A lean-to or shed roof is typically a single, flat sheet of material attached to the house’s side and installed on a downward slope. It’s one of the simplest, most cost-effective permanent patio roof options, but also one of the least aesthetically appealing. These roofs are usually made of aluminum or wood and cost about $1,400.

There are many different roof styles used for building sheds. The most common styles include gable, gambrel, skillion, and saltbox roofs. Each of these roof types is sloped to provide runoff for precipitation, which means the design you go with will largely be a matter of aesthetic preference.