Backyard barn on a budget

WORTHY OF OLD McDonald himself, this do-it-yourself backyard barn project features classic good looks and solid, rustproof construction.

As versatile as it is appealing, the project can serve as a workshop, a potting shed or even a playhouse as well as a great storage space.

Unlike its full-size cousin, however, this little barn can be raised on a budget by one or two people in a couple of weekends.

With the exception of the 2-by-8 ridge beam, the entire structure is framed with standard 8-foot 2by-4s, and construction is basic.

The front, back and side frames are assembled separately and installed on top of simple concrete-block footings.

Once the frame is up, add the plywood floor, roofing and siding. Finally, build and hang the door and shingle the roof. for Springfield,will present a program on urban forestry. Sherman is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and University of Massachusetts. He holds a professional certificate in geographic Information systems from Pennsylvania State University and various industry credentials, including ISA and Massachusetts certified arborist. He has also taken part in several trainings and deployments of the USDA Forest service Urban Forest Strike Team and is a trained UFST team leader.

The barn is a natural for a traditional red with white paint job (as pictured), but it also looks great painted to match the house.

The project measures eight feet long by six feet wide by eight feet tall, but it can be lengthened with minor adjustments.

The Little Red Barn plan, No. 461, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, construction diagrams and a complete shopping list and cutting schedule.

Please include $3.95 per order for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Republican, 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083. To order by credit card, visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild. com.

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Lee Reich | In the Garden