I am building a 10 x 12 shed, walls are done. I think the rise should be either 4:12 or 5:12. Is the more efficient roof with trusses or with rafters? I have the framing square, tables and plenty of books to calculate the angles - I just don't want it to be too difficult for 1 or 2 people to do.
Also, can I use 2x4's for the roof if I space them on 16 in. centers (the walls are 24in.)? I live in Fl so no worry of snow.
THanks for your help!
Cyndy

 

Cyndy;

My personal choice for this type of application would be the stick built rafter. In a 10 by 12, head room is crucial,i.e. storage space.

With engineered trusses, the key being engineered, 2 by 4's are common. I would definately use 2 by 6 minimum for rafters, regardless of your location, on 16's. For the cost differential, lets not have you going through it when you apply the shingles. You don't want your roof going AWOL in the first major wind storm.

You may want to leave yourself an ample eave overhang, it looks nicer and it gets any rain that much further from the foundation.

Tip, cut one "rafter" from a piece of plywood off cut, get it right and use this as your template for the rest. If you try it with your 2 by 6 stock, mistakes get expensive.

Good luck, be safe

Jack