My Sugar Shack on a budget

[Lethalbowman]

1239842_10200805239973606_1698962363_n.jpgIMG_20151113_102732411.jpgIMG_20151206_160222225.jpgIMG_20151227_144933305.jpgIMG_20151227_144953390_HDR.jpg I started my Sugar Shack last Fall and am now trying to spend every minute I can free up working on it. I started with an old basket ball court and am building my Pole Barn style shack on top of it.

[Lethalbowman]

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[CampHamp]

I hope you can incorporate your palette day-bed into the new facility.

[Bucket Head]

That'll be a lot nicer than your original set-up! I had an "open-air" shack like that for years. Better with a roof and walls around you. And your chair shouldn't tip over on the concrete floor, lol.

[bigschuss]

Nice job. Looks great.

Got a few questions if you don't mind. I have a 14x18 cement pad that I'd like to build something on in the future like you did. Did you dig down (or use a post hole auger) to get below frost level in your area? Did you backfill with cement? Dirt? Why did you decide to cut out the cement and then set posts in the ground rather than build a stick frame directly on the slab?

Thanks.

[Lethalbowman]

I used a 12" masonary saw to cut each block out where I wanted to put the posts. I then had to did down (using a shovel) and set the post on top of cement pads. Each post was attached to the pads with angle brackets and secure with tap con screws. I have built 3 pole barns and had left over materials so that is how I chose to build the structure. It works well for a pole barn so why not a sugar shack. The shack is approx 12' x 16' with a 6/12 pitch to the roof.

[Lethalbowman]

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We have so many Hurricanes here in Northern Michigan that local building codes tend to go overboard with minimum code requirements! LOL! At least I know that the wind won't blow it over.

[Lethalbowman]

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Many of the materials I am using are being repurposed from other jobs or wherever I have been able to scrounge for them. The windows I am using were part of a bay window assembly that was set out on the road in front of a home makeover. I was very pleased to bring the whole assembly home. Now what will I do with a framed in 4' X 4' picture window? My shack will have a 3' x 4' cupola that will have windows on either side to let some light in when the doors are closed.

[bigschuss]

I used a 12" masonary saw to cut each block out where I wanted to put the posts. I then had to did down (using a shovel) and set the post on top of cement pads. Each post was attached to the pads with angle brackets and secure with tap con screws. I have built 3 pole barns and had left over materials so that is how I chose to build the structure. It works well for a pole barn so why not a sugar shack. The shack is approx 12' x 16' with a 6/12 pitch to the roof.

Thanks. That's great. I've been going back and forth between doing exactly what you did vs. a stick built vs. doing 6x6's ON TOP of the cement and secured with Simson Strong Ties. I've also got a ton of surplus lumber to use.

[Lethalbowman]

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This is what I have been able to finish up so far. The windows are about ready to be inserted and most of the perlin's are now in place. I need to frame in the cupola, attach a few more perlin's to the upper part of the rafters and I can get some metal on the roof. It's going to a stretch to get it all done before sap season but I am at least going to have a roof over my head this year.