Monthly Archives: July 2012

Too much stuff makes us sad

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Since you are reading this blog I suspect you already had a sneaky suspicion that this was true, but now researchers are backing it up; we have too much stuff, and it’s making us sad

The rise of Costco and similar stores has prompted so much stockpiling — you never know when you’ll need 600 Dixie cups or a 50-pound bag of sugar — that three out of four garages are too full to hold cars.

Boxing In, Wanting Out – boston.com (via boingboing.net)

We have a door!

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I got a few minutes over the weekend to sneak out and install the front door. It’s surprising how easy it is (primarily because doors are sold pre-hung with the frame already assembled). It just seems like it should be more difficult.

Tinier Living Door Installed

Like a lot of things in life, building a tiny house is just a really large collection of ‘not that challenging’ tasks. It’s just when you stand back and look at them all at the same time does it seem impossible. But if you spend a few hours here and a few hours there knocking off those tasks before you know it you’ve built a house!

Q: Can I use 2X6s as rafters?

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I get this question every once and a while and I figured I would answer it here in case anyone else was curious.

A: You can use 2×6 studs for the exterior walls and roof. Here are a few pros and cons:

Pros

  • A larger wall and roof cavity allows more room for insulation (which is usually the driver for wanting the wider boards)
  • Stronger (although a stronger wall is likely unnecessary, 2×6 rafters could be better if you expect the roof to support a large load from snow)

Cons

  • Less room. Because a tiny house is restricted by the total height and width, a thicker sub floor, walls and roof means less room on the inside.
  • More expensive. 2×6 lumber is more expensive then 2x4’s, but not by much. However, the extra cost of the insulation (depending on the type used) can be significant.
  • Heavier. All that extra wood is going to add extra weight to the house. A 2×6 has about 57% more wood than a 2×4. The framing only makes up a portion of the total weight of the house but it is still a consideration (thanks Ian!)

Considerations

  • Be sure to order your doors and windows with a wider jamb to accommodate the wider studs.