Floating Duck House

[alexsbuddy]

No, it is not top heavy. The base frame is made with 2x4s and 1/2" plywood which accounts for the lion's share of the weight. The actual house is probably only 50% of the base's weight. Probably could have made a lighter weight base, but am hoping it will last for a long time.

 

[bindian]

Brandi, be sure to glue the end caps on real well and then apply a liberal bead of exterior grade silicone around the edges of the end caps. I used dwv pvc because it has a foam core, which adds to it's flotation ability, and was less expensive. Good luck on your project!

What is dwv pwv? I was gonna make a square 8 (with Ts and elbows) out of plain pvc pipe and stuff it with swimming noodles.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

Will be adding a ramp to make it easier for the ducks to go from the water to the deck and will paint the whole thing (exterior only) this spring.

I was thinking of putting a floating ramp on my island so my ducks could get up on it when the water level is low. Even with the erosion around the island now, it doesn't stop them. They just flap their wings a couple of time and they are on the island. A ramp would only benefit ducklings, before they can fly.
hugs, Brandi

 

[alexsbuddy]

Dwv pvc is drain, waste,vent pvc. The kind that I used actually has walls that are foam core filled and coated on both sides with plastic (same material that regular pvc is made from). Dwv pvc is not for pressure related uses and costs much less than regular pvc. It's perfect for this kind of use because of it's lower cost and increased flotation qualities.

 

[scdeerslayer]

What is dwv pwv? I was gonna make a square 8 (with Ts and elbows) out of plain pvc pipe and stuff it with swimming noodles.
hugs, Brandi

Just leave air in the pipe, that gives the best flotation. Replacing air with foam or anything else just adds weight and is only beneficial to prevent the item from being filled with water.

 

[bindian]

Just leave air in the pipe, that gives the best flotation. Replacing air with foam or anything else just adds weight and is only beneficial to prevent the item from being filled with water.

Good point. I wasn't thinking of that. I was thinking ahead if a leak developed. I see now that numerous, straight pipes will keep it afloat if one leak develops.
hugs, Brandi