From: melissasparrots@yahoo.com
> Is there any problem with making a frame for an 8ft square
> shed out of 4X4X8s?
Hi Melissa;
Just that you will waste money and make it harder to build.
I recommend using 2x4 studs , 24" oc. That would be five
studs per side, plus single top and bottom plates. Cut the
studs short enough for the plywood siding to cover the edge
ofthe floor.
> It would give me exactly the measurements I want.
I seriously doubt that. 8ft will not work well.
> I would use 2X4s as the joists in the middle.
I think you probably mean studs (upright struxctural
members in the walls) Use 2x4s at the cotners too,
and as the plates as well. Build your floor first.
Then build each of your four wall as panels, plywood
siding and all, laying on the flat floor. Then stand
the wall up, to nail them to the floor and each other.
Then build your roof.
Depending on where you support it, what you will store
in the shed, and the flooring you use, you can use 2x6
or 2x4, 24" oc, as your floor joists. What will you
store in the shed? I recommend using treated wood
for the floor framing.
Your rafters can also be on 24" centers, so that the
whole structure aligns (rafters over studs, over joists,
all on 24" centers), which uses much less materials, but
is still very strong. The rafter size will depend on the
snow loading in your area. Tell me where you are located,
and if it is to be a gable or single slope roof. I will
tell you the rafter size.
> What length and width of screw would one use
> to nail them together without splitting?
You can screw it together, but you can also
nail it, which will save you money.
> I thought about screwing together two 2X6s but I'd still
> be .5 inch short.
I am not sure what you are thinking, but if you think that an
8ft board is exactly 8ft long, you are in for a disappointment.
You can get "pre-cut" studs, to produce certain finished ceiling
heights in houses (with drywall), but they are not 8ft long.
> I don't have a lot of carpentry skills to work with here
> and would rather not have to do a bunch of extra cutting
> if I can get what I need from 4X4s.
Use 2x4s. You can use precut 2x4 studs, and let the extra
length of the plywood siding overlap the floor, so that you
do not need to cut it, except for your door.
> The shed will be on blocks if that makes any difference.
How many blocks? That does make a difference.
-Laren Corie-
Natural Solar Building Design
and Consultation, Since 1975
www.ThermalAttic.com
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