The saltbox style barn or shed is has been popular since the colonial era. A slope down roof design is distinctive to saltbox architecture. Originally, the saltbox style was designed solely for function. The conservative space combined with the sloped roof contain heat well and serve as a windbreak.
While the function of the saltbox style barn, shed or home offers supreme functionality, most builders choose the saltbox style barn for the quaint style and rustic look of the buildings. During past centuries, salt was purchased and stored in containers sharing the same shape, thus coining the nickname for the building style.
Free Saltbox Barn Plans
Free saltbox barn plans can be printed on a home computer on legal size paper, and provide graphic and easy to understand instructions. Saltbox barn plans can be found for both the novice and experienced builder. Construction of a saltbox barn will require specific power tools and a level site for construction. Saltbox barn plans do not include any materials for construction. Free plans are always provided when purchasing a building kit, which also includes needed hardware.
Construction steps, techniques and illustrated design plans guide builders through the free saltbox barn plans. The Woodworking Plans website offers easy-to-understand plans, detailing the materials needed, step by step instructions and illustrations of tools and progress in all stages of building.
The Walden in the Burbs website is a haven for the "Do it Yourself" type, offering salt barn plans---some free, some for a fee. Novice builders will find the instructions and customer service here helpful.
The Build Eazy website provides free saltbox barn plans, free DIY video tutorials and lists of materials for each saltbox barn or shed. The plans are designed for novice builders. Links to related resources, such as lumber styles, shingles and paint suppliers are also provided.
Bob Vila's forum offers free saltbox barn plans, along with helpful hints and advice during the construction process. Plans can be downloaded in Adobe PDF. Builders can post questions and get help from other forum users and Vila's trained staff.
The Just Sheds website offers free saltbox barn plans, along with a free construction guide. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the free plans and guides. You can request free sample materials and communicate with the customer service department for assistance. This website is geared to those with a moderate understanding of the building process.
The Backyard Spaces website offers an enormous selection of free shed plans, building diagrams, site preparation guides and materials and hardware information for each project. Some plans cost a nominal fee. Site links include free outdoor furniture construction plans, landscaping guides and site preparation information.
The Shed King site provides free saltbox barn plans. Builders can download free plans, information on supplies, tools and hardware.
The free shed plans at the My Shed Plans website require at least legal size paper to print. Plan downloads can be saved to a disc or jump drive and printed professionally on blue print style paper. This website also offers additional resources, and a question response forum for users.
Sheds 4 U also provides free shed plans, and design and site preparation advice. Novice builders will find all the information needed to complete a backyard-building project and learn professional construction techniques, but a familiarity with building terms is a prerequisite for these plans.
Foundations for Saltbox Barns
The foundation for a saltbox barn should be constructed of 4-by-4 inch pressure-treated lumber. The floor joists should be constructed from 2-by-4 inch pressure-treated wood. Plywood is an appropriated choice for the interior floor of the building. Concrete can also be used for a stronger and more durable floor foundation. If heavy equipment will be stored inside the saltbox barn or shed, concrete is the best choice for a lasting foundation. Building plans include information on building a proper foundation.
Siding for Saltbox Barns
Building plans also cover choosing the siding material for the saltbox barn or shed. Vinyl siding is the least expensive and most durable choice of siding material. Vinyl siding offers both low maintenance, and easy installation. Builders, who opt for a more traditional siding material, often choose wood made of cedar or oak. When using wood siding, pressure treated lumber is required. The cost of wood siding is nearly double that of vinyl. Wood siding can be painted or stained to suit the builder's style. Saltbox barn plans include instructions for siding installation, and amount of material needed to complete the project.
Roofing for Saltbox Barns
Shingles are the standard material used in a saltbox barn roof. A tin roof covered with durable vinyl can also be used for increased durability. Builders seeking to recreate a traditional saltbox barn use shingles, in a basic dark color. Vinyl roofing material is created in two large sections, one for each side of the structure and is known for superior leak protection and cost savings over the life of the structure.
Resources for Building Saltbox Barns
www.Backyardspaces.com
www.Bobvila.com
www.Woodworkerworkship.com
www.geekbooks.com,
www.buildeazy.com
www.designer-shed-plans.com
www.Us-buildings-Direct.com
www.easybuildings.com
www.theshedplans.com
www.plan-finder.com
www.choicebuildngs.com
www.hhshedplans.com
www.shedsandstoragebuildngs.com
