Getting Your Shed Roof Pitch Right
Your shed roof pitch is an important decision to make in the planning and design of your new shed. It impacts everything from weather protection and solar efficiency to internal clearance and street appeal, and can even determine whether your shed passes council approval.
You want to get the roof pitch right, and Stockman Sheds is here to help you. We custom-build sheds across South East Queensland, so we know how local conditions, council rules and aesthetic trends play into this decision.
Why Roof Pitch Matters
Your shed’s roof pitch is the angle or slope of the roof. It has a big say in multiple aspects of your shed, including:
How it looks – A shallow roof gives off a low-profile, modern feel, while a steeper pitch creates a more traditional or dramatic look.
What it fits – If you’re storing tall vehicles or using a hoist, that extra internal height from a steeper pitch can make all the difference.
How it performs – From water drainage to solar panel performance, roof pitch plays a role in how well your shed handles the elements.
What’s allowed – Council height restrictions, especially in urban or character-zoned areas, often influence what pitch you can use.
What to Consider When Choosing a Shed Roof Pitch
Here are the key factors we recommend weighing up before locking in your design:
Character Overlay and Matching Your Home
If you live in an area with a character overlay, such as older inner suburbs, council may require that your shed matches the roof pitch of your house. These are often between 20° and 22.5. Matching pitches also just looks better, helping your shed blend seamlessly into the property
Functionality
A gable roof with a steeper pitch allows for greater internal clearance in the centre, which is ideal if you’re installing a tall roller door for a caravan, a boat, or using a hoist. It also helps in sheds with multiple bays, where you can place smaller vehicles or trailers on the outside roller doors.
Aesthetic Choices
Want a shed with a strong visual presence? A 30° gable pitch offers a bold, barn-style profile, popular in Scandi-inspired designs. On the flip side, a lower pitch gives a more understated, modern look.
Council Restrictions
In some regions, especially residential zones, sheds must sit within certain height restrictions. Lower roof pitches, such as 10 to 15 degrees, can help keep the overall shed height within limits, especially when you’re building near a boundary.
Solar Panels
If you’re thinking of adding solar, roof pitch becomes a major factor. A pitch of 22.5° is considered optimal for solar panels in most east-west shed orientations, helping you get the most out of the suns energy.
Gable Roof Pitch Options
Gable roofs are one of the most popular styles for Australian sheds, offering great ventilation, clearance, and timeless style. Here’s a breakdown of common gable roof pitch options we build:
15° Degrees – The Practical Choice
The most common gable pitch we install. It’s the perfect compromise—steep enough for rainwater runoff and airflow, but low enough to help with council compliance and reduce overall structure height. A great all-rounder.
22.5° – Ideal for Solar and Matching Character Homes
If you’re adding solar panels, want extra height in the middle, or need to match the roof pitch of a character home, this is the go-to option. It strikes the right balance between performance and style.
30° – A Bold, Barn-Style Statement
Popular with clients who want something a bit different. This steep pitch creates a barn-style silhouette—ideal for Scandi-style builds, rural properties, or anyone chasing a more architectural shed. It’s not always necessary, but it sure turns heads.
Skillion Roof Pitch
A skillion roof is a single, sloping plane of roof. They’re great for narrow blocks, modern homes, or when you want to build right up to a boundary. Generally a skillion roof will have a flatter angle than a gable roof, but there are still a couple of things to think about:
5° – The Stockman Standard
We find 5° to be the sweet spot. It’s steep enough to shed water effectively and meet roofing guidelines, but low enough to maintain a clean, modern aesthetic. Perfect for garages, workshops and carports.
Be Careful with Steeper Skillion Pitches
While it’s technically possible to go higher, steep skillion pitches can look a bit odd and throw off the balance of your shed. Most of our clients stick with 5 degrees for good reason—it just works.
Get a Custom Shed Built to Your Specs
When you build with Stockman Sheds, you need to know that we don’t do standard sheds! Everyone is unique, custom-built around your property, shed needs, lifestyle and requirements. That includes getting the shed roof pitch just right!
Whether it’s a 15° gable for a backyard workshop, a 22.5° shed for solar gain, or a sleek 5°skillion, our team will bring the shed of your dreams to life.
Let’s talk shed plans. Get in touch for a free quote and we’ll help you pitch it just right.
