| Backyard Retreat: Setting Up the Base and Walls |
From "Weekend Handyman"
episode WKH-107 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Note: Click here for a materials list and complete instructions without images.
Time: 24 hours over two days. Difficulty Rating: It's rated a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 (you'll need a friend or two to help with the lifting, etc.).
Materials for Complete Project: 8' x10' backyard retreat kit
Two ladders (one 6' and one 8')
A cordless screw gun
Hammer (or a power nailer and compressor)
Wood shims (to level the floor)
Heavy work gloves
Level
An area that is at least 1' larger than the building on all sides
Shovel
Ten 4 x 6 timbers around the perimeter
Circular saw
Pre-drilled pilot holes (drove in spikes to tie the timbers together)
Landscape fabric
Utility knife
Pea gravel
Steel rake
Pallet or lumber
Tarp
Solid concrete blocks (4" x 8" x 16")
Measuring tape
8 penny nails
16 penny galvanized nails
Hammer taker
Gasketed screws
Magnetized bit driver in the screw gun Setting Up the Base and Walls - Once the skids are in place (see first segment), it's time to build the platform for the backyard retreat cottage. In setting the first platform, you want it to be flush with the rear of the skids. It should be centered along the length of the center stud, and this will leave 6" of the platform to extend over the side skids.
- We don't want to see these blocks so we set them back about 6" from the front and back of the skids.
- Then, measure from the center skid out to the side skids. The shed is 8' wide and the side skids sit in from the sides about 6". So, for the center skid, we measure out to the center of the side skids 3', 6" and make our adjustment.
- Next, move the blocks in 6" from the front and back of the side skids. These measurements don't have to be perfect, just close.
- Using a 6' level, adjust the skids up or down by either adding or taking away gravel.
- Set the first platform flush with the rear of the skids.
- It should be centered along the length of the center stud.
- This will leave 6" (figure A) of the platform to extend over the side skids.
- Once the base is in position, toenail it into place using 16 penny galvanized nails.
- The rest of the base platforms go on in the same manner.
Note: If it rains, cover the wood with a tarp to prevent warping! - There are four main base platforms (figure B) and once the first one is in place, the rest should line up. Toenail the pieces together to draw them tight.
- On the front of the shed a unique triangular porch (figure C) will be built, and the two platforms put together start to take shape.
- Once the platform is complete, put up the first wall section. The planks of the siding overlap the wall plates to give the wall more strength and stability.
- The second wall sets in at the corner with a half lap joint in the top frame to connect the two sections together (figure D).
- The rear wall is next. (You'll have a real sense of how quickly the kit goes together by now.)
Tip: When assembling the walls, don't hammer the nails all the way in. Let them stick out a bit in case you need to make adjustments. - The rest of the wall sections go in the same way.
Note: The best way to attach the walls is to slide the wall along the foundation floor until the two overlapping joints come together (figure E). A little pounding with a hammer will most likely be needed to get the joints snug and fit. - After the wall sections are in place, it's then time for the first front-wall gable end section to be attached.
- Then the last wall section -- it overlaps at the corner just like the rest.
- Then the front gable end (figure F) that fits over the doorway.
RESOURCES :
Backyard Cottage Kit (Jamaica Cottage Shop)
Model: 8' x 10' Bayside/Writer's Haven Shed Kit
Suggested Retail Price: $4,500.00
Jamaica Cottage Shop, Inc.
Website: www.jamaicacottageshop.com
GUESTS :
Joe Checco
National Sales Manager
Jamaica Cottage Shop, Inc.
PO Box 106
Javaica, VT 05343
Tollfree Phone: 802-297-3760
Fax: 802-297-2825
Website: www.jamaicacottageshop.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
