Star Plate Connectorsgreenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread |
Has anyone used star plate connectors to build a barn for horses? I need a barn, but funds are limited...this sounds like a quick inexpensive way to build; would like input from someone who has built one for livestock.
-- Alexa Krain (DrMom5775@aol.com), August 10, 2001
Hi Alexa. We built a starplate house for our golden lab, MayBelle, last year. Quick, easy, and very FUN! We set up an assembly line for cutting and drilling; the basic frame was complete in less than a day. We used recycled lumber for both frame and sheathing and had tarpaper on hand. Also re-used plexiglass from old garage door to give May several triangular windows. We did buy new shingles, pressure treated lumber for a base platform (Several coats of paint on platform), caulk, and we sided it this spring with vinyl siding.The directions that come with the starplates are very complete, but may take a couple readings to fully comprehend. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of nine foot studs, a table in the instruction sheet will give you the final building dimensions based on stud length. For the longer lumber, though, cross bracing is required.
If I were to build another Starplate shelter (and I may!), I would increase the length of the rafers beyond the 'plus 25%' they recommend. Rain hits the lower part of the walls. I might also try building the vertical wall option.
All in all, we had fun, got to try a new-to-us building technique, and used some of that old lumber. And MayBelle has a house that screams "Spoiled Dog Lives Here!" Sandy
-- Sandy in MN (onestonefarm@hotmail.com), August 13, 2001.