Framing Begins

by marjasisu, posted in Camp Many Moons

If the foundation gives a thing strength, the frame gives it shape — whether “the thing” is a cabin or a viewpoint. Quality matters more with some things than others. The people who shape one’s viewpoint should have the highest possible quality, but the wood that shapes a cabin can be a step down from “top-notch” without compromising the project.

Thus, I learned that “Number 2” lumber is OK for the framing of the Cabin at Many Moons even if a few boards are warped. That studs need to be inserted every 16 inches to give the frame stability. And that every window must be carefully planned before cutting-and-nailing begins. So many things to learn when building one’s home “from scratch!” It’s a review for Jeff, who built his own house decades ago. It’s all new to me.

The “framing package” was delivered a week ago: stacks of 2x6s, 2x4s, 2x10s, and sheeting. The lumber creates “the bones” and the sheeting covers them up. As weather and bugs allow, Jeff has been nailing or gluing them together. There is little I can do to help at this stage other than carry wood, run-and-fetch, or keep the food and water coming. I suppose I could learn to use a nail gun…? Hmm.

Like the foundation, this will all be invisible soon. But when the cabin is done, I will remember what lies under the floor and behind the walls. That’s the thing about DIY. You learn to appreciate how things work, so enjoy the result more deeply. If only it worked that way with people! Photos and captions follow…

The lumber company delivers the first piece of “the framing package.”
Are all trades and service industries looking for workers these days?? I had to chuckle (ruefully) to see this ad on the lumber covers.
Jeff begins his measuring, using saw horses that he built himself decades ago.
Measure, measure, and measure again…
Some boards are green, which makes them heavier. As they dry, they tend to warp if not protected from sun.
The nail gun contributed by Jeff’s son saved a ton of energy and time. Jeff built his home, essentially by himself, with a standard hammer. That’s a lot of pounding! I’m so glad it’s not necessary this time. He manages his Type-1 diabetes well, but the “energy in/energy out” dance of insulin dependency is a fragile thing. Modern medicine, and tools, make this possible!
Jeff secures the sheeting to the south wall, which still lies flat on the foundation. It will be raised up soon…
With the south wall done, framing proceeds on the north wall….
Meanwhile, I busy myself with clearing the wooded spots around the building site. I look at every stand of trees now with a “view towards the view,” and cleaning out the junk will be a constant project.
When my head gets too full or the stress starts to rise – as when trying to choose and order windows — I take a row or paddle. In this case, at 4 a.m.! Everyone who knows tells me the building process is stressful. Yep. So stress managment is key! (That’s the dock of Camp Many Moons in background, with solar lights on its posts.)

8 thoughts on “Framing Begins”

  1. Very cool! Looks like it’s going to be more than a simple cabin. But I wonder how you’re going to hold the framing down to the foundation. In my experience, you embed bolts in the wet concrete such that the threaded end sticks up and will poke through the wall’s bottom plate. Then you screw a washer and nut to each bolt.

    Like

    Reply

  3. We are INTENTLY watching you from across the bay. Congratulations on a job well almost done. Your concrete floor looks AMAZING!!

    Like

    Reply

    1. 😄How intently, I wonder! I hear there are telescopes on this bay! 😄 If you are a boater, feel free to stop in and see if we are here, to get a closer look.

      Like

      Reply

  4. Fun! And HARD! Congratulations on another big building step. “We” finished building our home in Maine last summer. But “we” didn’t do it ourselves! Good luck and remember to have fun along the way. It is sooooo cool to see your vision become reality. Thanks for keeping your fans posted.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Boyce Rensberger Cancel reply