new fish house dilema

[wally-eye]

I'm having a 6.5 x 12 frame built. It should be ready in a few days. I need to finish the rest. I can't decide the best and cheapest way to build.

I have access to vinyl siding or steel shed siding for free, along with some wood 2x2's. I thought about trying steel studs, but they are expensive and I've never worked with them before. Has anyone ever used steel studs for a fishhouse? I'm leaning toward the wood 2x2's right now. Would you use the vinyl or steel?

What do you think?

[Kaz]

Wally: I have used the steel studs before, and they are a snap to work with. They are cut with a tin snips and screwed together with small self tapping screws. I used them for a permanent house and sided it with Tough R foam and 1/4" plywood. I would think that either vinyl or steel siding would work fine too. I would go with the steel though, because the vinyl tends to expand and contract with the temps. Also the steel would be more sturdy when traveling down the highway. Actually I think steel studs may be cheaper than wood, and there is no dry rot problems when it gets wet. I think you can cut the track and place them on the 2" way for a thimmer wall. But remember, the more insulation the better, Mine was the full 4" wall stuffed with R-11 and it was kept warm with very little heat required... Kaz

[captkev]

I'd spend a little extra on the steel studs, we used them to seal off a open deck 38 foot boat(closed in the wheel house for A/C)and it worked great. As for the insulation, I'd go with a solid energy sheild foam board, it will cost a little extra too, but my dad had fiberglass batting in his house and after years of bounceing down the road and across lakes the batting fell apart and settled to the lower half of the house, your going to get a little moisture from frost so keep that in mind when the insulation falls apart. Milk house board works great for finishing out the inside, its water proof, white, so it reflects the light. you can light the whole house with two 12v 1156 bulbs for hours.

Also the I'd go with the steel sideing, if your going to use the wood 2x2's the steel will add support.

[SportFishin']

Wall-eye,

Here is a pic of my 8x12 Drop Down house built with 3.5" Steel Studs,3/8 Wood Shed Siding,3.5" R-13 Insulation, & Cheap Paneling until we can buy our Knoty Pine Interior. I used chipboard for the roof with tar paper & shingles. My wheels are on the inside & the wheel wells make great seats.

To get the Gambriel Roof all I had to do was cut a slit in the steel studs to bend them at an angle & spot welded the two halfs at the Roof Line.

My house also tops the scales at only 950lbs. It can be pushed out by hand with only 9" of Ice if there is not to much snow.

I would go with the steel studs your house will be a lot lighter. The tail lights also make great Tip-Up bag holders

Good Luck,

Chris

[jimh874]

hello,

these steel studs that are spoken of. are these a complete tubular stud, or are these a C shaped stud? im looking in to building a house my self, and researching materials.

whats the advantage to these besides weight? any moisture problems?

jim

[SportFishin']

The studs are C-shaped with cut-outs for your electrical to run through. Be sure to wear gloves when working with them. They can create big cuts from the sharp edges.

As for the moisture thier galvanized & I have had my shack built for 4 years now & have seen no problems. They are a little flimsy to work with but as soon as both sides of the walls are decked your good to go.

Later,

Chris

[jimh874]

sounds good.

one last thing, whats a good material for a moisture barrier?

jim

[Eric Wettschreck]

Tyvek. It lets the moisture out but stops the cold air from coming in.

Also, I'd definately stay away from vinyl siding. It will crack on ya.

[hawkeye43]

a friend of my son's has a house that has black spots where the screws screw into the studs. Who knows how well they insulation job they did.

I am thinking about steel studs and spray foam the walls and roof, the floor is all done. Should be a warm floor. Anyone else have spray foam in the walls and roof????

[kudu63]

One thing you may want to consider is putting a stainless steel rock panel on the front towards the hitch or all around the house - bottom half as the road salt from you truck tires and house tires will rust the steel siding. And this will also protect it from debris while traveling.