Can I use timber battens for wall framing for a cubby house?

[Raymo16]

Dear Workshop,

I am planning to build a cubby house for my daughter.

from the research I’ve done, typically the wall framing is built using a 70mm x 35mm treated pine.

i am concerned that if i use this size of timber, the walls will appear too thick (relative to the size of the cubby) and unnecessarily reduce the internal floor area.

I’m not wanting to build a large cubby. For reference, I have made a 1.8m x 1.5m base for it to sit on.

Could I build the wall framing using 42mm x 18mm pine? Or is this going into territory where stability / integrity will become an issue?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Raymo16,

If you are using pedestal feet, you would be better off using 90x45 H3 Framing Pine than 100x50 sleepers. This is because you would be building a low-level deck, and you'd have to follow the principles of deck-building to ensure you have a solid frame to support your shed.

Check out the following articles for some guidance on low-level deck building.

• How to build a low-level deck
   
• How to understand deck components
   
• How to understand deck span tables.

To attach the frame to the ground without fowling the decking boards, you can either cut a small rebate in the top of the timber frame so the hook sits below the top of the timber, or you can use a flat stake such as this Jack 450mm Heavy Duty Steel Sleeper Peg Flat Stake.

Let me know what you think, and if you'd like some guidance designing your frame, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Jacob

[Raymo16]

Dear @JacobZ.

Thank you for this.

After going through the low-level deck building guidance, I think i'm better off dealing with the uneven ground so I can build the base using the H4 sleepers.

Thanks again for your help. I'm going to make a start and will check back in when I hit my next hurdle.

[Raymo16]

Dear @JacobZ,

I pieced together the base frame over the weekend (picture below).

In preparing for the decking, I am wondering if i should:

• A - Build the decking from edge to edge and fix the wall frames on top of the decking.
• B - Build the decking with a 70mm clearance to each edge, so the wall frame can be fixed directly to the sleeper.

I initially thought that B would be the way to go so I wouldn't have to fix the frame through the decking, but now realise that if I don't go all the way to the edge then the decking will not be properly secured.

Some advice would be greatly appreciated.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Raymo16,

The simplest and easiest thing to do is attach the decking boards and then fix the frame through it into the subfloor.

Use a 100mm Galvanised Batten Screw through each stud bay to ensure you get a good strong connection. Make sure you pre-drill holes to ensure nothing splits.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Raymo16]

Dear @JacobZ,

I have finished the wall framing and now trying to figure out the roof.

Am a bit stumped as to how to frame it it and fix it to the wall.

Below is a snip of what i'm aiming to replicate.

Any suggestions?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Raymo16,

You might like to check out step six in How to build a pallet cubby. It shows how I cut the uprights for the walls at an angle, allowing me to attach the rafters at the required angle. This is a very simplistic approach that works well.

Alternatively, you could use a more traditional roof-building technique and cut birdmouths into the rafters. I've spent some time creating some renderings for you.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell