Small Garages Or Small Workshops Thread

Already have pole barn tin coming for the roof. Should be able to crank it out in a day.

 

Over the summer I built a shed for the lawn mower and misc stuff. It is 10x12 which is the max size allowed in my subdivision. The roof cannot exceed 8'.
Started here.


I built it a little different than the Home Depot sheds. I used 2x6 - 16" on center for the floor and 2x4 - 16" on center for the walls. Windows are from Amazon. I picked that size because they fit between the studs.

inside is paneling from HD. It's inexpensive masonite. I like the look.


I put a HF solar panel and a 12v battery (12SLA-7 amp) to power the lights . EDIT: SEE POST #113. The battery is in the ammo box.


The light switch is mounted in the license plate next to a HF voltage gauge I had in my parts box. The first click in the switch operates the outside lights. The second click operate a both the inside and outside lights.

I used trailer lights with the lenses removed overhead installing LED 1157 and 194 replacements. It turned out much better than I expected.

Outside I used 4 LED marker lights in the soffit. That is just enough light so you aren't blinded .I also installed "As Seen on TV" solar motion light by the door. So far so good.


My wife likes it. I kinda do too. My garage seems so big now that I'm not falling over all that stuff.

 

I like that a lot, the lights and solar setup would be great for most anything.

 

Thanks guys. I think a smaller solar maintainer panel such as this one from Amazon would be sufficient. EDIT: SEE POST #113. The panel I installed was given to me by my neighbor because it was not enough to keep up with his high activity driveway gate.


https://www.amazon.com/POWOXI-Portable-Waterproof-Conversion-Motorcycle/dp/B07DFD3RMS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2DCIGDA9RNL0R&keywords=solar+battery+maintainer+12+volt+waterproof&qid=1569596036&s=gateway&sprefix=solar+battery+maint,aps,203&sr=8-3

 

Excellent workmanship !

 

Why use 2x6's instead of 2x4's if you're not insulating it? Or did I miss that part and it's insulated?

Great work btw. I think I'm going to copy that solar light setup. Thanks for sharing.

 

I used the same marker lights except in blue for my Amp steps on my truck!

Great job!

By the way, I saw you towing your little trailer last week. You were headed north on 51!

 

The 2x6 are the floor joists. If 2x4 is good then 2x6 must be better? IDK really - I just wanted a solid floor.

 

LOL I apparently can't read. I thought you used 2x6's in the walls. I built a similar shed and I used 2x8's for my floor.

 

I build a shed 9 years ago 12 x 16 and used 2x4's for the joists. Looking back now I would not do that again. But I did go with 1 foot on center instead of 16 inches on center. Just two years later I torn it down moved it 20 miles and reassembled it. The floor is still pretty solid only squeaks a little.

 

That is awesome!

 

Ok. I learned something on the automatic voltage controller. Those are built for panels above X Watts. Since my panel is lower wattage (2.5) than the range on the controller (5-45) the controller would not pass voltage to the battery. And you guessed it... the battery does not charge.
I did some reading and it looks like smaller wattage solar panels don’t require a controller. I bypassed the controller and it's charging as it should.
I also tested the voltage first thing in the AM and it appears to be just above 12V. If the panel doesn’t have a built in diode it will act like a load when it’s dark and discharge the battery. Hopefully it is all wonderful now.
If the free HF panel does not work out I have a panel like the one in one post # 105 and will swap it out.

 

... tan and some kind of green to follow.

 

Sorry that your Building ' Paper " is upside down ! Hope it doesn't Leak out ! Just Kidd'n with you ; your doing a great job , by yourself !

 

any updates
windows . doors . siding . car port


snow

 

Yup... got a little further on things over the weekend. It gets done when it gets done. Kinda tough when you’re doing it by yourself.

 

You probably have the right idea doing it yourself. I just got a quote for a 30x40 with an in-law apartment above..... $185k. I about died.

 

My house, and garage, are worth less than half that combined. Granted my house is 30l x 30d x 30h and detached garage is 16 x 18.