15+ Free Lean-to Shed Plans [DIY] - MyMyDIY | Inspiring DIY Projects (2024)

If you have some extra room in your backyard, why not consider building a lean-to shed?

This is a small structure where the rafters lean against another object, such as your home. If you need more storage space in your backyard, this is the perfect option for you.

It can provide you with extra shelves or some space to store your tools, lawn mower, and more. And if you’re especially handy, you will have no trouble getting creative. Here are some great ideas to implement for your lean-to shed.

DIY Lean-to Shed Plans

1. How to Build

If you’re on the hunt for a fun and simple instruction manual on how to build a lean-to shed to begin with, this is a great resource to use to start. The author of the manual mainly uses it to store the wood they use to heat their home in the winter, but you can obviously use it for any purpose you’d like.

The first thing you need to do is determine how big you want the structure to be, especially in comparison to the structure you plan on building it next to. Then, determine the height of the ceiling, the pitch of the roof, and other important calculations, and you’re ready to begin construction!

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2. DIY Home Improvements

Some backyards may already come with this structure, but as with this example, it might not quite be what you’re expecting. In this instructions guide, the individual decided to demolish theirs and construct an entirely new one from scratch.

If you’re on the handier side, this would definitely be a great project to carry out- of course, with the help of your family. They simply needed to make some improvements to the structure, and then all the trips necessary to the local home improvement store to get the mandatory supplies.

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3. Fun Projects

This next option is definitely a lot fancier and more unique than some of the other options included on this list. Therefore, that means you will likely need to put more effort into creating it.

The dimensions for this structure were 3×8, making it on the smaller side, although that is perfect for people who may have smaller backyards. If you don’t have as much to store or you simply want a garden shed, this guide is just for you.

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4. 4×8 Plan

Here is another great choice for people who don’t have as much space to work with as some of the others. The dimensions for this are 4×8, and the guide provides an in-depth overview of all the steps necessary to construct it, making the process a lot easier for you.

Some of the items that you will need to purchase when you go to the home improvement store include floor, back wall frame, front wall frame, right and left wall frames, rafters, exterior siding, roof deck, trim, hardware, shingles, and roof staples.

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5. 10×12 Template

Here is another great guide by the same creator. The only difference with this option is that it is much bigger with dimensions of 10×12, so you will have a lot more space to work with and more storage space in your yard. Whether you want to store gardening tools, pool toys, your lawnmower, cutting tools, or anything else that might go in a storage space, this template is the best option to choose from if you want an in-depth explanation of everything you need to do and if you have a lot more yard space to work with.

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6. 12×16 Template

In addition to the previous option, this one is also large and roomy, giving you plenty of room to store everything you need to without having to worry about a cluttered and messy garage. The guide mentions that it is important to select the lumber needed for this option with care. Make sure that the pieces you choose are straight and do not include flaws such as cracks or decay. In addition, it might be a good idea to get weather-resistant lumber so that it will last you much longer.

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7. Free Leaning

As the author of this guide said, you don’t need to be an expert in order to get this project done, which is one of the best parts about it. In fact, it’s so easy that even an amateur can do it with the right amount of time and patience. You also won’t have to worry about spending a lot of money, as he points out, since you only have to attach siding to three of the walls instead of four.

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8. 12 x 24 Lean To Shed Roof Plans

Some people have found that it’s a bit more difficult to construct the roof than anything else with this task, so this guide is specifically dedicated to helping you get a better idea of what you need to do in order to build a strong and effective roof.

In addition, the guide will teach you how to attach the double doors.

Once again, the manual gives instructions on how to select the best pieces of lumber to ensure that it will withstand all the weather elements. Making sure that you get straight and flawless pieces is key to building a strong structure.

If you have a bigger budget to work with, it’s also not a bad idea to consider getting cedar or weather-resistant lumber for more durability. Getting a level is also crucial in ensuring that the end product will be even and symmetrical.

The author suggests that you will be able to complete this in about a day or so, depending on your level of expertise. The dimensions for this are 12×24.

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9. 5×6 Instructions

Once again, if you’re looking for gable roof plans, then this instructions guide is here to save the day.

There are some necessary materials that you will need in order to complete it, which include siding, rafters, roof, roofing, trims, door, jambs, trims, hinges, latches, rafter ties, tar paper, nails, screws, wood filler, wood glue, stain, paint, and tools including a hammer, tape measure, framing squares, levels, miter saw, drill machinery, a screwdriver, sander, and safety supplies.

Overall, this project is estimated to take about a week to complete, so it’s something great to do during spring or summer break. This is meant to be completed for a roof with the dimensions of 5×6.

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10. Loft Design

If you want to incorporate a more lofty design with your structure, then you could also choose to implement some of the instructions provided in this next manual.

With this, you are going to need the same tools as in the last choice. In addition to that, you should also expect this to take a week. The dimensions for this are 12×16, so it’s meant for a much bigger construction project, which is great if you have a large home.

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11. Unique Layout

8×20 Lean to Shed Plans

Here is another choice that offers 8×20 dimensions, so if that size is suitable for your yard, then this is the right manual for you to follow.

With this construction in your yard, you will have no trouble storing all kinds of miscellaneous tools while making sure that they don’t make your home or yard look cluttered.

Functional storage is a great way to expand upon the space you have, especially if it’s not that much to begin with. In addition, you can give your equipment a water-safe spot to stay.

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12. 5×16 Instructions

5×16 Lean to Shed Roof Plans

Does your spouse constantly ask you to get all your equipment in order? What better way to do so with a DIY project that you can accomplish within the span of only one week- and one in which you aren’t required to be an expert or construction worker in order to complete.

The most important part of getting this DIY the way you want it is to make sure that all of the measurements have been done properly and that you’ve purchased the best-quality materials to ensure its longevity.

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13. 8×10 Doors Project

8×10 Lean to Shed Doors Plans

The final option on this guide is an 8×10 doors project that can also be implemented in the same manner as the rest.

The best way to figure out which size would be best for you is to determine first the size of your backyard, the size of the wall on which you want to construct the lean-on, legal issues in your neighborhood about additional construction (this is especially true if you live in a development where your homeowner’s association might have specific rules in place regarding what can and can’t be done to the property), and finally, what you want to put in it specifically.

Once you have that in mind, it will be much easier to determine which of these templates you will want to use as a guideline.

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How To Build A Lean-To Shed

Unattached Lean-to Garden Shed from DIY

Does the thought of building a shed where you can keep garden and lawn equipment excite you? Well, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience difficulties trying to build a lean-to shed- or you can buy a lean-to-shed plan from ShedPlans if you want a more professional guide than what we’ve found on free sites.

With no prior knowledge or experience required, here are the tips to get yourself started:

1. Assemble the Required Materials

The basic materials needed for this project include lumber (2x4s, 4x4s, and 2x8s). Rafters, beams, joists, and skids. Other carpentry tools needed include a level, a line, stakes, a measuring tape, a screwdriver. A framing square, a saw, and a hammer. You can purchase these tools and materials from the local hardware.

2. Start with the Shed’s Floor

Cut the joists (also known as cross-beams) to the desired width of the shed. You should then lay out the back and front beams to the floor to get an outline of the shed’s floor. Use 3 and a half-inch galvanized screws to fasten the joists onto the floor.

Proceed to attach 4 skid beams (made of 4×4 treated lumber) to the floor. The next step is to cover your framed floor using three-quarter-inch plywood. This plywood will act as the flooring of your shed.

3. Erect the Front, Back, and Side Walls

Lean To Shed (3×8′) – My first Reddit DIY submission from DIY

Use 2×4 lumber to frame the shed’s wall while nailing together two 2×4 beams for the sides and top. You should then attach joists at 22-inch intervals within individual framed walls. Leave a 21-inch gap at the front wall to serve as the shed’s door.

Lift and attach the side walls using 2 and a half-inch screws. Ensure that the corners and edges of the walls align correctly with the floor’s edges. You should also raise and attach the back and front walls with 2 and a half-inch screws. Complete this task by attaching siding to the 4 walls after framing them in place.

4. Build the Shed’s Roof

Use 2×4 lumber to frame the top-side wall of the lean-to shed to the roof. With a screwdriver, carefully screw the add-on wall onto the top of one side of the shed. You should then cut 168-inch rafters from the 2×4 beams to hang off the shed’s far side and cover the roof’s slope.

As you fit each rafter on top of the roof, space them 24 inches away from each other. Use collar ties to attach each rater to the walls. Install five support beams on the back and front of the shed to support the sloping roof.

The next step is to cut the siding panels for the shed’s high, front, and backside. Proceed to use 2-inch nails to attach the siding panels and then screw three-quarter-inch plywood sheets onto the rooftop.

Stain or paint the roof and walls of the shed with natural colors to finish the work. Whichever option you use, a 3-inch paintbrush should help you stain or paint the top and sides of the shed. Allow the stain or paint to dry for at least 48 hours before touching it.