A short while back I inquired about building a shed for a future workshop and had some excellent help; I've been off the board for the last couple weeks learning everything I can and working to make some of that green to pay for the shed.

I've run into a possible problem with the design of the roof for my shed. The plans I had originally obtained were for a 12' wide shed and I have changed that to 16'. I've also upgraded everything from 2x4 to 2x6 construction for better insulation. The original plans called for the roof to be started with gable ends and a 4/12 pitch. The diagrams appear to have the 2 by whatever you use laying on the flat for the gable ends and being braced much like the walls (2x6 @ 24" OC). Then the rafters will work inward 18" from the front gable because I want a 6" overhang all around. Lookout rafters will be used to get the 6" from the gables. A ridge pole will run the length of the shed (24') for the rafters to attach to. I plan on using a 2x8 for the ridge pole. The rafters are to have birds mouth's cut where they will rest on the top of the side walls and leave the appropriate overhang. The ceiling joists are to be connected to the rafters, not the tops of the walls. See the picture at the bottom.

Here are my concerns:
1) Is the gable acceptable to be built like this (2x6's laying on the flat)? I have seen both methods (standing & lying) used.
2) Do I need a truss construction that involves more bracing and load carrying members since I change the width from 12' to 16'? There's never snow here so that's no concern, but wind is for sure!.

And a last off-topic question regarding headers for the walls, should I use 2x6 or 2x8's?
The windows header width = 3'- 9 1/8"
The doors header width = 5'- 6 1/4"

Let me know if there's anything else you need to know to help with answering the questions I've posed. Thanks for looking!

CVinje

CAD Picture:
http://www.local820spfpa.org/images/...s%20Joists.gif