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jagerrand
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# Posted: 23 Dec 2022 01:20pm - Edited by: jagerrand
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Hello everyone. I built a deck to put up my Montana Canvas 14x16 tent. The heavy snow we had collapsed the tent frame. So I am looking to build a small cabin with a 1/2 loft on the existing deck. I live in Western WI.. The deck was constructed as follows. 4x4 posts(9) set in concrete below the frost line. I have a 4x10 beam spanning the posts with my deck was framed with 2x8 lumber. I attached a picture so you get the idea. Will this be ok to build a small cabin on or should I add additions footings? etc?[img=null]null[/img]
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 23 Dec 2022 02:17pm
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I think that will work fine for a "reasonable" cabin. My only concern would be that the piers with the 4x10's not being directly tied together. That could allow racking to shift things. It may be prudent to run 4 2x10's between the 4x10's to lock them together. The deck is good & solid from what I see.
I'd suggest building "light" using Advanced Framing (less wood) @ 24OC, use a light siding material and tin roof as well to cut structure weight and maximized lifecycle. Insulation Materials can be quite deceptive for weight, so be aware of that as well.
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jagerrand
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# Posted: 23 Dec 2022 02:22pm
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Thank you for the reply. I was thinking of adding 2 more 4x4 posts on the back corners(towards the woods) as it does cantilever out over the beams a little.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 23 Dec 2022 05:52pm
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My 12x24 build in '83-'84 (south-central WI) was somewhat similar in support but only on 'silo-blocks'. Mine was still good at last see a couple years ago. I think yours is better.
I agree with Steve on build good but build light. For the wall sheathing do the wall height such that the (4x8 sheet product?) can cover well down the rim joists, pref to the bottom. Take a look at 'rain wall' construction techniques.
Make good overhangs on the roof.
Be aware that when you build 'up'; ie, that loft, the weight adds fast. My original plan for the 12x24 was a simple shed roof with a later add on of 'the other side of the roof' as the front deck roof. Then I revised it to a 12x12 loft and it got bigger/taller and heavier than I had really designed the 'bottom end' for. And the loft wasnt as usable/accessible/comfortable as hoped. Now I would only do a loft on a smaller structure as storage for seasonal/extra stuff to keep from cluttering the living space.
Fwiw, I think you have a good start!
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Brettny
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# Posted: 23 Dec 2022 07:29pm
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If the vertical posts are in the concrete down to frost line I think it will be fine. You get very little racking when your post goes feet below ground. You have 2x8 floor joists only spaning 8' correct? And 4x10 beam only spaning 7' correct? If so I think it's more than adequate for a 14x16ft cabin.
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MJH
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# Posted: 23 Dec 2022 10:47pm
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In addition to what others have said about the roof, I'd probably do a shed roof with a moderate pitch. You'll want it sliding off snow as frequently as possibly without adding too much weight from a steeper pitch.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 24 Dec 2022 09:06am
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Why does a shed roof add less weight?
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ICC
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# Posted: 24 Dec 2022 09:46am
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Quoting: Brettny Why does a shed roof add less weight?
Good question. Any savings in weight that may be realized by there being less total length to the rafters is lost to the need to make them deeper; 2x10 instead of 2x6 for example.
Plus a typical shed roof will likely be a lower pitch than a gable rafter roof which reduces the ability of the snow to slide off.
I would think carefully about the loft though. I don't like them as most are too hot when the main floor is comfortable.
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jagerrand
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# Posted: 24 Dec 2022 11:01am
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Great points all. Thank you! The loft would be mainly for storage and maybe an air mattress during November deer camp.
You are correct on general spacing and material sizes. We used this for the last 3 years and noticed no racking.
Merry Christmas everyone.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 24 Dec 2022 03:36pm
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Quoting: ICC Good question. Any savings in weight that may be realized by there being less total length to the rafters is lost to the need to make them deeper; 2x10 instead of 2x6 for example. Plus a typical shed roof will likely be a lower pitch than a gable rafter roof which reduces the ability of the snow to slide off
I didnt think they would. Maybe less area of snow on the roof but your also loosing valuable head room along with all rafters having to span the width of the building.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 24 Dec 2022 06:03pm
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Quoting: jagerrand We used this for the last 3 years and noticed no racking.
The difference now is that you are intending to add a couple of thousand pounds on top of that platform that will be there all the time.
With a 14x16 platform like you have, there are several options, also if you are thinking of a porch or deck of some form as well.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 26 Dec 2022 06:53am
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If the vertical posts go all the way to the frost line like they said there will be no racking.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 26 Dec 2022 10:32am
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Just thinkin though....based on some of my less than stellar projects....
It will be fairly easy to get under there and strategically mount diagonals and probably never have to wonder or mess with it again.
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jagerrand
Member
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# Posted: 27 Dec 2022 07:34am
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Interesting gcrank1. Honest question as I don't have a great deal of experience. Diagonals from where to where?
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 27 Dec 2022 08:23am
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If the concrete went right up to the bottom of the 4x10 beam you wouldnt add diagonal braces. Why do it now?
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Aklogcabin
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# Posted: 28 Dec 2022 09:20am
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I would install diagonal bracing from the bottom of the 2 outside posts to the top of the 4x beam in the middle. Do it on the inside if possible so skirting could be installed easier.
We like having the extra room of a 2nd floor for sleeping and storage. Windows n door on the other end. With a wood stove it's usually fairly warm all over the cabin. I'd say you have the start of a great cabin. And have a great start on a nice cabin.
Happy New Year
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