.
Stop planning and start building your perfect shed today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest shed roof type to build?
Flat roofs and skillion (lean-to) roofs cost the least to build. They use fewer materials and require basic construction skills that most DIYers can handle.
Which shed roof type lasts the longest?
Hip and pyramid roofs typically last longest because they distribute weight evenly and resist wind damage. Their strong structure means fewer repairs over time.
Can I change my shed roof type later?
Changing roof types usually requires rebuilding the entire roof structure. It’s much cheaper to choose the right type from the start than to modify later.
What roof pitch works best for snow loads?
Roofs with slopes steeper than 6/12 pitch shed snow well. Gable, gambrel, and skillion roofs work well in heavy snow areas.
Do I need a building permit for my shed roof?
Most areas require permits for sheds over 120 square feet or 10 feet tall. Check with your local building department before starting any roof work.
