Lean-to · 196 sq ft
Lean-to roof · 192 sq ft
12x16 Lean-To Storage Shed Plan
Build this 12x16 lean-to shed yourself. Every board, cut and step, drawn in 3D across 39 pages.
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What builders say
Pre-built sheds were hundreds of dollars. The plan laid everything out perfectly, and I saved hundreds in the process.
- Full material and shopping list
- Cut list with every length
- Step-by-step 3D views, 39 pages
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As seen on
These 12x16 lean to shed plans from 3DSHEDPLANS build a 192 sq ft storage shed on skids, 16 ft wide and 12 ft deep, with a 3/12 single-slope roof on 2x6 rafters, a double door in the tall front wall and one window. The 39-page PDF has 19 step-by-step sections, a cut list and a shopping list with quantities.
Get the full plan PDF for $19.99 or download the free preview
What builders say
Pre-built sheds were hundreds of dollars. The plan laid everything out perfectly, and I saved hundreds in the process.
I worked as a joiner's assistant for three years and was skeptical. The plan was well laid out and beautifully illustrated.
A project for me and my son. The plan arrived in my email almost instantly, and everything we needed was included.
The full plan is $19.99: buy the 12×16 lean-to shed plan. Or start with the free 12×16 lean-to shed plan PDF.
12×16 lean-to shed size, heights and openings
| Spec | 12×16 Lean-To Shed |
|---|---|
| Footprint | 16′ 0″ wide x 12′ 0″ deep, 192 sq ft |
| Wall heights | 115 1/8″ front, 80″ back |
| Roof | 3/12 slope to the back, 8″ overhang |
| High point | 11′ 1 3/8″ (133 3/8″) above the ground |
| Door | Double, 5′ 0″ x 6′ 4 1/2″ rough opening |
| Window | 1, 36″ x 36″ rough opening |
| Floor | 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood |
| Work time | About 76 hours for two people |
The door sits in the 16 ft front wall, the tall side. Rain runs off the 16 ft back edge.
What the 12×16 lean to shed plans include
| Stage | What the plan uses |
|---|---|
| Foundation and floor | Pressure-treated 4×4 skids on compacted gravel, pressure-treated 2×6 joists 16″ on center, 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood |
| Walls | 2×4 studs 16″ on center, headers over the door and window, 5/8″ T1-11 siding |
| Roof | 2×6 rafters 16″ on center from the front wall to the back wall, 7/16″ OSB, roofing felt, drip edge, 3-tab asphalt shingles |
| Finish | Double door built from the plan, window, fascia, soffit and corner trim |
The shopping list gives the quantity of every item, and the cut list gives every part’s length and count. The side walls step down from 115 1/8 in to 80 in, so each side-wall stud is a different length; the cut list spells them out. The front wall is taller than 8 ft, so its studs need 10 ft 2x4s rather than 8 ft stock, and the siding needs taller sheets or a horizontal joint with Z-flashing. The plan gives the size of every siding sheet. For a preview of the numbers, read our 12×16 lean-to shed material list.
Free 12×16 lean-to plans vs the paid PDF
The free 3DSHEDPLANS preview PDF lets you see the plan format before you pay. The paid 39-page plan has 19 step-by-step sections, the full shopping list with quantities, the cut list, 3D images of every corner and angle including the roof, and pro tips throughout the build. It arrives by email after checkout and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What fits in a 12×16 lean-to shed
- Lawn and garden. With a ramp at the door, a push mower, wheelbarrow, tiller and spreader roll in through the 5 ft door opening. The 80 inch back wall is a good height for shelves of soil, seed and pots.
- Workshop corner. At 16 ft wide, you can keep a workbench at one end and the mower and bikes at the other.
- Tall gear. Headroom is greatest near the 115 1/8 inch front wall, so stand ladders and long-handled tools along the side walls near the front.
Before you build
- Face the low side away from your house, fence or paths, toward ground that drains. A gutter on the back edge helps on wet sites.
- Foundation. Build the gravel pad a little larger than the 16 ft by 12 ft shed, right where it will stand, and set the skids level both ways. Our shed foundation options guide compares other bases.
- Ramp. The floor sits on skids and 2×6 joists, so measure the finished sill height and plan a shed ramp for wheeled gear.
- Underlayment. At 3/12, asphalt shingles need double underlayment, so check the plan’s felt quantity against two layers, per the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.
- Snow and wind. The rafters span the full 12 ft depth. In heavy snow or high wind areas, ask a local builder whether 2×6 rafters at 16 in on center and a skid base need extra support, hurricane ties at the rafters or ground anchors.
- Permits. Size, height and setback rules vary by town and HOA, and some towns ask for drawings, so check your local permit office.
- Tools. Circular saw, speed square, drill driver, framing hammer or nailer, 4 ft level, tape measure and a helper to raise the walls. Raise the tall front wall with two people.
Related plans
- Same size with a gable roof: the 12×16 gable shed plan with a single door or the 12×16 gable shed plan with a double door.
- A shorter or longer lean-to: the 12×14 lean-to shed plan or the 12×18 lean-to shed plan.
- A smaller lean-to: the 10×16 lean-to shed plan.
- Step by step: how to build a lean-to shed, and gable vs lean-to vs hip roof sheds.
- Every size on the lean-to shed plans page.
Shed building guides
- 16×16 Shed Material List: Lumber, Sheets and Hardware
- How to Insulate a Shed: Walls, Roof and Floor
- 10×18 Shed Material List: Lumber, Sheets and Hardware
- How to Build a Firewood Shed: 8 Steps and Lumber List
- 8×14 Shed Material List: Lumber, Sheets and Hardware
- What Size Shed Is 120 Square Feet? 10×12 and Other Sizes
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the 12×16 lean-to shed?
The front wall is 115 1/8 inches and the back wall is 80 inches, so the roof slopes 3/12 to the back. The highest point is 11 ft 1 3/8 in above the ground, which matters if you have a height limit or low branches.
Will a riding mower fit in the 12×16 lean-to shed?
Compare your mower's width with the door: it has a 5 ft wide by 6 ft 4 1/2 in tall rough opening, and the doors and trim take up a little of that. The floor sits up on skids and joists, so you also need a ramp.
Does the 12×16 lean-to shed stand on its own or attach to a house?
It is drawn as a shed on pressure-treated 4×4 skids with four framed walls, so it stands on its own. Attaching a lean-to to a house wall is a different build with its own ledger and flashing work.
How long does it take to build a 12×16 lean-to shed?
The plan estimates about 76 hours of work for two people, and it is written for first-time builders.
Do I need a permit for a 192 sq ft shed?
It depends on where you live. Rules on shed floor area, roof area, height and setbacks vary by town and HOA. This shed has 192 sq ft of floor, more under the 8 inch roof overhang, and stands about 11 ft 1 in tall, so check your local permit office.
More about the 12×16 lean-to shed plan
Build Your Own 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed With Ease!
Looking for a small yet exquisite 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed for your lawn?Our 12×16 Shed will not only add glamor to your lawn but will also make it more functional. Being a Lean-To Shed, the roof slopes one way, so rain runs off to the back. You get an easy to maintain, sturdy and spacious lean-to shed! So wait no more – order now and start building today…
Shed Plan Includes:
A Full-Fledge Material List with Required Quantity
The materials you use to build a shed are the secrets to your success. Unfortunately, most plans out there won’t precisely tell you what to buy and in what quantity. In fact, they would lure you to buy products from the plan-sellers. Luckily, we have a completely different motto. We want you to succeed in building your dream shed. And for that, we understand how important it is to get the right materials.
Our 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed Plan comes with an all-inclusive list of materials, hardware and tools that you would need to build the shed. Nothing more, nothing less! No click baits! You get a printable list of materials that you can take to the hardware store.
Shed Plan Includes:
Simple, Easy to Understand Step by Step Instructions
Who would have ever thought to get their hands on a shed plan that would take them through the entire process with such ease! Our 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed Plan comes with easy to understand, step by step instructions for DIY newbies. Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience in building wooden structures. The plan takes you through it in plain words, without jargon. Right from building the foundation to the walls and even the roofing, we have everything covered for you.
Shed Plan Includes:
3D Rendered Images for Reality Check
2D images are a thing of the past! Our 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed Plan comes with 3D rendered images, which means you get to see every corner, every angle and every inch clearly as if it is being right in front of you by a professional. You won’t have to scratch your head thinking how the shed should from the front, back or the sides. Even the rooftops are visualized in 3D for better understanding.
Building Your Own Shed vs. Getting Professional Help
1st Reason
You Save What a Builder Would Charge
Probably the most important reason for building your own shed is that you save money. A builder charges for labor on top of the materials, for work you can do yourself. With our 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed Plan, you get clear instructions, material lists and diagrams to go through the process easily.
2nd Reason
Choose Your Own Design and Make Your Dream Come True
Don’t fall for the marketing gimmicks of most professionals out there. When you start building your own shed, the world is out there for you to explore. With our material list and instructions, you will realize that you can build your dream shed without any design restrictions. The plan is simple yet it gives you the liberty to add in your own flavor!
3rd Reason
You Will Reclaim Your House Again
Our 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed has 192 sq ft of floor for your storage. Whether you garden or play sports, you can use the shed to keep all sorts of your equipment and tools. Besides, the shed will add an exquisiteness to your garden while fulfilling its purpose.
All the Other Reasons
This Is Exactly What You’ll Get with Your 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed Plan!
19 step-by-step sections that guide you through the whole process.
Designed for beginners as well as for the professionals.
Explanatory 3D images so you can see exactly what to do next.
Comprehensive materials list that gives you exactly what you need.
Your plan will look great on any mobile device.
PRO-TIPS throughout the build.
High quality PDF plan with everything you need emailed to you instantly.
How to Build a 12×16 Lean-To Shed: The Steps at a Glance
This is a short overview of how the 12×16 lean-to shed goes together. The full plan PDF has 19 step-by-step sections on 39 pages, with the cut length and count of every part, a shopping list with quantities and drawings for the steps.
Step # 1: Check the Rules Where You Live
Rules for sheds, such as size limits, setbacks and permits, vary by town and HOA. Check your local permit office before you build.
Step # 2: Know the Size of Your 12×16 Shed
The shed is 16 ft wide and 12 ft deep (192 sq ft of floor). The front wall is 115 1/8″ tall and the back wall 80″, so the roof slopes 3/12 to the back. The roof peaks about 11′ 1 3/8″ above the ground. It has a double door in the front wall and 1 window (36″ by 36″ rough opening). The plan estimates about 76 hours of work for two people.
Step # 3: Get the Tools and Materials
You need basic carpentry tools: a circular saw, a speed square, a drill/driver, a framing hammer or nailer, a 4 ft level and a tape measure. The main materials are pressure-treated 4×4 skids and 2×6 floor joists, 3/4 in tongue and groove plywood, 2×4 studs, 5/8 in T1-11 siding, 2×6 rafters, 7/16 in OSB, roofing felt, drip edge and asphalt shingles. The plan’s shopping list gives the quantity of each.
Step # 4: Build the Foundation and Floor
Lay a compacted gravel pad and set the pressure-treated 4×4 skids level in both directions. Build the floor frame from pressure-treated 2×6 joists 16 in on center, square it by measuring the diagonals, fix it to the skids, then glue and screw the 3/4 in tongue and groove plywood on top.
Important Tips:
- Build the foundation where the shed will stand. Moving a finished shed is hard work.
- Clear plants and loose soil so the pad sits on flat, firm ground.
- Crown every skid up. The floor weight will flatten it.
Step # 5: Frame and Raise the Walls
- Frame each wall flat on the floor with 2×4 studs 16 in on center, with headers over the door and window openings.
- The door rough opening is 5′ 0″ wide by 6′ 4 1/2″ tall.
- Raise each wall with a helper, check it plumb with a level, brace it and nail the corners together.
- Cover the walls with 5/8 in T1-11 siding. The plan gives the size of every sheet.
Step # 6: Frame the Roof
- Set the 2×6 rafters 16 in on center from the high front wall to the low back wall.
- The roof slopes 3/12 and overhangs 8″ past the walls.
Step # 7: Sheathe and Shingle the Roof
- Nail 7/16 in OSB over the rafters.
- Add roofing felt and drip edge, then the asphalt shingles. Follow the shingle maker’s instructions.
Step # 8: Door, Window and Trim
- Build the door from the plan and hang it.
- Set the window in its framed opening by the maker’s instructions.
- Add the fascia, soffit and corner trim.
Step # 9: Finishing Touches
- Paint or stain all exposed wood to protect it from the weather.
- Add shelves and hooks to suit what you store.
Want every measurement? The full 12×16 Lean-To Storage Shed Plan PDF has the shopping list, the cut list and 19 step-by-step sections with drawings.
Ready to build the 12×16 lean-to shed?
$19.99 for the full PDF: every step, cut and board. 30-day money-back guarantee.
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