building skid house

[Never_Enough]

In need of advice for building my first 6x10 skid house. I used 2x3s for framing 24oc. I've never sided before and thinking about polebarn metal siding for sides and roof. Do I need any 7/16 plywood for sides and 1/2 plywood for rough? Or is it ok to just run siding against the studs?

[Ryan_V]

Plywood would give you more strength. But just putting the siding right on the studs would make it lighter. Depends on what you want. Neither way is wrong.

[OptimusPrime]

I will be starting mine here shortly and have the same questions. I am building an 8x15 and I am thinking its going to be extremely heavy if I do steel and sheathing both. I definetly want to keep it as light as I can. Leaning toward just the steel over the frame. Anyone else have input?

[otterman91105]

I built a 8 X 8 house two years ago. I put 3/8 plywood on the outside and then painted it. If you use insulation buy the stuff that comes in 4 X 8 sheets if you use that i would just put the steel siding right to the studs. If you worry about drafts comeing through put up poly on the inside before you finsh the walls. The plywood that i have up on the outside is very heavy wish i would have done it different the first time.

[Never_Enough]

Thanks for the info. I decided to put 7/16 plywood on studs first for extra support, since it will be trailered. I am using the pink 4x8 sheets of insulation. Hopefully this will not be too heavy. I have planned & made a 3D model, but have never built one. I want to use a marine onboard charger for the battery. Any input on electrical would be helpful! Ice can't get here fast enough!!

[chad austin]

I think you will be sorry you added the extra weight and to be honest it really isn't needed. A friend of mine built a house in Grand Rapids a few years back and the only sheathing we used was 1 1/2" extruded insulation and one of the walls was a little out of square after we stood it up and believe me, we tried everything to pull it square (3/4 ton truck, come-along and a hi-low jack) )and ended up having to remove the insulation to get it squared up. My point is the steel siding is more than enough to keep the walls square and now that I think of it my perm only has aluminum panels on it without any sheathing.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I think you will be sorry you added the extra weight and to be honest it really isn't needed. A friend of mine built a house in Grand Rapids a few years back and the only sheathing we used was 1 1/2" extruded insulation and one of the walls was a little out of square after we stood it up and believe me, we tried everything to pull it square (3/4 ton truck, come-along and a hi-low jack) )and ended up having to remove the insulation to get it squared up. My point is the steel siding is more than enough to keep the walls square and now that I think of it my perm only has aluminum panels on it without any sheathing.

Spot on. I would take it off, or skip the steel siding. You definitely do not want both.

[Never_Enough]

OK, I got your point. Since I have the boards up but have not purchased siding yet, would your recommend aluminum or vinyl siding? Or just paint the plywood, which I don't think I would like to do... I appreciate your 2 cents.

When is the ice coming???

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

My recommendation would probably be to avoid adding additional weight, and just paint the plywood.

[chad austin]

I would paint the plywood as well, siding is only going to add extra weight. As far as the marine battery charger goes, that's exactly what I do and it works well. I run a generator during the slow bite times and strictly 12V during the bite.

[Ryan_V]

You could have added plywood, but 7/16 was overkill. I had a wheelhouse that was 24 oc 2x2's, 1" styrofoam insulation, then vinyl siding. Hauled it quite a bit and never had a problem. The only strength I added was a 2x4 running the inside center of the wall. Added strength, and gave me a place to mount heater and other "goodies". Lots of options! Just check out what works for your intended use

[Never_Enough]

Thanks for all the input. Now I'm going to take the plywood off, and use it for another project. I just want to do this right the first time, cuz my wife might not let me do it again! Luckily I have nothing else to do but spend time on this. Too many choices but not enough money to do everything I want.

[chad austin]

Although it's added work, you will be happy about your decision. You could always build an outhouse to set next to your shack with all the plywood you pulled off, but be sure to fill all the old nail holes so you don't end up with any unexpected onlookers .

[Never_Enough]

Ha-Ha, you're a funny man. I've got help to pull the stuff off - just when you think you thought it through, another better idea comes up. I was really concerned with being structurally sound and light. I'm not a carpenter by trade, but have been trying to ask as many fish-house owners as possible for the do's and definately the don'ts! Thanks for the input. I can't wait to fish!!

[Ryan_V]

Don't laugh off the outhouse, they are INVALUABLE! trust me! I have one next rio my shack on mille lacs and cant dream of life without it!

[Finlander]

Good to have a porta-potty in a small house next to your big house! Keeps the wife out on the lake longer. Just have it heated!

[Never_Enough]

Porta-potty is a good idea, but my wife won't be on the lake as much as me. This house will be my little piece of heaven for a few months on Mille Lacs! I'll go home every few days when I need a shower, a little lovin, and stock up on food! My wife is happy I've got something to keep me busy and out of her hair. If she needs me, she'll know where to find me. Now back to pulling off the plywood.

[Eelpout08]

If you are worried about the walls not staying square a lighter solution would be to put metal straps at an angle across the studs, that will keep it from twisting and make it incredibly strong.

[Never_Enough]

I like your comment about guns! That made me laugh. I pulled off the plywood and started the roof. Siding gets delivered tomorrow - I'm excited. I'll finally feel good once the outside is done. The idea about the outhouse sounds real good. I have enough plywood to make one. I even have an extra heater and an extra hole cover. This way you never miss an opportunity if the fish are on! Either that, or it's the fishing spot for unexpected company. Now trying to figure out the best floor covering. I have carpeting and linoleum to use that was given to me. Both have the pros and cons. Hmmm.

Can't wait for the ice!!