Rather than trusses, I am using 2x12 boards 20 feet long as rafters. These bad boys are heavy and awkward. The first 2 took about 3 hours to figure out how to install. Then I was able to get a process in place and it went smooth. I used a strap to hold the top end as I lifted in increments until it reached the ridge beam.
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| This was the key. Strapping the top end to hold in place as I lifted in increments |
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| Rafter making |
Sitting on top of the four posts is the ridge beam, consisting of two 2x12 LVL engineered wood connected together to make a 4x12 . I was able to to confirm with the engineer that I was able to split it into 3 different sections for ease of installation. It still was not easy. The LVLs are more slick that conventional 2x, so it wants to slip away from you and the density makes it a lot more heavy. However, I was able to build little brackets to safely step the beams to reach the top of the posts.
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| The finished outcome |
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After finishing the second floor sheathing, the next step is the rafters. To support the rafters, I have to install the posts and the ridge beam. The posts were fairly easy, just a little unnerving being so close to the edge. After the post install, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a Led Zeppelin song from their fourth album,,,
I built my first set of stairs that was greater than two steps!
I watched a few good YouTube videos and took my time, so it went much better than expected. The biggest challenge was getting the 2 x 12 stringers straightened after cutting. Apparently, after the steps are cut they tend to want to bow out.
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| Takoda discovering how much easier it is to climb steps AFTER the treads are installed |
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| Cutting the stringer |
Now that I have the main floor sheathing in place, I can now add the joists for the second floor without too much wobble. It was pretty exciting to stand up there as I had been curious to know what kind of view there’d be ever since I had bought the lot.
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| Takoda loves the new space. I think it’s because he can see so much more. |
To steady up the walls before adding the next floor, I add sheathing which is 1/2 plywood to the walls, nailed on 6” centers. I went through a lot of nails!
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| Since I’m doing this by myself, I needed a holder of the 4x8 sheets in the wind. I tacked on a 2x4 to the top of the sheet with a strap attached, threw the strap over the wall and hoisted the sheet to place or near it, then tied off the strap so I could nail the sheet in place. |
This was my first attempt at gluing and clamping, to make large wood planks. I was surprised how easy it was, although I probably did not d...
