This shed design and construction project in Kent, Washington reflects a full planning and build approach, including layout development, material selection, and structural execution for long-term durability.
Prepared by Trufabricator Construction LLC
Licensed & Bonded Washington Contractor
This document outlines the design philosophy, structural options, and customization opportunities available when building a shed with Trufabricator Construction. The goal is to provide a thoughtfully designed structure that integrates with your property, functions efficiently for your needs, and maintains a visual relationship with the surrounding buildings.
Unlike mass-produced sheds purchased through large retailers, this project allows the structure to be designed specifically for your space, your workflow, and the architectural character of your property.
Custom Shed Design Overview
Building Size Options
The two primary footprints considered for this project are:
10' x 10'
10' x 12'
Both provide efficient storage and workshop space. The 10' x 10' structure often feels surprisingly spacious when organized with shelving and loft storage.
A 10' x 10' footprint creates a compact but highly functional environment. With 2-foot countertops along the walls, industrial 2x4 shelving, and a loft storage area, the interior begins to feel like a complete small workshop rather than simple storage.
Roof Design & Building Form
Roof pitch dramatically influences both the interior volume and the exterior appearance.
Low Slope Roof (1/12)
A near-flat lean-to profile creates a strong rectangular form that reads as a clean utility building. This style integrates well when the goal is a subtle structure that visually blends into the yard.
Higher Slope Roof (4/12)
A steeper lean-to roof creates vertical volume at the high side of the structure and allows a dedicated loft storage space at the rear wall.
This configuration transforms the shed into a more usable workspace and adds architectural character.
Loft Space Considerations
The loft size can vary depending on roof pitch and building height. A loft depth of 3–4 feet creates an ideal location for seasonal storage, camping gear, or long-term items.
Roof Height
With:
• 8' wall framing
• standard double top plates
• approximately 20" of roof rise
the high point of the lean-to roof reaches approximately 9'11".
This height provides excellent interior air volume while still maintaining a residential scale.
Architectural Harmony
The roof pitch can also be designed to visually echo nearby rooflines on the house or other structures. Matching or complementing existing pitches often makes the new building feel intentional rather than added later.
Door Placement Options
Door location affects function, water drainage, and visual balance.
Front Door Placement (Recommended)
Advantages:
• cleaner roof drainage and gutter layout
• easier awning coverage
• balanced appearance on the front elevation
• improved security because the door faces inward toward the property instead of the street
This layout also allows the front wall to act as the visual centerpiece of the structure.
A 2-foot roof overhang or awning above the door can provide additional rain protection.
Rainwater can be directed to a gutter system and rain barrel collection if desired.
Side Door Placement
Side entry remains possible but creates several complications:
• gutter interruptions
• additional awning framing
• higher visual exposure from the street
• less symmetrical design
For most sites, the front door produces the strongest design result.
Door Style & Security
Door Quantity
Options include:
• Single exterior door
• Double doors for larger equipment access
For most sheds a standard exterior door provides sufficient clearance for tools, shelving units, and storage bins.
Door Swing Orientation
Door hardware orientation will be selected during final layout planning.
Typical configuration:
• inswing door
• hinges placed to optimize interior wall use
• knob orientation selected for comfortable entry
Windows & Natural Light
Windows dramatically improve interior usability.
A recommended configuration is:
Two short horizontal sliding windows placed high on the wall framing.
Benefits:
• natural light throughout the day
• airflow ventilation
• privacy due to elevated placement
• reduced direct visibility into the building
A particularly attractive design option includes:
• door centered on the front wall
• two short windows positioned symmetrically above eye level on either side
Example size:
30" wide x ~18" high sliding windows.
Roof Materials
Standard architectural asphalt shingles provide the most economical and durable roofing system for this project.
These integrate easily with nearby roof colors and maintain a consistent residential appearance.
Roof system components include:
• roof sheathing
• roofing felt or synthetic underlayment
• drip edge metal flashing
• asphalt shingles
Optional Skylights
Skylights introduce exceptional natural light into a workspace.
Typical installation:
Two 2' x 4' skylights
Benefits:
• abundant daylight for workshop use
• ability to grow plants
• pleasant working environment
Considerations:
• increased material and labor cost
• additional roof penetrations
• slightly reduced security compared with solid roofing
Roof Overhang
A 2-foot front overhang creates several advantages:
• rain protection for the entry area
• ability to keep windows open during light rain
• visual depth and architectural character
Ventilation & Workshop Use
For sheds intended as workshops or creative spaces, ventilation improves usability.
Recommended additions:
• small inline exhaust fan
• simple exterior vent similar to a laundry vent
This system provides airflow during painting, finishing work, or tool operation.
Exterior Siding
The most efficient siding for this project is 4' x 8' panel siding, which offers durability and fast installation.
Options include:
• T1-11 plywood siding
• LP SmartSide engineered panel siding
Benefits:
• economical material cost
• strong weather resistance
• easy repainting
• clean vertical panel appearance
Decorative Front Wall
The front elevation can include cedar accent boards to introduce character and connect visually with nearby structures.
A cedar overlay pattern inspired by the aesthetic of the smaller rock shed can unify the two buildings visually.
This design concept has been nicknamed:
Aztec Explorer — a sibling structure to Falcon1
Foundation System
A compact shed of this size can sit securely on a level block foundation system.
Process:
• ground compacted and leveled
• concrete blocks installed at load points
• structure shimmed and aligned for perfect level
This method provides durability while remaining cost-efficient.
Structural Floor System
Floor framing will consist of:
• treated 2x8 floor joists
• Simpson structural joist hangers
• tongue-and-groove floor sheathing
This produces a strong, rigid floor capable of supporting heavy shelving and tools.
Interior Floor Finish Options
Option 1 — Painted Subfloor
Simple, durable, and economical.
Option 2 — Laminate Flooring
Inexpensive laminate from surplus material sources often covers the entire shed interior for very low cost.
Option 3 — Wood Flooring
Occasionally available from reclaimed or surplus building material lots.
A moisture barrier or underlayment layer will be installed beneath finished flooring to protect against ground moisture.
Additional Build Components
Standard construction materials include:
• framing nails
• structural screws
• flashing tape
• roofing nails
• building paper
• metal drip edges
• framing hardware
Professional pneumatic tools are used during construction to ensure structural fastening standards.
Estimated Material Categories
Typical shed material groups include:
Floor system materials
Roofing materials
Framing lumber
Wall sheathing
Exterior siding panels
Windows
Exterior door
Gutter system
Interior shelving materials
Fasteners and structural hardware
Final pricing depends on the selected configuration and options.
Advantages of a Custom Built Shed
A custom shed offers several benefits compared with mass-produced units.
The building becomes:
• integrated with the property layout
• visually connected to the house architecture
• designed for the owner's storage needs
• constructed with stronger framing materials
• adaptable for workshop or studio use
Every dimension, door placement, roof shape, and window location responds directly to how the structure will be used.
Builder
Trufabricator Construction LLC
Licensed & Bonded Contractor
Washington State
Operated by Brice Frillici, carpenter and builder with experience across residential, commercial, and institutional construction environments.
Projects emphasize structural integrity, thoughtful design, and clear communication throughout the construction process.
www.trufabricator.com
Related Services
Garage Building | Deck Building | Framing Repairs & Remodeling | Request a Project Consultation