Garden Shed

solo

I would choose number one, cannot put my finger on why.

Dave R

I agree with you, Pete. I was thinking about Eric's location and ease of construction.

I built an 8' x 12' shed more like number 1 a few years ago. I chose a gabled roof because of the potential snow loads. I built the trusses with glued and nailed gusset plates on both sides. Very stout.

I doubt Eric will have to worry about snow loads though and I think the shed roof would be easier to build.

I think you should have some windows or something for light, too. I would put in some ventilation on the ends so you can get the hot air out. They'd probably give you enough light. Make sure there's some screen on the inside of the vents to keep the birds and squirrels out.

solo

I'd approach it a little diferently. I would go to Home depot pick one out ready built and have them deliver and install it, that way I get to keep my Rotozip as it is in it's box never used.

Edson

eric,

i would pick #1 but will make you a suggestion: instead of treating the roof over the dog's house as an add-on what about extending the main roof to cover the deck?

brandy20

I prefer ver_1 because of the roof, but I think Dave is right about Fido's protection. But, I suppose Alabama is not a snowy place, that could be a major problem for the roof solidity.

watkins

Dear Eric,

I think No. 2 would work best. The dog will be nice and snug in the dog house, and so all the lean-to is doing is protecting the dog house.

Reasons for No. 2:

The single slope integrates nicely with the use of a gutter, down-pipe and water butt. Do your bit for the planet.
There should be room above the dog house to put a shelf (how big is the dog house?). This would be useful for frequently used items, like a garden hose or even logs of wood. You could enclose the front and back, and then use a roll-down tarpaulin to protect the side.

I think the shed could do with a skylight. If you need lighting for those dark nights then why not go solar, with a panel of PVs and a battery. Option 2 provides the roof space for a solar array and the skylight. If you really love your dog then then you could install a small heater in the dog house and run it off the battery.

Kind regards,
Bob

boofredlay

I am loving the ideas you guys have, thanks. Expanding on one of those ideas is option 4.
Believe it or not the roof slope is the same on both sides. I may have to adjust that as they don't look like it.

Dave R

Nice. What's the upper deck for?

watkins

Dear david,

That is where Eric can adopt the lotus position and meditate on the meaning of life, love and happiness.

Regards,
Bob

jeff hammond

1 or 3

1 has a more east coast look. 3 has a southwestern vibe.

solo

Now this is a shed I could go for...

boofredlay

Dave, I was responding to what Bob wrote:
@watkins said:

There should be room above the dog house to put a shelf (how big is the dog house?). This would be useful for frequently used items, like a garden hose or even logs of wood. You could enclose the front and back, and then use a roll-down tarpaulin to protect the side.

I am not sure I like it however.

Pete, that is not a shed it is a shrine

Dave R

Pete, I could use a shed like that. Hmmm.... I wonder what my wife would say?

Bob, it's a good thing ERic is younger than I am. I couldn't assume the lotus position at all.

Eric, you could enclose the space around that shelf and make it accessible from the inside of the shed.

Roger

I am for bringing the dog into the main house so he/she can have access to air conditioning, heating, and leftovers. I however would keep the dog house for those times when I may need it myself.

boofredlay

Well puppy sleeps on the couch every night as it is. And furthermore, after pricing materials I nixed the dog "shed" idea. I have finished the shed and will upload pics shortly.