Rafter spacing for garden playhouse

Rafter spacing for garden playhouse

Author
Discussion

Jumpy Guy

Original Poster:

444 posts

218 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
I've built the kids a playhouse, and need some help on roof construction

It's made from 3" x 2" timber framing, and 16 mm shiplap

It's 2.9 m long, 1.7m wide

Wall height is 1.4m .

I've constructed the roof so far

45 degree slope, rafters made from 3 x2 s running up to a

Ridge board, supported at both ends by a 3x2 vertical

So.. I have 5 equally spaced rafters along the length

Is this enough?
I've changed my mind a few times, especially considering the B&Q efforts, which seem to have 1 rafter halfway along the shed

Any advice welcome

samdale

2,860 posts

183 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
How heavy are you expecting the roof to be? I'd put the roof trusses at the same spacing as the stud work in the walls. Typically every 16 or 24inches.

Jumpy Guy

Original Poster:

444 posts

218 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
I know it's probably completely over engineered for a playhouse


The wall studs are at .75m centres, with 3x2 reinforcing between ( dwangs?)
These run up to a 3x2 wall plate, with the rafters anchored to it
I've lined the rafters up with the wall studs, so .75m between

I've also cut a collar tie to connect between opposing rafters

I understand 0.75 m is further apart than a house would be, but it's at least twice as sturdy as any BnQ shed or summerhouse I've looked at









Edited by Jumpy Guy on Wednesday 20th September 23:09

V8RX7

26,766 posts

262 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
The reason timber for homes is so large / frequent is to stop it flexing or drooping over time.

For a playhouse it really won't matter - indeed I have a few large sheds (one's an 8 car garage) that have been built incredibly badly - the roofs have bowed considerably but they are 15+ years old, still water tight and standing.


Jumpy Guy

Original Poster:

444 posts

218 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
Thanks

Will post pics tomorrow

While I'm here.. What's the thought on roofing material?

Ply, what thickness? Or ODB?

Was planning on double felt on top

V8RX7

26,766 posts

262 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
I can't stand OSB, prefer ply but might be tempted to use P5 chipboard or T&G is what most shed builders use.

Shed felt will last 5yrs, roof felt 10yrs, rubber allegedly 20+