Outdoor Food Storage Project

[MountainGirl]

I might have figured part of this out. As I've posted elsewhere - both under the surface and often exposed, this mountain is mostly massive granite structure and boulders with shallow (12-18") pockets of dirt. The ideal underground, or partially underground, food cellar just isn't feasible...

There is a 10x24 spot, about 40' east of the kitchen door, where I could build a combination carport/storage shed. Kinda like this:

5036

The spot is protected from the wind by the mountain rising right behind it, and there's already good strong fir trees just outside each 10x24 corner (which is what's giving me the size) that would shade it from summer sun. I will need to heavy insulate, or maybe better yet - store nothing in glass jars or anything that would be affected by freezing; cause it will freeze but maybe not hard...

Also, I was thinking about the shed being a concrete block structure (wildfires)...but if fire takes this mountain, losing the food would be the least concern. Then again, having the food might be really nice while we rebuild, if and when.

Lot's to plan. All thoughts and ideas welcome.

[sigmund]

Why not put the door on the carport side for more protection? And bigger is always better, 2 ft wont cost much more both ways.

Edit, ok reread post trees in the way. but still why not door towards cars?

[MountainGirl]

Why not put the door on the carport side for more protection? And bigger is always better, 2 ft wont cost much more both ways.

Edit, ok reread post trees in the way. but still why not door towards cars?

Hi sigmund, wish I could but my car is 16' long and I'd have to back it out to open the door. Your suggestion, though, gave me the idea to put a little peaked roof over the shed door - to keep snow from piling up against it. Thanks!!

[Sparkyprep]

As always, humidity is your enemy when storing food.

[Kfilly]

How about you use something like a pocket door or a sliding door to gain access to your supplies? That way you could put in inside your garage and not have to worry about backing your car out to access them. Than everything is under one roof.

[MountainGirl]

How about you use something like a pocket door or a sliding door to gain access to your supplies? That way you could put in inside your garage and not have to worry about backing your car out to access them. Than everything is under one roof.

That's something to consider, too, thanks! However it goes - it will all be under one roof; with a divider wall all the way up between the carport & storage area...a slider might be more difficult if that section ends up being block..but I could do block on the three outer walls & frame the inner one. Hmmm...lol. Thanks again, guys :)

[Walter Tyler]

Why not continue off the carport SIDE with a "lean to"
It would be just a lil more metal roofing and give you the full 16-18' worth of space.

https://www.catapultsteel.com/images/carport-leanto.jpg

You could slip form rock wall the sides for weather and fire protection...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3n1cdHDgJVE/VfE1OPhZv1I/AAAAAAAARSQ/hE4SOGqpRcc/s1600/SlipFormWalls_12019.JPG

[Walter Tyler]

If ya got BIG rocks... ya can make SMALL Rocks...

https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/0d7e7109-de82-4593-b32b-5dfbbed33665/svn/ecobust-concrete-removal-eb211-64_1000.jpg

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECOBUST-11-lb-Concrete-Cutting-and-Rock-Breaking-Non-Combustive-Demolition-Agent-Type-2-50F-77F-EB211/203335351

[Walter Tyler]

Is this more of what you were thinking?

http://www.probuiltsteel.com/uploads/images/4861_-_18x31_Utility_Carport_with_Enclosed_Storage.jpg

[MountainGirl]

Why not continue off the carport SIDE with a "lean to"
It would be just a lil more metal roofing and give you the full 16-18' worth of space.

https://www.catapultsteel.com/images/carport-leanto.jpg

You could slip form rock wall the sides for weather and fire protection...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3n1cdHDgJVE/VfE1OPhZv1I/AAAAAAAARSQ/hE4SOGqpRcc/s1600/SlipFormWalls_12019.JPG

Hi Walter - that side lean-to is right where our upper drive is (and the mountain rises up on the other long side) so nope on that one - I like the rock wall idea, might do that on the lower couple feet along the driveway side to keep Tom from plowing dirt and snow into my carport lol. Thanks!

[MountainGirl]

Is this more of what you were thinking?

http://www.probuiltsteel.com/uploads/images/4861_-_18x31_Utility_Carport_with_Enclosed_Storage.jpg

Yes, just like that only different. I'll check the site that pic came from to see where they are and sizes available. Odds are it will be a 4x4 post build with a lot steeper roof. Thanks for this!

[TJC44]

Yes, just like that only different.

Really? :jester:

[MountainGirl]

Really? :jester:

Yep! What that means here, in MG-speak, is "you've got the general idea as to form & function; the smaller details (size, materials, etc) will be different".

It's a very useful phrase, I use it all the time. Say you had a really cool truck. Say I wanted one just like it - only in cherry red. What would I say? "I want one just like it, only different." Easy peasy. :)

[TJC44]

Yep! What that means here, in MG-speak, is "you've got the general idea as to form & function; the smaller details (size, materials, etc) will be different".

It's a very useful phrase, I use it all the time. Say you had a really cool truck. Say I wanted one just like it - only in cherry red. What would I say? "I want one just like it, only different." Easy peasy. :)

No worries. Just bored at work so I thought I would yank on your chain some.

[MountainGirl]

No worries. Just bored at work so I thought I would yank on your chain some.

All good :)
And if you're bored at work, feel free to come up and help me dig. ;)

[Walter Tyler]

All good :)
And if you're bored at work, feel free to come up and help me dig. ;)

Its a TRAP... Next ya know you will be paintin fences...

I read that book once...

Dig FOR a man... TEACH a man to Dig...


"Mark Twain" (meaning "Mark number two") was a Mississippi River term: the second mark on the line that measured depth signified two fathoms, or twelve feet—safe depth for the steamboat. In 1857, at the age of twenty-one, he became a "cub" steamboat pilot.

[TJC44]

All good :)
And if you're bored at work, feel free to come up and help me dig. ;)

As long as you're paying what I get here. I'll be there in a week or so.
I'm doing enough digging in my own yard, thank you.

[Inor]

I would think 2x6 construction with foam insulation would be adequate. If it still gets too warm in the summertime, then either drill hole into the ground and use a small heat pump or make a coil with 1/2" copper tubing and run water through it.

[MountainGirl]

I would think 2x6 construction with foam insulation would be adequate. If it still gets too warm in the summertime, then either drill hole into the ground and use a small heat pump or make a coil with 1/2" copper tubing and run water through it.

With a tight insulated door also, right! I'll have to watch for humidity/condensation..maybe a high small vent on the downwind end. Our summers up here get up to the mid-upper 80's and the spot is in full shade - so heat wont be a problem...except for having none in there Nov-Mar.
Thanks, Inor :)