Dan Duperron
09-04-2010, 8:55 PM
Yo Creek,
This isn't exactly a project that you'll see in FWW, but I have a shed I built a few years ago (like 8 !) and still haven't got the doors on it. We've been using it, but I'm tired of replacing the tires on my lawn tractor. The UV in the late afternoon & evening sun seems to rot them very quickly. Besides, LOML REALLY wants me to finish the project and I want it off my list.
There is one large opening 56"W x 78"H which will have a pair of doors, and a smaller 35"W x 78"H for a single door. My plan for the doors is plywood with 1 x 4 bracing on the outside - either 'Z' bracing or bracing all around the door plus one diagonal.
I have one sheet of 3/4" pressure treated ply hanging around from when I built the shed. It sure is heavy stuff. I know there is no need for PT in a door, but I like to use what's around when it makes sense. Obviously I need to buy some more ply as that sheet would only do a single door if I use it.
Here are the questions:
1) Is 3/4" overkill? I'm worried that 1/2" will twist despite the bracing, but that may be a silly concern. 1/2" would be a lot lighter and cheaper.
2) I'm going to paint the doors. Is PT ply even going to take paint if I use it?
3) Comments/suggestions on bracing to avoid the doors twisting like a potato chip when the weather changes?
4) Outside of the doors will be painted with exterior latex paint. Do I need to paint the inside of the doors to equalize permeability to moisture and reduce tendency to twist?
5) Am I over thinking this just a little bit or way, way, way too much?
Thanks for any suggestions.
This isn't exactly a project that you'll see in FWW, but I have a shed I built a few years ago (like 8 !) and still haven't got the doors on it. We've been using it, but I'm tired of replacing the tires on my lawn tractor. The UV in the late afternoon & evening sun seems to rot them very quickly. Besides, LOML REALLY wants me to finish the project and I want it off my list.
There is one large opening 56"W x 78"H which will have a pair of doors, and a smaller 35"W x 78"H for a single door. My plan for the doors is plywood with 1 x 4 bracing on the outside - either 'Z' bracing or bracing all around the door plus one diagonal.
I have one sheet of 3/4" pressure treated ply hanging around from when I built the shed. It sure is heavy stuff. I know there is no need for PT in a door, but I like to use what's around when it makes sense. Obviously I need to buy some more ply as that sheet would only do a single door if I use it.
Here are the questions:
1) Is 3/4" overkill? I'm worried that 1/2" will twist despite the bracing, but that may be a silly concern. 1/2" would be a lot lighter and cheaper.
2) I'm going to paint the doors. Is PT ply even going to take paint if I use it?
3) Comments/suggestions on bracing to avoid the doors twisting like a potato chip when the weather changes?
4) Outside of the doors will be painted with exterior latex paint. Do I need to paint the inside of the doors to equalize permeability to moisture and reduce tendency to twist?
5) Am I over thinking this just a little bit or way, way, way too much?
Thanks for any suggestions.