Beachguy
Member
Tell neighbor to turn his TV up a little and he won't hear the noise. 
Above 1200 Sq/FT Barn Workshop build
- Thread starter ururk
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
smschriefer
Well-known member
Things are looking great! How big are the tenons you are using? They look like a 2x6 and what species are they made from? Are most joints traditional mortise and tenon, or are you using the same floating tenon design at all the joints?
Day five (Saturday, 10/24). Done (sorta)! Saturday was almost a lost day - it was going to rain all day, but the rain stopped around 9:30 AM and we worked till 6:00 PM. We got everything done, except the following:
1) trim outside pegs
2) screw down all lean-to rafters
3) set post alignment and anchors
1) trim outside pegs
2) screw down all lean-to rafters
3) set post alignment and anchors
This week I completed the brackets, set the lean-to rafters. Due to rain, and bad weather, I haven't yet tarped the structure.
At this point Phase II is complete! Moving on...
My T&G roof decking, 4x10 - 7/16" OSB, and sidewall girts & remainder of the siding arrived Tuesday.
The plan is to install the T&G on the lean-to to get a feel for the procedure at a safe height, and then move on to the main roof. Once the decking is on, I can wrap the structure with a tarp and protect it from the elements (and I) while I put the sidewall girts and sheathing on. I'm going to use synthetic underlayment (instead of roofing felt), though I might spring for a knockoff Grace Ice+water shield to reduce air infiltration.
I'm debating whether to get a massive tarp to cover it (50x100), or whether I get the roof weather tight and just tarp the sides.
As-is, with the type of structure in my area I've already drawn some attention - I don't want to make it too massively obvious by covering it in a blue tarp.
At this point Phase II is complete! Moving on...
My T&G roof decking, 4x10 - 7/16" OSB, and sidewall girts & remainder of the siding arrived Tuesday.
The plan is to install the T&G on the lean-to to get a feel for the procedure at a safe height, and then move on to the main roof. Once the decking is on, I can wrap the structure with a tarp and protect it from the elements (and I) while I put the sidewall girts and sheathing on. I'm going to use synthetic underlayment (instead of roofing felt), though I might spring for a knockoff Grace Ice+water shield to reduce air infiltration.
I'm debating whether to get a massive tarp to cover it (50x100), or whether I get the roof weather tight and just tarp the sides.
As-is, with the type of structure in my area I've already drawn some attention - I don't want to make it too massively obvious by covering it in a blue tarp.
356vintage
Well-known member
Love that timber frame!
Haven't done a whole lot since I last posted - we've had some rainy days, and so I've been taking care of getting materials.
Today we moved/stacked/stickered 1/2 a load of wood siding (42" x 14' x 5'), cleaned up all the tarps and misc materials (because of the rain, we had to let some of the tarps dry before folding), and moved the lumber I purchased for a temporary floor to the barn. Tomorrow I'm going to start cutting the roof decking. I took off part of next week because it will be in the 70's!!! and sunny. My plan is to have the decking cut for M/T/W and get it up. Once it is up, tarp and move on to the sidewall girts.
Today we moved/stacked/stickered 1/2 a load of wood siding (42" x 14' x 5'), cleaned up all the tarps and misc materials (because of the rain, we had to let some of the tarps dry before folding), and moved the lumber I purchased for a temporary floor to the barn. Tomorrow I'm going to start cutting the roof decking. I took off part of next week because it will be in the 70's!!! and sunny. My plan is to have the decking cut for M/T/W and get it up. Once it is up, tarp and move on to the sidewall girts.
Monday 11/2: Michigan, November... 70 degrees out! I got the decking on the lean-to. I'm a bit worried, I have over 1,000 sq feet to install, and 100 sq ft took me a day. However, this was a bit more challenging as I had to walk on top and nail it down. The roof decking should be able to be installed from inside, on a ladder from the loft... so I'm hopeful it will go quicker.
Also... I'm naive. The sample they gave me was very nice, beautiful in fact. Well... the lumber that arrived was sort of nice. I had originally figured I could just install it right from the package - fat chance! I (well, my helper) had to sand each piece. I ended up borrowing my neighbor's orbital sander, but my new sander arrives tomorrow so I'll get a chance to use it for the rest of the lumber.
Also... I'm naive. The sample they gave me was very nice, beautiful in fact. Well... the lumber that arrived was sort of nice. I had originally figured I could just install it right from the package - fat chance! I (well, my helper
) had to sand each piece. I ended up borrowing my neighbor's orbital sander, but my new sander arrives tomorrow so I'll get a chance to use it for the rest of the lumber.
morehead
Active member
Great progress!! It was an awesome day here also, hope to start excavation Thursday!
Couple questions if could about your floor:
You used pink insulation did you investigate white?
How much do you think you have invested in the Pex & clips for in floor heat?
Thanks
Couple questions if could about your floor:
You used pink insulation did you investigate white?
How much do you think you have invested in the Pex & clips for in floor heat?
Thanks
jb3
Well-known member
I love timber-frame buildings. How big are the timbers you are using? They look huge. One thing is certain - that building will be there for well over 100 years. I really like this building and since you brought up an older VW, well, you know we want to see it.
Im going to revise your estimate up to saying this barn may last effectively forever! This is one of them most heavily built structures ive seen on the journal! There are wood structures locally built not half as well that have been standing 300 plus years. If he can keep bugs and rot off of it, its a generational structure.
Beautiful job
Great progress!! It was an awesome day here also, hope to start excavation Thursday!
Couple questions if could about your floor:
You used pink insulation did you investigate white?
How much do you think you have invested in the Pex & clips for in floor heat?
Thanks
I investigated white - should have gone with it for underfloor. It would have been 1/2 the cost (but a bit thicker). I think there is a company in Michigan that sells recycled EPS foam, but I never contacted them. I ran out of 'research' time and gave in to the XPS.
Pex: My contractor lent me his pex staple gun. He also gave me clips - I don't know how many clips I used, but I gave him one box of 200 ($25 at Menards) which I think was equivalent. Space the clips every 24-36". You can always return - buy two boxes and you should be good.
I really wanted to place it on top of the mesh, but had I done so I bet they would have cut my tube. And, the mesh settled to the bottom, so the pex kept the mesh 1/2" off the bottom. They sell mesh chairs, but my contractor never uses them - and I didn't want to add a new variable to the process. I would have loved to get concrete fully around the pex, but with a 4" slab that just wasn't going to happen.
As for the pex itself - three loops, so three rolls of 300' pex. You can get a larger quantity (1,000) for less, but I think it would be extremely difficult to uncoil (especially in the cold). I got Oxygen barrier pex - Pex B (http://www.pexuniverse.com/content/types-of-pex-tubing). Just make sure to buy USA made pex, that's what I've been told. And, some online places will sell cheaper than local with free shipping.
Thanks! Every time I'm on it I see bugs - bugs everywhere! It kind of worries me
but I know that once it is enclosed, and starts to dry out, the bugs won't be as prevalent.Over the past week I've been thinking about this - our area is full of old barns, which have been standing for many years - I don't know the history of our area that well, but suffice it to say while I didn't have the budget to rehab an old structure, I've certainly added something that will stand the test of time.
morehead
Active member
Thanks very much for the speedy reply
Hopefully I will be as prepared as you !
Hopefully I will be as prepared as you !
Tuesday, Nov 3: Pain, aches. I'm young - but I have a desk job. I'm not very active. I do physical work on the weekends outside, so I've always felt an extended amount of work wouldn't tire me out. Well I was wrong
Anyhow, progress! I have twelve bays to fill in. I got one done today in about 2.5 hours with help from a friend. The rest of the day was squandered on figuring out how to cut an angle my miter saw couldn't cut, got my hair cut (erm, I was long overdue), and cutting all the pieces for two more bays.
I'm getting used to the nail gun, very few double shots. I have all the pieces cut for the next two bays, then I switch over to the opposite side.
Anyhow, progress! I have twelve bays to fill in. I got one done today in about 2.5 hours with help from a friend. The rest of the day was squandered on figuring out how to cut an angle my miter saw couldn't cut, got my hair cut (erm, I was long overdue), and cutting all the pieces for two more bays.
I'm getting used to the nail gun, very few double shots. I have all the pieces cut for the next two bays, then I switch over to the opposite side.
Wednesday, Nov 4: Finished the row - 3 bays down, 9 to go. I was installing the boards by myself, though have been getting help with misc tasks (sanding, moving boards up, etc...). Don't ever attempt this by yourself! I have one last good day before the weather goes bad (well, some days next week are going to be in the 60's). I wish I knew a contractor who could finish the whole thing for me, but I'm fearful of the cost since this sort of application isn't as clear-cut as slapping down plywood.
vonhef
Well-known member
Wow... this is most impressive! I like your work. 
Thursday, Nov 5: Almost got the opposite side done. I started late - I've been feeling sick for two days now, felt better than yesterday but still wasn't moving fast. I also had a site visit by a professor and his students. He's using my frame (and general build) as a project for the course he is teaching on "Frame Structures". I expect to pass but we will see. Side note: I work for the same university, and know him outside of work. Using my frame is totally coincidental, though I've been keeping him up to date on my progress and he decided to use it as it would give the students a real-world example to analyze.
Also, late tonight we tarped the roof. It's going to rain tonight, and I don't want the T&G to get soaking wet. The annoying thing is that I'm going to have to remove it to do the top portion of the roof, and the tarp was horrendously expensive. I'm also skeptical that it will hold up to the winds tomorrow.
No pictures yet.
My goal for the roof is to get it done this weekend. It will be a bit cooler (55ish), but still warm enough to not freeze.
but we will see. Side note: I work for the same university, and know him outside of work. Using my frame is totally coincidental, though I've been keeping him up to date on my progress and he decided to use it as it would give the students a real-world example to analyze.Also, late tonight we tarped the roof. It's going to rain tonight, and I don't want the T&G to get soaking wet. The annoying thing is that I'm going to have to remove it to do the top portion of the roof, and the tarp was horrendously expensive. I'm also skeptical that it will hold up to the winds tomorrow.
No pictures yet.
My goal for the roof is to get it done this weekend. It will be a bit cooler (55ish), but still warm enough to not freeze.
checkthisout
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2008
- Messages
- 5,232
Excellent! Built like a brick $*%*house!
What's it like to be able to plan and have a project come together as perfect as beautiful as you have done??
The worse part about timber framing is the fact that some of it will have to be covered up by siding and insulation!
What's it like to be able to plan and have a project come together as perfect as beautiful as you have done??
The worse part about timber framing is the fact that some of it will have to be covered up by siding and insulation!
House comment: Agg! Every neighbor who stopped thought it was a house. Yeah, it'll be nicer than the house, and I kind of sort of regret the 2x6 T&G because that does make it look like a house. But, since I'm doing the work, it is essentially costing me the same as if I had hired someone to sheathe it in plywood.Excellent! Built like a brick $*%*house!
What's it like to be able to plan and have a project come together as perfect as beautiful as you have done??
The worse part about timber framing is the fact that some of it will have to be covered up by siding and insulation!
Thanks! But, uh, plan, what plan? All of this is in my head, plus research I've done on building techniques, and questions posed to family and friends who will help. I also drew up a 3D model, which has proved to be essential. I (so far) haven't strayed from that plan - I almost changed how I'm doing the T&G - but decided to follow the model. Amazingly the weather has cooperated, the materials have either arrived on time or way before scheduled, and things have just conveniently worked out.
As for covering it up, I know! The wrap and strap technique I plan to do will expose most of it to the interior, but I wish I could cover it in glass.
Mikerodrig27
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2014
- Messages
- 171
Wow, that looks insane. The T&G is going to look nice from the inside when it is done.
velocipede
ALLIANCE MEMBER
This is an inspirational build. Solid as a rock. If you survive , it will provide immense satisfaction for the rest of your days. Thanks for taking the time to document the journey.
, it will provide immense satisfaction for the rest of your days. Thanks for taking the time to document the journey.
Saturday, Nov 7: Finished the other side. Moved my plywood platforms to the center to start the center bays.
Also - my compressor arrived. I ordered the California Air Tools CAT-4610A. I've been borrowing my friends Craftsman 6 gallon pancake compressor for a few weeks and really need to get it back to him. The difference in loudness is amazing! When I turned the new compressor on I was surprised it was so quiet.
It doesn't go as high (120 psi vs 150) and the ratings are slightly different - but for my needs will be sufficient.
Also - my compressor arrived. I ordered the California Air Tools CAT-4610A. I've been borrowing my friends Craftsman 6 gallon pancake compressor for a few weeks and really need to get it back to him. The difference in loudness is amazing! When I turned the new compressor on I was surprised it was so quiet.
It doesn't go as high (120 psi vs 150) and the ratings are slightly different - but for my needs will be sufficient.
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Sunday, Nov 8: I feel like I didn't even accomplish anything. A family member finished sanding all of the T&G boards, I ripped the first two boards to a narrower width, then realized after some trial and error that my ladder, and my neighbors ladder, were too short to safely install the boards. Sigh. Another equipment purchase.
In addition I made this "jig":
The center boards have two angles, and in an attempt to hasten the process I borrowed my friend's miter saw and joined the two with 2x4's. They are on the same circuit, so we took turns chopping (each saw is just under 15A). Cut 1/3 of the needed boards - I want to get these two bays done before cutting anymore.
So, I probably won't do much tomorrow, and will resume Tuesday afternoon! It'll be in the mid to upper 50's this week, some rain, so I should be able to finish.
As for the compressor... I used it a bit Saturday and it worked pretty well. I was using it today and decided to try out an air blower. It reduced the tank pressure enough to cause it to run continuously while I blew sawdust around. I didn't try that with my friends compressor - I'm not certain if air blowers use a lot of air, or if the one I have (a cheap $3.99 unit from Harbor Freight) uses a ton of air.
In addition I made this "jig":
The center boards have two angles, and in an attempt to hasten the process I borrowed my friend's miter saw and joined the two with 2x4's. They are on the same circuit, so we took turns chopping (each saw is just under 15A). Cut 1/3 of the needed boards - I want to get these two bays done before cutting anymore.
So, I probably won't do much tomorrow, and will resume Tuesday afternoon! It'll be in the mid to upper 50's this week, some rain, so I should be able to finish.
As for the compressor... I used it a bit Saturday and it worked pretty well. I was using it today and decided to try out an air blower. It reduced the tank pressure enough to cause it to run continuously while I blew sawdust around. I didn't try that with my friends compressor - I'm not certain if air blowers use a lot of air, or if the one I have (a cheap $3.99 unit from Harbor Freight) uses a ton of air.
matt_i
Well-known member
Looking really great. The old "classic" barns seem to die by the roof leaking/degrading, rotting the framing, or else the posts rot due to not so much foundation. I think your great foundation has definitely resolved one of the issues, looking forward to how you plan to finish the roof!
(Also, of course, they were never very much airtight, just built as a basic shelter.)
Great build, nice work.
(Also, of course, they were never very much airtight, just built as a basic shelter.)
Great build, nice work.
Wednesday, Nov 11: On Monday I picked up some scaffolding from Menards, and set it up Tuesday on the second floor. I worked all day Wednesday and got 2 whole bays done, and a little bit of the next two.
This method - installing from inside - feels safe, is mostly safe, with the exception that there is a dropoff since the scaffold is 7' wide, while the plywood sheet is 8' wide. It is certainly slower than from the top - or if I had rented a machine, I think - but is cheaper and allows me to do it at a more precise pace.
I have less than 1/3 of the entire roof left to go (total sq ft: 1,300).
Keep in mind these pictures are from November in Michigan - I'm wearing a t-shirt. It got up to 58 yesterday. This weekend it could get as high as 60!
Posting the same pics over and over feels kind of redundant, since all I've been posting are pictures of the decking, but I'm one person (with some helpful family members!) and tend to work a bit more precisely (which means I tend to take twice as long) when working with power tools, wood, and such. I'm getting faster at the T&G, but still, it takes time.
Today & Tomorrow it will be windy, rainy, and cold. I intend to finish the T&G over the weekend, and start on the sidewall girts.
Oh, and a sidenote. Anyone ever watch HGTV? Or any other unreality TV programs? I get in after working all day, and one of those shows is on the TV. The hosts are smiling, wearing their pristine tool belt, clean shirt and jeans, safety glasses on. What a scam.
I used to watch those shows (never intentionally - just when someone else has the TV on) and think, "wow, I know this is TV, but they make it look so easy". I mean, I'm a savvy consumer, I know TV is all fake. But still, in home improvement (destruction?) shows I like to think that below the shiny facade is a real teachable moment - either in technique (ha!) or understanding of how things should be put together (for that I would recommend Holmes on Homes), or even assessing level of effort. On that last point, I clearly gave no thought. If reality TV with real homeowners was presented, and I'm talking your average-not-out-of-shape-but-certainly-not-active computer programmer, after three days they would be aching and limping about the set, barely able to grip a hammer
Trust me - I've always been cynical and figure the hosts of those shows don't actually do the work and just have subs do the work, but the way it is presented it often sounds like they are just about to start working - cut! - done! I think I've lost any ability to watch those shows.
This method - installing from inside - feels safe, is mostly safe, with the exception that there is a dropoff since the scaffold is 7' wide, while the plywood sheet is 8' wide. It is certainly slower than from the top - or if I had rented a machine, I think - but is cheaper and allows me to do it at a more precise pace.
I have less than 1/3 of the entire roof left to go (total sq ft: 1,300).
Keep in mind these pictures are from November in Michigan - I'm wearing a t-shirt. It got up to 58 yesterday. This weekend it could get as high as 60!
Posting the same pics over and over feels kind of redundant, since all I've been posting are pictures of the decking, but I'm one person (with some helpful family members!) and tend to work a bit more precisely (which means I tend to take twice as long) when working with power tools, wood, and such. I'm getting faster at the T&G, but still, it takes time.
Today & Tomorrow it will be windy, rainy, and cold. I intend to finish the T&G over the weekend, and start on the sidewall girts.
Oh, and a sidenote. Anyone ever watch HGTV? Or any other unreality TV programs? I get in after working all day, and one of those shows is on the TV. The hosts are smiling, wearing their pristine tool belt, clean shirt and jeans, safety glasses on. What a scam.
I used to watch those shows (never intentionally - just when someone else has the TV on) and think, "wow, I know this is TV, but they make it look so easy". I mean, I'm a savvy consumer, I know TV is all fake. But still, in home improvement (destruction?) shows I like to think that below the shiny facade is a real teachable moment - either in technique (ha!) or understanding of how things should be put together (for that I would recommend Holmes on Homes), or even assessing level of effort. On that last point, I clearly gave no thought. If reality TV with real homeowners was presented, and I'm talking your average-not-out-of-shape-but-certainly-not-active computer programmer, after three days they would be aching and limping about the set, barely able to grip a hammer
Trust me - I've always been cynical and figure the hosts of those shows don't actually do the work and just have subs do the work, but the way it is presented it often sounds like they are just about to start working - cut! - done! I think I've lost any ability to watch those shows.
Saturday, Nov 14: Updates are getting a bit more sporadic - good weather is harder to come by, but making steady progress. I wasted the good weather by going to two estate sales - looking at some wood working machinery, but should have just stayed home and worked.
Got most of the middle section done. I think it was near 58 degrees out.
Got most of the middle section done. I think it was near 58 degrees out.
Sunday, Nov 15: Finished the roof decking! Sort of. My friend came over in the afternoon and assisted on the last part of the roof decking. I worked all day, but wouldn't have finished if he hadn't swung by (he will be compensated!). I still have some pieces on the end to fit, but they need to be cut to a 2" overhang - holding off till later to do that - but won't take long to put up once cut.
I'm including some photos of how I got up there to nail it down. I will say this much - standing on the ladder on the lean-to roof felt much more secure than on the aluminum ladder. It was secured at the bottom with a board, and at the top with a ratchet strap.
This essentially ends this phase of the project. Next up I need to start planing 2x6's for the wall girts, and applying a waterproofing membrane (Ice & Water) to the 2x6 T&G. THAT will be the real challenge. The lean-to will be trivial, as it is at a relatively safe height. Initially I thought I could do the waterproofing myself on the main roof, but I'm starting to have some doubts - it my just not be possible with my equipment (or the lack thereof). I really need scaffolding, ladder jacks, or something to safely allow me to walk a distance and apply the material.
And why Ice & Water? I not only want a waterproofed deck, but I want a vapor barrier. Since each board has a crack between it and the next, I want to ensure that the whole assembly doesn't let air through. The I&W does both - and (supposedly) allows the 2x6 to dry inwards, and the foam to dry outwards.
I'm including some photos of how I got up there to nail it down. I will say this much - standing on the ladder on the lean-to roof felt much more secure than on the aluminum ladder. It was secured at the bottom with a board, and at the top with a ratchet strap.
This essentially ends this phase of the project. Next up I need to start planing 2x6's for the wall girts, and applying a waterproofing membrane (Ice & Water) to the 2x6 T&G. THAT will be the real challenge. The lean-to will be trivial, as it is at a relatively safe height. Initially I thought I could do the waterproofing myself on the main roof, but I'm starting to have some doubts - it my just not be possible with my equipment (or the lack thereof). I really need scaffolding, ladder jacks, or something to safely allow me to walk a distance and apply the material.
And why Ice & Water? I not only want a waterproofed deck, but I want a vapor barrier. Since each board has a crack between it and the next, I want to ensure that the whole assembly doesn't let air through. The I&W does both - and (supposedly) allows the 2x6 to dry inwards, and the foam to dry outwards.
Monday, Nov 17: Probably the last full day of work I'm going to take off, was in the mid 60's today. Cold weather and snow are moving in.
I completely finished the edge of the decking (it sticks out 2" on either side), got the thickness planer setup and did some tests, and applied the Ice & water to the lean-to portion.
I completely finished the edge of the decking (it sticks out 2" on either side), got the thickness planer setup and did some tests, and applied the Ice & water to the lean-to portion.
Sunday, Nov 22: Snow! 8" of snow yesterday. Ugh. Spent the day organizing tools and setting up a space to plane the 2x6 boards.
I'm also ordering pump jacks or scaffolding, haven't decided yet. The pump jacks (or scaffolding) will assist with both the sidewall girts, sheathing, and finally the roof work. If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate it.
I'm also ordering pump jacks or scaffolding, haven't decided yet. The pump jacks (or scaffolding) will assist with both the sidewall girts, sheathing, and finally the roof work. If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate it.
Sunday, Nov 29: The blue tarp was destroyed in a wind storm that rolled though a week or so ago - it was secured at all grommets, but ended up ripping off. I ordered a thicker but smaller tarp (8 oz, 30x40). The old tarp was 6mil - this one is somewhere between 14-16mils thick. This one fits perfectly, and was considerably thicker. Lesson learned (though I was able to return the blue tarp, even though it got destroyed by the weather). All of my family members helped, so I had 4 people pulling on lines while I lifted the tarp on the opposite side.
It took me forever to find a high-quality tarp at a reasonable price. Amazon is filled with horror stories on how cheap or off-size the tarps are. And, they didn't have the right size tarp in stock. Oddly enough, Global Industrial did, the price was right, and shipping was only $5.
Otherwise... nothing else has been done. I came down with some sort of flu or whatever last week and am just sort of getting over it. My goal tomorrow is to get home an hour early and start planing some wood. I absolutely have to get the wood all planed this week as the weekend will be perfect weather-wise.
It took me forever to find a high-quality tarp at a reasonable price. Amazon is filled with horror stories on how cheap or off-size the tarps are. And, they didn't have the right size tarp in stock. Oddly enough, Global Industrial did, the price was right, and shipping was only $5.
Otherwise... nothing else has been done. I came down with some sort of flu or whatever last week and am just sort of getting over it. My goal tomorrow is to get home an hour early and start planing some wood. I absolutely have to get the wood all planed this week as the weekend will be perfect weather-wise.
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Saturday, Dec 5: Well, evidently my cold decided to stick around for another week . Today was the first time I felt more or less better. I built infeed and outfeed tables for my planer:
I based it off of these plans: http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/2007/10/12/sn/
. Today was the first time I felt more or less better. I built infeed and outfeed tables for my planer:
I based it off of these plans: http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/2007/10/12/sn/