Build a Firewood Shelter

How to Build a Firewood Shelter

1. 1 Build the Frame

   

   Butt the edges of the front posts together in pairs to form the corner posts. Drill 1⁄8"-dia. pilot holes at 8" intervals. Counterbore the holes 1⁄4" deep and join the post pairs with 2 1⁄2" deck screws. Follow the same procedure to join the rear posts in pairs.
   
   Assemble two bottom rails and two end rails into a rectangular frame. Center and set the third bottom rail between the end rails. Drill two 3⁄8"-dia. pilot holes for lag screws through the end rails at each bottom rail position — do not drill into the bottom rails.

2. 2 Attach End Rails Between Front + Rear Corner Posts

   

   With the corner posts upright, set 2"-high spacers next to each corner post to support the frame. Position the bottom rail frame between the corner posts, and attach the frame to the corner posts by driving two 2 1⁄2" deck screws through the corner posts and into the outer faces of the bottom rails.
   
   Drive a pair of 3⁄8 × 4" lag screws through the sides of the corner posts and into the bottom rails. Drive 2 1⁄2" deck screws through the end rails and into the posts.

3. 3 Cut the Middle Supports + Roof Supports

   

   Cut the back rail, front rail, roof supports, middle post, and middle supports to length. The roof supports and middle supports are mitered at the ends. To make the miter cutting lines, mark a point 1 1⁄2" in from each end, along the edge of the board.
   
   Draw diagonal lines from each point to the opposing corner. Cut along the lines with a circular saw.

4. 4 Attach Front Rail to Roof Supports

   

   Drill counterbored pilot holes in the back rail. Use 3" deck screws to fasten the back rail to the backs of the rear corner posts. Use the same procedure to fasten a roof support to the outsides of the corner posts. Make sure the top of each support is flush with the high point of each post end.
   
   Attach the front rail by driving screws through the outer roof supports, making sure the top of the rail is flush with the tops of the supports.

5. 5 Attach Middle Roof Supports

   

   The top of the rail should be flush with the tops of the roof supports. Attach the middle supports between the front rail and back rail, 30" in from each rail end. Drive 3" deck screws through the front and back rails into the ends of the middle supports.

6. 6 Attach Roof Strips with Siding Nails

   

   Attach the roof strips to the roof supports, starting at the back edge. Make sure the wide edge of the siding faces down. Attach the rest of the roof strips, overlapping the strip below by about 1⁄2" until you reach the front edges of the roof supports.