This document is an assembly manual for the Best Barns USA Millcreek 12'x16' shed kit, manufactured by Reynolds Building Systems, Inc. It provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for constructing the shed, along with a comprehensive packing list of all included materials.
Function Description:
The Best Barns USA Millcreek 12'x16' shed kit is designed for individuals to construct a barn-style storage building. Its primary function is to provide a durable and functional outdoor storage solution, suitable for various uses such as housing tools, lawn equipment, or creating a workshop space. The manual guides users through the entire assembly process, from laying the foundation to installing the roof and doors, ensuring a systematic and correct build. The design features a gambrel roof, commonly associated with barn aesthetics, which also maximizes interior loft space for additional storage. The kit is intended for DIY assembly, empowering purchasers to build their own structure with provided materials and instructions.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Building Dimensions: The shed has a foundation size of 12'-0" x 16'-0". The overall building width is designed to be 12'-0".
- Floor System: The deluxe floor system includes 4x4 treated runners and 2x4 treated floor joists spaced 16" on center. Flooring material is 5/8" or 3/4" OSB (6 pcs. 4x8).
- Framing Materials: Primarily uses 2x4 and 2x6 lumber for walls, trusses, and loft beams.
- Wall Studs: 34 pcs. 2x4x80-1/4" wall studs.
- Gable & Wall Plates: 16 pcs. 2x4x72".
- Loft Beams: Assembled from 2x6 boards (6 pcs. 2x6x72" and 4 pcs. 2x6x36").
- Trusses: Pre-built truss halves (18 pcs.) are used for the roof structure, reinforced with plywood gussets.
- Siding: Primed siding panels are included, designed to extend 3/4" below the bottom plate. The kit includes various sizes of lower wall siding and gable siding & soffit panels, such as 12 pcs. 48"x84", 4 pcs. 48"x56", and 6 pcs. 48"x72" OSB sheathing.
- Roof Sheathing: 7/16" OSB sheathing panels are used for the roof, with specific layout patterns provided to ensure proper ventilation (e.g., leaving 1" below the ridge for ventilation).
- Doors: The kit includes pre-built barn doors (2 pcs. 36"x76") and loft door frames (2 pcs. 21"x35-1/2").
- Hardware: A comprehensive list of hardware is provided, including:
- Nails: 10d sinkers (7 lbs.), 6d galvanized box nails (5 lbs.), 6d common nails (10 lbs.), 16d galvanized deck nails (3 lbs.), 7d coated sinker nails.
- Screws: Black screws (98 pcs.), wood screws (162 pcs.).
- Connectors: 2x4 hangers (24 pcs.), 7/16" plyclips (24 pcs.).
- Door Hardware: 5" door hinges (6 pcs.), 4" door hinges (6 pcs.), 4" barrel bolts (2 pcs.), door hasp (1 pc.).
- Roof Material (Not Supplied): The manual explicitly states that shingles, metal roof edge, and optional felt paper are not supplied with the kit. It recommends 10 bundle shingles and 8 pcs. 10' metal roof edge.
- Tools Required (Not Supplied): Hammer & Hand Saw, Framing Square & Level, Power Circular Saw, Power Drill/screwdriver, Measuring Tape, 2-8' Step Ladders. Safety glasses are strongly recommended.
Usage Features:
- DIY Assembly: The manual is designed for self-assembly, with clear, numbered steps and detailed illustrations for each stage of construction.
- Modular Construction: Components like wall frames, trusses, and loft beams are assembled as sub-units before being integrated into the main structure, simplifying the process.
- Pre-cut Materials: Many lumber pieces are pre-cut to specific lengths (e.g., 2x4-72" boards, 2x4-8' boards for blocking), reducing the need for extensive cutting by the user. However, some cutting is still required (e.g., floor joists, siding panels, trim boards).
- Detailed Layouts: Instructions include specific measurements and layouts for spacing (e.g., 16" on center for floor joists, 'X' marks for stud placement) to ensure structural integrity and accuracy.
- Siding Options: The manual provides instructions for both decorative (non-operating) and operating loft doors, allowing for customization based on user preference.
- Ventilation Design: The roof sheathing installation includes provisions for ventilation (leaving 1" below the ridge), and the manual suggests using an optional ridge vent for ideal ventilation to prevent heat and moisture build-up.
- Door Installation Flexibility: Instructions for installing barn doors include tips for adjusting spacing to account for potential expansion due to moisture absorption, ensuring smooth operation.
- Online Resources: Users are encouraged to download the most current instruction book from www.barnkits.com and to find additional information and tutorials on roofing from various online sources.
Maintenance Features:
- Primed Siding: The siding comes primed, requiring the user to apply a finish coat of latex acrylic paint. This allows for customization of the shed's appearance and provides an initial layer of protection.
- Treated Lumber: The floor system utilizes treated lumber (4x4 runners, 2x4 floor joists), which enhances resistance to rot and insects, contributing to the longevity of the foundation.
- Moisture Barrier Recommendation: For concrete slab foundations, the manual recommends installing sill sealer as a moisture barrier between the concrete and wall plates, crucial for preventing moisture damage to the structure.
- Ventilation for Longevity: The emphasis on proper roof ventilation (ridge vent, spacing in roof sheathing) is a key maintenance feature, as it helps prevent heat and moisture build-up that can damage the building and its contents over time.
- Regular Inspections: While not explicitly detailed as a maintenance schedule, the assembly process implicitly educates the user on the structure's components, which can aid in future inspections for wear, damage, or needed repairs.
- Copyright Protection: The manual itself is copyrighted, ensuring that users have access to the official and correct assembly instructions, which is vital for proper construction and subsequent maintenance.
- Customer Support: Reynolds Building Systems, Inc. offers customer support via phone (800-245-1577 during business hours, 724-866-HELP after hours) and email (help@barnkits.com) for assembly questions, which is a crucial resource for troubleshooting and maintenance inquiries.