Starting Construction

**Diesel Grinch** · 05-11-2009, 08:25 AM

Looking good.

One of these days I need to invite myself down to Texas and visit a bunch of BOTL's.

DG

**mrtr33** · 05-11-2009, 01:36 PM

That's looking really nice, DW. Thanks for keeping us updated with pics.

**DeeDubya** · 05-18-2009, 08:02 AM

I spent about 6 hrs yesterday on this wall and door trim. Boxing the support column in the right corner also took some time, but now I'm ready to start the display shelving. This week I will be picking up the cedar for the flooring. It will be a raised floor instead of directly on the concrete. This will allow air circulation around and beneath to further increase the amount of exposed cedar. RH was 64% when I started work yesterday. That's without a humidifier.
The gray box is a combination duplex receptacle and light switch in a "damp location" enclosure.

**DeeDubya** · 05-26-2009, 09:02 AM

2x4 treated subfloor "joists" spaced at 12" provides a 1 1/2" space that allows for air flow beneath the cedar floor. A 3/4" vent down both sides should help. This will also allow for drying if there is a water spill or leaky humidifier.

Rough cedar does not have exact milling and some of the T&G was a chore to firmly seat. Nothing that a block of wood and big hammer couldn't handle however.

**mrtr33** · 05-26-2009, 01:52 PM

Very nice work. How does that cedar sand down? Can you get it pretty smooth easily? Is it a hardwood, or kind of soft? Just curious.

**DeeDubya** · 05-26-2009, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by mrtr33

Very nice work. How does that cedar sand down? Can you get it pretty smooth easily? Is it a hardwood, or kind of soft? Just curious.

Western Red Cedar is soft yet fairly durable. Compared to other equal size soft woods like White Pine or Spruce I would say it is stronger. I don't have a close up but this is "rough sawn" and has a fuzzy appearance. I will not sand it as this is desirable for good absorption. Actually it soaks up water like a sponge. You can stand a piece of it in a cup of water and it will have emptied the cup in five minutes or less. That's why I'm trying to get as much exposed surface as possible. It will make for a good buffer during the dry winter months. Opening the door even briefly will allow an exchange with the outside air so it needs to get back to normal quickly.

**DeeDubya** · 05-26-2009, 04:48 PM

I've also been searching for a reliable hygrometer. I ordered this certified digital one today. I was tempted to go with the certified analog, but cheese-whiz I could buy a box of Partagas 150's for that.

http://www.theweatherstore.com/nicedihy.html