Lets start an owner/builder topic

[HADave]

Sorry for the slow reply, Some Old Mainers fall asleep without warning....... OK I'm up now. Here is my take on alternative framing solutions. Although Aluminum and steel are good alternatives they don't like each other and don't work well together from my experience. aluminum will be eaten away by a corrosive affect that occurs when mated with steel and steel as in thread fastners get this build up of corroded aluminum so they aren't worth reusing. Also through heating and cooling ergo expanding and contracting standard fastners will loosen with time unless more expensive locking materials are used. There in lies the new problems. One must always assume that nothing is for ever and that things need to be taken apart for repair or remodel and The fact that you must tool up differently simply makes an old woodworker like me just shake my head. I suppose an alternative interior framing could be user friendly in which case I would suggest steel as the alternative but even at that swapping fastning techniques, nails to screws back and forth special insulators for running wiring, wood framing between the studs for hanging stuff on the walls, and so-on. The process for the diy can really be slowed and confusing. Pick a simple technique and fly with it. It's hard to beat a nail gun and I would rather have a splinter then a sliced finger, work with wood. If I can give one piece of advise, Always put together like you will need to take apart. Don't bury things so you have to demolish to repair, thats defeats the diy savings every time not to mention what it does for the frustration level. One more thing, it's all, only my opinion and it and $1.00 will probably get you a good cup of coffee in the real world (~:|

Hey Mella you should check out those cabins Ajit found from Canada. Really Neat, right done to the how to inst.manual plus some come precut. Prob not borate treated though. Dang Bugs

HADave,