Jamaica Cottage Shop

Hand-crafted cottages and sheds created by Vermont artisans in the post-and-beam tradition.
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SALE ENDS 10/10/22

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10x14 Tool Shed with Pine Double Doors
Our Tool Shed is a spectacular design that could be used as a fishing gear storage shed

Over the past few decades, self-sustainability and eco-friendly habits have been growing in popularity. Learning how to grow and hunt your own food is practical and enjoyable. Fishing may be one of the best and beneficial ways to hunt for food. First of all, it is relaxing to hang out on a boat for hours on a sunny day. Secondly, fish is one of the healthiest sources of protein, and they taste great grilled up. Finally, fishing is a sport that nearly anyone can participate in. It is relatively affordable and there are a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy it - anywhere there is water!


No matter what your skill level is, it is always a good idea to make sure you organize your fishing gear. Keeping your fishing supplies accessible and tidy means more time for enjoying your favorite pastime. Imagine a frustration-free day where you can pick up your fishing line and tackle box without tripping over lawnmowers and rakes. This is very possible with some creativity.


Fishing gear storage can range anywhere from a tackle box up to a large Equipment Shed. A large shed can shelter several boats, your fishing gear, rods, tackle, bait, and anything else you might need to keep safe and sound. Here we outline a few of our products that will help fishers of any skill level keep their gear tidy.


Fishing Gear Storage for Novices 

2x4 Garden Closet is constructed of pine tongue and groove lumber
It is best to keep the Garden Closet under cover since it has a wooden top

Perhaps you are just learning the art of fishing or only go on the occasional outing. One or two fishing rods and a small tackle box might be your only fishing possessions. Or maybe storage space is a concern: You might not have a yard where you can set up a fishing shed, or you own a storage shed that is already filled to the brim. If you fit in this category, we recommend craftily organizing your gear with some of our accessories and furnishings.


We have a variety of handy racks made of all-natural, unfinished pine. Our peg rack could be used to organize fishing rods and oars. A spice rack is a useful organizational tool for storing tackle when it is not in use. The rotating tie rack, which has 24 pegs, might be a great way to sort out loose fishing lines and small ropes. Add a cedar toolbox so you can grab your favorite supplies and go.


Consider combining these accessories with our 2x4 Garden Closet to create a self-contained area to stash your fishing gear. This Garden Closet, with its double doors, has adjustable shelving on one side. The shelving is perfect for holding tackle boxes, small coolers, and life jackets. The other side is open, which makes it ideal for long items, like fishing poles, that need to be stored vertically.


Fishing Gear Storage for Hobbyists

Custom 6x4 Utility Shed being used to store winter sports equipment and gardening tools
Another 6x4 Utility Shed with battens upgrade. This post and beam shed has been stained brown

Those who find themselves casting a line nearly every weekend will need a bit more storage space. Small storage sheds can be a great way to dedicate space to your favorite hobby. A 10x4 Utility Shed can easily fit storage racks, shelving, and bins for organizing your gear. This tiny wooden shed adapts to nearly any backyard and could be used in other ways if your interest in fishing fades. Our Weston Potting Shed is a multipurpose building for work and storage. This building is enclosed on one side with double doors. The built-in workbench, located on the open side, is an exceptional place for assembling tackle.


Kayaking is growing in demand. Fishing kayaks are easily transportable on top of a car, making them a perfect watercraft for hobbyist fishers. Think about getting an Overhang Kit to add to an existing building. Build a DIY kayak rack underneath, along with a Garden Closet and storage accessories. This simple and affordable storage solution will have all of your needs covered.


Fishing Gear Storage for Fanatics

12x16 Hobby House with Overhang
This small post and beam cabin can be used for living or as a workshop.

Fishing fanatics, it's more than just a hobby, it's a way of life. They probably own one or more fishing boats and dozens of rods. A fishing pro will construct lures, harvest worms for bait, and make DIY repairs on their boats. Their space is decorated with housewares, knick-knacks, and artworks that are fishing-related, along with nets and buoys. Their significant other might not want this fishy stuff cluttering up the home or have different tastes in décor.


For this reason, a fishing fanatic will need a workshop where they can have a fishing shed sanctuary. This dream building will probably have a storage loft, workbenches, shelving, cabinets, and maybe even an overhang or enclosure add-on. It might even have electricity installed, as well as have space for a refrigerator and a grill. It could even be a small post and beam cabin set up on a lakefront property for fishing getaways.


The first building that meets all of these requirements is the Hobby House. This modest and spacious building has it all. The double doors, with a ramp, make it easy to cart a boat in and out. A workbench provides space for building custom fishing lures and woodworking for boat repairs. The loft adds handy storage, or a place to toss a mattress for sleeping. Finally, the side overhang can shelter small fishing boats when they are not in use.


Business Fishing Gear Storage Ideas

Boat repair and detailing are services that are in demand. You could set up a boat shop business, along with selling and renting fishing equipment, canoes, and kayaks for income. If you want to turn your passion into a business, think about getting one of our larger buildings. The Equipment Shed and Two Bay Garage are two designs that come to mind. These buildings contain multiple bays and offer plenty of shelter for boats, sales racks, register counters, and displays.


Conclusion

Fishing can be an enjoyable hobby or business. Either way keeping your fishing equipment organized and safe can be very beneficial. A dedicated space for your supplies will eliminate frustrations and keep everyone in your family happy. Consider your skill level and what you think your future interest in fishing will be to decide on a backyard storage shed, a lakeside cabin, or boat garage. Once you have built your shed deck it out with furnishings and dĂ©cor. Maybe even top your post and beam building with a Shark Weathervane!

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Add an overhang to a garage, barn or shed for a boat storage solution.
An overhang is a great place to store a small motorboat, rowboat or canoe.

Summer is a fun time for sailing, paddling, and zooming through the water. Even though winter may be a long way off it is a good idea to plan ahead. Protect your investment in a motorboat, sailboat, kayak, or canoe. Properly sheltering your boat in a storage shed, garage, or under an overhang will keep your ship in tip-top shape. Read on for our line-up of boat storage ideas and building designs that will keep your watercraft safe from the elements and thieves.    

Get Your Measurements

After a quick internet search, I learned that there are four classes of boats, determined by length. Our buildings work well for Class A, Class I, and Class II vessels. Class III vessels are boats that are longer than 40 feet. There are creative ways to house a Class III vessel. Multiple building kits could be constructed end to end to create a shelter that is longer for example.

To find out what building size will house your boat, you will need to take some measurements. First, measure the tip of the bow to the stern to get the overall length of your boat. Add measurements of anything attached to the front or rear that could add length to the boat. This measurement needs to include things like motors and rudders. You will probably want something longer than the boat so you have ample space to move around when cleaning or making repairs.

It is also important to consider height and width. You will want a building that is tall and wide enough to house your watercraft. Consider the rough opening for the entryway too. Will your boat fit through it? If not, buy a building that has an entryway with dimensions that work or hire a contractor to custom build your opening. Another option is to purchase a frame-only kit and add metal roofing if you want something similar to an open carport.

Now pick a building that falls into the category below that your boat will fit into.

Big Boat Storage Ideas

Shelter multiple boats with a two bay garage and overhang.
This two bay garage was modified to have a set of double doors on the gable end.

A Class II Vessel would be a boat that measures between 26 and 40 feet in length. Large personal sailboats, fishing boats, pontoons, and cabin cruisers will probably need a larger storage barn or garage for shelter. Our timber frame Two Bay Garage or box beam Equipment Shed designs would be the best choices for these types of boats.

The Two Bay Garage comes in 30- or 40-foot lengths and also comes with a loft. The loft could help store life vests, oars, cleaning supplies, and fishing equipment. With two bays this garage can be a multipurpose building, perhaps half workshop half boat storage.

The Equipment Shed comes in lengths up to 48 feet long and with three or four bays. Perhaps one bay could store your boating accessories, smaller boats like kayaks or dinghies, or other vehicles. For these longer boats, you may need to custom build an entryway on the gable end, with the help of a contractor.

Medium Boat Storage Ideas

Here is a good boat storage idea: Get a Hobby House, it comes with an overhang and a spacious interior.
This sturdy workshop includes a 6x16 lean-to overhang, double doors with a treated ramp and barn sash windows.

A Class I Vessel category includes boats that measure between 16 and 26 feet in length. Medium-sized fishing boats, family-sized sailboats, long canoes, catamarans, runabouts, and other motorboats will probably fall under this category, or sometimes one of the other categories. For Class I boats we recommend the 16-foot-wide Barn, Hobby House, or Barn Garage.

The 16-foot-wide One Bay Garages are spacious and will probably offer enough room for you to clean and touch up your boat. The pre-cut kit is available in sizes 20 to 30 feet long. This post and beam barn also comes with a loft, and loft ladder, for storing fishing gear, cleaning supplies, buoys, and other boating equipment.

The Hobby House, while a little narrower, also comes with a storage loft. The built-in workbench keeps your cleaning supplies and tools nearby while you are detailing your boat. I love this design because it also comes with a lean-to overhang. Install a DIY kayak rack underneath for quick access to your smaller boats. Nail racks to the siding for oars and fishing rods.

If you need something compact and budget-friendly the Barn Garage is a good choice. This post and beam one bay garage design comes with an overhead garage door. This post and beam garage comes in sizes up to 30-feet long. It is purchasable as a pre-cut kit or, if you do not want to build, a fully assembled prefab shed.

Tiny Boat Storage Ideas

The 8x12 Dollhouse
Move your boat in and out of your storage shed with the treated ramp and solid pine double doors.

If your boat is under 16 feet in length it is considered a Class A Vessel. This class includes dinghies, kayaks, small sailboats, paddleboats, skiffs, and personal watercraft like jet skis. With this category you can probably use just about any of our buildings as boat storage, but here are a few of our favorites.    

The New Yorker is an affordable storage shed that is for sale as a kit or prefab storage shed, up to 20-feet long. This simple, no-frills design is budget-friendly. Building the kit is pretty easy for nearly any skill level. For those located within our in-house delivery range, we offer an economy line of New Yorkers. These pre-built sheds are delivered by one of our drivers. 

Our Gable sheds, for sale in lengths up to 24-feet long, are like the New Yorker. Both designs come built with double doors on the gable end. However, they have some other design features that make it stand out a little more. Besides the doors, two hinged barn sash windows and a wood louvered vent are installed in the pine board and batten siding.

If you want something with a little more pizazz our larger Dollhouse sheds, come with a set of pine double doors on the gable end. The side dormer with a narrow side door, hinged windows, and the steep roof provides a quaint style to make this building look like it is something out of a fairytale. You could upgrade the siding and/or roofing to Red Cedar shingles, which is recommended when building near large bodies of water.

We also sell enclosures, overhangs, and porches as pre-cut kits that attach to most of our designs. These narrow add-ons are perfect for creating extra boat storage space if you use your shed, garage, or barn for other purposes. Overhang and porches provide quick and convenient access, while the enclosure adds siding to keep your boat securely hidden away.

Boat Shed Accessories and Storage Ideas

Weathervanes have been used for centuries to detect the direction of wind.
Top your boat storage shed with a nautical themed weathervane like this shark.

Now that you have decided on your post and beam boat shelter, you are going to want a place to store all of your boating gear. We offer plenty of storage and furnishings to help you organize these odds and ends. Our Pellet Box would be a great place to keep things like life vests, cleaning supplies, and ropes safe and dry. The 2x4 Garden Closet has room enough to store fishing rods on one side. The adjustable shelves could store bait kits, towels, and other cleaning tools. Our 5-foot-wide ski rack or pine curtain rod brackets are helpful for organizing oars. Browse our storage and furnishings category for more ideas. As a bonus, finish of your boat barn with a racing sloop or shark weathervane.

Conclusion

By far, boating is one of the most popular summer activities. Between seasons, it is critical to protect your boat from harsh weather conditions. Wood, fiberglass, and carpet are materials that are vulnerable to snow, rain, and wind. Having a boat storage shed where your boat can be maintained, cleaned, and detailed is also ideal. Picking the best shelter for your boat size will help you determine which building will work best for you. Consider the extra gear that needs to be stashed away to pick out storage furnishings or additions to your shed. When you are done send us photos of your amazing boat barn build.

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A 12x16 Home Office built with live edge pine siding and skinned hemlock porch posts. building was set up at a campground.
This Home Office was set up at a campground. Live-edge Adirondack Pine siding and Skinned Hemlock Porch Posts add to the rustic, woodsy style.

Summer is here and undoubtedly is the best time get outdoors and go camping. Nothing beats breathing in the fresh air, being woken up to songbirds singing, and falling asleep to crickets chirping and owls hooting. Roasting marshmallows next to a roaring fire is a must when you are on a camping trip. Setting up a perfect site for cabin camping can enhance the overall outdoors experience.

Many people have purchased plots of land in the woods so they have a spot to escape from big city life. Others are building a permanent cabin or home. They need a comfortable place to relax while waiting for completion of a larger project. Campgrounds know that investing in small cabins is a good idea. They can be rented out to campers who lack the most basic piece of equipment: a tent. This collection of ideas will help you plan your campsite for maximum comfort and fun.

The Benefits of Cabin Camping

While tent camping can be very appealing for many people there are multiple reasons why cabin camping might be a better choice. These reasons usually fall into one of three categories: convenience, comfort, and money.

Convenience & Fun

Some people might be dipping their toes into the camping experience. They might not know where to start. Purchasing equipment can be expensive. Or they may lack space to store tents, sleeping bags, and firewood at home. Staying in a cabin it allows them to pack light for a quick and easy trip. Without having to worry about learning how to set up the site they can spend their vacation having fun. More time can be spent going on hikes, horseback rides, boating, swimming, and socializing around a campfire.

Luxury & Comfort

Others may choose cabin camping because their comfort level does not tolerate tent camping. They want protection with four walls and a roof. Screened windows keep mosquitos away, and solid wood walls keep bears away. A strong metal roof prevents clothing and linens from getting soaked much better than a tent will. Plumbing and electricity can be permanently installed in a cabin to amplify the amenities.  A camping season can extend into colder months. Build a three- or four-season cabin with insulation and set it up with a woodstove for heat.

Saving & Making Money

Finally, some love cabin camping because it is usually less expensive than a hotel rental. It is certainly cheaper than buying all of the necessary gear when camping for just a weekend. Save money on apartment rentals or hotel fees, if you are building a larger home, with a prefab cabin. Later on, you could resell your portable cabin. Or use it as an accessory dwelling unit or storage shed for personal use. Our small cabins and cottages are also used to earn income. Many rent them out through Airbnb to travelers.

 

How to Set Up the Perfect Camp Site

Your campsite, whether it is for a campground or your land, should meet basic needs. These needs include a place to sleep and a way to prepare meals. Here we are going to outline some of our most popular camp buildings, things that are a must-have, and other bonus recommendations that will make your camping experience extra special.

Setting the Scene

First, you are going to need to pick an area based on what you want the environment to be. Do you want your cabin nestled in the woods under some shady trees, or on a sunny, open field? Is it going to be near water or on a sloped piece of land? Once you have decided on a dry, flat spot you will level the ground and prepare your building site with a gravel foundation or set up concrete piers. Make sure you have room for a firepit and place it at least 20 feet away from your wooden post and beam cabins.

The Best Camping Buildings

Any of our post and beam buildings, including our sheds, can be used in a campsite setting. Here are few designs that we love for a rustic glamping wood cabin setup.

Camp Alcove

Those who want an authentic camping experience will enjoy the Camp Alcove. This three-sided lean-to features a front overhang extension and a built-in bench for resting. The saltbox-style roofline directs rainfall toward the back of the building keeping campers dry. The alcove creates a shady spot to relax and eat a meal in the shade. Adventurous campers will lay their sleeping bags out on the floor, or on a bench, so they can enjoy the stars as they fall asleep.

For complete protection consider purchasing one of our Bunkhouses. This prefab cabin with a porch also comes with a built-in bunk bed and a loft. The over-the-porch loft with a ladder and a small barn-sash hinged window is an ideal sleeping spot for a child or stash less used supplies up above. Memory foam or air mattresses can be placed on the bunks for a soft sleeping spot.

4x8 Weekender firewood storage shed

Finally, we recommend the Weekender, a useful structure for those who are glamping, tent camping, or even rolling in with an RV or trailer. This multifunctional woodshed helps keep your site tidy and your essentials close by and protected. The open side is meant for keeping firewood dry so you can buy in bulk and save money. An enclosed side, with double pine doors, can be used to store grilling tools and equipment, coolers, a weed wacker, shovels, rakes, backpacks, and water toys.

Other Campsite Essentials

Now that you have selected your site, and built your glamping wood cabin, you can finish out the setting with these necessary items. A campsite without a campfire is just depressing. This is a top priority, otherwise, you might have to eat cold hot dogs, and go to sleep as soon as the sun sets. Build a firepit or outdoor stone fireplace nearby. A picnic table can be helpful for preparing meals and as additional seating. If you do not have a campsite with a bathroom, consider adding an outhouse, or setting up sheds with a composting toilet and off-grid showers.

Other nice to have, but less mandatory, items might include electricity, and running water. Many people can get by without these things. Bring in jugs of water for drinking and washing. There are hundreds of solar-powered gadgets that can assist with lighting, sound, battery packs, etc. Others might need their creature comforts (grid electricity, wi-fi, and traditional plumbing) to feel less anxious and disconnected from the outside world.

The Camper Collection Building Plans Bundle
Learn how to build a bunk house, lean-to and firewood storage shed with this bundle of DIY plans.

Are you excited to start setting up your campsite now? We created a discounted bundle of our favorite camp building plans called the Camper Collection. This bundle features the three designs discussed above. Our do-it-yourself plans come with a cut list, rafter templates, diagrams, and detailed written instructions for each step of the building process. There is no wrong way to set up your campsite but we hope these tips have helped. Let us know if you have other ideas or want to share photos of your campsite.

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16x20 Vermont Cottage custom built from a pre-cut kit and being used as a guest house
This Vermont Cottage is being used as a combination building that serves as a pool house and ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit).

After drudging through a long, frigid winter most people are looking for ways to get outdoors. Because we are recovering from a year-long pandemic many are hesitant to travel, so are looking for ways to improve their backyards. Creating an inviting, beautiful space on your property will help you feel like you are on vacation without going anywhere. Here are some ways that our post and beam backyard buildings can help you achieve an outdoor zone for relaxing, parties, and fun!

Backyard Bar

While on vacation people typically visit bars and restaurants. Consider converting one of our sheds or cottages into a bar for hosting small parties. Firstly, figure out how large you want it to be. Then, determine how many people you would host and whether or not you want indoor seating. Setting up outdoor seating means you could use a smaller shed. We have had customers use something as small as our Nantucket, all the way up to the Vermont Cottage for this purpose. One of my favorite examples was how a customer used one of our two-room Heritage sheds.

This prefab storage shed was converted into a backyard bar with some creative design choices.
A shed can be cleverly converted into a semi-open backyard bar / lounge area for entertaining guests.

When they were building their shed kit, they omitted the siding on three of the walls, as well as the interior partition, to create a semi-open structure. They constructed some counters and cabinets and a built-in cooler using the left-over pine and batten siding lumber.  When they purchased this kit they ordered a few upgrades too, such as pine roof sheathing. This upgrade cuts down on noise when rain is hitting the metal roof. A skinned hemlock post in the corner adds a rustic detail. I am guessing it rains a lot where they live because they also added roof gutters!

Then they added some finishing touches. They painted the knotty pine siding to match other buildings on the property. The wall nailers, made of 2x4 hemlock lumber, were utilized as shelves for wine glasses, shot glasses, and party decorations. String lights and lanterns, wicker furniture, and a hammock chair make the space a festive place to socialize with a few friends at night.

Pool House

If you have a pool or waterfront property, a pool house comes in handy. This type of summer shed is used for storing pool cleaning supplies, umbrellas, lounging furniture, and floaties. Additionally, this space can be used as a changing room for guests to get in out of their bathing suits. Add some partitioned walls to create stalls for privacy. Decorate with nautical or beach-themed art and furnishings for the ultimate summer building project.

Painting a storage shed with vibrant hues will create a festive, summer atmosphere.
This Heritage is being used as both a pool-house and backyard bar. The side window opens into the bar area with stools placed below.

Some have installed bathrooms in their pool houses. If you are looking for an affordable option, consider an off-grid bathroom. Choosing between a Nature’s Head composting toilet or Laveo Dry Flush is a quick and easy way to achieve this without hiring a plumber. Use a gray water system for washing hands or have hand sanitizer pumps ready.

Some of our most popular designs for pool house conversions include the Vermont Cottage, Bayside, Heritage, and the Potting Fort. I think one of our newer designs, the Hobby House, would work very well since it has an overhang. I imagine the overhang could be a great spot to put an outdoor shower or use as a place to get out of the sun. The double doors would make moving chaise lounges in and out easy, and the loft could store supplies and water toys that are less frequently used. Build a partition under the loft for a changing room. The built-in workbench is useful for holding clothing and towels while swimmers get dressed. Watch this walk-through tour to get ideas.

Bug-Free Lounging

Sometimes you just want a place to hang outside, where you can read a book, eat a meal, or listen to music, without being eaten alive by mosquitos. This is where our Florida Room comes in. This design is a detached screened room that can be delivered as an assembled structure or built on your property from a pre-cut kit. Our smallest size offered, the 8x10 is large enough for some small patio furniture or hang a hammock from the sturdy post and beam hemlock wall framing. We have larger, family-friendly sizes too. And the deluxe 2-inch-thick pine tongue and groove flooring means it could potentially hold a hot tub! Or bring in an extra-large dining table and chairs and treat your guests to an amazing barbeque. This building pairs very well with a backyard bar.

Interior shot of a decorated detached screen room
One of our smaller Florida Rooms can be used to entertain four people like this set up.

If the Florida Room does not fit your tastes remember you can turn any of our buildings into a screen room. Simply add screen windows, as many as you can fit. If you want something attached to an already built cottage you could order a porch or enclosure kit and add screened windows to that. Most importantly, do not forget a screened door.

Now you should have plenty of ideas for turning your backyard into a vacation retreat. We would love to see how you convert your outdoor shed or cottage into the perfect place for a pool party or napping. Why not get one of each?

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8x12 Nook post and beam cabin with clapboard siding, asphalt shingle roof and porch railing.
This 8x12 Nook has been modified to have an asphalt shingle roof, clapboard pine siding and porch railing. The door has been painted a coral orangish color

Our post and beam Garden Shed is a tidy little build that is ideal for a variety of uses, almost too many to count! First, it was designed with gardeners in mind of course. The small footprint creates a dedicated space for storing tools, potting soil, pots, watering cans and seeds, all protected from the outdoors until you are ready to get to work. Best of all the small porch offers a nice place to relax and enjoy bees and hummingbirds pollinating all the flowers you just grew. Others have used this small backyard shed for work, living, and entertaining.


Set up a desk and chair for an instant backyard office, or install closet rods along each wall, along with shelving and a counter and you will have a tiny vending booth. Or decorate the interior with plush easy chairs, side tables, artwork from local artists, and a bookshelf with your favorite books, knick-knacks and/or beverages for a cozy she shed or backyard bar. Another popular use for this tiny build is to set it along side a lake or pond as a rustic getaway or hunting cabin. Or order a Tiny House on Wheels, which is essentially the Garden Shed installed on a trailer with porch railing.


Here are some examples of how some of our customers utilized their Garden Sheds:


A Beautiful Cedar Retreat

This cedar sided shed was set on top of a gravel pad foundation option
Our fantastic delivery driver Victor brought this beautiful custom cedar shingle build to its new home!

One of our customers had us custom build her Garden Shed with White Pine Cedar siding. This siding option is stunning and a staple in New England architecture, especially in coastal areas where the salty sea air can be harsh on pine lumber. Cedar has natural resilience to certain climates and repels many pests, and it looks gorgeous. Our delivery driver enjoyed delivering her she shed to this spot because of the stunning scenery.


Here is what she had to say about her shed and delivery:


“We are very happy with our shed!  Just wanted to let you know what a gem you have in Victor, your employee who installed our shed at its final landing pad.  He was helpful, kind, courteous, and showed good judgment in what was possible and not possible with our site.  And he was very good at maneuvering the building through tight spots.  In short, he did an excellent job. 


Thank you, also, to everyone at JCS for great work in producing a beautiful shed!”


We are sure our customer is going to spend many years enjoying her backyard in her sweet, tiny retreat that she can call her own.


A Head Start in Gardening

One obstacle that many of our customers in New England, the Midwest, Northern US and Canada face in their gardening adventures is long and brutal winters. This can take away from time in the garden, so getting ahead of the curve so you can efficiently plant away once the warm weather begins is smart. A greenhouse is one of the best ways to achieve this. While we have a design that is already set up as a greenhouse, you might prefer the style of our Garden Shed with its little, covered porch that allows you to work inside and out. That is no problem!


You can instantly transform this shed into a sun-filled room by upgrading to the ClearPoly roofing option when you order. Consider ordering with a treated sill plate instead of a floor system so watering plants will not damage any wood. You can also install a workbench and shelving to increase usable workspace. Finally install more windows if you want maximum sun to enter the building so your seedlings can flourish and be ready to be planted as soon as spring arrives.


Portable Boutique

This 8x16 Garden Shed was converted into a tiny store that sells vintage clothing.
8x16 Garden Shed, built as a THOW, being used as a vending booth to sell vintage clothing.

If you are selling your wares at fairs, music festivals, or on the street there might not be any better way than using a portable building, whether you have a building on skids that you bring in on a trailer, or a building permanently installed on wheels. Think about it. You can save yourself from set up and tear down each day that you are working long, exhausting days, often in very hot weather. If you are at a festival that lasts a few days all you would need to do is lock up the building for the night and your goods will be safe and sound.


You might even be able to save money and set up a cot at night instead of getting a hotel room. Then when the next event happens, you will not need to set up again, everything is ready to go. Several of our customers have used the garden shed design as a vintage clothing shop, gift shop, food vending space, or an arts and crafts store for events, or on their farms. With the right fixtures everything you need will be close by. Add a solar package and you will be able to light up your space for your customers to easily see everything you have to offer. And don’t forget to use the porch to display signage and a few teaser items to entice customers to shop.


Backyard Getaway

8x12 Nook post and beam cabin sitting next to an octagon picnic table and solar shed
A popular modification is upgrading the skids, floor joists and decking to pressure treated for added protection

I have a relative who owns a small horse ranch with lots of acreage. She often hosts our family reunions where we camp out in the summer. I have thought about ordering one of the Garden Shed kits and building one on her land so when I do visit all I need to bring is a sleeping bag and an air mattress for several nights of comfortable sleep. It would be fun to hang out on the porch during the festivities. Since I would not be using it very often, she could offer it as a guest house to visitors when I am not around, so it could be a win-win for both of us.


you have a large backyard, or extra land, this building is great for use as small camping shelters for family gatherings. You could also earn income by renting them out if you own a campground or through sites like airbnb. Some people love the outdoors, but do not enjoy the hassle of setting up a tent or feel much more comfortable being sheltered from wildlife with wooden walls instead of thin fabric. Place it near waterfront, halfway up a mountain, or deep in the woods for the ultimate outdoorsy retreat.


Now that you have seen some of the ways our creative customers have used our Garden Shed tell us how you would like to use yours!

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Timber Frame Cabin build

FEATURED BUILD:
VERMONT CABIN

Our timber frame cabin kit is probably our most popular housing choice amongst our customers. This small home design comes with a full loft making it spacious enough for a family to have room to stretch and to avoid being on top of each other. The simplicity of the design is attractive with its shiplap pine siding and metal roof. Additionally, the mortise and tenon framing makes this cabin kit very strong once the construction has been completed.

Today we wanted to give a shoutout to our customer, Matt M., who built his cabin kit with his family in Tennessee. He purchased the 20×40 Vermont Cabin and added the 8×40 covered porch kit to the order. Because the family was going to be using this as a vacation home, they decided they would not need a full basement and chose to install a concrete foundation as the base for the treated sill plate to sit on. Some people install radiant heating in this type of foundation as an energy efficient way to stay warm in the winter.


Before they started building, they drew up a rough floor plan of where they wanted interior walls to go for bathrooms and closets. The rest of their layout was an open floor plan for fun family gatherings. We are sure they will load up the loft with bunk beds, or partition it off into separate bedrooms later. They also worked with their local town clerk to find out what was required for a permit. Once all of their ducks were in a row, the concrete slab foundation poured, and delivery of the cabin kit was accepted, they were ready to start the next steps of their building adventure.

 

They rented a crane for a couple days to assist with the raising of the timber frame. Those 8×8 posts and beams are very heavy! It was very important to make sure all proper bracing was in place before lifting each bent. This was probably the most challenging part of the building process so having the extra, professional help was extremely beneficial to safely getting the wall framing erected.

Once the frame was up the loft flooring was installed. Then came the shiplap pine siding, double pane windows, doors, and rough sawn pine roof sheathing. Instructions for each step of the construction process for setting up a three-season cabin shell were included in the step-by-step building plans. They purchased the three-season kit so the vapor barrier and roof sheathing could be installed as they built their cabin. They opted to insulate their building with closed cell spray foam, a very energy efficient choice for retaining heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. They went for our classic 29-gauge corrugated metal roof in Evergreen for their cabin and porch roofs.

 

Kitchen and Stair System of the Timber Frame Cabin
This spacious kitchen in this Vermont Cabin will provide space for family meals and entertaining.

Finishing touches included a stair system, a functional bathroom with a washer and drier, kitchen area for family meals, and plumbing and electrical systems. They installed a heat pump This is another a heating source that is growing in popularity because it also provides air conditioning during hot months and uses electricity. Some people choose to hide their concrete floors with tongue and groove pine decking. Matt’s family chose to flaunt it by applying a luster finish for a cost effective and easy to clean flooring solution, and we have to say it looks amazing!

 

 

 

Fun people enjoying their Vermont Cabin built with a porch
Timber frame cabin kits can be a bonding experience when the whole family helps with the build.

Now that the building is complete Matt’s family will have a getaway that they can pass down for generations. If times get tough, or if they want to make some extra income, they can rent their cozy cabin to vacationers. In the end their Vermont Cabin will be one of the best investments they could have made for not only future equity but for enjoyment too. Watch our Cabins, Cottages and Home Additions playlist for more post and beam building inspiration. 

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