Building a Hunt Camp - Phase 4

The roof is on! Now it is time to start on the underpinning and the walls. Since we were using the existing metal from the old garage we tore down, the walls were set to hang. But we decided that we wanted to underpin the flooring to keep out any critters that may want to call this place home. We still have to decide on what type of flooring to put down, wood or concrete. But we will get to that later.

My Son Ridge helping
with  underpinning

My son came to help me on the underpinning and start on the walls. It was a blast having him along. At 12 years old he worked his tail off. He also helped me set the posts, pour the concrete in the post holes, now he was helping with the underpinning and walls. After all this will be his one day and his ownership in it now will pay huge dividends later.

One wall finished!

We opted to use the same galvanized steel we used on the roof as our underpinning. It should last for several decades even in direct contact to the ground plus it just looks good and is more durable than just about anything I could find outside of masonry.

We had to excavate a good bit to get the underpinning where we wanted it, finishing with it level with the top of the floor bands. It really dressed up the cabin better than I originally thought it would.

Back and end finished!

Then came the walls. The metal sides were hung vertically and simply lapped over one another to get the walls covered. By taking our time we were able to get a lot done each day. We opted to cover over every opening and cut them out later - windows, doors, etc. Plus since we didn't have our floor in place we didn't cut the door opening knowing we would have to have the door flush with the floor. I wanted the floor in place before we cut the door opening.

Pouring Concrete floor

After a lot of consideration I opted to go with a concrete floor. It did cost a good bit more than the wood floor, but I will never have to worry about replacing anything. Its done. My buddy, David Catoe poured the floor. In half a day, he back-filled the floor, poured and finished it with one helper. amazing how fast he got it done, and I must say it was worth every penny to have it done. I highly recommend any hunt camp built from scratch - get a concrete floor! 

Concrete Floor finished.
Great decision to have concrete floor! 

Next is the door and windows!