These excerpts from “How to Build a Tiny House” walk you through the decision-making and building process so you can get started on your new tiny home.
By the Editors of Skills Institute Press
Good things do come in small packages — just ask internationally recognized small living expert, Jay Shafer. Ranging in size from 100 to 120 square feet, Jay Shafer’s DIY Book of Backyard Sheds & Tiny Houses (Skills Institute Press LLC, 2013) features beautiful small houses can be used as guest cottages, art or writing studios, home offices, craft workshops, vacation retreats or a full-time residence. Whatever your building goal, this book will teach you how to plan and build your structure from the ground up.
Clearing the Building Site
The first step in learning how to build a tiny house is clearing the building site, should you choose to have a set location.
A Foundation on Poles
From a distance, a shed resting on wooden poles may look shaky and fragile. In reality, such a foundation can provide decades of stalwart support and withstand storms and floods.
Masonry Foundation Piers for Stronger Supports
Use masonry foundation piers for a stronger, more durable foundation. Learn how with the following instructions.
Building the Frame
Explore framing options and learn the essential steps toward framing your tiny house.
Building the Walls
With these illustrated instructions, learn how to build the walls of your tiny home.
Installing Wood Floors
For a removable floor, build portable deck modules, called duckboards, which rest on the ground or on a slab.
Building the Roof
It’s time to build the roof of your tiny house! Follow these simple, illustrated instructions.
Trusses to Support the Roof
Installing prefabricated trusses provides a rapid method to framing the roof of the tiny home.
Choosing and Installing Roofing Materials
From wooden shakes and metal roofing to asphalt shingles, there are numerous options for roofing materials to protect your tiny house. Choose your favorite and learn how to properly install it.
Choosing and Installing Siding
With these illustrated instructions, learn how to install siding on your tiny home.
How to Install a Door Jamb
Your tiny house is nearly ready for the doors. But first, you’ll need to install your door jambs. Continue below for an illustrated how-to.
How to Hang a Door
Check out these step-by-step instructions for hanging the doors in your tiny home.
Installing Trim Around the Door
Discover how to install trim around the door with easy-to-follow instructions in the final step of the “How to Build a Tiny House” series.
Reprinted with permission from Jay Schafer’s DIY Book of Backyard Sheds & Tiny Houses: Build Your Own Guest Cottage, Writing Studio, Home Office, Craft Workshop, or Personal Retreat by Jay Schafer and published by Skills Institute Press LLC and Four Lights Tiny House Company, 2013. Buy this book from our store: Jay Shafer’s DIY Book of Backyard Sheds & Tiny Houses.
