HoustonBrama
Member
Hey all, I found this web site my first month here in Afghanistan. I want to thank you all for the posts. It truly gives me something to look forward to at the end of a long hot day. I just recently returned from leave. We have a few months to go. BUT, while I was on leave, I built a new shed for my mother in Dallas (during hurricane Ike I may add). The one she had was a Morgan building. It had been there as long as I could remember (at least 30 years). She wanted more room and something new. She had priced the ones at Lowes and HD. I told her I could build one 10 times better and stronger for 1/2 the price. Although I had never built a full shed or free standing structure (several lean to's) I was confident in my ability. It came out nicer than I had hoped and I would say 99 to 99.5 percent level, square and plumb. So here are the pics of my vacation project. I didn't get it fully finished as I ran out of time. It still needs Fascia, eaves, some more trim and a paint job. But, till I can get back down there next spring, she has a water tight, strong as a brick $%&@ house, shed. Here are the pics. A few before and after.
The window you see is from Lexan. I found a great deal on E-bay for 36 sheets of it for $19. They are 4' x 12" Perfect for windows. I bought them for the my horse barn I will be building as soon as I get back state side (pics will follow that). We used Hardi plank siding, this stuff is a night mare to work with. Hard to cut and heavy as a water buffalo. But it WILL last till I'm dead and gone so it was worth the extra back ache and few extra $$'s.
I had never cut a rafter before and did a lot of research over here prior to doing them. It is still some what of a mystery to me, even after all I read. The rafter cut is a thing of marvel. I know a Soldier should never accept defeat, but I would certainly call it a "peace Agreement" with me and rafters. To you guys that can cut them with little room to spare, I tip my hat, you are a true craftsman. I am going to stick with pole structures because my rafter cuts were extremely frustrating and not very pretty. Metal siding in the great state of TN is plentiful. I found it very difficult to find suppliers in the Dallas area. I found a place is Waxahachie. Very friendly and a great product. And a reasonable price considering it is hard to find in Dallas. I used 1/4" gravel for the leveling. 2 yards of gravel looks like way to much gravel until you start spreading it out. This is more of a note to self. But it was just enough.
The last picture is of my Mother and her new shed. She is one happy lady.
I hope y'all enjoy the pictures. I certainly enjoyed this project!
Oh yes, I almost forgot. I had a tread awhile back about over seeding my property. While I was on leave, I purchased a drag harrow and over seeded with KY fescue. I am happy to report the wife said the grass is growing great. So thank you all for the advice on the over seeding project. We seeded the property during hurcane Gustav and build a shed during hurricane Ike. What a feat!!
The window you see is from Lexan. I found a great deal on E-bay for 36 sheets of it for $19. They are 4' x 12" Perfect for windows. I bought them for the my horse barn I will be building as soon as I get back state side (pics will follow that). We used Hardi plank siding, this stuff is a night mare to work with. Hard to cut and heavy as a water buffalo. But it WILL last till I'm dead and gone so it was worth the extra back ache and few extra $$'s.
I had never cut a rafter before and did a lot of research over here prior to doing them. It is still some what of a mystery to me, even after all I read. The rafter cut is a thing of marvel. I know a Soldier should never accept defeat, but I would certainly call it a "peace Agreement" with me and rafters. To you guys that can cut them with little room to spare, I tip my hat, you are a true craftsman. I am going to stick with pole structures because my rafter cuts were extremely frustrating and not very pretty. Metal siding in the great state of TN is plentiful. I found it very difficult to find suppliers in the Dallas area. I found a place is Waxahachie. Very friendly and a great product. And a reasonable price considering it is hard to find in Dallas. I used 1/4" gravel for the leveling. 2 yards of gravel looks like way to much gravel until you start spreading it out. This is more of a note to self. But it was just enough.
The last picture is of my Mother and her new shed. She is one happy lady.
I hope y'all enjoy the pictures. I certainly enjoyed this project!
Oh yes, I almost forgot. I had a tread awhile back about over seeding my property. While I was on leave, I purchased a drag harrow and over seeded with KY fescue. I am happy to report the wife said the grass is growing great. So thank you all for the advice on the over seeding project. We seeded the property during hurcane Gustav and build a shed during hurricane Ike. What a feat!!
and she's glowing with pride to have such a great son 
