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Build Thoreau's Cabin: Basic Building Skills Workshop

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Course Overview

Pick up your hammer! This course is designed for students with little or no building experience who want to build a tiny home, small cabin, or workshop. The techniques for building a small stick frame building are not only for the skilled carpenter; nearly anyone can come away from this course with the skills needed for building virtually any small structure. Jack studs to joists, fly rafters to d-edge, birdsmouths to top plates–students will learn the use of basic hand and power tools and develop knowledge of the materials and techniques used in frame (or “stick”) construction. Together, students will construct a 10'x14' cabin based on Henry David Thoreau's Walden cabin, with an added sleeping loft. In addition to hands-on experience focused on framing and roofing, discussions on foundation options, siding, and window and door installation will be integrated into each day. The class will begin with assessing strategies for leveling the building site, and the project goes up from there. Wall layout with door/window openings, sheathing techniques, roof pitch and ridge placement, roof systems that will keep water out—abundant hands-on experience defines every day. By the end of this class, your tool belt will do much more than simply improve your good looks.


Once built, the Thoreau's Cabin will be for sale to interested students at a set price (a drawing will take place on the final day if multiple students are interested).  If the cabin is unsold after the course, it will be offered for sale via silent auction. Moving the structure is the responsibility of the buyer.

Required Tools

  • Hammer
  • 25 ft tape measure
  • Tool belt
  • Pencil
  • Utility knife
  • Speed square - triangle shaped, approx 8" per side
  • Safety glasses (available for purchase at North House School Store)
  • Clothing to be outdoors

Dates

Wed, May 2nd, 2018  –  Sun, May 6th, 2018

Course Details

Skill Levels: Beginner
Hours: 9am-5pm
Tuition: $425.00

Required

You will need the following tools for this class:

framing hammer
25 ft tape measure
tool belt
framing square (also called rafter square) - L shaped
pencil
utility knife
speed square - triangle shaped, approx 8" per side
safety glasses (available for purchase @ North House School Store)
clothing to be outdoors

Optional Tools

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.

More Information

Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with further class information. Please call us if you haven't received it within 24 hours.

Latest Update: View recent changes →

Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Randy Schnobrich
Randy Schnobrich
Grand Marais, MN

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Build Thoreau's Cabin: Basic Building Skills Workshop