Building an inexpensive shelter

[organizedchaos]

Hi everyone!

We are looking to build (or maybe purchase for alteration) an inexpensive shelter for our theme camp. My question is if i am looking for something approx 12'W x 20'L x 10'H do you think its more cost effective to purchase something (i saw something i liked for $700, seems a little steep for something i am just going to alter anyway) or build it?

If so, do you have any suggestions on the best way to build something rectangular like this? Love the ease of a geo dome, but don't think it will work in this scenario.

[tamarakay]

Google monkeyhut. Not rectangular but plenty big and playa perfect. People seem to have luck with Costco carports too. There's threads for both. Google monkeyhut eplaya and read read read

[Elliot]

With any style canopy, look for large diameter steel tubing. You can buy individual connectors and arrange your own design. One internet source of connectors is Yuma's in Yuma, AZ. Sizes 1 3/8 and 1 5/8 look good to me, specially the larger. These fit common chain link fence galvanized steel tubing, such as from Master Halco, available at building supply stores.

[shykat]

We used this place

http://www.shelsys.com/


worked for group ...

[organizedchaos]

that link looks pretty awesome. we're stuck on the rectangular idea because we are going to be bringing a 24 hour mad tea party. drink at your own risk

[shykat]

The low peaked system we got was 20' x 20' and meant for 6' sides and 10' center. I wanted to fit my old pop camper that we converted into a kitchen under so we made the sides 8' and the center 10'.


Last year we added another 20' x 20'. We used the back 20 for our slepping area and the front 20 for the public space. worked out well.


Heavely guyed on all cornersand the middle. Teay also sell 16in rebar with a washer attached,that can be placed at every leg and attached via a bungee,for extra supoert,last year i could used only those the weather was so mild...


Alone its just a carport structure,after we went to town it and decorted it,it became awesome....

[organizedchaos]

How did it go in wind? What size pipe did you use? I think i would feel most comfortable with 2" in case of heavy wind.. but I'm really looking for suggestions..

[Bob]

One-inch conduit (eg the Shelter Systems stuff linked above) is fine for a small camp awning. Ten feet is a little tall to reach everything from the ground or standing on a bucket, so consider going seven or eight. Fatter tubing is better for anything taller. I set W-shaped military stakes for guy lines 3 ft out from the uprights. Can add dropcloth or mesh side curtains sloped down to the stake lines. The military stakes should be less than a buck a piece at surplus stores.

[shykat]

Yeah the 1 in emt was a worry for me as well, i thought the wind would bend the emt.. I brought 8' and 10' piece of rebar to slip in the 1in emt.


I have a van and a smaller trailer as my ride there so i went with this system ,as it fit and did not wieght alot.

I would go with thicker if i had that option,but i have not had any problems with this set up.


Bob, is the expert and would listen to any advise he has to give...

[CornMan]

I think the best setup would have 1 inch EMT for the canopy super structure and 1-3/8 inch top rail for the vertical legs. I have not seen any adapters anywhere. Instead, I'll look into making some braces for the legs.

[Bob]

<Cough>overkill.