Here are some special details and information which will be helpful to you.

The first page illustrates the difference between the nominal and the actual lumber size you'll receive from your dealer. In all of the enlarged and sectional drawings in this book I have used the actual lumber size rather than the nominal.

Nails, shown on the final page, come in many sizes and shapes. All of the special nails have unusual holding properties. Some of the special nails may be used instead of screws, and they'll hold nearly as well.

The fireplace details are designed to give you the basic relationships between the various elements. Note particularly the relationship between the opening and the flue size.

The septic tank shown on page 190, with a proper drain field, will take care of the sewage from your cottage. It has a capacity of about 325 gallons. The side walls may be made from concrete block or poured concrete. If poured concrete is used, the walls should be about 5 inches thick and reinforced with steel mesh. The top should have '/4-inch bars I foot on center lengthwise and l/2-inch bars 8 inches on center running widthwise.

The remaining details will help you to make some of the equipment for your cabin.

Lumber Sizes

Framing lumber varies in size from its nominal dimension. All 2-inch timber is actually I 5/8 inches thick; 4- and 6-inch timber is 3/8 inch less than the nominal size; larger sizes are 1/2 inch less.

Nominal I-inch boards are actually 3/4 inch thick. Their width is 1/2 inch less than their nominal size through 6 inches, larger size boards are I/2 inch less.

Batten Door

Properly constructed, the door at right can be used for an opening of almost any width. However, the height should be a little over twice the width. Be sure to use braces as shown in the larger detail. The tongue-and-groove boards should be screwed to the braces. Use strap-type hinges for best results.

Fireplaces

Many of the cottages in this book indicate a specific type or arrangement of fireplace. If you wish to vary the design, the drawings on these two pages will be helpful, for they indicate the critical dimensions and relationships that must exist if the fireplace is to draw well.

While it is possible to build a fireplace without a lining in the flue, I would strongly recommend that a flue tile be used in all cases.

When spanning almost any opening in your fireplace, be sure to use a steel angle to support masonry above. Metal hoods used over simple hearths must have steel angles or channels running back into the masonry to support the weight.

Nails

There are four commonly used types or finishes in nails. These are:

Bright, meaning plain steel, generally smooth and untreated.

Galvanized, meaning coated with zinc to make them longer-lasting and resistant to rust.

Cement-coated, sometimes called resin-coated, to give greater holding power.

Blued, meaning “sterilized”: for those trades accustomed to holding nails in the mouth.

The number of nails per pound listed in the column in for galvanized types.

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