DIY Builds
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How far out of square is acceptable?

Under 1/8" is typical (even on much larger buildings), but it's just a shed, so @batsplatsterson has an answer I'd agree with. If using sheet goods (plywood, OSB) for roof and floor you'll have some extra waste to trim due to the out-of-square condition.

What kills mold instantly on wood?
What kills mold instantly on wood?

vinegar Combine equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spritz this solution on the mold. Let the solution dry for one hour, then...

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What can you fit in a 12x20 garage?
What can you fit in a 12x20 garage?

12x20 Sheds. Best uses: Storing motorcycles, small boats, golf carts, motorcycles, tractors, wheelbarrows, bicycles, snowmobiles and traditional...

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Getting the foundation plates square (or rectangular as the case may be) is essential to getting a building to assemble correctly from start to finish. The first part of this is to get all the lengths on like sides cut exactly the same (even down to less than 1/32". The diagonals should be as close to exact as you can measure. Make sure to even take into account any droop in the tape measure as you measure across the base plate frame. The droop can easily add an extra 1/4" or more to the measurement. If you need to lay put extra material along the diagonals to keep a floppy tape measure straight then do so. When I build I strive for the diagonal measurements to be well less than 1/16" even if it means that I have to repeatedly reposition the frame. When you go to frame the walls it is also essential that you get the top plates to be exactly the same length as the base plate. Careful use of a level to get the corner studs plumb is equally important. Make sure to add diagonal bracing to the stud assemblies to hold things square before you apply any sheathing to the walls. When the top plates are installed make sure to once again check that the diagonal measurements are the same across the top of the structure. If you have done everything carefully the diagonals at the top of the plates should be the same as what you measured for the base plates. A handy hint is to write down the base diagonal measurement so that you can refer to it when measuring the top plates. When the tops are squared up you should temporarily tack up a few sheets of the sheathing on the walls. Then recheck the top plate diagonals before committing to nailing all the sheathing in place. Once the sheathing is in place it can be difficult to re-square the top of the walls. I go into this in so much detail because if the top plates are not square you will end up with difficulty dealing with setting rafters and getting the roof sheathing to lay down nicely on the center lines of the rafters. Even an 1/8" of error in the top plate squareness can translate to much more error on the roof sheathing.

Do carports add value to a property?
Do carports add value to a property?

Generally, carports will increase the value of your home – but perhaps not in the way that you were expecting. Adding a carport doesn't...

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How long will plywood last outside?
How long will plywood last outside?

How Long Will Plywood Last Outside? Untreated plywood without a waterproof finish would last about two years outside before it begins to rot away,...

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Can you pour concrete on wet ground?

Damp ground will not be a problem unless is can not support the weight of the concrete. Cement/concrete does not "dry" , it cures , a chemical reaction. It absorbs water to cure, as noted , some concrete applications are sprayed with water to aid the cure.

Civil engineer here. The concrete needs to stay wet in order to cure properly. As noted before, concrete doesn't dry out to harden, it cures through a chemical reaction that needs water to facilitate the reaction. If the ground is dry, the ground will absorb moisture from the concrete and it won't cure properly. The ground should be very moist and compacted as well as you can manage. Also, wet clay is notoriously weak and you may end up with uneven support under the concrete, which will then lead to it cracking and settling after it's cured. Hard to say without seeing it but if you can remove as much clay from beneath the concrete slab, you'll have less chance of it settling and cracking. This is especially true if the clay is expansive. It will expand when wet and shrink when dry and your concrete slab will be a disaster. Best to get as much clay removed as possible, compact the sub-grade evenly, and make sure to water the ground before placing the concrete. Have you thought about proper joints? Concrete will crack. If you can get it to crack along a joint, no one will see it. Look at some professionally done concrete flatwork and you'll see what I mean. Good luck.

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How do I get rhino for free?

Try the full version of Rhinoceros for free for 90 days Download your evaluation version here. After 90 days, saving and plug-ins stop working,...

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Do solar air heaters really work?
Do solar air heaters really work?

Solar Air is arguably the most effective use of solar energy. Using a combination of passive solar and a solar powered PV Fan, hot air is...

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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What if it rains 3 hours after pouring concrete?
What if it rains 3 hours after pouring concrete?

How Long Does Concrete Take to Dry Before Rain? Even if it starts raining after a concrete pour, the potential for damage may not be that serious....

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What thickness of plywood should you use on a roof?
What thickness of plywood should you use on a roof?

Standard roof sheathing thickness is ½” to ⅝” thick. If you are using OSB for your roof deck, then ⅝” is the recommended thickness. For plywood,...

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