[mlf]

I'm building a 12'X16' shed. The width is 12', so my rafter span would be 6', minus half my ridge board (3/4"). So the total span will be a little less than 6'. The roof pitch will be either 6/12 or 7/12. The rafters are going to be spaced 16" OC. I plan to use 3/8" plywood for the roof sheeting and asphalt shingles. The plans I have call for 2X4 rafters. I was just wondering will those be sufficient, or should I go with 2X6? I live in Alabama, so snow is not an issue.

 

[vsheetz]

2x4 rafter will be ok.

 

[BrandConst]

MLF,

The 2x4's will be sufficent but if your looking for longevity, 2x6's are the way to go.

 

[kwikfishron]

2x4 will work but I’d go 2x6 24” OC just to have more meat for a seat cut and overhang.

The 3/8” plywood is a bad idea, go at least ½” , 5/8” preferably.

 

[vsheetz]

I built a 16x26 long garage in 1977 or so, with a stick built roof of 2x4 rafters across the 16 width, as recommended by my all his life carpenter father - still standing just fine. I would use 1/2" plywood with clips - as you are on 16" centers.

 

[mlf]

Thanks for the responses. I believe I am going to go with the 2X6's, but on 24" centers, and 1/2" plywood. After cutting out the birdcage, the 2X4's would have very little left to support a 1 foot overhang.