What size sugar shack to build

[Birddog]

I just called and talked to my local building official. I can build a structure up to 120 square feet. I have a 2x3 Mason. Is there any reason to go with anything other than a 10x12 in this circumstance?

[optionguru]

Sounds perfect to me as long as there isn't much more growth in your future.

[eustis22]

It doesn't matter what size you build. In two years everything will be too small.

[maple flats]

A good formula is to estimate how much room you think you need, double it and you'll have half enough (for a while)!

[steve J]

I started with a 2x3 in a 10x 12 sugar house I now have a 2x4 in same building and thats fine but I am going to have to go to a 2x6 and that means pulling out front of the building.

[johnallin]

If they're going to limit you to 120 sq ft, just make sure it measures that on the inside, sounds like an 11x13 building now. Or see what it would take to go before the zoning board. They've probably approved lesser structures.

[Michael Greer]

Design a building that can expand. Perhaps you'll add a woodshed...or two. Keep in mind that you may decide at some point to go to the zoning board, and don't corner yourself in some way that blocks your future expansion.

[Chicopee Sap Shack]

My 12x16 is new and I'm already looking at expanding at some point. Make sure you use a steep pitch roof so you can have overhead storage area for buckets tubing and everything else you will end up with. The others said to design for expansion that's a good idea.

Scott


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[Big_Eddy]

If I was limited to 120sqft, I'd consider 8x15 instead of 10x12. The extra length allows for a longer evaporator in the future, and a bit more space in front of the evaporator, plus more wall space for shelving, counters etc. 8' wide should still provide enough clearance on either side of the evaporator and a good clear work area in the middle.

I'd also consider a 6x15 lean-to roof on one side to store wood under. This would be outside the building and therefore should not count against your square footage limits.

[Birddog]

Big Eddy - I was wondering about 8x15 vs 10x12 and not sure about pros and cons. You make some good points.


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[Big_Eddy]

Chicopee makes a good point about the high roof. A loft space is great. My sugar house is a 12x20 baby barn with loft over 12x12. I have my 20x60 evaporator turned 90degrees in the last 8x12 area with 3' on one side. I don't have a lot of room in front of the arch door, but there is enough room on the narrow side that I store a row of wood against the wall. So for me - 8x15 would be better than 10x12, but my evaporator is longer than yours. Remember - you need a reasonable clearance behind the evaporator to avoid overheating the structure so that eats up some of the length.

Lay it out on graph paper, or better still, grab some sheets of plywood and mock up some walls.

[grinch5010]

Mine 10x12, see "my little shack" post. Definitely go with 12/12 pitch so you have loft storage. Works well with our 2x4 Leader.

[Michael Greer]

I'll second Big Eddy on the roof overhangs. If the code guy will let you, put a huge roof on it. A 48 inch overhang will shelter a row of pallets. Covered firewood is a must.