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An open-sided lean-to shed built from 2x3 construction lumber and a single sheet of plywood roof — mirror-image side frames keep the roofline consistent.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side spacers | 8 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 24" | 2x3 | ☐ |
| Long side sticks Cut edge at 22.5° angle. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 84" | 2x3 | ☐ |
| Short side sticks Cut edge at 22.5° angle. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 72" | 2x3 | ☐ |
| Face and stacking rails | 9 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 96" | 2x3 | ☐ |
| Roof ridge pieces Approximate — scribe and cut the angle to fit against the assembled side frames. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 30" | 2x3 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x3 board, 8 ft, construction grade (Pine/fir) | 16 each | ☐ |
| Roofing plywood, 1/2", 4x8 sheet | 1 each | ☐ |
| Cinder blocks or sturdy pavers | 4 each | ☐ |
| Exterior deck screws, 3" | 80 each | ☐ |
| Tar paper | 1 roll | ☐ |
| Shingles | 1 bundle | ☐ |
| Deck stain | 1 quart | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Circular Saw, Speed Square. Materials: 2x3 board, 8 ft, construction grade, Exterior deck screws, 3"
Cut a 2x3 to six feet with a 22.5° angle on the cut edge, then a second 2x3 to seven feet with the same 22.5° angle. Cut a 2x3 to two feet and fasten it to the two longer sticks, six inches up from the edge — this shorter piece should overhang the shorter stick by 1.75", the width of a 2x3.
Checking carefully for square, lay a 2x3 across the tops of the longer sticks, connecting them flush. Scribe the angle where it meets the sticks onto this top piece, cut it, and fasten it in place.
Tools: Circular Saw, Speed Square. Materials: 2x3 board, 8 ft, construction grade, Exterior deck screws, 3"
Repeat the same process to build the second side frame — but put the connecting 2x3 on the opposite side of the long sticks, so the two frames are true mirror images rather than identical twins. This is what gives the finished roof a consistent slope.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x3 board, 8 ft, construction grade, Cinder blocks or sturdy pavers, Exterior deck screws, 3"
Attach the two side frames together using uncut 2x3s: the rear piece fastens to the overhang left in the last two steps, and the front piece sits just behind the long stick. This is a good point to move the frame to its final location if you're not building on site. Set the long sticks on cinder blocks or sturdy pavers for a level, ground-contact-free base.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x3 board, 8 ft, construction grade, Exterior deck screws, 3"
Add additional 2x3s stacked up the sides and back, leaving even spaces between them for airflow — scrap 2x3 offcuts make quick, consistent spacers. Go as high as you'd like.
Tools: Circular Saw, Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x3 board, 8 ft, construction grade, Roofing plywood, 1/2", 4x8 sheet
Fasten 2x3x8 boards across the top of the shed, keeping their edges flush with the angled side sticks. Cut the plywood roof from a single 4x8 sheet: two 3x4 sections and one 1x4 section (with a small waste piece left over), and fasten it down.
Tools: Staple Gun. Materials: Tar paper, Shingles, Deck stain
Staple down tar paper over the plywood roof, then install shingles over it. Stain the whole structure with deck stain to protect the construction-grade lumber, then stack your firewood, alternating direction layer to layer to maintain good airflow.