Greetings from Maine! This site has been a great source of inspiration for us! We finally started building our project this summer. My wife and I cleared the trees, dug for the piers (some are on ledge or exposed rocks), and built the entire 20 x 32 base ourselves.
The walls go up the first weekend in October if the weather will let us!
This is our view from the mountainside....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/mtn8-19-2007002.jpg)
The site....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/6July2007021.jpg)
The base....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/7July2007008.jpg)
MaineRhino
Is this going to be a cabin or your primary residence? I've often wondered how many people here live full-time, with children, in the little houses they build.
Jared
This will be our seasonal getaway for now. The road leading up the mtn. is seasonal at best, although I do have various means of getting up there in the winter and mud season.
I plan on staying there most of November to hunt and trap in the area.
My wife and I would love to live in it year-round, but logistically it's impossible at this time. No kids to worry about, as my boy is in the Navy Seabees.
MaineRhino
It looks like you are off to a good start! Great job!
what part of Maine are you in? Great view!
Welcome to the forum, MaineRhino. Nice views. Looking forward to watching your project progress.
Thanks for the comments!
The camp is in the Western Mtns, with the view being Southeast.
MaineRhino
We finally put up the walls and began the loft this weekend....
The first wall we sheathed and stood up. The rest of the walls we sheathed only what we had to. Getting too old to lift those heavy walls!!!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-7-2007027.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-7-2007026.jpg)
The end walls were much easier..
Our front window is 8' wide by 5' tall. Should be interesting to carry up the mountain!!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-7-2007048.jpg)
Zoe spent most of the day trying to stay warm!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-7-2007034.jpg)
All in all, it was a beautiful weekend with much accomplished!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-7-2007004.jpg)
MaineRhino
Fantastic view. Should be a great place. Looking good and solid.
Last weekend we (almost) finished the walls, and reframed one window. Also, the temporary bracing came off of the posts, and the 2x6 PT was put in place of them.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-14-2007008.jpg)
The loft will be done next weekend.
BTW, the very first thing we did up there was to build an outhouse. Modular style!
It was built in my garage, disassembled and hauled up the mountain for reassembly.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Outhouse/100_2210.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Outhouse/100_2217.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Outhouse/100_2259.jpg)
MaineRhino
Hey, love the progress. Question for you though. Is it legal to have an outhouse where you are? I would love to have an outhouse but everyplace I have ever looked in rural America says they are absolutely illegal to use. Am I missing something or is it the "don't ask don't tell".
phalynx, you haven't looked in NM. :) Depending on where you are, want to locate an outhouse it is possible. You will get turned down if you try to put one in even a rural mountain area if it's developed. Power availability is one big deciding point, closeness of neighbors another. But outhouses can be built in more undeveloped areas. Permit costs the same as for a septic. Easy to see it's just another tax.
That said I know of several newish and un-permitted outhouses in the area around here. :) Nothing wrong with them especially when dealing with acreage sized plots.
MaineRhino, that's a good way to go. Time saver on site. Looks okay too.
The land had passed a perc test before we bought it. Also, the outhouse has to be so far from a water source, house, etc..... There are basic guidelines to follow, but it is legal to do so here in Maine.
I prefer the "Don't ask, don't tell" method myself!
Also, be sure to make it deep enough. I dug all the way to the bottom of the hole, and officially checked the depth by climbing in.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Outhouse/100_2223.jpg)
MaineRhino
HA!! you are really in the @#$%-house now...
I wish I could have an outhouse. That's a nice $ savings.
Quoteofficially checked the depth by climbing in.MaineRhino
Looks about right unless you're sawed off at the knees! ;D
Testing has been done that shows that no pathogens get to 10 feet outside the pit-- probably get wiped out in the first couple feet just as in a leach field.
...but there is no money to be had if outhouses are allowed - unless they decide to allow them and charge for permits.
I kind of liked the pedestal style with no walls until the delivery guy showed up with a set of job plans one day. :-/
Looks great! My wife grew up in Maine and has always wanted to go back; I've never been there but from your view I can understand why!
quote by MaineRhino:
"Also, be sure to make it deep enough. I dug all the way to the bottom of the hole, and officially checked the depth by climbing in."
;D ;D ;D - your not the guy with the slicker... :-? :o
Crime Blotter: Alleged Outhouse 'Peeping Tom' Has Romantic Defense (http://abcnews.go.com/US/LegalCenter/story?id=985438&page=1)
You guys sure have been moving along - beautiful countryside, great progress.
As a child, we lived in Mass. & used to take our summer vacations in Maine. I especially remember running along the rocky cliffs by the ocean, finding lots of sea creatures in the tidepools. The water on the Atlantic side seemed to be much warmer than the Pacific side when I've swam here.
QuoteLast weekend we (almost) finished the walls, and reframed one window. Also, the temporary bracing came off of the posts, and the 2x6 PT was put in place of them.
MaineRhino
[size=18]The foundation looks very strong! Good Job![/size]
Smart guy. It always is better to check the depth before you fill it.
[size=14]I wonder if he would go down there later to retrieve a wedding ring?[/size]
(https://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c371/casonjimmy/OuthouseTreasure.jpg)
Reminds me of the guy in the two holer who dropped a quarter down there when he pulled up his pants. He reached back and pulled out his billfold, took out a $20 bill and threw it in the hole.
The guy on the next hole over looked at him and said -- what'd you do that for?
He replied, "You didn't expect me to go in there after a quarter, did you?"
A lot better than this :)
(http://static.flickr.com/111/293648975_64200319fd_o.jpg)
We almost finished the roof today. This is what we saw at the end of the day. Can't wait to get back tomorrow!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-20-2007061.jpg)
MaineRhino
Lot's of progress this weekend. This is what 3 days with good friends can do!!!!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-20-2007036.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-22-2007017.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-22-2007020.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-22-2007007-1.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-22-2007022.jpg)
Next weekend it will be weather tight, but the roof is DONE!
MaineRhino
Wow- look at 'em go. :)
Finally weather tight! That big window was very heavy and tough to move up the mountain! What a great feeling it is to have it buttoned up and locked! The wood stove will have to wait until next weekend.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-28-2007011.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-28-2007020.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-28-2007005.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-28-2007003.jpg)
MaineRhino
What a beautiful view you have. Thanks for showing us the progress. That big front window looks like it was well worth the effort.
Christina
Incredible progress! Beautiful area, I like the windows, too!
Thanks Sassy! We have two more windows to go. One on the side is an oval. It will be at the bottom of the loft stairs.
The other is a 72" wide half-round with grids which will be centered in the front wall up high. I need to finish framing the wall. Here is a pic of the framing for that window.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-22-2007019.jpg)
MaineRhino
Just a guess but I bet MaineRhino builds houses for a living. Nice work by the way.
Scott
Thanx Scott, but I'm hardly a carpenter, although I did have 2 years of Building Trades (Carpentry) @ a tech school in Ohio. That was 22 years ago. I know enough to get by with....., and sometimes enough to get in trouble with! :-? LOL!
MaineRhino
wow......
what an amazing view....... :o
Getting things buttoned up for winter. This was today's view. More snow coming soon!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/11-17-2007019.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/11-17-2007007.jpg)
Nice scenery.
Yo Rhino,
Bet you'll be using a different method in the future to check if the pit is filling up (ha!). Outhouses are legal in many states, including WI, MN, and WA (personal experience). Several state ag extension services, usually connected with land grant universities, have informational brochures available on how to build and locate them. I also built the outhouse for my cabin in my garage and hauled it to the site. But, I designed it to just fit in the bed of the truck to be hauled over assembled. Used 2 x 3's and screws to make it plenty sturdy and lighter. Did have to use my small tractor's hydraulic bucket to load it. Built the base from treated 2 x 6's that were cut and notched in garage, but assembled at site. Roof panels were also installed onsite. A little tip on outhouse use: leave your wallet in the cabin before heading out there.
Those are some sturdy floor joists, at fairly close spacings, that should make the structure very strong indeed.
Steve
When are you putting the collar ties in :-?
Looks GREAT!
I was told the collar ties were not required, as the 20' loft beam ties the walls together, as well as the two 20' hemlock pieces that are installed.
If anything, I may use short ties as high as I can put them. This may also help with the finished ceiling installation. All of that would be done in the spring of 08', as it will be too wet or snowy until May or so, depending on the winter.
I've been given conflicting advice on the ties. Does anyone here have advice or opinions on this matter?
MaineRhino
We managed to get into camp on Saturday. So glad to see it still standing! ;D
Too far to walk (or too lazy perhaps), so we cheated. Got 4 of us with cooler and lunch up there in no time!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_3059.jpg)
I don't think I would have walked either. Still standing is good.
Thanks Maine Rhino for the ride. Can't wait to start our cabin this Spring! ;D
[cool] It was our pleasure! We look forward to watching your progress too! This forum is full of information about all aspects of building cabins. Some of it is useful too! ;D
Finally getting back to camp after a too long winter! Extended the loft by 3' and built the stairs last weekend.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_3301.jpg)
One more center post to install in the loft, then railings will be built.
We had a large moose walk by the camp while we were there on Sunday! [shocked]
What did you extend your loft for? I'm guessing you got to think'in over the winter and decided it needed to be bigger. Thats what I love about the flexibility of these neat little buildings and time line of these projects. You can design as you go and change as needed without a huge impact in most cases. I have a large walk in closet upstairs and down stairs and I still haven't decided which one to make into the bathroom. :P
It was mostly to allow for the stairs to land directly on the loft, instead of having a landing at the top of the stairs, then stepping up to the loft.
Structurally it worked out better too. Also, we wanted there to be as few posts as possible, leaving the view as open as we can.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_3309.jpg)
And yes, the design is constantly changing!
More projects completed over July 4 vacation week!
Front porch posts and roof done. Needs to be shingled, but it's covered with watershield.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0090.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0152.jpg)
Oval window installed...
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0075.jpg)
Front half-circle window installed! What a difference it makes!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0243.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0252.jpg)
And finally, sunrise on Sunday.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0224.jpg)
Awsome view. doing a nice job.
Kevin
Looking great. Gotta love progress. That's a million dollar view you got there. :)
Troy,
This looks amazing! Great job so far!
I'm jealous you have so many helpers! :)
More done this weekend.
Front steps finally installed
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0255.jpg)
Also finished the first section of railing. Only 3 more sections to go!!! d*
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0289.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0292.jpg)
MaineRhino how did youo fasten the pickets to the rail? Did you use a tenion cutter?
I used a variety of Forstner bits.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0285.jpg)
Quite time consuming, as all the alders were of different sizes, but well worth the effort. At least I think so!
Looks great! :)
place looks great. what town in maine are u in???
Dave,
It's on the east side of Roxbury.
And thanks for your posts on your cabin in N.H.. It was really a big inspiration for us to watch your progress too!!! [cool]
Nice work Rhino! The whole project looks great but I especially like your railings - very rustic! [cool]
Al
The railings are finally done!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0349.jpg)
Front shot...
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0331.jpg)
No railings on the end. I think we'll be building stairs on that end too.
And of course, it was another beautiful day on the mountain!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0325.jpg)
Really love those railings! 8) Place looks nice & beautiful area!
Siding is DONE.... Whew... Metal trim wrap is next, and a few odds and ends outside left to do!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_0526.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_0582.jpg)
Looks great. Are those real shakes?
Looks great. What kind of siding is that???? Pete
Since we are building this to be as maintenance free as possible, we went with vinyl siding. It is Mastic, Cedar Discovery, Split Cedar Shingle in Natural Cedar color. It makes the camp blend into the woods very nicely.
We also used composite decking for the front porch.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_0584.jpg)
The weather has delayed us by at least a month, but we got a good start on the interior wood this weekend. We wanted to stain it before it was installed, but it's too cold or wet to do so now! We were able to stain the kitchen ceiling/loft floor boards before they were installed.
This pic shows the loft floor/kitchen ceiling and the front room.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_0711.jpg)
Kitchen/back door area.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_0707.jpg)
Fireplace corner
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_0713.jpg)
place looks great. keepup the good work
Thanks for the pix. Looking good.
Looks great! I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind........
1. What slope do have on your porch roof? It looks like I may have a similiar slope, but I'm concerned about snow load.
2. How much did your knotty pine finishing cost on the inside of the cabin? I've been pricing it out and it looks like it will cost me a fortune.
Alberta Curt don't know about Maine but here I just ordered some more 2X6 T&G and it was $.89 a lf. The 1X6 bead board T&G was $1.15 sf.
Thank you! It's been alot of fun!
I think the roof is 4/12. I'll check it this weekend. We had about 14' of snow last season, so the porch is built very sturdy, with all posts notched and bolted together. Also, the porch ceiling framing runs through the front wall. I'm certain it will hold a major snow load. I'll be there once a month in the winter to check.
The 1x8" T&G v-match was .73 /LF, grade 3 (of grades 1,2,3,4a and 4b). I bought 2800 LF.
Your cabin is really beautiful! The site is wonderful, also - bet you are really enjoying the place :)
I wish we were as far along. :D :D
The front porch roof has been stained and sealed (both sides) with a deck sealer product, then installed. Almost done...... :P
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_3433.jpg)
Wow, very impressive Troy! I like the personal touches and wood carvings alot! I have to come up there and check it out soon!
Thanks Sean, call me anytime you want to visit!
We did the wood ceilings and front wall this weekend. Busted tail for 11 hours on Saturday. Glad to have that (almost) done!
I'll take more pics next weekend.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_3473.jpg)
I'll be out hunting next Saturday, opening day.... I'll be looking for the bear that belongs to this ear in this picture
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/MDGC0004.jpg)
He bit my trail camera, cracked the lens and punctured the light sensor...
Crimoney - that is a close up.
you can actually see the bEAR WAX!!! d*
What brand camera was/is it?
I use a Moultrie I-60. It's a 6 megapixel camera with infrared flash.
This is my fourth (4) one. They keep breaking, and Cabela's keeps replacing them. I love that store!
It took this picture just after I set it up out behind our outhouse..........
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/bobcat.jpg)
That is a cool picture.
That is a great picture.
Wow what a good picture!
That bobcat sure is red compared to around here
He looks a little thin but maybe its just the light summer pelt. Here in Idaho I usually see them in the winter when their pelt is heavier. My best reference is the one we raised when I was in high school and he ate pretty well.
This bear pic was taken in the same spot.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/8-11-2007008.jpg)
Great looking camp! What is the snow load up there? Does the loft tie the walls together? Or is it that double collar tie, or both? Just getting idea's!
I'm not sure of any official snow load calculations for this area, but we had record snowfall last year! I'm sure it was over 14' at my house. I think I plowed 24 times or so.....
The loft does tie the walls topgether, as well as the collar ties. I put the ties as high as I could. They are about 7' 8" or so from the loft floor. It leaves lots of head room.
This is before the insulation was finished..
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_3398.jpg)
Gotcha, what about the front half?? Is that open ? Or is there ceiling joists?? Beautiful work by the way. Where did u get plans? or is it your idea's? Thanks again.
The front part is an open cathedral ceiling.
The plans were in my head, but my inspiration came from this site! The last two winters I spent many hours reviewing all the other posts and pics here, and my plan was always changing. We also visited camps for sale to get an idea of floor space and layout. We actually had a major change in plans about two weeks before building, and we are glad we waited and planned for so long (one year).
They sell plans here which are similar to my camp. I would recommend starting with those plans and modify as you see fit.
I find I often change plans or methods or materials based on knowledge I have gained here-- even for customers -- on CODE jobs. Yes I bow to the system on work for others...
Here is an older pic from the loft toward the front. You can see that there are 2 2x8x20' rough hemlock beams that sit on top of the wall, and are attached to the rafters for extra support. I also used it to install 2 overhead lights (not seen in pic).
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/100_0236.jpg)
So those 2 ( 2x8x20) hemlocks hold the walls together in the front half. I see. What did you use for rafters, looks like 2x8's or 10's on 16 in/ctr? Is there a ridge beam or just ridge board??? Sorry for the ??? Just trying to get my stuff together< thanks.
No problem, happy to help!
The rafters are 2x8, 16"o/c. The ridge is a 2x10.
I used a 2x10 ridge board and 2x8 rafters on 24"OC. How come you went with 16"OC ?
Neat photos all the way around.
Thanks for sharing the project and the wildlife. :D
Communing with nature in the outhouse looks like it could be more than a delicately worded phrase.
I have finally gotten my wife to walk to the outhouse by herself! After seeing those pics last year, she was very reluctant to wander far by herself. Our dog goes only to her invisible fence flags. Just the flags, no fence installed up there. She hasn't figured it out yet.... ;D
Peteh2833, I went 16" OC for added strength. For what little I spent on the extra boards I more than gained in peace of mind.
Maine, just trying to get the dimensions straight. 20 is the width and 32 the length ?? or is it the other way around? How long is your loft?
The base is 20' wide by 32' long. The actual camp is 20x26, which leaves 6' for the front porch.
I would not do it this way again. I would make the camp 20x32, and install the porch and porch roof later. In this case, I was limited by the trees in front of camp. There are two beautiful white birch trees I did not want to cut down.
I would also put the woodstove in the center of camp.
The loft is 20' wide by 10' deep. Then I installed a 3'x10' addition on that where the steps land upstairs. Does that make sense?
Not happy with where the stove is now????
I think I have it. So your l.room area w/the vaulted ceiling is 16 ft long by 20 ft wide.
Yes, the main area is 16x20.
If I did it again I would center the woodstove, creating a more even heat throughout the cabin. I've seen pics of some other cabins with woodstoves centered, now I know why. d*
There's no doubt that a central location for a wood stove does distribute heat better to all parts. However, cabin size and personal preferences may dictate otherwise. In our case with a 16x30, we opted for corner placement, and for a few reasons I believe it's best for us.
1. corner placement left us with more safe usable space when the stove is fired.
2. with the stove in one corner and the sleeping area in another, more distant corner, the sleeping area will be cooler and we both count that as a plus. There's going to be a ceiling fan towards the stove end and that should help even out the temps if desired/needed.
There's no one size fits all solution, IMO.
I'm putting mine on the one outside wall towards the center. I would like to get it into the center but just can't find a good place. Plus with 3 young children I can box it off with a railing if it is against the one wall. Pete
My dad made a rebar gaurd rail at one time to keep us from pushing each other into the stove if we were smart or lucky enough to catch one of the two rails -- and the stove got red hot so likely we would get branded again.
"Oh yeah -- that's one of the Kangiser kids --- look at the mark on his arm --- "#4 grade 60" --- "
rofl d*
Glenn I was looking for a picture of the mark. I take it that it was not you.
Quote from: Redoverfarm on November 05, 2008, 07:15:55 PM
Glenn I was looking for a picture of the mark. I take it that it was not you.
:D I went back to look at a picture, too... :-[
I may have exaggerated a little, but the stove really did get red hot and there really was a rebar guard one at least one of them --- we had several different type of wood stoves but the cool old ones were made of tin, an oval about 18" x 30" and loaded from the top. The sides often had a nice cherry red glow. [crz]
Last week I purchased a Kuma woodstove, Tamarack model. What a difference it made from the Jotul "Nordic" model we had!
I'm sure many of you already know it, but I have come to realize that it's easier to buid a small fire in a large woodstove, than a large fire in a small woodstove. d*
They even delivered it!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_3486.jpg)
Very nice Troy, good choice!
You should get alot of usage out of it this winter :)
does that model have an outside air inlet?
What did you use on the walls?
Yes, I believe this model does come with an outside air inlet. I'm not sure if that will be hooked up or not. Not this year anyway, maybe in the spring....
On the walls I used cement backer board. 4" strips were placed upon the first layer, and a second sheet will be added to that, leaving an air gap between the two. Next summer i'll face it with cultured stone, brick or tile, and build a taller base for the stove.
If you look at the stove picture you will see that 3 more 3'x4' backer boards need to be installed.
MaineRhino If it does then now would be the time to put it through the wall before the stone work. I put in place a piece of Sch 40(grey) in my wall when I built the firewall. Never got the air intake until a year later but used 3" metal from the stove to the PVC. I could tell the difference in the stove. With my Soapstone they made a metal adapter to screw onto the draft assembly and was really easy to install only $$$. You could make it out of sheetmetal and paint black to save a buck or two.
On this stove the intake is under the stove, so I think it will go straight down to the floor. I'll cut a hole in the floor for that when the base is built. The base will be about 4" tall, then covered with stone or tile.
It's good to know that the outside air intake really makes a difference. Thanks for the tip! [cool]
Can someone explain why the outside air intake improves a stove's performance? Is combustion improved because the stove is taking in colder, denser air from the outside?
Thanks
In a building that is sealed well against exterior air infiltration the fresh air supply provides a clear pathway for the air consumed by the stove. In my cabin I have noticed it is much easier to get the fire started when I crack a window or door open.
My fresh air kit was backordered when we got the stove. I now have it, and will install it as soon as I can. My plan is to go through the floor behind the stove into space under the cabin. The inlet point will be screened with both metal window screen and 1/4" hardware cloth.
My original reason for wanting the fresh air inlet was caused by the use of the Sun-Mar composting toilet. It uses a 4" vent pipe. With a good fire going I envisioned air being drawn down the vent pipe and having toilet smells wafting through the cabin.
MaineRhino mine is underneath also. But the draft system that Hearthstone makes exits in the back to 3". Might want to check yours out before knocking holes in the floor. Actually it is just a box 3-1/2" tall X 18-20" wide and about 8-10" deep that fits over the draft mechanism which was already in place.
Our latest project at the camp began as a simple observation of an interesting beech tree with a twist and turn in it. To me it looked like it could be used as a one-piece bottom post and railing for our (steep) stairs. What I didn't think of was how heavy it would be!
It was quite a feat to see my son (Josh) hitch on to that tree with the 4-wheeler and twitch that unruly log out of the woods and over some extremely tough terrain! It probably took about 2 hours, and I hope it was worth it...
This was the easy section....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_0812-1.jpg)
The twist...
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_0815.jpg)
We are now back from a 9 day stay at the camp. Hunting season is over, and snow has arrived. Icy mountain roads are NOT fun!
Josh and I hiked the mountain behind the camp. Found tracks of bobcat, rabbit, turkey, fox, fisher, deer and bear.
This us at the top
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_0770.jpg)
So, we are done for the season, and will return next spring to continue where we left off....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_0791.jpg)
Interesting tree. Hope you can incorporate it in your design scheme. It should get lighter in weight by the time you return. ;D
The pictures are so nice, almost makes it sad that you have to go "home" for the winter.
That's great - I like to see trees as grown used in construction.
On saturday we decided to go check on camp, and use the Rhino to get us up and back. I soon discovered that this machine was not made for 3 feet of fine powder. :o
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Winter%20early%202009/100_1034.jpg)
So we decided that since it was only about a mile or so to camp, all uphill, that the 5 of us would hike in even though none of us had snowshoes. Probably not the smartest decision I ever made, to say the least! d*
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Winter%20early%202009/100_1011.jpg)
So, a little over 2 hours later we all made it up there to discover that things were just as we left it in November, except with an acorn in the bathtub.......Squirrel maybe?
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Winter%20early%202009/100_1008.jpg)
But at least it was a beautiful day, and we all survived.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Winter%20early%202009/100_1023.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Winter%20early%202009/100_1025.jpg)
Next year i'll be sure to purchase snowshoes a snowmobile. ;)
Well, you answered my questions about how those tracks would do in soft snow. ;D
We has better luck with snowshoes than a snowmobile on 2 feet of powder... but that was mainly because of the turns we had to maneuver and the need to slow down for the turns. :-[ As soon as we slowed, we sank. Probably going to snowshoe up next weekend. 3 1/4 miles. Using these from MSR... (they also make for passable emergency shovels with the snowmobile ;D
(http://media.rei.com/media/974053.jpg)
with the optional tails...
(http://www.rei.com/zoom/690366Lrg.jpg/150)
Wow, snowshoes....After last December, I'm thinking I should get some, would have been handy.
Ah, spring is finally here for us! We were able to drive up to camp and spend the weekend. It was tough to leave Sunday afternoon!
We were able to finish the T&G on the ceiling, which leaves one interior wall and the understairs pantry to do. I think i'll use an oil base poly to seal it.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_1215.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_1245.jpg)
We also finished the siding above the porch.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_1167.jpg)
Also cleared the woods for a 12x16 shed, and a 10x14 shower/sauna house. Next weekend we'll dig for the posts, weather depending.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_1227.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/102_1225.jpg)
Looking nice. The house blends in with the setting. I noticed that the loft handrail is on the "to do" list later. A neighbor (contractor) is just finishing up a cabin with T&G walls & ceiling. He used 2X for the rails and pickets. Surprising it looked really good in contrast to the rest of the wood. I even approved of it's appearence. ;D I plan on taking a couple of shots of the cabin. Looks pretty sharp if I do say so myself.
Looking awesome Troy! I bet you were thrilled to be able to drive up there after all the snow we got! :)
What a nice spot to have a picnic with the dog. :D :D :D
Here is the 2X4 railing that I had mentioned earlier.
(https://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/redoverfarm/scenes/country%20plans/100_2676-1.jpg)
(https://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/redoverfarm/scenes/country%20plans/100_2679-1.jpg)
Very nice, MaineRhino! You've outdone yourself... 8)
Really looking good, Rhino.
I see you have been shopping for cool logs too.
Yes Glenn I have! I happened to find these this weekend so I could finish the porch railings.
(//i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/016.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/032.jpg)
I was up just after sunrise for this pic, and was lucky enough to call in a turkey. No picture of him though, he saw me and went the other way. Tomorrow is opening day for turkey in Maine. I'll be back on Saturday with my permit!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/002.jpg)
The turkey came back on Sunday, but was nowhere around on Saturday morning when my son was hunting!
My wife took this pic early Sunday morning.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/035.jpg)
We also dug the holes and poured concrete getting ready for the posts for the shed. Then it rained and was pretty cruddy the rest of the weekend.
Saturday sunrise...
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/010.jpg)
Sunday was spent relaxing (for a change).
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/041.jpg)
Progress at the mountain seems to be very slow lately, due to all the rain and missed opportunities, but a recent week long semi-dry stay at camp seems to have gotten the ball rolling again!
The storage shed is finally built and dry,
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/050-1.jpg)
All windows and doors are trimmed...
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/031-1.jpg)
Lobsters are sleeping...
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/041-1.jpg)
And now that the camp is empty, it's time for the clear poly to be applied! But that's next weeks job.
Then the cabinets, flooring, stone work, gray-water system, etc..., etc.....
And I also managed to take some nice pictures while we were up there....
Sunrise 7/11/2009
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/031-2.jpg)
Storm rolling in....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/022-2.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/028.jpg)
And Zoe, posing...
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/054.jpg)
Looks awesome Rhino! Can I ask what you used to install your pine on the interior? Doing mine soon and I'm not sure what to use.
Alberta Curt
It was 1x8 T & G V-match #3 pine. My sawmill grades 1,2,3,4a and 4b. We thought the #3 was perfect! I'll post pics soon of the completed poly process.
Thanks Rhino. I wasn't clear with my question :D. Did you use a brad nailer to install the pine? If so, I have a couple of questions:
1. What size nail?
2. Do you nail into the tongue or just into the board?
3. Do you nail into every stud or every other stud?
Appreciate the help
Curt
I don't know what MaineRhino did, however I used my Senco finishing nailer with 15 ga. nails through the tongue and into each ceiling joist (16" OC). I used 2" length, partly because I had a nearly full box and they were definitely long enough to secure the T&G when nailed at an angle. The only boards I face nailed were the first one where I face the nailed the groove edge as well as nailing the tongue. Then the last 2 boards; the second to last as I could not angle the gun into the tongue and the last board where the tongue was removed to fit. Those nail holes were mostly covered by the trim strip.
I believe nailing through the tongue works for widths up to 6", over that face nailing may be required.
I did pretty much like MD did. I'll have to double-check the width of those boards.....
The poly should be done this week!
Quote from: MaineRhino on July 27, 2009, 10:20:51 AM
I did pretty much like MD did. I'll have to double-check the width of those boards.....
I'd guess them to be "6" inchers.
Did I say it looks good? :D
Wow troy , looking amazing man, great job. When I'm moved up there, I'll have to come by and check it out in person!
The v-match pine was 1x8, which left a 7" face from V to V. It was nailed thru the tongue and face nailed at the seams.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/045.jpg)
Well. two coats of poly later...... It's finally nearing completion. Or at least closer than before!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/008-3.jpg)
3 sanded coats were done on all the window trim.
Finished one side of the upper railings. One side to go!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/024-1.jpg)
Sanded, stained and applied poly to the loft floor also.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/013.jpg)
Purchased all of the cabinets, installed the two on the wall.
Next weekend the base cabinets will go in, and the floor will be installed.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/028-1.jpg)
See the faces in the right side door?
Rhino did you find your loft floor side of your T&G not fitting together as well as the ceiling side. I stained mine dark and I can see now that it will be a nightmare to keep clean with the gaps. ;D
Where did you get the kitchen Cabinets?
Red,
The loft floor side did not lay as flat as I would like. I should have face nailed it, but I did not want to see the nail heads. In our case, we purchased a 9x12 piece of berber carpet which I had bound on all 4 sides. It lays under the bed, and covers the majority of the floor.
Peteh,
Lowe's just started with this line of hickory cabinets. I did get two other bids from local cabinet shops who promised they could come close to the price at Lowe's. Their price was roughly double what I paid at Lowe's!
You get what you pay for.
Since this is a seasonal camp, I decided not to go with custom cabinets. For a full time residence, I would not buy the Lowe's brand.
Very nice looking job MR!
I remember my first project where an owner/builder/friend installed 2x6 T&G Hemlock for a loft floor. The material was a bit wet when installed and they weren't able to use long pipe clamps to pull it together. After it had dried out for a year there was one special spot where the gap had opened up enough that the kids would see if they could drop dimes down on top of a guest. :D
On Saturday we managed to install the entire floor and the cabinets. We are short one 12" base cabinet by the end of the bar. The bar side will be finished with the same materials as the wall, 1x8 T&G V-match.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/090.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/091.jpg)
The countertops will be wood with live edge.
On Saturday we also installed the railing for the stairs. I have some more shaving, carving and sanding to do, but it is very secure. What a job that was! I'm looking forward to finishing it! I also have one more section of upper birch railing to build.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/012-1.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/061.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/064.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/076.jpg)
Looking at your snack rack made me hungry. Nice job btw. :)
Really like those hickory cabinets. [cool]
Nice job on the handrail too.
One more base cabinet in, but ran out of 2.5" screws to install. Also finished the bar wall. None of the base cabinets are screwed to the floor, allowing for the laminate floor to move.
I'll build the countertop myself, maybe. I got a quote of $2,200 for the one I designed.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/062.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/058.jpg)
I also finished the last railing upstairs! Hooray!
Maybe next weekend i'll start on finishing the tree/rail. I need more tools for that.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/032-3.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/072.jpg)
Nice job Rhino. I originally was going to do the concrete countertops but decided that the marble tile that I used on the floor would probably look more consistant with the flooring. The dark cabinets break the two up.
Awesome hand rail and loft railing. I love the organic look, good imagination to find that railing in a tree as one piece. I have also tucked away a few trees that will look really cool in the house.
Nice job.
Looks great! 8) Love the railing - & good find for the stairway railing!
Wow. Great read, views, pics and cabin. Nice job!
Love the porch and loft.
Thanks all!
NorAz, on your profile picture it looks like faces from knots in the wood, very cool. We noticed tons of faces appearing in the walls and ceiling after we applied the coats of poly. Or maybe it was the fumes..........
It's fun to pick them out, especially after we fix a few frozen margaritas.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/070.jpg)
Cool. I see Friday the 13th's Jason in your pic there.
Looks awesome MaineRhino!
What is left to do on your list? :)
Build & install two interior doors, one for bathroom and one for pantry.
Floor trim.
Outside stair railings, for insurance purposes.
Shelving.
Finish shed.
And most importantly, build (?) a kitchen countertop. I'm sure there's more!
I like the color of your siding and trim. It actually blends with the surroundings and IMO is the right choice for a cabin in the woods.
Thanks Red! We spent a long time picking out that siding, and the color too!
We really like the look of the cabinets. We went to lowes and they didn't have any in stock ...maybe a special order.
How much were they if you don't mind?
What don't you like about them for permant residence?
Do they have any composite board or is it all wood (even that sides etc)..
Thanks, we were very surprised to find these at Lowes. They are online here.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productList&Ne=4294967294&category=Hickory&N=4294900502+4294956082+4294965802
We paid about $1,600 for all. Like I said earlier, basic custom built cabinets were about twice the price.
The doors and face boards are all solid, and the sides and shelves are particle board. Not knowing much about cabinets, I looked around and spoke with several cabinet makers, and they showed me many features which make for a better cabinet. Things such as better drawer slides, MUCH better woodwork like dovetail drawers, solid drawer bottoms, deeper drawers, solid mounting points, better finishes, etc.... Don't just look at cabinets, speak with the cabinet makers if you can.
We have better cabinets at our home, and we can really tell the difference between a custom made vs. a mass production (made in USA) cabinet.
Here's another view.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/016-3.jpg)
Lowe's has some pretty decent cabinets. The ones in our cabin came rom Lowe's.
I have seen some custom cabinets that, in my opinion, were not made any better than those Lowe's cabinets. They just cost more and had a unique appearance.
Got some great pics last weekend...
Fall is here!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-04-09007.jpg)
I also set up the trail cam to catch our resident moose. He looks like a young (2 yrs) bull.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-02-09034.jpg)
Too bad he didn't smile for the camera. ;D It's been a lot of years since I've seen a moose. None this far south, but back home in Manitoba there were many.
Spent time at camp doing odds & ends such as building a bathroom door using 2x4's and 1x8 T & G V-match. Heavy, but sturdy! The fun part was finding and making the handles. Now I need to make a wooden latch....
This handle was a root.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-04-09013.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-04-09017.jpg)
Also installed a grate in the deck at the back door. Dirt falls thru to the ground.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-04-09022.jpg)
We have also recently been discovered and were required to get a building permit, which first required a plumbing permit, which forced us into building a 32' graywater system. This is the baffle system in the woods. I'll have more pics soon when they finish, hopefully this week.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-04-09023.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-04-09009.jpg)
Too bad about the discovery. :( Nice porch deck grate.
Making all the comforts of home. You should have used camoflauge paint. ;)
MaineRhino
Hello
Nice cabin that you are building. Too bad you are now on the Discovery channel. :-\ Nice pictures - I live in Northern Wisconsin and only been to 48 of 50 states, Most Canadian Provinces, and most of the EC. For the first year in 4 we made it into the 90's.
A gas station just north of me used to have about 15 white tail deer in a fenced pen but butchered them all and put them in the freezer. I told the owner that moose would be nice now but got a "no way" response. ;D ;D If you got a bull moose young and raised it you could ride it. Riding duel going into town on your own moose would probably get you arrested. :-[
So have a good time finishing your cabin and don't tell any body any thing. ;)
Lee
Hey, My project is in the western Maine mountains as well. We are in Wyman Twp. Love the views, amazing. Love the details. Stay Warm!
That sucks you got discovered. Probably feels good to just be legit now though? Were thinking of putting up some huge gilley nets so if they try looking around in the woods thell have to get by the nets to see us. Mayby dig some holes with pungee sticks.
Actually, there were no additional fines, just the building and septic permit costs and back taxes for 2 years ($1,200). And the $2,000 for the gray water system. d*
And the moose returned!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/124.jpg)
The moose came up the driveway, walked behind the camp and over the newly installed graywater system, then walked back down the drive.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/127.jpg)
Cool Moose. This past weekend I discovered I had several video segments of a large bull elk near our cabin. I seem to have let the SD card at the cabin though. I thought I'd packed it. ??? d*
Amazing what goes on when we're not around....
looking good up there. I love the fact that your shed is going to be half the size of you cabin, and the sauna a third. That is awesome!
Fantastic project. Very impressive.
We finally made it back to camp this weekend! Two months away is too long. There was about 18-24" of snow, but we made it no problem.
Somehow the front door had blown open, but no critters were inside. A few mouse poo's but nothing else.
Deadbolts are now on my shopping list. d*
My son Josh did all the driving.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/mOUNTAIN225.jpg)
We also brought our neighbors so they could stay at their camp too. We can't wait to get back! :)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/mOUNTAIN201.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/mOUNTAIN234.jpg)
How do you like the Rhino? We're thinking of getting one. Do the snow tracks work well?
The place looks great.
Can you explain how the grey water system was built?
QuoteHow do you like the Rhino? We're thinking of getting one.
We love it! Very stable, drives like a truck (steering wheel, pedals...), carries a load, receiver hitches front & rear, winch, etc.....
QuoteDo the snow tracks work well?
Yes, only had trouble one time getting to our property. Dry snow on an icy road, uphill = no go. I also have a 4 wheeler and a snowmobile, but I prefer the Rhino.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Rhino%20in%20Winter/02-06-2010004.jpg)
QuoteThe place looks great.
Can you explain how the grey water system was built?
Thanks!
The grey water system was engineered for two sinks and one shower/tub. That was the minimum code requirement.
If we were 300' downhill, we would be in the next county, and NO permits or inspections are required. d*
It was 3' x 32' long, and sits on course, gravelly sand with a transitional layer under that. Then covered with infiltrators with a 3 degree grade.
He had lots of rocks, stumps and roots to dig out. Just to get the backhoe in I had to clear lots of trees, but now we have a place to put our screenhouse!
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-04-09023.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/034-4.jpg)
Looks great thanks.
Sorry about your run in with permitting.
Is that Franklin County that has no permitting or zoning? It would be good to know for future reference ;)
Carthage has no permitting or restrictions.
yeah, i think Carthage is in Franklin county. thanks.
Permits and restrictions will vary from town to town. I was told by the inspector that Carthage has no permit procedure.
On ours, they only wanted to know our setbacks, and where the wetland was, if any. We were free to build anything we wanted, as long as we pay taxes on it. :P
Did they ask you for drawings or do any inspections on the building?
No, just the engineered grey water system drawings. The inspector just happened to be able to do engineered drawings of septic systems, and offered his services to us for a price. Of course, we used him. Made the process go very smoothly...... [waiting]
hmm how are the zoning laws around there? I may be getting a job in Oxford, and moving up that way?
From my research so far unless a town has its own laws, or is in LURC territory there seems to be no permitting or zoning?
(looking at putting up a bunch of rental cabins)
The best bet would be to contact the town in which you are looking to relocate. Each town is different, even LURC has restrictions, as well as some sort of permit system.
Good luck with the rental cabins, and congrats on the job in Oxford. This county is very poor, and they are in the process of getting voter approval on a new casino in Oxford. If that passes, my house will be for sale.
Wanna buy a house? ;D
sorry to hear about the casino news.. it seems that so many counties / states are looking to that option to get them out of the current economic jam.. it seems like a short term solution to me..
it would be a shame to see you give up your house after so much work! where would you go? of course, the flip side is that it would be a wonderful opportunity to build another one!! good luck
My house will be for sale, NOT my camp! d* (I'm not crazy!)
Same county, but Oxford county is over 2,100 sq.mi. in size, so we will be able to hide away in comfort.
Are you sure you don't want to buy my house? LOL
ok.. now i have it straight.. that makes sense! i used to own a place in maine.. little town called washington. i would love to have some land there now, but we need to focus our resources on the house that we are building here in PA... ultimate dream would be a small farm - maybe even off the grid - near some water would be an added bonus! you are doing a great job, by the way! :)
very nice. I'm in the early stages of selling my camp in upstate NY and either buying an existing camp or building my own in western Maine as well. I live down in York so the drive would be greatly reduced.
did you have any issue getting the camp insured (if you did) with it built on pier/posts?
I love the site you're on, but I think the family would prefer to be closer to the lake, but we'll see.
who'd you go thru to buy the parcel?
No issue at all with the posts. It's a dwelling fire policy with limited coverage. Structure only with no contents coverage. As soon as I get the outside railings done i'll be able to extend it with vandalism and malicious mischief coverage. Liability coverage has been extended from our homeowners policy.
We found our land through the Maine Sportsman magazine. There are also other ways, such as loggers, classifieds, auctions, craigslist, unclehenrys.com and other places.
There is a lot of land for sale up here. We are currently looking for 20-30 acres too.
Last summer we passed on a remote 70 acre piece at an auction. It went for around 35K. d*
MaineRhino,
Everything is looking great. Love the handles and hickory cabinets from Lowes, great choice for the money. I'm about to put in my leechfield soon as well. Trying to get the area for it ready, its tough though because I like to drive the backhoe near where the leechfield will be d*
will be looking at a shell already built with well and septic up not that far from you, Avon. also checking out a few more, one down in Carthage. no chance of power lines run in (1.7miles in, unplowed in winter)
so thinking about power solutions, first and foremost how to run well pump.
What did you do about water and power? read thru, might have missed it.
We carry in our water for now. There is a spring at the back of the property, but the elevation is lower than the camp. Will most likely put in a pump and pump uphill to a storage tank. I'll use a gas powered pump.
Currently using a generator hooked to the camp, which is all wired of course. 12v and solar is on the agenda, but not a priority at this time.
das fisch, this may be of interest; mabey an alternative solution?
http://www.bisonpumps.com/
We have a spring on our property. One cabin will be at -30ft, another at +20ft and one at +140ft elev. from the spring. We plan to use something like this to fill ~100gal tanks in each cabin and then use an RV pump to pressurize the cabin. We can turn it on and in about an hour it will fill the storage in a cabin.
Solar Pump (http://www.firemountainsolar.com/waterpumps.html#solarslowpump)
Elevation/GPM Chart (http://www.firemountainsolar.com/pdf/solarslowpump.pdf)
It will run off the batteries/panels at the nearby +20 cabin.
Thanks so much for those links! While not a priority to install, it will be nice to have the system designed at least. [cool]
Awesome looking cabin. I hope to build a full time residence with the same dimensions within the next year or two. I was wondering what is your roof pitch? From the pictures you have posted it doesn't appear to be quite 12/12.
It is 8/12. Just steep enough to keep off the snow, but easy enough to work on. :)
MaineRhino
I love your project but wonder if you have had any troubles with any sagging in the ridge or bowing of the walls. You ran the loft joists the opposite way I do in the 20' wide 1-1/2 story plans - the tie to the walls looks like it only happens at the loft support beam. Also, you don't have as many rafter ties as I call out in the cathedral section.
I assume you have a non-structural ridge board at the peak. I see you did get in some high collar ties. That certainly helps stiffen the rafters.
What is the height on your walls? It looks to be 10ft?
I have a question on your grey water system, is there any tank involved? or does the drain pipe by-pass a tank and hook up strait to the baffles? thx! and great looking place :)
Quote from: John Raabe on December 30, 2010, 06:41:33 PM
MaineRhino
I love your project but wonder if you have had any troubles with any sagging in the ridge or bowing of the walls. You ran the loft joists the opposite way I do in the 20' wide 1-1/2 story plans - the tie to the walls looks like it only happens at the loft support beam. Also, you don't have as many rafter ties as I call out in the cathedral section.
I assume you have a non-structural ridge board at the peak. I see you did get in some high collar ties. That certainly helps stiffen the rafters.
Thanks John. The ridge looks OK so far.
Here's an old shot or 2....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/101_3398.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-20-2007016.jpg)
The walls are not bowed out either. So far so good........... [waiting]
Quote from: hvfd_firefighter on December 31, 2010, 10:40:10 AM
What is the height on your walls? It looks to be 10ft?
The walls are 10', which worked out perfect for us. That allowed us full 8' walls under the loft area, as well as more head space in the loft. [cool]
It also allowed for shelving to go over the windows, and enough room to display "stuff".
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/Camp021.jpg)
Quote from: nathan.principe on December 31, 2010, 12:09:32 PM
I have a question on your grey water system, is there any tank involved? or does the drain pipe by-pass a tank and hook up strait to the baffles? thx! and great looking place :)
No tank, just a straight shot to the 32' long baffle system.
Before....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/033-2.jpg)
During...
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/10-04-09025.jpg)
After.....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/034-5.jpg)
It looks bigger than it really is because I had extra sand brought in to level a spot for an 18'x20' screen house. It worked great!
Thanks for your answers to all the follow-up questions. Things look solid and will probably stay that way. Wood frame construction is amazingly forgiving. Code rules, especially more recent ones, are often written to include attempted solutions to problems that will never occur in 99% of the houses over their entire lifetime.
This is a very handsome place you have built with taste and care.
Beautiful Maine camp----like the trail came pic's as well. Great craftsmanship............i love visting Maine --i try to do so at least one a year...........
really nice looking place! just read the whole thread start to finish. That Rhino looks pretty sweet!
Thanks for posting all the great pics!
Just an overdue update on the progress so far....
The inside is close to finished. Just need to put on better stair treads and finally "finish" the loft stairs.
Also the fireplace surround needs stone, but the weather has been cold enough to have to start the woodstove almost every weekend!
The kitchen countertop will be finished next week. I'll be building it out of hardwood flooring, and will post the results when finished....
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/DSC_0003.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/054-2.jpg)
The 12x16 bunkhouse is close to finished. Just need to cut the trim for the interior window trim.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Bunkhouse/Camp038.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Bunkhouse/Camp056.jpg)
The "woodshed" (sauna/shower/toilet) is up but not even close to done. It currently house all my tools, generator, etc.... Probably next years project.
Not very good pics, i'll update them next week.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/camp130.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/camp045.jpg)
very nice! thanks for the update!
Here's a suggestion.
(https://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/countryplans/porch.jpg)
The one in the middle isn't quite as important as the nailed off sheathing on the wall works like a big diaphragm to share the load. However, that corner porch post is the lone ranger out there.
Very nice kitchen in the main cabin.
Thanks for the tip. I'll do that this weekend. I had wondered if that would need to be done....... d*
Love your place MaineRhino, it looks warm and inviting. I hope mine turns out as cozy :)
nice to see more pics. have been up to avon a bit but have not really started the work I have to do. hope to be up there for a bit this weekend.
A weeks vacation found us doing several small jobs, and one big one at camp.
Working with a 3/4" Advantech base, I installed 3/4" oak flooring to make the kitchen countertop.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/DSC_0043.jpg)
Working front to back, I nailed thru the tongue of each piece. I probably should have glued it too, but I didn't... Although I did glue and nail the trim board, which was routered to a proper edge. A couple hours sanding and patching.......
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/DSC_0061.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/DSC_0123.jpg)
Finished with a Spar Urethane, 3 coats, sanding lightly between coats.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/DSC_0142.jpg)
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/DSC_0148.jpg)
[cool] Nice Job.
Wow, what a great job on the countertops! That's a really smart and cost effective way to do them! How come I never thought of that??? :)
Looks beautiful!
Those counters are sharp. Very wise move with the flooring. Did I miss where you got the cabinets? They look familiar. Beautiful cabin. I'm green ;)
In case I missed it, did you use any of the plans from this website for this build (I.e., 20x30 single story or 1.5 story)?
Just a long overdue FYI to those interested....
After purchasing a 70 acre farm in 2016, and not using camp as intended for at least 6 years, in 2022 we sold it to a younger couple that has time and money to finish it.
We made enough to pay off our mortgage on the farm, as the real estate market is crazy here!
Thank you to John, Glenn, Don and many others that had encouraged us, and for all the kind remarks along the way!