Maybe floating slab isn't the correct term. I was concerned about the differences in expansion and contraction between the cement and the wood. When I researched it, I found a method of "free floating the cement slab from the wooden deck. By adding a layer of plastic on the wood before pouring the cement, the two surfaces will be able to react independently from each other. The slab "floats"...
For siding, most of our forest is hardwood; we have very little pine. I do have some huge poplar and the plan is to mill 1" boards, shiplap them, and use them for the siding and for the ceiling on top of the beam rafters. Then I'll sheath the roof with metal.
2016 - 2 x 4 Randy Worthen built arch and pans 11 taps; 2.625 gallons of syrup!
2017 - 29 taps; 11.625 gallons of syrup!
2018 - 30 taps; 98 pints bottled! New sugar house being built, new equipment coming!
2019 - 125 taps; 50 gallons made! New 2x6 Smoky Lake Corsair arch, drop flue pan, auto draw. Smoky Lake filter press and Steam Bottler
2020 - 173 taps; only 35 gallons made.
2021 - 242 taps; New record! 50.5 gallons made!
2022 - 321 taps; New record! 80 gallons made!