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Lean-To Shed Plans and How to Build One
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Why choose a lean-to
- One roof plane means no trusses and fewer angled cuts.
- Good against a fence or house, where water runs off one side.
- Works as a small shed or a larger workshop. The Fix This Build That 10x12 "modern shed" is a lean-to with double doors and three windows.
How it goes together (10x12 example)
This outline follows the step list from the Fix This Build That 10x12 lean-to build, which reports a total cost of $3,785. The builder says a comparable pre-built shed priced at over $8,600.
- Foundation. Pick the most level ground possible. The builder set pressure-treated 4x6 timbers on a 2-inch layer of 3/4-inch clean gravel, anchored with rebar.
- Floor. A 4x4 skid system, a perimeter frame of 2x6 pressure-treated joists 16 inches on center, blocking between joists, and 3/4-inch plywood. Square everything before final fastening. See our shed floor guide.
- Walls. Frame the back wall first (under 8 feet for this design), then side walls the same height, then the front wall with the door and window openings, which is the tallest. Use king and jack studs and double 2x6 headers over openings. Tie the walls together with overlapping top plates.
- Roof framing. Cut 2x6 rafters with a bird's mouth notch so they sit on the top plates. Use a 2:12 pitch and place rafters 24 inches on center.
- Sheathing and roofing. 7/16-inch OSB on the walls, house wrap, drip edge, flashing tape on seams, and shingles installed from the bottom up. See how to build a shed roof.
- Doors and trim. Double doors made from 2x4 frames, hinged with three hinges per door. See how to build a shed door.
Where to get plans
Bob Vila's roundup of shed plans lists several lean-to and garden shed designs for sale, with prices in the tens of dollars. Look for plans that include a cut list, a materials list and clear drawings, and compare options in our guide to choosing shed plans.
What will your shed cost?
Our free calculator compares building it yourself, buying a kit and hiring a builder for your exact size.
Open the shed cost calculatorCommon questions
Is a lean-to shed easier to build than a gable shed?
Yes, for most first-timers. A lean-to has a single sloped roof, so there are no trusses or ridge board. The 10x12 lean-to on Fix This Build That used simple 2x6 rafters at a 2:12 pitch.
How tall should the front and back walls be?
The lean-to is built with a tall front wall and a shorter back wall so the roof slopes. On the 10x12 example the back and side walls were kept under 8 feet and the front wall (with the door) was the tallest. Your plans will give exact heights.
Can a lean-to go against an existing wall?
For a firewood lean-to, This Old House says you can use a garage or fence as the back wall, and it doesn't have to be attached. For a storage shed, follow your plans and local rules.
Do I need a permit?
Check with your local building department. See our shed permit guide.
Don't design it from scratch
A good set of plans gives you a cut list, a materials list and drawings for every step, which saves money on wasted lumber and time on head-scratching. See our guide to choosing shed plans, free and paid.
Compare shed plan optionsBrowse paid plan packages