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 fabricating 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 constructing 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.

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