Building Details: Joints (DIY Small Buildings)

HOME | Plumbing Basics

Budget Upgrades
| Outdoor Structures





You might be able to simply nail some framework parts from outside at a corner or T junction (figr. 2-5A, B). If the opposite side is obstructed, you might have to nail diagonally inside (figr. 2-5C). To ensure exact location, you could nail guide pieces at one or both sides of a joint (figr. 2-5D).

Depending only on nails is not very reliable for positioning. Shallow rabbets (figr. 2-5E) will prevent sideways movement without weakening the cut wood. These rabbets are particularly important at window and door openings where accuracy is essential.

Corners could have open mortise-and-tenon joints or bridle joints (figr. 2-5F). In window frames or similar places, it would be better to use haunched mortise-and-tenon joints (figr. 2-5G).

You can reinforce any corners with metal or wooden gussets. Also you can nail pieces of sheet metal at one or both sides of a joint (figr. 2-5H). The metal will not be thick enough to matter under any outside covering. You can use wood in a similar way (figr. 2-5J) on the inside if there will not be a lining. You can use very similar gussets in parts of the roof. If the building is big enough to have roof trusses, their joints might have gussets on each side. At the top of a gable, a gusset might join the framing parts and provide a socket for the ridge piece (figr. 2-5K).

If a building is clad with plywood or other sheet material, the framework might be stiffer than any cut joints. Once you have covered a framework, you should have a very strong assembly. With board covering there is more risk of distortion and stronger frame joints are advisable. Further stiffening might come from a lining, but if it's only hardboard or other thin material, it will not contribute much strength.


figr. 2-5. Nail joints in framing or hold them with cut joints.



Top of Page
Home
Prev: Building Details: Screws and Bolts Next: Building Details: Sectional Construction Related Articles

Updated: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 23:13