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The shed of my dreams

20564 Views 101 Replies 37 Participants Last post by Momcanfixit, Nov 1, 2014

Momcanfixit

Discussion Starter · Sep 24, 2012

The everlovin' pile of gravel

I would like to build a shed.

Over the past five years, I've purchased books on basic carpentry, shed building, joinery, table saws, shelf building and trim.
I've purchased a Bosch colt palm router, a Bosh plunge router, a 10"SCMS and a Bosch table saw (on a gravity-rise stand no less!) and a Bosch jigsaw. Of course the table saw came with a drill and impact driver. I also caved into an informercial and ordered a Sonicrafter. I love it, but since I have nothing to compare it to, it's the best and worst oscillating tool I've ever owned.

Each time I get a new tool, I read the instructions cover to cover and break into a nervous sweat the first time I fire one up. I have push sticks, safety glasses, ear protection and feather boards (STILL can't figure those things out.)

On Kijiji, I acquired a cordless framing nailer (I'm afraid to even take the thing out of the box), a brad nailer and a finish nailer. Okay, it's starting to sound like I have a problem. Perhaps I'll omit the dovetail jig I snapped up.

So far, I've built shelves, a trellis and two chairs. On the handymom side, I've replaced a vanity, numerous light fixtures, installed shut off valves, replaced a baseboard heater and a few tiles. I feel very comfortable using the CMS, jigsaw and routers. I'm still intimidated by the table saw, but I'm working on it.

My first step toward my imaginary shed was to clear a space for it. Of course that meant buying a small chainsaw.
Done.

Then came the everlovin' pile of gravel. There is good drainage in the area I chose, and my imaginary shed is built on skids, but I thought gravel would still be necessary. The half-load was easy to order up and it got dumped almost where I asked. It hadn't occurred to me however that the dumptruck would leave 12" deep ruts across the entire backyard. Sigh.

The everlovin' pile of gravel spent its first winter untouched.

The following Spring coincided with a health crisis, so the best I could do to the gravel was shovel for 10 minutes at a time and then get depressed at how little of it was moved.

The everlovin' pile of gravel spent its second winter seemingly untouched.

Stay tuned for my next entry, when the everlovin' gravel starts its own weed garden.

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21 - 40 of 102 Posts

DocSavage45

· #21 · Jan 5, 2013

Momcanfixit said:
Let the planning begin!

We spent a wonderful Christmas season with family this year, staying home and letting them all come to us.
On New Year's Eve, when asked what his goals were for 2013, my favourite uncle said, "To stay healthy, then everything else is a possibility." Wow. Truer words were never spoken.

Now that they've all gone home, I'll spend the next few days getting the house back in order, putting away decorations and reminding the kids that Toblerone does not count as breakfast. Hopefully I'll also get a chance to re-acquaint myself with my workshop.

Whenever I look into the backyard, I see the scene posted above. To the right of the play structure is where my shed will be. I've dusted off the plans, which have morphed over the past two years, and they sit on the top of my nightstand reading pile.

While I have a few projects I'd like to make this winter, my main goal is to get ready for the build. I'll squirrel away a bit of money, start pricing supplies and as my uncle said, stay healthy.

I don't want to skydive and have no interest in bungee jumping of calf roping. I do want to build a shed, so this is the year.

Let the planning begin. Happy New Year, friends.

Hey, she's a mounty! And lives in Canada? This is her kind of fun.

Sandra,

Some of my hindsite??? Yes that's me walking backwards. LOL! I live in MN. Not as cold as Canada, and I am more the carpenter in my general skills than a fine furniture guy( which I wanna be). And I have a few Homes and my shop, as well as outlying buildings that I have made mistakes in building. They often are under estimated at the start.

Sooooo… some suggestions Ms. Polar Bear which can prevent future issues?

What is the buildings' function, and purpose?
If you have space and no money? Buy materials on sale. May not be possible, and you have to walk around it, or protect it 'til used.
If at all possible put a stable concrete pad, like your garage's under it. ( With anchores for your walls.)
A shed sitting on the ground will eventualy rot due to water which always wins!
Asthetics? and if you live in urban area talk to the building department for their codes/rules.
Use 2×6 or larger framing. Insulate, insulate, and insulate. Helps with sound and heat. I have my dust collector in my garden shed, next to my barn/shop ( converted small animal barn ) I can work on my garden/snow equipment with a space heater in winter, and noise is low for nieghbor fifty feet away???
One of my sheds has a shed roof the other has a hip roof. Both are accessible and easy to walk on, and rated for snow load.

I also did an add on shed to the barn/shop for machining, and storage.

Yes it did get out of hand. And I would do it different if I had it to do over again.

Good luck ,have fun. Happy New Year!

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Bluepine38

· #22 · Jan 5, 2013

Momcanfixit said:
Let the planning begin!

We spent a wonderful Christmas season with family this year, staying home and letting them all come to us.
On New Year's Eve, when asked what his goals were for 2013, my favourite uncle said, "To stay healthy, then everything else is a possibility." Wow. Truer words were never spoken.

Now that they've all gone home, I'll spend the next few days getting the house back in order, putting away decorations and reminding the kids that Toblerone does not count as breakfast. Hopefully I'll also get a chance to re-acquaint myself with my workshop.

Whenever I look into the backyard, I see the scene posted above. To the right of the play structure is where my shed will be. I've dusted off the plans, which have morphed over the past two years, and they sit on the top of my nightstand reading pile.

While I have a few projects I'd like to make this winter, my main goal is to get ready for the build. I'll squirrel away a bit of money, start pricing supplies and as my uncle said, stay healthy.

I don't want to skydive and have no interest in bungee jumping of calf roping. I do want to build a shed, so this is the year.

Let the planning begin. Happy New Year, friends.

They have an annual Polar Bear Plunge at Flathead Lake every year, but so far I have managed to avoid it as
too far to drive after New Years Eve, but maybe next year. Looks like a good location for a shop. Build it as
big as you can (within reason), You can never have enough room after you start moving tools and material
in. As Doc stated, make sure you have a good concrete pad, maybe with radiant floor heat, or a floor like
Shipwright's with the dust collection underneath. Let your imagination run wild, and then look all the plans
over with a good dose of reality. Check out the best way to run your gas/electric service to the shop before
starting, and decide what you will need, and try to give your self a little extra. Main thing is stay healthy, and
have fun.

whitebeast88

· #23 · Jan 5, 2013

Momcanfixit said:
Let the planning begin!

We spent a wonderful Christmas season with family this year, staying home and letting them all come to us.
On New Year's Eve, when asked what his goals were for 2013, my favourite uncle said, "To stay healthy, then everything else is a possibility." Wow. Truer words were never spoken.

Now that they've all gone home, I'll spend the next few days getting the house back in order, putting away decorations and reminding the kids that Toblerone does not count as breakfast. Hopefully I'll also get a chance to re-acquaint myself with my workshop.

Whenever I look into the backyard, I see the scene posted above. To the right of the play structure is where my shed will be. I've dusted off the plans, which have morphed over the past two years, and they sit on the top of my nightstand reading pile.

While I have a few projects I'd like to make this winter, my main goal is to get ready for the build. I'll squirrel away a bit of money, start pricing supplies and as my uncle said, stay healthy.

I don't want to skydive and have no interest in bungee jumping of calf roping. I do want to build a shed, so this is the year.

Let the planning begin. Happy New Year, friends.

whew that made me cold!!!hope the new shed comes along good for you,keep us posted.

Momcanfixit

Discussion Starter · #24 · Jan 5, 2013

Momcanfixit said:
Let the planning begin!

We spent a wonderful Christmas season with family this year, staying home and letting them all come to us.
On New Year's Eve, when asked what his goals were for 2013, my favourite uncle said, "To stay healthy, then everything else is a possibility." Wow. Truer words were never spoken.

Now that they've all gone home, I'll spend the next few days getting the house back in order, putting away decorations and reminding the kids that Toblerone does not count as breakfast. Hopefully I'll also get a chance to re-acquaint myself with my workshop.

Whenever I look into the backyard, I see the scene posted above. To the right of the play structure is where my shed will be. I've dusted off the plans, which have morphed over the past two years, and they sit on the top of my nightstand reading pile.

While I have a few projects I'd like to make this winter, my main goal is to get ready for the build. I'll squirrel away a bit of money, start pricing supplies and as my uncle said, stay healthy.

I don't want to skydive and have no interest in bungee jumping of calf roping. I do want to build a shed, so this is the year.

Let the planning begin. Happy New Year, friends.

Thanks for the suggestion gents. The shed will be for storage, and not for a shop. The primary occupants of the shed will be my hubby's snowmobile, the snowblower in the summer, mower in the winter, bicycles, rink boards, lawn furniture, essentially the seasonal stuff.

Doc - I've started looking for supplies on sale, I do have some room in the garage if I find some good deals.

I've planned it out for 12×16, with one end being a 'drive-thru' for the snowmobile. Essentially, there will be two double doors opposite each other at the end of the shed, so hubby can drive his sled in and park it, and drive it out. Unfortunately that eats up the floor space at one end, but I'm in the process of planning the rest of the floor space for the contents I'll want in there.

The plans I have look something like this (minus the vinyl siding and other fluff):

As for a shop other than my garage, I've got a few ideas in mind, but the shed comes first. We have a L-shaped driveway in front of our house - the short end of the L is just perfect for a shop someday.

One step at a time.

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Momcanfixit

Discussion Starter · #25 · Oct 5, 2014

Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

Wood Rectangle Line Wall Composite material

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

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2

gfadvm

· #26 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

I'm gonna hurry up and comment before you delete this!

Your uncle John definitely sounds like my kinda guy. Y'all will have a great experience doing the shed together.

Have fun and remember to pace yourselves!

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2

mojapitt

· #27 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Always good to start a project. The planning can be part of the fun. Hope it goes great for you.

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2

JL7

· #28 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Very cool Sandra….Uncle John is a keeper, sounds like a great project for both of you…..enjoy it! Looking forward to the updates!

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2

lightcs1776

· #29 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Looks fantastic, Sandra. Great job..

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2

DocSavage45

· #30 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Sandra,

Congratulations on getting it off the ground.!Trust me when I say "it will never be big enough." That goes for my garden shed, the Catty Shack ( feed outside kitties in winter ) and it's their winter home now. I should have built each one a little bigger. LOL!

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2

CFrye

· #31 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Sounds like a lot of great memories soon to be made. And a shed too!

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2

DIYaholic

· #32 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

2 years in the planning stage….
& here I thought I was the resident procrastinator!!! ;^)

The foundation/floor looks robust. Good job!

Sounds like next week, with the help of "Uncle John", will be a busy one.
Enjoy the build & the time with your uncle…. Please don't forget to take pictures!!!

Looking forward to future progress reports…. just not to far into the future!!!

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2

Jim Jakosh

· #33 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Great start. I think I would really like your uncle!!............cheers, Jim

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2

firefighterontheside

· #34 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Take Uncle John to get lumber and then surprise him when you get back to the house, put the vehicle in reverse, gun it and then hit the brakes….you get the picture. Have fun!

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2

Bluepine38

· #35 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Those floor joists look strong enough to hold quite a few heavy tools and snowmobiles. I take it this is to
keep the snowmobiles off your expensive lumber and to store any excess wood you might acquire? Hope
you have lots of fun with the build.

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2

Momcanfixit

Discussion Starter · #36 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

Thanks folks.
Gus - yup, the main plan is to have as much of the non-woodworking 'stuff' out of the garage. And the trusses will be beefy enough to hold lots of lumber. Hoo-ha!

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2

JoeinGa

· #37 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

I think your uncle and I would get along great. He sounds like a fun (aka: crazy) guy!

And even if you dont do the "slam on the brakes in reverse" thingy, make sure you tell him how you remember him doing this when you were little. I can guarantee he'll love that memory!

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2

whitebeast88

· #38 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

glad to hear your gonna get to build the shed.uncle john sounds like a great person to be around.

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2

mudflap4869

· #39 · Oct 5, 2014

Momcanfixit said:
Uncle John

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

9:12 pm
I just got off the phone with my Uncle John. He is headed up here in 5 days time for the shed build! It's actually going to happen. In anticipation of his arrival, I got the site prepped, and finished the floor yesterday.
Here's a picture before the floor was put down.

The first blog I posted about this shed was two years ago and I clearly remember being discouraged that I may never get to build it. Last year, over a few drinks, I finally asked my uncle if he would help me. He had a big grin on his face and the plan was hatched.

Let me tell you about my uncle. When I was little, he was the completely impractical uncle. He bought me a 3 foot high teddy bear and took me for a drive on his motorcycle against my mother's wishes. He took me with him to the dump and I was amazed when he gunned the truck in reverse and hit the brakes so that the contents would slide out.

After I grew up, I got a chance to get to know him as an adult. He's down to earth, hard working and one of the nicest people I know. He's very handy and builds decks, gazebos, stairs etc without any plans and mostly with a skill saw. Our extended family is prone to drama so it's always nice to spend time with him and his wife because they are the antithesis of drama (did I use antithesis properly?) For the past 9 years, he's been dealing with a rare form of blood cancer. He's done chemo and now manages as best he can. He manages by keeping busy and doing as much as he can when he's feeling okay. I think it runs in the family - the busy thing, not the cancer.

The shed is going to be 16×12 with one end for the snowmobile to drive through.

So now I'm giddy with excitement. As much as I'm excited about the shed finally being built, I'm just as excited about spending time with my Uncle John.

9:26 pm. Off to read about trusses.

It is going to be a great weekend for you to remember for years to come. Mark a few nails that he drives as a reminder that you can visit later. It's those little things that bring back the best memories.

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2

Momcanfixit

Discussion Starter · #40 · Oct 17, 2014

Reality!

I'm notorious for over-thinking, overanalyzing and basically spending too much energy navel-gazing. This blog is intended to get some of it out of my head. I'll be glib, sarcastic and flippant in my other posts. Who knows how this one will turn out. It may be a train wreck, so reader beware! If navel-gazing doesn't hold any appeal or distraction for you, move on. If you're allergic to estrogen, move away quickly.

My own personal rules are to not to spend more than 30 minutes on any one post. I can correct a mistake if I catch it right away, but can't go back. If I post it, I can't edit or delete. I tend to edit things to death and have been known to delete my posts before it's too late.

If anything resonates with you, feel free to chime in.

10:12 pm. The shed is the shed of my dreams because I've built it in my head a thousand times. I read about trusses and snow load. I read about joists, and hangers and sheer force on deck screws. I looked at plans, altered plans and ditched plans. I measured and drew and thought and budgeted.

And finally 7 days ago, my aunt and uncle arrived. We started working Saturday morning and finished on Friday afternoon. We worked long days, and finished in a downpour. I loved every minute of it.

Scariest moment - shingling the roof. I was way outside my comfort zone hammering nails that high up. Heights don't scare me. Plummeting to my death does however. I have a whole new respect for roofers.

Plant Tree Wood Grass Leisure

Best moment - Too many to pick, but getting into a rhythm with my uncle while we worked was definitely up on the list. After the first day, it was obvious that we are a lot more alike than I thought. I had a straight edge and a crayon so that I was trimming the overhang of the shingles in a straight line, and he was NOT happy if the lines in the panels weren't perfect. We didn't chat a lot and neither one of us wanted anyone talking while we were muttering numbers and measurements to ourselves..

Proudest moment - when the last truss was up. Several people had tried to talk me out of building my own. Truth be told, having made them did create extra work in many ways, but I'm still so glad I decided to do it. Buying them would have been cheaper and easier, but if I wanted cheap and easy, I would have bought a resin shed at the hardware store.

Wood Tradesman Composite material Jacket Lumber

Wood Beam Composite material Building material Ceiling

Wood Tree Shade Tints and shades Composite material

Worst moment - My uncle, aunt and I were trying to figure out the angle for the panels on the peak and we were all tired and getting soaked in the rain. We started to get a bit snippy. Okay I started to get snippy. After I messed up the second cut, I realized what I was doing and apologized. It wasn't a big deal at all and that was the only bad thing.

The weather was unbelievable for October. We had two days with some rain, but 5 full days of clear, warm weather.

So now I don't need to build the shed in my head anymore. It's a reality. There's still work to be done - soffit, trim boards, painting, shelves. And I get to build two ramps. But first, I'd better go read about slope and the clearance height of lawnmowers.

Did I mention that we built a shed???

Property Plant Wood Window Land lot

10:35 Good night!

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