A lean-to is a simple, open shelter consisting of a single sloping roof surface that is attached to an existing wall or building on one side and supported by posts or poles on the other. It is the most basic form of cover against rain and sun.
Features
A lean-to is distinguished by its simplicity:
- One roof surface — sloping from high (wall side) to low (open side)
- Open construction — usually no enclosed walls
- Attached to a building — the high end is fixed to an existing wall
- Simple structure — purlins, rafters and roof covering
The roof is essentially a mono-pitch (pent) roof in its simplest form.
Application
Lean-tos are widely used for:
- Bicycles and scooters — a shelter by the front or back door
- Firewood — keeping a log store dry
- Garden tools — sheltering equipment and materials
- Carport — a simple vehicle shelter
- Workshop — an outdoor workspace with rain protection
- Livestock — in agriculture as a field shelter for animals
Materials
Common materials for a lean-to include:
- Timber — posts, purlins and rafters of pressure-treated softwood
- Steel — for larger spans
- Roof covering — corrugated sheets (polycarbonate, steel or bitumen), roof tiles or EPDM
Related terms
- Mono-pitch roof
- Canopy
- Carport
- Pergola
- Roof construction
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