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Jamaica Cottage Shop

Hand-crafted cottages and sheds created by Vermont artisans in the post-and-beam tradition.

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October 20, 2020 by freelancer

Best Tips for Cabin Building Prep

 

Building any type of structure on your property takes time and energy. Every effort is worthwhile when you are satisfied with the result. A good plan is always the best starting point. After that, time frames and costs should be considered, which is precisely what we will discuss in further detail in this article. Read on to find out what you should know before beginning to build a structure on your property.

Where to Start

Everything is more straightforward with a plan. Special projects like building a structure on your property are no different. Start the planning process by deciding what you would like to build and on which lot. Having a plan of your own is a plus since you will not waste time searching for the perfect cabin kit or fully assembled cottage to buy. Right after that, you should think about the budget you have for this project. Building any structure requires money, not only for materials and labor, but for fees as well.

How Long Before You Can Move In

There are so many factors to determine when the construction is complete. The timeframe usually varies from a few months to a few years. Your tiny dream home can be assembled relatively quickly provided you choose one of the pre-cut kit designs and have your own lot prepared. Building a large family home on a piece of uncleared land can add time and money to the project. Additionally, exterior and interior finishes (flooring, cabinetry, doors, windows, hinges) will also add time to complete the entire construction.  

Budget

When it comes to the budget, you must know how much you can afford or finance before creating a building plan. Chances are, you will need a loan from a bank. Before signing a construction loan contract with the bank, you should be aware of the costs that are ahead. The best way to avoid overextending your budget is to meet up with your potential architect and general contractor.

Nobody can tell you for sure how much your house will cost in the end, but setting the budget is an excellent place to start. Some 5-15% of it will go to the architect you choose to design the layout. Even if you have a building plan already made, you will still have to spend some 2% of your building budget on permits for the project.

10x16 Hobby House in a tropical setting

Construction Type

The next aspect you should decide on is the type and the model of your future construction. Are you going to build it from scratch, or you prefer turn-key designs and constructions that come as pre-cut kits? The latter solution is much faster to build, and you still have many options to choose from in terms of size, layout, and overall design.

Now we have come to the step where you need to choose a proper building plan for what you want to make. The prices here vary significantly depending on what you prefer. Any custom-made solution will cost more, so prefabricated plans are the best choice for those building on a budget.

Choosing a Bid

No matter how much you like what you hear from the first general contractor you interview, you should not make any final decisions before meeting at least two more builders. Get the recommendations from people you trust and who have had their houses or other structures built in the last few years. Having three bids for your project will help you decide who to hire.

A portion of your budget will go to the general contractor who manages all the building and communication with suppliers and subcontractors.

Gravel Pad with Cement Blocks

Site Preparation

If the lot you plan to build on is already occupied, you need to account for the demolition and clearing process. Also, you might need to get a demolition permit. Remember, it is not only the exact spot where your new structure will stand that needs to be clear. The good news is that a site that has already been used before probably has an electrical system and plumbing. Not having to deal with utility set up will save you some money and a lot of patience.

On the other hand, when building on a lot that has never been used before, you will have to ensure that the place is easily accessible for unloading construction materials and equipment from trailers and trucks. You will have to get the permit to build and to install various systems. The costs vary across the states and even from one city to another. To find out what you need to pay, you should contact your local building department.

The cost of your tiny home site preparation will depend on the terrain itself too. For instance, does the land need to be graded? Do any trees need to be removed? If you are new to the DIY lifestyle or have no experience in building, you might be surprised by the work scope that needs to be done even before the foundation is laid. Review the site preparation recommendations for your building in your DIY plans to choose and install your foundation before building.  

Time to Build

After several months of negotiating, planning, budgeting, demolishing, and cleaning – the time has come to start the construction. If you are building in the areas with harsh and snowy winters, you will have to factor in the months when hazardous weather limits construction. Again, the project’s length will depend on the type and size of the building you are building.

The cost of all works and the dynamics of payment are the things you should negotiate with your general constructor at the beginning of the project. Here’s a practical tip: Always have a budget for contingencies. Add at least 5% to your contractor’s assessment for any potential hiccups along the way.

Budget, permits, demolition and site preparation are some of the things you need to plan before beginning to build a structure on your property. Ensuring all of these steps are in order before construction will save you from any potential problems along the way. Good luck with your project!

Author’s Bio

Tanya Jones is an interior designer and decorator. She has been in the business for over a decade now. Her other interests include landscaping and exterior design. She is very passionate about camping and hiking.

Filed Under: How-To, Living, Site Preparation

September 28, 2020 by freelancer

Bee Cottage Shed to Guesthouse Conversion

A storage shed can be a good option to create a guesthouse for friends and relatives when they visit. However, some considerations are necessary to make one functional and comfortable. If this sounds like you, use the following tips to learn how to convert a storage shed into a guesthouse.

How to Convert a Storage Shed into a Guesthouse

Before you start, you need to secure the necessary permits before beginning any construction. Buying a storage shed will still need some modification based on the necessities that you plan to include in the guesthouse.

Understanding Municipal Laws

Check local zoning laws before you purchase a shed. Some towns do not allow placing any additional structures within a property or have limits as to what you can add. At the same time, there are separate permits and restrictions for installing electrical wirings or plumbing necessities. Check with your local town clerk to find out what is required for a permit. 

10x14 Gable Shed Converted Into Guest House
This Gable Storage Shed was outfitted with four season options for year round comfort.

Buying a Shed

You can already use an existing shed at home with some repairs, repainting, and thorough cleaning using good floor mops for vinyl plank floors. If you are buying a new storage shed to convert into a guesthouse, always consider the things that you want to add to the design.

Size vs. Necessities

More necessities to put in, like a kitchenette and a bathroom, means you need to purchase a bigger shed. A smaller size may also be ideal with proper layout planning.

Interior of a shed converted into a guesthouse
This shed was converted into a cozy little guesthouse that is used for earning extra income.

Designs and Functionality

Storage sheds come in different designs, materials, and functionality. Some already have windows, while other models give you the freedom to assign where to place them. Most storage sheds come pre-built and ready to assemble.

You can also buy several add-ons when you purchase a shed, such as potted plants for the outdoor decoration and flooring improvements.

Necessities

Achieve a comfortable guesthouse by furnishing it with basic home essentials. Still, what to add is a matter of personal preference and always consider the size of the storage, your budget, and municipal laws.

Bathroom

Having a bathroom inside the guesthouse limits other people from entering your house, especially in late-night hours. On their end, it is more convenient to have one inside which they can use anytime. If privacy is not a problem, you can just skip adding a bathroom.

Plumbing requires some pipe laying and a connection to the main sewage system. Remember to check local laws for plumbing before construction. A prefabricated bathroom used in mobile homes may also be an alternative to building from scratch.

Ensure a comfy stay for your guests with kitchen essentials.

Kitchenette

You can also add a small kitchen in the guesthouse. With a strategic layout, there should be little space to fit in a sink, small refrigerator, microwave, and an electric stove. At least place a small refrigerator in the guesthouse if not an entire kitchen.

Windows

While you can buy storage sheds with ready-built windows, you can improve their ventilation and lighting. Remember, it helps in ventilation if you position two windows opposite each other.

Air Conditioning and Heating System

Consider the weather in your location and decide if an air-conditioning system and heater are necessary for the guesthouse. You will be installing additional electrical lines for this so check the building restrictions once more. Decide if you want to use a woodstove, wall mounted propane heat, or electrical. Heat pumps are a great all-in-one heat and AC source that uses electricity. 

Power Outlets

Install power outlets in several corners of the storage shed. Your guests will appreciate having access to a power supply should they need to recharge their devices.

Other Things to Include

Some add-ons will improve the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the guesthouse. Decorate it with rugs, potted plants, and bookshelves. A comfortable sofa and a TV will also make your guests feel at home. Remember also to use furniture that serves two purposes to save space. Futons, coffee tables that convert into dining tables, and bunk beds with drawers underneath are some of our favorite dual purpose furniture. 

Conclusion

There are ways to create a home-like environment with storage sheds. In addition to understanding the local laws on building and modification, learning how to convert a storage shed into a guesthouse is important for a well-planned out design and layout.

Filed Under: Accessory Dwelling Units, How-To, Tiny Houses

September 7, 2020 by freelancer

Indoor Jungle: A Basic Guide to Indoor Plant Care

How to care for indoor platns

Now that most people spend their time at home instead of the great outdoors, for sure you want to see something green inside your homes and work spaces. Aside from aesthetics, plants make us feel better physically and mentally. They remove toxins in the air, and they boost your mood and make you feel relaxed. Thanks to the goodness of indoor plants, you can now have the wonders of nature inside your home. However, to make your indoor jungle thrive, you should be equipped with the proper knowledge of indoor house plant care.

Choosing your indoor plant baby

Before proceeding to the guide on how to care for indoor plants, let’s first discuss the tips and factors to consider when choosing what indoor plants you should have in your indoor jungle. Here are some questions that can help you narrow down your choices when it comes to determining which indoor plants are the best choices for clean air.

Am I allergic to it?

While it is true that indoor plants clean the surrounding air, they can still give off allergens such as mold and pollen that, when inhaled, can cause allergies. Moreover, if you choose large tropical indoor plants with large leaves, dust can accumulate, so make sure to wipe them clean occasionally.

Is it safe for kids?

If you have kids at home, most likely they might be tempted to hold plants and then touch their eyes, nose, and mouth, or eat them! Once ingested, they may undergo a simple skin reaction or upset stomach. If a large amount is ingested, it can be life-threatening.

In the process of baby-proofing your homes, do your research about the types of indoor plants you keep and the plants you are planning to add to your indoor jungle. Take note of any plants that are poisonous for kids and have the option of letting them go or hanging them out of reach.

Is it pet-friendly?

Aside from kids, your fur babies should also be taken into consideration when identifying houseplants. Cats and dogs may chew your houseplants out of curiosity.

If you won’t be able to place your plants in a spot unreachable to pets, make sure to select types of indoor plants that are safe for cats and dogs. These include Hawortia, an indoor plant resembling the aloe plant, and Boston ferns (Nephrolepis) known for its shaggy fronds.

How much space is needed?

If you live in a condo, you should know how to arrange indoor plants in your unit to maximize your space. Moreover, even though you want to turn a portion of your home into an indoor jungle, you would want it to be organized and serene, not stressful, and chaotic.

If you plan on adding beginner plants to grow indoors in different parts of your home – like along a window with our flower boxes – picture first how you would like to arrange them. This will help you “see” if your plan works well for your space. Make sure that these spaces are far from any wires and electrical outlets to avoid any accidents when you water them.

If you choose to add indoor vine plants, strategically place them in spots where you want them to crawl onto. You can also hang them on a basket, using a bracket, or place them on a tall plant stand and let them crawl down to the floor. Don’t forget to occasionally trim them and weed out dead leaves.

How much light and water are needed?

House plants will need some watering

One thing is for sure, indoor plants need a minimum amount of sunlight for several hours. Others don’t need sunlight at all since artificial light is sufficient for them. Consider the lighting for your indoor plants. Determine which plants should stay near windows and which ones can be placed in secluded spots. You don’t want them to die out of too much or too little sunlight. Also, rotate your plant facing the sun every once in a while, so that the whole plant will get sufficient sunlight.

Indoor plant care includes regular watering. Note that these plants do not need frequent watering so don’t fall into the trap of over-watering. As a rule of thumb, the thicker a plant’s leaves are, the less water it needs. Over-watering can harm your plants. There are also specific plants such as orchids that need regular misting of the roots and leaves, aside from watering the dirt, to ensure that they thrive.

Additional tips on how to keep plants happy

Understand the basics of indoor plant care.

Indoor plants are not very needy when it comes to taking care of them. However, if you do not have time to check up on them and provide their needs, they will die. To be a responsible indoor gardener, research well on how to properly provide the moderate care for the plants you wish to bring home.

Select plants ideal for beginners.

If you’re just starting out with the goal of creating an indoor jungle at home, it is best to select beginner plants as these are the easiest and usually the safest plants to have. Spider plants, snake plant, lucky bamboo, succulents and ivy are all excellent choices. 

Learn the techniques in indoor plant propagation.

Instead of buying additional plants of the same kind you already have, you can save money by learning how to propagate your plants. Plant propagation refers to the process of creating new plants. The common process of propagation involves cutting a segment of your plant and placing it in water or soil until it grows.

When the plants grow, it’s time to put them into a larger container.

Plants grow and sometimes, their roots grow through the drainage holes in your pot. When you notice this outgrowth, it is time to repot your plants, in a larger pot, so that there’s more room for their roots to grow.

Invest in good soil and fertilizer.

Potting soil is where your plant’s roots collect their much-needed nutrients to thrive. Make sure that you use the right soil for the type of indoor plants you have. Do not forget to add fertilizers at least once a month. Research the right type of fertilizer or compost suitable for your plants.

Wash your plants.

Your plants get dirty especially with the dust, smoke, and other elements inside your home that can clog the pores of their leaves. In your indoor house plant guide, do not forget to regularly clean your plants by spraying its leaves with clean water. If you see that bugs live in your plants, you can wash them with insecticidal soap using a non-abrasive cloth.

Prune your plants when necessary.

Pruning is essential to encourage your plants to grow more. If you see that a part of your indoor plant has withered or faded, especially if they are indoor flowering plants, it is time to prune them. Doing so will make them look their best and will prevent the diseased branches from affecting the whole plant.

If you have indoor vines and large, lush indoor plants, pruning will enable you to shape them and show off your artistic talent. If your large tropical indoor plants are almost reaching the ceiling, it’s better to cut that segment of the plant that touches the ceiling.

Place them in safe places.

When kids and pets play and run indoors, there is a chance that they might bump into your indoor plants and break their pots. So, if you are keeping small plants indoors, make sure to keep them in places where they won’t be stepped on or run over.

Talk to your plants.

How to keep plants happy? Studies show that talking to plants helps them grow. When you’re alone and you don’t have anyone to talk to, tell your plants how your day went. They won’t talk back to you, but they’ll prove to be good listeners.

There are a lot of benefits in building your own indoor jungle at home. You’ll feel more relaxed and happier while you stay in the comforts of your home. So do your best in learning how to take care of plants so that your indoor jungle will thrive.

Article written by Emily Harper

Filed Under: Garden, How-To

September 2, 2020 by freelancer

How to Design and Build a Pond for Your Garden

backyard garden designIf you have decided to create a small garden pond, the first thing you should be thinking about is what type of pond you would like to have. Would you prefer it to be above-ground or in-ground? You also have to choose the type of construction needed. Would it be a flexible self-designed pond or a prefabricated one? Both of these have advantages and can be perfectly integrated into your garden with thorough planning.

Thorough Planning is Key

You have to take plenty of time to plan all the possible nuances: the pond type, size (dimensions), liner material, and many other features. It is always easier to build a pond following a well-prepared plan. Some may prefer to jump in with the build and fix any issues along the way. This approach could lead to scrapping the project and starting over from scratch. This is why you ought to look for pond ideas on the Internet or see the backyard of your neighbors. Consult a professional and decide on the type, size, and style of the construction before beginning the building process and its preparations. Make sure that you stick to the plan.

Decide What Type of Construction it Will Be

One of the first things that you need to decide is the type of construction. Here are some of my favorite pond construction types to get you started in the right direction. 

The foil type is the perfect solution to integrate a pond of a preferred shape and dimensions in your garden. It looks especially natural, even large shallow water zones can be easily formed using it.

First, you should determine how much foil liner you require to build your dream pond. Make sure that you are going to use high-quality material so that you get to enjoy your little oasis for a long time. This is possible only if the chosen foil is durable, water-resistant, and rot-proof. I also recommend protecting the foil from excessive sunlight. In case your foil is UV-resistant, then you should still cover it for aesthetic reasons. Stones, special stone liners, or sedum mats are best suited for this. I would also recommend that you use dark colors since they enhance water reflection and as a result; your pond will appear to be deeper than it is. You also have to pay careful attention to the surface of the edges. You should smoothen it and ensure that you do not leave any sharp stones. This can be done using a layer of sand and then covering it with a protective fleece.

On the contrary, preformed plastic pond liners, made of high-density/ reinforced polyethylene or fiberglass, are extremely robust and almost indestructible. They come in all possible sizes, shapes, and surfaces, so they can meet almost any need. Also, their installation is faster and easier, compared to a foil pond. Another advantage of such liners is their mobility. It means that, if you happen to change your mind and would like to move your pond someplace else, it would be much easier and quicker. You simply should dig out your prefabricated pool and reinstall it at its new place or even your new home, if you end up moving somewhere else.

Some people also build a concrete pond, but it is not the most optimal variant since it makes it very difficult to move it or deconstruct it as well as being unable to make any adjustments to it.

Planning Out the Setting

After you had decided on the construction type of your future pond, the actual planning can now begin. First, determine its precise size and location. The ideal location for your garden lake would be in a partially shaded location in your backyard. Three to five hours of direct sunlight per day would be ideal for the water quality and the well-being of almost any plants and fish that live there. In case the pond would be exposed to sunlight for a longer period, you should consider shading it with an umbrella or border plants. This would be necessary to help prevent the water from becoming too warm and as a result affecting the growth of algae and other microorganisms.

Koi Pond FishIf you decide to use border plants as a source for the shade you have to pay extra attention when choosing the type of plant needed. For example, foliage and conifer plants are not the best choices. This also applies to strongly rooted plants. One more thing to keep in mind is that when you choose border plants, you should place them far enough from the body of water. Mainly because as leaves fall in autumn they will immediately end up in the pond. This can negatively affect water quality. Furthermore, tree and shrub roots can make it difficult to dig out the preformed pond liner and may even damage it. Plants of the cypress family (Cupressaceae) should be avoided since their needles can poison the water as they fall into your pond. This rule is essential if you intend to build a fishpond.

Next, you will want to recreate the entire ecosystem in your yard to keep your fish in a healthy and clean environment. If it’s not an option, then you might consider installing a filter to remove excess dirt particles and reduce toxins. With the help of special test sticks, you can easily determine and control the water quality of your pond at any time. Also, a good investment would be buying a garden pond aerator, which helps protect against excessive vascular plants, green water, and the lack of oxygen in your pond. There are various solar aerator models on the market nowadays, so you won’t need to connect it to an electrical outlet. However, in case you get common electrical equipment, you might want to consider the need to plan a cable route for all the electrical devices. I recommend constructing your garden pond not very far from your house. Building a small garden shed with electricity supply nearby would be also a nice option for that purpose.

As early in the planning stage, you will also have to decide what type of fish (if any) you would like to have since it would also help you decide what pond equipment you require.

As for decorations, you might want to consider buying and installing LED-lights and fountains. The latter ones can serve not only in achieving a natural look and a soothing water splash but also maintain oxygen at a normal level, which is vital for the pond. To install one, you would need a pump that will transport the water from the pond to the source of the fountain. For a fishpond, it would be ideal if you can combine the pump with a suitable filtering system.

Speaking of LED-lights, they can add more liveliness to your pond, and that way you can enjoy watching it even during the late hours of the night. Illuminated ponds add a romantic feel to any outdoor dinner and can serve as a perfect decoration for summer garden parties.

Step-by-Step Building Tutorial 

  1. Mark the outline of your future pond in the planned location. For example, with the help of a garden hose or wooden pegs. You should also identify damp, shallow, and deep-water zones.
  2. Start digging. First, remove any turf in the area planned for the garden pond, put it aside — you are going to need it after the pond is complete. Make sure that the sides of the hole are level. You can check it by placing a plank across it and using a spirit level. Make sure that you removed all stones and roots in that area.
  3. Model the different depth zones with the spade. You can secure them with the help of lean concrete if needed. Let’s say we are going to have around 20-30 cm deep damp water zone, around 60 cm deep shallow zone, and around 120 cm deep water zone.
  4. Fill the pond hole with a layer of sand. Naturally, you can use any other insulation material, for example, waterproof geotextile liner or even pieces of an old carpet. This step is crucial so you should not miss it. An isolation layer is needed for protecting the foil from future damage.  
  5. Carefully place the foil into the hole, letting around 15 cm overlap. You must ensure that every cm of the foil is placed correctly into every corner inside the pond.
  6. After insulating and placing the foil in the pond hole, you should dig a shallow trench around the pond hole and tuck the overlapping edges of the foil into the trench.
  7. Now, it’s up to you on how you wish to cover up the foil at the edges and weigh it down. For example, you can use decking planks or stones. I prefer using a combination of special stone liners to cover the pond edges and then place stones on the top of it. It creates the most natural look.
  8. Put some sand on the bottom of every level of your garden pond and weigh the foil on each level with the help of the stones.
  9. Now, it’s time to fill your pond with water (preferably rainwater). To avoid sand from dispersing, try to direct the first water stream onto an object like a stone, and do that very slowly. In this stage, you should consider adding the needed equipment and planting some water weeds into the sand at the bottom of each water zone. After the water has completely covered the sand at each pond level, you can gradually start filling up the pond quicker.
  10. In this step, the foil may stretch and start to change its position at the edges. That’s not something to worry about since it is just adjusting itself. After the pond is full of water, weigh up the edges with the stones again. Now, it’s time to use the left aside turf. Place it over the edges around the stones, add some little stones and logs to achieve the most natural look. You can also plant something in the soil, but with time, this will happen on its own. Speaking of a fishpond, do not add fishes straight away, give it some time so that the water settles in (at least for one week).

So, as you have noticed from our pond design tips, setting up a garden pond is not rocket science and thinking it through takes more time than building it. Taking the time to plan properly can help avoid pitfalls during the building process. Once your design is ironed out, and materials are secured, it is very plausible to have your pond built over a weekend or two. 

This article on how to create a small garden pond was contributed by Kimberly Cornish

Filed Under: Garden, How-To, Landscaping

August 27, 2020 by freelancer

Six Steps for Maintaining Your Building for a Long Life

Six Steps to Maintain Your Building for a Long Life.

Building a home for yourself isn’t an easy task, believe us, we know. And as this is the place where you will be living, everything has to be done just right. Today, we are here to tell you how to maintain your tiny home, cottage, or shed. Because not only is the building process extremely important – the things you do to your building afterward are too. If you want to keep your structure looking as good as new, you have to invest some time into maintaining it. As this is not something everyone knows, we decided to give you a couple of tips that are going to help you maintain your building and keep it looking great for years.

Leave foundation work to a professional

A Solid Foundation is Key to Maintaining Your Building

While you are still building your home, you have to make sure that everything is done right. And this is because a good foundation is key to a home’s long lifespan. As long as you make sure that you use good-quality materials and tools, and you have professional builders helping you, as you build your home, you are taking the first step towards a healthy foundation. In the same way you would hire movers to transport furniture without damaging anything to your home, you might want to hire builders to build your home so nothing goes wrong. It is a great idea to have professionals help from the beginning. 

Roofing is Important

Not only is having a solid foundation important but so is having a good roof. The roof protects both your home and you from the elements and that is why having a high-quality roof is crucial. Putting a roof on a home is a tough task. It is much better to hire a professional right away to avoid mistakes that could end up being costly. Once the roof is up make sure to routinely maintain it by cleaning out the gutters, removing snow, and replacing faulty shingles before any leaks happen. 

Care for Wood Siding

Once you finish building your home, you have to take a couple of steps that are going to make your home last and look better even longer. If the home you built is wooden and you want to maintain the look of young wood, you need to use materials that help this.

Wood-protecting finish will preserve your wood from UV rays. UV rays have been proven to cause a lot of damage to wood over time. In 5 years’ time, your home will look just as it did when the wood was first treated with the solution. This means that for 5 years you won’t have to think about sun-damage and damage from most outside elements. You can also use certain oils, linseed for example, that the wood soaks in over time. 

Upkeep the Paint Job on Your Shed

Avoid Chipped Paint

It’s not for everyone, but some people do like the look of a painted home. If done correctly, it can really look amazing. Though most people prefer to keep the natural color of wood, a lot of people decide to paint it. And if you do too, you have to make sure that the paint you are using is of good quality. Use a finish that is going to last the longest. Have in mind that when you paint on wood chipping will occur over time. To avoid this a pre-painting primer should be applied first, and make sure the surface is dry and prepared correctly. 

Keep Vegetation at Bay

Vegetation Should Keep It’s Distance

It has been proven that wooden homes that have been surrounded by plants will need much more attention. This is because a lot of bugs live in the plants and some of them can cause damage to your home. Additionally, plants can create access for rodents and reptiles to crawl into your windows. If you are growing a beautiful garden by planting flowers, grass, fruits, or vegetables, make sure you plant them a bit further away from your home, a couple of feet will be just fine. 

Use Routine Maintenance to Get Ahead of Any Problem Areas

Twice a year you should inspect your building for any issues. Look out for cracks in the foundation and siding, missing roofing shingles, gaps in window and door framing, and mold Take care of these issues as you find them and you will be thanking yourself later. Knot holes, can be filled in with wood putty, windows and doors can be caulked. Re-level your building if the doors and windows are getting stuck. If you find minor mold and mildew apply a half water/half bleach solution to kill it off. Clear any items away from the sides of your building, such as stacked wood, landscaping materials and garbage. Getting ahead of the game now will save money in the long run and ward off major complications from occurring in the future. 

Filed Under: How-To, Maintenance

August 17, 2020 by freelancer

DIY Kayak Rack: Homemade Kayak Storage Rack

Introduction

Hello outdoor enthusiasts!

DIY Kayak Rack

Over the last 10 years, outdoor activities have gained popularity and more specifically, kayaking. A kayak is not just a great fitness tool, but also a great way to explore the Great Outdoors. Over the years, more and more people began kayak fishing and visiting different campsites with their vessels. Undoubtedly, it did not take long to recognize that kayaking offers ample health benefits, and it is a great alternative to classic activities like jogging.

Do I need a Storage Kayak Rack?

Unquestionably, a kayak will open up a new world, but the only tricky issue is that you cannot just drop your yak in your garage, especially if you do not have enough space. It goes without saying that if you have an inflatable vessel, you can stash it nearly anywhere.

Many people store their kayaks outside, which is not a good idea. Mold, rain, dust, and UV rays can destroy your vessel within 3 years. A good solution would be a kayak rack where you can place it and keep it safe and sound in your garage or backyard under an overhang.

If you have a hard-shell kayak and a little storage problem, you came to the right place. Fortunately, you do not have to spend a fortune on expensive kayak racks because we will show you how to build a kayak rack!

Vertical Kayak Stand

First, if you have a small garage, the only option to store your kayak is upright. Of course, you can just lean it against the wall, but you will need something that will hold it. This construction will support one-person and small tandem kayaks.

Rule number one: Before you start constructing a vertical stand, you will have to make sure that your ceiling is high enough to store the kayak upright. Lean your kayak against the wall and mark the width of your vessel on the wall at the point you would like to place the rack.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED

  • One 2×4 wooden plank (length depends on your kayak)
  • Two metal or galvanized brackets “floating shelf” brackets
  • Screws
  • foam pipe wrap
  • two plastic caps
  • lashing straps
  •  

Firstly, you will have to screw the two brackets on each end of your plank. Secondly, wrap the brackets with the foam insulation and put on the plastic caps on your bracket ends. That’s it! Now the last step is to attach the plank on your wall according to your kayak height. Use the lashing straps to fasten your vessel.

PVC Kayak Stand Rack

When you own a long kayak and you want to protect it from harsh weather conditions, you may consider a kayak stand. The biggest benefit of a stand is that it can hold heavier kayaks, and you can adjust it according to your needs. It is a good option for both sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks.

The rigid construction of this stand requires PVC tubes and some connectors. Before you select the PVC tubes, please make sure that they are flat without any visible cracks.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED

  • One small hand saw
  • 2 10’feet PVC Tubes — 2” inches Diameter
  • 2 “X” PVC Connectors
  • 2 “T” Connectors
  • 8 2” inches PVC or plastic caps
  • PVC Solving Cement
  • Lashing strap

STEP 1

Now you will have to cut the tubing into pieces. Hence, you will need

  • 15” inches 4 pieces
  • 8” inches 8 pieces
  • 5’feet 2 pieces

DIY Kayak Stand Diagram 1

STEP 2

The next step will be to clean your “X” connectors properly, so you can apply the PVC cement. For a better result, we would recommend to sand off the PVC tubes so they are completely flat. Apply some cement in the “X” connector and slide in the PVC tubes like in the picture below.

DIY Kayak Rack Diagram 2

STEP 3

You should be very careful with PVC cement because it is drying quickly. The next step will be to attach the “T” shaped connectors at the 8” inches tubes you have just used and slide the other two 8” pieces as well in the connectors.

Make sure that everything is perfectly aligned before you apply PVC cement. Please look at the picture below. Lastly, you should put the plastic caps at the end of the base tube. The final result should look like in the picture. Now you can slide in the open “T” connectors the long tubes and glue them as well.

 

Kayak Rack Diagram 3

STEP 4

The lashing straps should support your kayak hull, so you will have to cut two pieces that are a bit longer than the “V” shaped opening. Apply some PVC cement, put the straps on the top, and close the end with a plastic cap. You can see the final result in the picture.

Let’s Explore the Great Outdoors

Finally, kayaking is a great activity, and the size of your kayak should not stop you from enjoying a nice kayak trip. Undoubtedly, they are not the smallest boats, but if you have the ideal storage rack at home, you will not face any problems. You can find different kayak racks on the market, but if you would like something inexpensive, you can just construct your DIY wood kayak rack.

In this post, we included two kayak storage methods, and you will have to choose according to your available space and vessel. The average kayak size ranges between 7-13 feet, and we would recommend the vertical stand. However, if you have a fishing kayak, or an ocean fishing kayak, which are usually longer vessels, you should choose the PVC stand.

Would you like to cast a fly in the river or enjoy the scenic mountaintops and crystal-clear rivers? Grab your kayak and hit the road!

Author: Stavros Steve Alexiou

Born and raised in the heart of Anchorage. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, nature inspires me and I love to seek out isolated places, picturesque mountains, and crystal clear rivers, and I spend most of my time kayak fishing, fly-fishing, hiking, and backpacking with a group of friends. My motto? Stay motivated people, and grab any opportunity to reconnect with nature!

Filed Under: How-To, Organization and Storage

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