Things to Think About When Building a Shelter
When building a shelter, the visual appeal will play an important role, but there are other factors to consider. Functionality is an obvious concern, as is durability, particularly when dealing with West Coast weather. Some of the many things to think about when building a shelter include:
Type of Material
Will your shelter be made from wood or metal? Both are popular options, with different aesthetics and their own advantages. Depending on the location of the shelter, you may prefer to work with natural elements for an appearance that fits the environment, or you may want to take a more utilitarian approach. Either option can provide you with a beautiful structure.
Metal frames are extremely durable and stable, able to resist harsh weather. Although wood requires additional care, it is also a reliable material. Your wood or timber-frame shelter may be built from glulams or, for a striking appearance, the actual tree trunks or beams of solid wood.
Glulams are glue-laminated timber, made from multiple layers of wood bonded together with a strong adhesive, forming a single unit that resembles a stack of 2 X 4s glued together. Pound for pound, they can be stronger than steel.
Both wood and metal are solid choices that will endure for many years to come.
A similar choice must be made for the roof as well. Do you need a metal roof, or prefer the appearance of cedar shingles?
Foundation
The design of your shelter and your budget will help determine whether gravel or concrete is your better option. Concrete offers excellent support and is appropriate for shelters without a floor, but depending on the size of the project, the extra cost of concrete may not be warranted. Gravel is ideal for smaller structures, but with something larger, it may begin to shift over time.
Type of Wood
Assuming you do choose wood, there remains the decision of which type. Cedar is a type of softwood native to the Pacific Northwest and is abundant on Vancouver Island. It is an attractive material and is often used for decorative purposes, with beautiful colouring. It will, however, cost you more than other choices.
Douglas fir is one of the hardest softwoods commercially available, and it is widely used in construction projects. Relatively easy to work with, it offers an attractive texture along with strength and durability.
Function and Utility
How will your shelter be used? A simple rain shelter with no walls but simple rainscreens may be suitable if it is intended primarily for use during warmer months. A fire pit may add to the ambiance while also providing warmth on cool evenings, but if used in an enclosed shelter, it would need appropriate ventilation and could present a fire hazard, particularly with certain roofing materials, such as cedar shingles. An enclosed shelter could be better served with inline heating from gas or propane.
When building your shelter, also be aware of the need for seating, again based on anticipated use. A few simple benches may be all you need, or you may choose more comfortable seats. Either way, be sure to account for the space needed.
Finally, to allow for nighttime use, you’ll need to consider your lighting options, such as hanging lights, or up-lighting, creating different moods and effects.
At First Peak Contracting, we have experience building every type of shelter that you can imagine and can put that expertise to work building you the exact shelter to meet all your needs. For more information about building your shelter and how we can help, contact us today.