#14190 – 40′ x 60′ x 16′ Residential Shop with Open Lean-To and Custom Timber Truss in Bonner County, ID

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This 40′ × 60′ × 16′ residential shop with an open lean-to and custom timber truss in Bonner County, Idaho was built for year-round use. It combines a durable workspace with a personalized retreat on nearly eight acres along Ellisport Bay. The building supports storage, hobbies, and hands-on projects while maintaining a clean, Northwest-inspired look.

Design & Purpose

The owner, a retired carpenter, needed a functional space to stay active and work on projects. This shop provides the room and layout to support that lifestyle.

“I’m a carpenter. I fish. I like tinkering and building projects. And I need something to do that in. Now I have my shop.”

The design focuses on usability, durability, and a layout that makes everyday work efficient.

Layout & Structure

The main building measures 40 feet wide by 60 feet long with 16-foot sidewalls and a 4/12 roof pitch. This creates open interior space with the height needed for equipment, boats, and workshop use.

An attached 14 × 60 × 16 lean-to provides covered exterior space for storage and maintenance. This layout improves workflow while protecting equipment from weather exposure.

“I really love having a lean-to for sure. I think that’s going to be nice during the winter months, even in the summer, keeping stuff out of the sun.”

Exterior & Features

The exterior features Burnished Slate crinkle-finish steel siding with ULG Black accents. This combination provides long-term durability and a clean finish suited for North Idaho conditions.

Architectural details include cedar-wrapped posts, exposed 6 × 6 timber trusses, overhead door canopies with corbels, and a 4 × 20 extended gable on the front. These elements add depth while tying the structure into the surrounding property.

“The cedar post… kind of ties in with the cabin a little bit.”

Foundation & Durability

This building is engineered for long-term performance. Posts were set on Perma-Column® precast concrete piers, which keep wood above grade and reduce moisture exposure.

The concrete slab is 4 inches thick with a smooth finish, saw-cut joints, and fibermesh reinforcement for added strength.

“I did like the fact that they got the perma columns… I really like that system.”

Customer Experience

This project allowed the owner to avoid a long self-build while still getting a shop tailored to his needs.

“I could build a shop… but I’m going on 60 years old. I don’t have the manpower to do it. If I would have done it myself, it’d take me years to get it done.”

Even while traveling during construction, the process remained smooth.

“They were here working and I left and came back… everything went good.”

Today, the shop supports both recreation and daily use.

“I got to store all my boat and jet skis… and I can service them all myself in there.”

Project Features

• Main Building: 40′ x 60′ x 16′ with a 4/12 roof pitch
• Lean-Tos: One open 14′ x 60′ x 16′ lean-to
• Exterior: Burnished Slate crinkle finish siding with ULG Black accents
• Overhead Doors: Two 12′ x 14′ cottage panel Therma Tech doors with Stockton windows
• Walk-In Doors: One 3′ x 6’8″ Armorguard door
• Windows: Five 4′ x 4′ and three 4′ x 18″ black double-pane vinyl windows
• Concrete: 40′ x 60′ slab, 4″ thick with smooth finish, saw-cut joints, and fibermesh reinforcement
• Special Features: Perma-Column® foundation system, 4′ x 20′ extended gable, exposed timber trusses, cedar-wrapped posts, overhead door canopies with corbels

Perma-Column® foundation system
Posts were set on Perma-Columns®, the leading manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest, which keep all wood above grade and extend the life of the building.

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