Jamaica Cottage Shop

Hand-crafted cottages and sheds created by Vermont artisans in the post-and-beam tradition.
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SALE ENDS 5/9/22

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Learn about all of our snazzy roof upgrades to customize the look and functionality of your cottage.
The Roof of your building can really make a statement, and not just aesthetic ones. You can enhance the strength of your structure and add functionally, like shed water and snow away from doors. Combine materials and aesthetics, with structural needs. Then factor in enhanced functionality to create a protective and unique roof perfect for your project.

SURFACE

Jamaica Cottage Shop’s signature roof material is Evergreen 29gauge corrugated metal, but there are TONS of options for a wide variety of styles, looks and colors.

•    Metal and Poly Panels: Corrugated metal roof material comes in 15 different colors to pick from, including the subtly sophisticated Patrician Bronze, the energetic and fun Bright Red, or the new Copper Penny. See the color chart here. 


If you don't plan on insulating your roof, consider adding a few panels of Clear Poly. These clear panels have a corrugated pattern that matches the metal panels, making for relatively easily swap on installation. Place these clear panels strategically to enhance the natural light in just the right spot. 


•    Asphalt and Cedar Shingles: Architectural Asphalt Shingles are a very popular upgrade and generally offer enhanced durability. See swatch sheet here to pick your favorite or match to existing structures on your property, 


Cedar and Shake shingles offer a distinct look and provide a bit of natural insulation. These offer a more stable roof temperature season to season than metal and asphalt roofs. Western Red Cedar shingles are a favorite. Cedar Shakes offer a bit more texture for a rustic and quaint aesthetic.


10x14 Camp Alcove - Exterior
CORRUGATED METAL
Asphalt Shingles or Cedar Shingles make a snazzy roof upgrade, as shown on this Florida Room detached screen house.
ASPHALT SHINGLES
5x10 Chicken Coop with ClearPoly Roof
CLEAR POLY

UNDER THE HOOD

Structural upgrades aren't as easy to show off, but they certainly aren't to be scoffed at. You won't see these upgrades from the outside since they are hidden under your roofing material, but these options provide additional support and protection when added.


These include:

•    Solid Pine Roof Sheathing: This sub-layer of wood right under the roofing material is required when added to insulated or shingled roofs. Adding roof sheathing to an uninsulated metal roof creates a barrier between the building and the roof metal. This can make it more difficult for critters to get in, reduce the effect of the roof metal temperature on the interior on the building, and dampen the sound of falling rain. 


•    Rafter Spacing: Increasing the number of rafters in your building enhances the structural integrity of your roof. This option is often referred to as increasing the load capacity. More rafters mean less space between them. Rafter spacing is often offered in 12", 16" or 24" (measured on center). 24" on-center is the most common. Increase the load capacity by choosing 16". In some cases, even 12" on-center is offered.


•    Rafter Material: The material your rafters are made from can also have an impact on your roof. Hemlock is a hard wood and great for sheds. It's best worked with while it's green. 
If you're planning to insulate your roof, right away consider Kiln Dried Spruce rafters. Help deter mold growth by only insulating lumber that has low moisture content. Kiln-dried lumber will have a lower moisture content than hemlock. If you're not looking to insulate your roof right away, note hemlock can be dried over time. 


•    Insulation: Insulate your building to help regulate the internal temperature. We recommend insulating any structure that's meant to be lived in. Insulated options are also great for storage in hot and cold climates. The "4-Season" option from Jamaica Cottage Shop generally includes vapor barrier, insulation, and interior sheathing. There is a "3-Season" option also. This option efficiently sets the building up to be insulated in the future.  


10x16 Smithaven - Four Season Interior
SHIPLAP PINE INTERIOR SHEATHING
Post and bean 10x16 Smithaven interior with rough sawn hemlock post and beam interior
RAFTERS CAN BE 12", 16" OR 24" ON CENTER

TOP IT OFF

Other fun details can be added to your building for extra pizazz with these stylish cosmetic options.
 

  • WEATHERVANES are quick and easy to install and come in several adorable styles. Our favorites are the shark, the bear, or the moose.
  • A DECORATIVE CUPOLA can transform your shed or cottage into a faux New England-style sugar shack. It sits right on top of your roof, making it very easy to install.
  • If you are getting a metal roof, the PREMIUM TRIM PACKAGE provides metal trim that matches your roof color. Enclosure strips fit under the metal roofing and ridge cap. These foam strips fill in the tiny gaps created from the ribbed pattern in the panels. 
  • COPPER ROLL RIDGE CAP: This luxurious, high-end choice looks great with asphalt or cedar shingles. Normally a shingled roof would get shingled ridge caps. Copper caps come in one piece for easy installation. Copper starts off shiny and will weather over time into a fine patina. 

Weathervanes have been used for centuries to detect the direction of wind.
WEATHERVANES
The copper roll ridge cap is definitely a snazzy roof upgrade for a storage shed like this Church Street.
COPPER ROLL RIDGE CAP
16x20 Vermont Cottage C with Decorative Cupola
DECORATIVE CUPOLA
12x16 Sugar Shack for maple syrup production
PREMIUM TRIM PACKAGE
As you can see, there are countless ways you can upgrade your roof. If you are on a limited budget, consider your needs and what can be done more efficiently now and what additional work will be required to add it on later. If you want to insulate your roof in the future, be sure to get vapor barrier and roof sheathing from the get-go. Options like Decorative Cupolas, and Weathervanes for architectural interest can be added at any time or even added to existing structures. Be sure to consider all your options when deciding on the perfect roof for your project.


DOWNLOAD this printable roofing guide to reference as you plan your cottage, shed, barn or garage. 

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Log cabins evoke feelings of comfort and serenity for many. Whether serving as a main home or a home away from home, these cabins are commonly situated in areas far from cities, usually in settings close to nature, such as forests, lakes, and beaches. Get more of a traditional rustic log cabin to the outside of your cottage or cabin by opting for Adirondack Live-Edge or Log Cabin siding. Often when decorating a cabin, people like to go for the rustic log cabin look, to feel cozy, warm, and inviting.


Vermont Cottage A
This cottage was featured on the television series Tiny Home Nation.

Traditional furnishings and décor usually come in muted earth colors that match the wooden structures. However, modern interior design offers more options for color palettes, textures, and shapes. Here are a few tips on how to design your cabin for this rustic log cabin look. You may find these suggestions helpful to make your cabin an ideal retreat for you and your loved ones.


Use Contrasting Colors And Textures 

A log cabin is predominantly made of hard and structured wooden surfaces with varying darkness and hues in earth colors. These elements create a cozy vibe that you can enhance using details with soft and smooth textures like rugs, carpets, draperies, plush seating furniture, and throw pillows.  


To create a contrast with neutral colors, you can consider using bright hues that would brighten up the room. For instance, you can consider using a carpet in cool tones such as green and blue to contrast with wooden flooring. This contrast allows you to add variety to the visual elements.  


Create A Focal Point 

Having a focal point in a room adds visual interest to your interior design. It can also be considered a unifying element for all other design details in a space. Examples of focal points you can consider are decorative pieces such as wall hangings, art installations, or sculptures.  


Interior of the Vermont Cabin open living space
The focal point in this cabin would be the hanging row boat. This detail adds drama to the open-concept living area.

You can also personalize one corner of the room and use it as a focal point. For instance, you can add framed family pictures or interesting items from your collection. This way, you can add your personal touch to your log cabin while enhancing its visual appeal.  


Maximize Your Lighting 

Having adequate lighting is needed to brighten up the living space, especially if your cabin has heavy wooden materials in dark hues. While the dark colors can add to the cozy feel of the rustic cabin, poor lighting can make the interior look smaller than it is. Also, there are times when you’ll want to have an energized space, such as when entertaining guests or having fun activities with your loved ones.  


Here are some of the ways you can liven up your log cabin interior with sufficient lighting: 


  • • Add wall lights, especially for areas with more furnishings and dĂ©cor. 
  • • Place multiple light sources of varying sizes and brightness.  
  • • Put hanging lights in areas with high ceilings.  
  • • Decorate smaller rooms with tall and slim light fixtures to accentuate the vertical space.  

To brighten up your log cabin further, you can use natural light sources and reflective surfaces. Natural light can open up and energize a space, making it ideal for wooden interiors. You can achieve better lighting by incorporating tall and wide windows in your cabin design. 


Meanwhile, reflective surfaces such as mirrors and glass furnishings can make a small room look bigger and brighter. To add more of it to your interior design, you can consider using glass tables, framed pictures, or decorative jars and vases. These items can open up the space by reflecting natural and artificial light, enhancing the room’s brightness. 


 Open Up The Floor And Visual Space 

A room made with wooden structures can look smaller than its actual size. It's because of the dark, neutral colors and heavy materials that create the illusion of a smaller space. Jamaica Cottage Shop cabins and cottages feature open floor plans to help you make the most out of your space. If you're wanting to sport the log cabin look while creating a spacious feeling interior, you'll need to be strategic when choosing furnishings and dĂ©cor.  


The bottom floor of this Vermont Cottage is being used as a summer camp and as a writing studio.

For instance, you can consider taking a minimalist approach in your design by trimming down your furniture to only the basics and using smaller dĂ©cor items. These will open the floor and visual space and make the room look bigger than its actual dimensions.  


In order to achieve the ideal balance in colors and design to avoid having a monotonous or empty-looking room. To do this, you can use bold-colored dĂ©cor or greenery such as plants and flowers. It's one of the effective ways to have interesting visual elements while having more floor space for ease of movement.  


Conclusion 

Having a well-designed rustic theme in your space can genuinely help you and your loved ones enjoy your surroundings. An ideal ambiance should promote restfulness and relaxation, and it should be filled with things that serve your needs. You can personalize your décor and furnishings in a way that would suit the theme, as well as your requirements and preferences. This way, you can move and feel at ease, embracing all the warm and cozy feelings that decorating a cabin can bring.


Celine Ruffle

Celine Ruffle is an interior designer. Her passion for decorating and giving life and color to the house allows her to pursue a career related to it. Celine loves painting and going to an art museum in her free time.

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Planning the organizational flow before you start putting stuff in your garage is a helpful task that can be done fairly quickly. You can easily draft an interior set up with graph paper and a pencil. Or use your favorite graphic design software to sketch up some props to layout on your floorplan. 

 

We have created a couple quick layouts for garage and workshops with our 24×24 GARAGE as the example. Feel free to apply any of these layouts as inspiration for your current or future garage project. 

 

LAYOUT 1 – GARAGE AND BASIC STORAGE

 

This 24×24 garage has two bays for two vehicles. There is still plenty of room to store other stuff like bikes, kayaks, recycling and your winter tires. Shelving, a tool rack and a GARDEN CLOSET free up floor space and keep everything tidy too. 

 

LAYOUT 2 – GARAGE & WORKSHOP

 

With this set up there is space for one car, and a full sized work bench, along with shelving and racks. There might be room for other stuff, but it might be a tight squeeze if you need room to move around your workspace. If you want room for your bikes still, you will love the next layout….

 

LAYOUT 3 – GARAGE & WORKSHOP WITH BONUS STORAGE

When you add an OVERHANG or ENCLOSURE to your garage, you can create an attached outdoor storage or work space. In this example we moved the bikes and kayaks under the overhang for quick access. Plenty of workbenches create ample space for woodworking projects or car tune ups. And there is still room for one vehicle and storage for tools, recycling, winter tires and shelving. Build out a storage loft above for stashing away building materials or seasonal decorations. 

 

Want to see more layouts?

What would you put in your garage?
Let us know. 

 

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If you have looked at any of our sheds and cottages and tiny houses, or flipped through a set of our DIY building plans, you would have seen that we use post and beam framing techniques in our builds. Why? It's because it is an age-old carpentry technique that has stood the test of time.


A post and beam timber frame being erected on top of a pier foundation.
Our Vermont Cabin utilizes mortise & tenon framing techniques.

Visit Stonehenge to see an example of an ancient structure built with stone posts and beams. Another classic example comes from the Amish, who are famous for raising timber frame barns. With the increasing demand for rustic-style homes, you can now find post and beam framing making a big comeback. Create an interesting interior with an exposed timber frame inside. The posts, beams and angle braces tie into both modern and antique interior decorating. Plus, did we mention how sturdy this framing style is? In our humble opinion, it’s the best!


Anatomy of a Post and Beam Building

Our designs start with conventional building techniques. A floor system contains skids and joists, or a treated sill plate. Rafters, a ridge pole, and collar ties frame the roof. Posts and beams tie into the wall framing.


Posts are the vertical pieces of lumber that support the horizontal beams.


Angle braces provide additional support from the posts to the beams.


Horizontal nailers installed several feet from the floor, and between posts, set up an extra point for fastening siding.


We utilize a few different techniques for building our post and beam structures, depending on the design. So, here we’ll talk about a few of those.


Half-Lap Joints

An example of how our post and beam walls are framed out.

Our storage sheds, mid-sized garages, and small cottages are the simplest of our designs. We build the posts, beams and angle braces with true-dimensional, 4x4 rough sawn hemlock lumber. We cut the ends of the beams in a way that allows two boards to lap over each other. Then the boards are nailed to the posts, along with the angle braces. The half-lap joint sits right on top of the post, for the strongest point of contact. A 4x4 piece of lumber weighs much less than our stockier boards, so one or two strong people can lift these pieces without machinery.


Box Beams

Diagram of a box beam on top of posts and angle braces.

This type of beam is installed on our Simple Garages. Because we build those garages with 6x6 hemlock posts, we need a thicker beam to hold up the massive roof. With a box beam post and beam structure, the post will have a 2-inch by 12-inch tenon notched out at the top. We sandwich this tenon between two 2x12 hemlock boards to create the beam. Next, the two box beams and tenons are secured together with a 2x6 top plate. The result is a box beam that is 6x14 inches in dimension. There is no denying that this hefty beam is fantastic. 


Mortise & Tenon aka Timber Frame

We designed our timber frames so that they are built with true-dimensional 8x8 hemlock lumber. We offer three buildings that utilize this framing technique. These buildings include the Vermont Cabin, Two Bay Garage, and 20x30 and 20x40 Sugar Shacks. Also, we sell Porch, overhang, or enclosure kit add-ons.



With these frames, the posts and angle braces have tenons. To create a tenon, we notch a protrusion out of the lumber. This locks together with a mortise. Mortises are notched-out holes that fit over the tenons. You will find mortises in the posts where the loft floor beams and angle braces connect to them. Wall beams also have mortises. They make contact with the posts, along with the floor joists. We utilize half laps in the beams, and like our smaller frames, these joints sit on top of the post. Finally, we secure everything together with ¾” wooden timber pegs.


Vermont Cabin with a built in porch, custom decorative cupola, and sliding glass doors.

Conclusion

Many shed and cottage companies use panelized or stick-built techniques. In many cases, these styles can be just fine. But there is a reason you don’t hear about historic buildings discovered that use these building styles—they just don't stand the test of time! If you are looking for a robust cabin, post and beam is the way to go. Setting up a house frame where the lumber interlocks together, with the siding added after, ensures a durable structure.


Looking for something roomier than what we offer? Visit our parent company, WHS Homes brands, Timber Peg and American Post & Beam for more post and beam construction styles.  


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Two dog house dormers were built on the roof of this Vermont Cabin.

You have seen them on cute Victorian cottages, traditional colonial homes, and other types of buildings. A dormer is a structure that is built projecting out of the roof of a building. It will usually have wall space for windows and might have a different pitch from the main roof, and/or a roofline that is perpendicular to the main roof. They are eye-catching and can turn a drab building into something quite fabulous. Let us take you through all of the reasons that dormers are so great.


Gain Headspace

Some of our designs, like the Smithaven cottage, have lower wall heights. Other cabins have lofts with just enough room to crouch in some spots. Including a dormer in your design provides extra vertical space. This gives you room to stretch, or at the very least, room to stand in. Tall bookshelves and closets built into a dormer create storage space for clothing, linens, books and other knick-knacks. Here is an example of a finished loft without a dormer, and one with a shed dormer.


Vermont Cabin loft without dormers
Vermont Cabin loft with a shed dormer

Bring in the Sunlight

Lofts usually have shorter walls, meaning the only available space for windows is in the gable end of the building. This usually results in limited natural light coming in. Are you using the loft as a sleeping area? A dormer will provide space for additional windows to remedy a normally darker space.


Add Some Pizazz

A standard, gabled-roof cabin provides a certain charm in its simplicity. But your cabin can get a double-take by adding one or more dormers. With this purpose in mind, the structural form of the dormer differs from the overall roofline, the architectural interest will catch most peoples’ eyes. Depending on the dormer style you add, you can make your building look more traditional or modern too.


Types of Dormers

If you are building a Vermont Cabin we offer two dormer types that work with the building kits when ordered and shipped at the same time.


Doghouse Dormer

  • Gable-Roof Style
  • One window can be installed in each dormer
  • People usually add two or three of these dormers on one or two sides of the cabin.

Shed Dormer

  • Shed-Roof Style
  • This wider dormer style can host several windows
  • Great for creating more usable space in a loft

Doghouse dormer on a Vermont Cabin
Custom Shed Dormer with Windows
Shed dormer on a Vermont Cabin

Other Designs That Utilize Dormers

While we only offer a dormer kit for the Vermont Cabin, we do have a couple designs that feature dormers as part of the overall design. The Smithaven is a micro cottage based off of our Hardware Shed. We lengthened the building and added a shed dormer on one of the bearing walls. Three barn sash windows, with a transom window above, adorn the heightened wall of the dormer. The result is an adorable tiny house with a lot of personality.


Our Dollhouse shed and Xylia cabin both have over-the-door dormers. The door dormers for both of these are visually appealing and functional. Both designs have steeper roof pitches resulting in shorter wall heights. Adding a dormer where the door goes makes it possible for a full-sized adult to walk through the door without bumping their head on the door frame.


  • Smithaven with cottage dormer
    The Smithaven is designed with a shed dormer built into it.
  • Dollhouse with above the door dormer
  • 12x16 Xylia with Artisan-blown Glass Roundel with a colorful swirl
    Xylia with above the door dormer

Conclusion

Those who want a building that includes design features that are functional and beautiful might want to pick out a design with a dormer. Additionally, dormers provide more useable space in a loft, where wall heights are usually on the short side. Last but not least, dormers provide a unique, simple style to your cottage. All in all the benefits of dormers are vast and we think they are pretty nifty.


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When Jamaica Cottage Shop began its journey decades ago, our founder, Domenic Mangano wanted to create a product made from locally sourced lumber. Instead of choosing subpar building materials, he decided to take advantage of the great timber available in the Northeast United States. The reason being that these wood species are well-suited for the local climate and create rugged structures. Fewer chemicals in the treatment of the wood mean less impact on the environment too, which is why natural wood is better. Working readily available lumber into the designs meant that new buildings could exist in harmony with the traditional homes and cabins that pepper New England, and the rest of the United States.


Western Red Cedar shingles is a stunning choice for siding or roofing. And it's all natural!

What Does True-Dimensional Mean? 

If you have ever purchased lumber at a building supply store you might have wondered why a 2x4 is really only 1-3/4” x 3-3/4”. Trimming off rough spots and defects during the milling process results in thinner boards.

With true-dimensional lumber, the width and girth will truly be what the measurement states it is. While the lumber will have a rough surface, this is often preferable. For one, a true-dimensional board is going to be much more rugged simply because it is thicker. Measuring will be simpler because you won’t have to account for that variance that happens in conventional lumber. If you are going for a rustic cabin aesthetic the rough sawn hemlock framing will instantly achieve the look.

Hemlock

Our mortise & tenon cabin is built out of big 8x8 rough sawn hemlock lumber boards for the posts and beams.
Hemlock is mainly used for framing most of our buildings

Hemlock lumber is milled from the Tsuga genus which is part of the pine family. This evergreen tree is abundant in the Northeast and Canada. Because Eastern Hemlock is so common in New England it is relatively inexpensive to harvest.


Where we use Hemlock:  

• Floor Framing - Skids, joists and blocking

• Decking for Floors - for basic out-buildings including storage sheds and firewood storage

• Wall Framing – Posts, beams, nailers, and rough openings for windows and doors

• Roof Framing – Rafters, collar ties, and ridge poles

Eastern White Pine

Board and Batten is the most popular all natural wood choice for siding our post and beam garages.
Eastern White Pine lumber is mostly used for siding and trim on our buildings shells.

Eastern White Pine lumber is harvestable all along the East Coast of the United States and Canada. Because it grows so fast this means that it is also quite affordable to produce. The natural, light color means it won’t need as many layers of paint or stain compared to darker woods. Eastern pine does turn a silvery gray color over time for those looking to achieve a weathered look.


Where we use Pine: 

• Siding - Board & batten, log cabin style, Adirondack live edge, shiplap, clapboard, and novelty styles

• Trim – Corner, windows and doors, fascia and shadow

• Doors – solid wood doors are constructed with two layers of 1-inch pine

• Floor Decking – 2-inch tongue & groove is a popular flooring upgrade

• Interior Sheathing – Roof sheathing, wall sheathing, and ceiling sheathing can be finished out with pine in shiplap or rough-sawn boards.

Kiln-Dried Spruce

Kiln dried spruce is a natural wood that we use for framing out our fully insulated buildings, like this pond house.
This Pond House is going to be insulated, so was built with a KD Spruce frame.

Post and beam buildings generally will show off the framing as part of the interior. Because of this, the frame is built with green lumber that dries over time. Green lumber is great for post and beam because it is less prone to cracking. However, if you plan on enclosing your frame with wood sheathing or drywall, it is a good idea to use dry lumber. Doing so will prevent moisture from being trapped inside your building, which will decrease the chances that mold and mildew will develop.


Where we use Spruce: 

• Floor Framing – joists and blocking in 3 or 4-season buildings

• Wall Framing – Posts, beams, nailers, and rough openings for windows and doors in 4-season buildings

• Roof Framing – Rafters, ridge poles, and collar ties in 4-season buildings

Cedar

Cedar shingle siding looks and smells wonderful on this Harvester cabin. Cedar wood can be used to finish out the interior for saunas too.
White cedar shingles were installed on this Hobby House. This type of siding is naturally rot resistant and will ward off many pests.

 Cedar is a gorgeous option we offer for the exterior, and interior, finishing off of our buildings. Because it naturally repels bugs and is rot-resistant we recommend cedar for structures built near large bodies of saltwater or in termite-prone areas. We find that Western Red is a hardier species than Eastern White and only offer it for roofing choices.


Where we use Cedar: 

• Siding – Shingles, Shakes or Clapboard in Eastern White, or Western Red

• Roofing – Shingles or Shakes in Western Red

• Sometimes used as interior wall and ceiling sheathing in prefab saunas.

When Unnatural Lumber is Advantageous

Pressure Treated Lumber

Our treated ramps sit directly on the ground. They provide easy access into storage sheds for wheelbarrows, bicycles, lawnmowers and tractors.
Since our ramps sit directly on the ground we build them out of pressure treated lumber for a long life.

While we prefer using all-natural wood as much as possible, we won’t turn our nose up to pressure-treated lumber. In some situations, it is going to be a better choice. Anywhere your building comes into direct contact with the ground, or gets constant outdoor use, pressure-treated will be recommended. The chemicals used in treated lumber will reduce the time before the lumber begins decaying, and it will repel most insects who love chomping on wood.


Where we use Pressure Treated: 

• Sill Plates – buildings without a floor system utilize a sill plate

• Floor Framing – Skids, joists, and blocking. We do not recommend upgrading the joists to be treated in insulated buildings

• Decking for Floors – Only recommended for storage buildings or porches

• Ramps – All of our ramps are treated since they come in direct contact with the ground

This cute little cabin comes with CDX decking for the flooring. It can have other types of flooring installed on top of it like laminate boards, vinyl, tiles, or carpet.
CDX Plywood works great as a shed floor, or it can be a strong base for adding tile, carpet or other types of flooring on top.

CDX Plywood

Another type of lumber we use is CDX plywood. If you have ever visited a big box store with a shed display you may have noticed that they use flaky-looking plywood called T1-11. It feels pretty flimsy, and the sheets of thin wood peel apart over time. CDX is a higher grade of plywood with larger sheets glued together. This makes a great subfloor or is perfectly fine for the decking in a storage shed or workshop.


Where we use CDX:

• Floor Decking – in storage sheds, workshops, or as the subfloor in cabins, cottages, and tiny houses.
• 3 and 4-season buildings – to encase the insulation inside the floor joists

Conclusion

Picking out high-quality materials for your shed build will mean your building will last a long time. Natural wood choices have advantages like looking attractive and blending into the landscape much better than synthetic options. Rough-sawn, true-dimensional lumber is sturdy meaning your building won’t wobble when you walk inside. Long-lasting structures might cost a little more upfront. In the long term, you will save money and time. And did we mention how great pine and cedarwood smells?