|
| Author |
Message |
Toms
Member
|
# Posted: 10 Feb 2019 01:45pm - Edited by: Toms
Reply
Hi all,
New member to the forum who is in the planning stages of a mini cabin project. I'm looking to build a 10*10 insulated cabin because our cottage isn't winterized. Nothing fancy, just a place to keep warm and dry on weekend visits in Southern Ontario's Nov - April weather.
We have a lot of cedar and pine on the property. The trees are straight and range from 6 - 12 inches in diameter. The pines are a bit larger. Most of the trees would be with 100 yards of the planned build site.
So I was wondering if having some of the trees milled would be a cost effective way of building? I can cut and prepare them, and would have someone with a portable mill come and turn them into boards. He charges about $80.00 per hour.
I'm trying to keep things as affordable as possible. I also like the idea of using some of the local trees but wasn't sure if in the long run it is actually cost effective.
Any feedback is welcome.
thanks
Tom
|
|
socceronly
Member
|
# Posted: 10 Feb 2019 02:22pm
Reply
Do you need to clear trees to make space?
There is something neat about using the trees that are there.
If you use any of these as beams, do you need to get them graded?
|
|
ICC
Member
|
# Posted: 10 Feb 2019 02:23pm
Reply
You don't specify the planned use, structural 2x lumber or non-structural? Do you need a building permit or will there be any inspections? If so you may not be able to use the ungraded lumber for any structural purposes.
If you want to have the timber milled into boards you can use to side walls, inside or outside, what kind of joints would you want? Shiplap, T&G... those need an extra step to mill the edges. Lap siding just needs to be same thickness.
Do you need smooth faced lumber? Rough sawn is just that... rough.
Can you wait long enough between sawing and using to air dry the wood? Do you have a place to air dry? Depending on the wood and location/climate air drying can take up to a year per inch of thickness, or as little as 2 months in a warm low humidity location.
It helps to have a decent moisture meter too so you can see how things are going.
|
|
Toms
Member
|
# Posted: 10 Feb 2019 03:33pm
Reply
Thanks for the input.
I was thinking of just getting the trees cut into 2x4, 2x6 and 1X6 (for inside paneling). Maybe some of the larger trees for 2x8 for outside paneling.
Everything would be pretty basic in terms of construction. So rough sawn would likely be fine.
At this point I'm considering a modified A frame to keep things simple.
One thing is the drying time. I'd likely cut the trees this winter/early spring and have some cut as soon as they can be accessed - we need to hike in in the winter. I plan on building over the summer so it is ready for the fall.
Not sure if that is enough time for the proper amount of drying?
|
|
Toms
Member
|
# Posted: 10 Feb 2019 03:37pm
Reply
I also should mention that we're a bit off the beaten path so don't expect any inspections and wouldn't need a building permit.
|
|
old243
Member
|
# Posted: 10 Feb 2019 04:03pm
Reply
If your building, is 100 feet or less , it might be classed as a storage building and not require a building permit. Better do some research on this. If you can get it milled, to standard dimensions , the lumber would do the job. I would still get a couple of pressure treated beams for the bottom, if moisture and soil contact was a possibility. Cedar will take moisture, pine probably not. You will probably, be best to get the inch lumber planed, or buy a planer to do it. We did the interior of our camp with our own spruce, used a half lap joints. If you get the logs cut and milled, soon The lumber will air dry quick come spring. Must be well stacked and stickered to prevent warping. Also well covered from moisture, but good air flow. Good luck with your project. old243
|
|
creeky
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Feb 2019 11:19am
Reply
I always pop in for old243 advice!
I've built rougher farm buildings with cedar poles. They make good posts and roof rafters.
I would probably just mill everything 1" and use it as siding. Your trees are still fairly young from your measurements. If you try for square lumber I worry you'd be losing a lot.
I have only tried hiring a mill once. I ended up around $2/bd foot. But that included tree removal. It was an old ash tree that was dying. Huge sucker. I had to ship the main body to be processed as firewood. And took boards from tree limbs mostly. Made for two very fun days. I still have some ash boards kicking around for projects. I planned all my wood, as Old suggests, with a commercial workshop reject. Free! Used primarily as flooring.
|
|
Aklogcabin
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Feb 2019 11:24am
Reply
For crying out loud man . The guy just wants to build a very small shack out of some trees on his land. The first thing some folks tend to say is “ask the government if it is ok†and to tell them how to use there own land for themselves. Where has freedom gone ? And government that does all it can to find a way to Tax .
Go build your cabin and enjoy your life. Use common sense and if you have questions ask.
|
|
|
ICC
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Feb 2019 12:32pm
Reply
Quoting: Aklogcabin The first thing some folks tend to say is “ask the government if it is ok†and to tell them how to use there own land for themselves. Where has freedom gone ? And government that does all it can to find a way to Tax .
I still think it is a valid question as I have seen one building in particular that had to be torn down because existing rules were violated. No matter what side of the question of some ridiculous rules you may be on if you end up having to tear down that is a waste of effort and resources. Just pointing out what may or may not be a factor.
|
|
socceronly
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Feb 2019 02:39pm
Reply
Quoting: Aklogcabin The first thing some folks tend to say is “ask the government if it is ok†and to tell them how to use there own land for themselves.
Well, this is going to be very dependent on where you are....
If you are in an area where the local gov is using sat images to track down people who build sheds, pools, ect... and then sending bureaucracy ninjas after them you better do it right from the start.
|
|
snobdds
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Feb 2019 05:03pm
Reply
You can buy a lot of lumber for 80/hr. I think cost wise it's cheaper just to buy dimensional lumber. Unless it's the look your going for...
|
|
|
