DIY Builds
Photo by Frans van Heerden Pexels Logo Photo: Frans van Heerden

How large can a lean-to be?

They can be as small as a 3-foot-by-3-foot garden shed that stands only a few feet tall or as large as necessary to house lawn mowers, snowblowers, and other large power equipment. Regardless of the size and design, the distinguishing feature of any lean-to shed is the slanted roof.

bobvila.com - 6 Things to Know Before Installing a Lean-To Shed at Home
Does a shed roof need ventilation?
Does a shed roof need ventilation?

Good vents in your shed are an absolute must, even if you are only using it for storage. Without a good venting system, your shed can experience...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 19, 2021
What should you not put in compost?
What should you not put in compost?

What NOT to Compost Meat and Fish Scraps. Dairy, Fats, and Oils. Plants or Wood Treated with Pesticides or Preservatives. Black Walnut Tree Debris....

Read More »
Last updated Sep 11, 2020
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

The lean-to shed is the classic backyard garden shed design. These sheds are less expensive than other shed styles, yet they can offer the same amount of interior storage for tools and equipment. Plus, their simple design makes them easy to build. It’s no wonder they’re so popular. But there are six things you need to know before installing a lean-to shed at your home, and they will help you make a solid choice about location, design, and site prep. Keep reading so you will be ready to install the perfect lean-to shed in your backyard. Need a Hand? Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professionals near you. Find a Pro + 1. Lean-to sheds come in a variety of sizes but feature a similar shape. The lean-to shed is an incredibly versatile design. At its core, the lean-to is a shed with four walls and just one slanted roof surface (instead of a gable roof with a centerline peak). They’re typically made from wood with large plywood doors, and they rarely have windows or many embellishments. Because they’re so simple to construct, lean-to sheds are very easy to adapt to nearly any desired size. They can be as small as a 3-foot-by-3-foot garden shed that stands only a few feet tall or as large as necessary to house lawn mowers, snowblowers, and other large power equipment. Regardless of the size and design, the distinguishing feature of any lean-to shed is the slanted roof. They can slope from side to side, front to back, or back to front.

RELATED: How to Build a Shed

2. You can save on materials if the shed abuts an existing exterior wall. Not only does the lean-to’s design make it a simpler and more affordable option than other shed types, it also allows the builder to make use of an exterior wall that’s available. Many lean-to sheds are built because the room inside of a garage or barn is running low. Instead of building a completely new standalone structure, the builder can actually use the existing garage, barn, or home as the back wall of a lean-to shed, saving money on materials. When a builder installs a lean-to against an existing wall, the roof always peaks on the existing wall and slants down toward the shed wall that runs parallel. With a bit of flashing at the roof-to-wall joint, this design allows rain and snow to run off the wall and down the shed roof, keeping it from working its way into either the shed or the existing structure.

3. It should complement or accent your home’s exterior.

What flower means love?
What flower means love?

Camellia. The general meaning of these flowers is love, affection and admiration.

Read More »
Last updated Sep 24, 2018
How many feet is 500 square feet?
How many feet is 500 square feet?

In an apartment, that may mean measuring the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area all separately. However, the basic dimensions of a...

Read More »
Last updated Aug 1, 2021

Lean-to sheds aren’t inherently attractive on their own. Most are simply plywood, roofing shingles, and some hardware. For that reason, consider dressing a shed up to complement or accent your home’s exterior. The easiest way to blend a lean-to shed into your home’s exterior is to add similar trim and paint the plywood siding, as close to the home’s exterior as possible. It’s also entirely possible to use siding that matches your home’s current siding. However, if the lean-to shed abuts an existing wall, the color difference between faded and new siding might be more apparent. You also can upgrade the shed a bit by matching the landscaping around it to the plants, flowers, and trees around your home. Want to Build a Lean-To Shed? Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professionals near you. Find a Pro +

4. Location is important.

As with any shed, finding the right location is important. While a lean-to’s design is flexible, and there are ways to blend it in with your existing home, there also are spots throughout the yard that won’t make a great location. First, unless you’re okay with building a complicated foundation platform or pouring a large concrete pad, it’s better to find a flat surface than a sloped one. Also, avoid any areas in the yard that might remain wet and soggy longer than others after a rainstorm. When it comes to building against a structure, be sure to avoid blocking any utilities like electrical meters, gas lines, or water lines for both safety while digging and convenience for meter readers. If you’re using an existing structure as a wall, consider the roofline. Aesthetically, lean-to sheds look best when the shed’s roof peak runs parallel to the existing roof’s peak. If it’s not possible, don’t consider it a deal-breaker.

RELATED: How to Move a Shed

5. There’s flexibility with the foundation.

The foundation is important, but luckily, there is quite a bit of flexibility. Shed builders can choose between concrete slabs (which are excellent for lean-tos attached to homes), or wood flooring structures laid on gravel, concrete blocks, or even footings dug into the ground. The simplest option is to find a level section of the yard, lay some landscaping paper, and pour a bed of gravel. Once compacted with a tamper, the gravel makes a solid surface for building a pressure-treated wood frame. Another option is using a level to place a series of concrete blocks (how many depends on the size of the shed). If the ground is particularly uneven, a combination of gravel and concrete pads can do the trick.

What do black roses mean?
What do black roses mean?

death Mysterious and striking, the most common symbolism tied to black roses is that of death, mourning or tragedy. Whether they are stand-alone...

Read More »
Last updated May 11, 2020
Can you make a detached garage into living space?
Can you make a detached garage into living space?

Yes, your garage conversion can most definitely become a living space! To legally do this you must convert a garage by turning it into either a...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 1, 2019

If the lean-to will abut a home or garage, a concrete pad is a more permanent option. This method involves building forms, mixing concrete, pouring the pad, and then attaching the walls directly to the pad’s surface with concrete anchors or screws. Concrete footings can be necessary for large sheds where a pad might not be feasible.

6. Local building codes can vary.

One of the most important and impactful considerations that shed-builders will have to navigate is local building codes. In general, most local building codes overlook sheds built on temporary foundations like gravel or concrete pads. On occasion, the addition of a concrete pad or footings will require the approval of building codes. Lean-to sheds built onto existing permanent structures almost invariably require permits. The one code for which almost all municipalities require adherence has to do with the shed’s positioning on the property. Most towns and cities have “setback” requirements, which dictate how close to the property line you can build a structure. In some areas, the setback requirement might be just a few feet, while others might require 10 to 15 feet of space between the structure and the property line. In some cases, an existing fence can alter the setback, so it’s essential to speak with the local building department before building a shed.

Advertisement

bobvila.com - 6 Things to Know Before Installing a Lean-To Shed at Home
How much does 1 square of shingles cover?
How much does 1 square of shingles cover?

100 square feet Most shingles come 3 bundles to a square — which is equal to 100 square feet. So, each bundle provides about 33 square feet of...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 31, 2018
Do I need plastic under shed?
Do I need plastic under shed?

Do I need a vapor barrier in my shed? A shed without heat and air-conditioning does not need to have a moisture barrier as it will cause...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 20, 2019
Do shed roofs need to be vented?
Do shed roofs need to be vented?

Ventilating your shed provides proper airflow and is important in your shed to prevent mildew and fume buildup from chemicals that you may store in...

Read More »
Last updated Sep 9, 2019
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion
Does a shed need a subpanel?
Does a shed need a subpanel?

If you are only running one circuit to your shed, then you won't need a subpanel. You will, however, need a shut-off switch where the power enters...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 21, 2022