Building Our Shabby Shed. . .

Do you think outside-the-box?

I do.

And, it drives John nuts.

He's an inside-the-box thinker. If it's an old boat trailer bed, then it's to be used to haul a boat. Right? Not the way I see it.

So, when we ran across the old cypress trailer bed--and John was about to scrap it--I protested loudly!

"It's good wood! We'll do something with it!"

"But, we don't have a boat!"
I told you he was an inside-the-box person.

We set the trailer bed aside--for a time.

Then, low and behold! We uncovered five cypress rafters in a pile of old lumber in the barn one day! Now, I knew what to do with the trailer bed--build a cute shabby shed for our log cabin! We had plenty of old cypress, we had an old shed door, we had buckets of nails, we had old windows, and we had enough tin for the roof--yep, we could do it!

But, the inside-the-box person wasn't sure. Took a few days to convince him. . .

So, I told him we were going to BUILD A BOX! That did it!

We're not completely finished with the project. 

Still have to add trims and such. . .

but I couldn't wait any longer. . .I had to share. . 

See the skids of the trailer? We set them on concrete blocks that we found around the farm. Then down went the floor--recycled barn wood.  The four corners were set up next--we put the temporary braces on them to keep everything square--well, almost square. . .

The shed was boxed in with 2x4s at the top.  The window was framed in with 2x4s. Pressure treated posts were set in concrete for the open shed area. Next came those five cypress rafters.

1x4 scrap wood stringers were nailed across the rafters. Recycled corrugated tin was screwed down on top of the stringers for the roof.

We had exterior Masonite left over from another project. Just enough to "box" it in. John sealed the edges with caulk and paint. The window was added with hinges at the top so we can open it out.

Then came the siding--old barn wood from the Simmons Plantation. I began adding a faux stone foundation, using concrete "stones" from a fireplace tear down. From a distance, you can't tell they're not real stones.

To finish--we'll add the battens (narrow strips where the boards are joined)--and other trims. Hopefully, we'll finish this week. Then I'll add lots of rustic, shabby touches. . .and maybe shutters? a picket fence?

Total cost? (Drum Roll)-- $35!

Talk about recycling. . .

All kidding aside, I have to give John the credit. . .
He did a fantastic job building this Box, don't you think?

We still have lots more to do to our shabby shed. . .but. . .
for today, I'm gonna sit back,  relax and enjoy the afternoon. . .
Tea Anyone?

Sharing this week with:  * Frugal Days Sustainable Ways * Homestead Barn Hop* Rural Thursday* Cowgirl Up *White Wednesday @ Faded Charm Cottage* Vintage Inspiration @ Common Ground* Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage*Inspiration Friday @ At the Picket Fence * Sweet and Simple Friday @ Rooted In Thyme*  Show and Tell Friday* Shabbilicious Friday @ Shabby Art Boutique* Rustic Restorations Weekend @ Homespun Happenings