Civil War Fort: carpentry instructions

This fort’s overall size is 11x16.  The tallest point is over 11’0” tall.  This instructional document is to help the novice or semi-experienced carpenter to create their own fort for their children or even pets.

The rampart area is four feet from the ground and the tower is six feet from the ground.  It has a double door entrance, two ladders, two tower areas (one open and the other closed) and a lookout hideaway.  There is an optional sandbox below the tallest tower.

I would like to point out that the instructional drawings are not to scale.  They are renditions to help visually explain certain details, not to be taken as scale models.  They are approximate shapes and patterns but very easy to follow.

I would recommend thoroughly reading the entire instructions before proceeding with construction.  There are options, choices and special notes that may be of interest to you.

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was designed with standard pine so the general cost would be around $1000, that would include hardware

http://www.amazon.com/Civil-War-Fort-Guidebook-Book-ebook/dp/B00YL5FEUG/

Basic Rules about Building a Frame

Building frames is the basic element in most construction.  Your house, apartment, deck and other projects are built with many frames put together to make boxes or floors or whatever.

The first basic rule: your short end of the frame will cap your longer ends.
            What do you mean?

If you are building a frame that is 4 feet by 8 feet(4x8), your 4 foot boards will cap your 8 foot boards, or in this case, 7'9".















         The reason the board is 7'9" and not 8'0" is to compensate for the 1 1/2" from each 4' board on each end.  In combination, they add up to 3" and therefore subtract that 3" from the 8'0" boards.  Therefore: 7'9".

You want to make a perfect 4x8 frame.

Rightly so, if you are building a frame from 1x4s, you need to subtract 1 1/2" from your shorter boards.  Such as, the 4x8 frame would have 2 boards at 4'0" and 2 boards at 7'10 1/2".


However, it is not always the case to have your short ends cap the longer boards.  In some cases, it is wiser to have your longer boards cap the shorter ones.  When your longer side is expected to hold weight, the longer boards should cap the shorter boards.
        The reason for this: You want the weight to push against the boards and not burden or stress the screws that are connecting your boards.

Good luck with your projects!

Shotgun Fort carpentry guidebook

Build your own fort:

Some of us are not as creative or skilled enough to design our own forts.  This instructional document is to help the novice or semi-experienced carpenter to create their own fort for their children or even pets.

This 4x8 fort was specifically designed in a certain manner.  It is called a shotgun fort because it is straight back from the entrance like a shotgun apartment. The picture on the front cover is the fort that was designed for this plan.  Some modifications were made to simplify this plan for the novice.

These instructions are a guide to build a 4x8 fort that is roughly ten feet tall.  It has a ladder leading into a four by eight foot housing area.  The housing area is four feet from the ground and the roof is four feet from the deck.

I would like to point out that the instructional drawings are not to scale.  They are renditions to help visually explain certain details, not to be taken as scale models.  They are approximate shapes and patterns.

I would recommend reading the entire instructions before proceeding, thoroughly.  There are options, choices and special notes that may be of interest to you.

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was created with standard pine so the general cost would be around $500, which would include hardware.

Time:  I am not going to waste your time to estimate how long it will take you to assemble this fort.  Every person has a different speed and it depends on your tools and expertise, obviously.  As well as how much free time that is available to you.
Theoretically, it could be completed in one day.  Also theoretically, it could take you a week.  If you hire some of the contractors that I’ve heard complained about, it could take them a whole year.

There are further options to alter this plan at the end of these instructions.

Some of these options include moving the ladder unit somewhere else.  Creating a bench and table area.  Or building a sandbox at the bottom of this unit.

Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shotgun-fort-ronald-rex/1115085476

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Shotgun-Fort-ebook/dp/B00BRA3K2M


Available on paperback($9.99): http://www.amazon.com/Shotgun-Fort-Ronald-Rex/dp/1492776440

Dog House construction blueprints

Build your own doghouse:

Some of us are not as creative or skilled enough to design our own doghouses.  This instructional document is to help the novice or semi-experienced carpenter to create their own doghouse for their children or even pets.

This doghouse was specifically built in a certain manner.  The picture on the front cover was the doghouse built for this plan.

Some modifications were made to simplify this plan for the novice.  However the original was designed to be 4x6x5 doghouse with insulation.  There are options to place doorways in different places.
There are also 2 different doorway sizes, (1’6”x 2’0” and 2’0” x 2’6”)

There are two different plans: one plan is for the doorway to be in the front (The four foot section) and another plan is for the doorway to be on the side. (On the back half of the six foot side.)

These instructions are a guide to build a 4x6 doghouse that is roughly five feet tall.  The housing area is one foot from the ground and the roof is five feet from the deck.

On Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-House-Fort-Guidebook-ebook/dp/B00E4D43OI/

For Nook
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dog-house-ronald-rex/1117524681

Doghouse, dog house, insulation, large dogs, large dog house, guidebook, diy, do it yourself,  do it yourselfer.

Buy on paperback ($9.99): http://www.amazon.com/Dog-House-Fort-Guidebook-Ronald/dp/1493732994

Animal Pack: doghouse, chicken coop and more

Animal Pack is an instructional guide to construct a 4x6 doghouse, a 4x6 chicken coop, a 6x6x10 fort, a birdhouse and a 3x3x3 cat fort. This guide is for the do it yourself carpenter who wants to fill his place with forts and structures for their many beloved pets.

Buy on Paperback ($9.99) https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Pack-Fort-Guidebook-19/dp/1721188142

doghouse, dog house, fort, cat fort, birdhouse, bird house, chicken coop, chicken house, diy, doityourself, carpentry

Dog Fort

Build a 4x4 doghouse with two doorways on either side and a 2x6 porch walkway on two sides. Great for dogs who want to chill outside or cuddle inside.. Doorways are 1'6"x2'0". Good for medium sized dogs.

https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Fort-Guidebook-18/dp/1987518667

Chicken Coop w/ Sliding Shelves

Instructions on how to build a 4x6x5 chicken coop, box shape, with ramp to reach second level.  The back wall opens like a doorway to enter the back, slide out the nesting areas in order to clean or pluck eggs.

These instructions are a guide to build a 4x6 chicken coop that is roughly five feet tall.  The housing area is 6” from the ground and the roof is five feet from the deck.

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was built with standard pine so the general cost would be around $400, that would include hardware.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chicken-coop-w-sliding-shelves-ronald-rex/1121680408

http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Coop-Sliding-Shelves-Guidebook-ebook/dp/B00VL8NIWC/

Chicken coop, diy, do it yourself, doityourselfer, chicken house, chickens, raise chickens, raising chickens, self sufficient living, self sustainability

A Wide Selection of Fort Styles

The Simplest Fort

A simple 6x6x10 fort designed with 2x4s with sandbox option.


Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-simplest-fort-ronald-rex/1046443747?ean=2940016663197

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/The-Simplest-Fort-ebook/dp/B00BEOA2R2/

Buy on paperback for $9.99
http://www.amazon.com/Simplest-Fort-Ronald-Rex/dp/1484089405/


The Shotgun Fort

A simple 4x8x10 fort, straight back with sandbox and bench options.

Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shotgun-fort-ronald-rex/1046443770?ean=2940016663418

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Shotgun-Fort-ebook/dp/B00BRA3K2M/

Paperback $9.99
http://www.amazon.com/Shotgun-Fort-Ronald-Rex/dp/1492776440/ref=sr_1_24_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1403376048&sr=8-24&keywords=ladwigoma


The Rustic Fort

6x6x12 tower fort with rampart extension option and second tower

Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Rustic-Fort-Guidebook-ebook/dp/B00DON7LFM/

Nook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rustic-fort-ronald-rex/1116523605?ean=2940148601319

Paperback

http://www.amazon.com/Rustic-Fort-Guidebook-Ronald-Rex/dp/1492358622/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1403376118&sr=8-22

Two Tier Fort, 4x4:4x6 two tier fort that is roughly ten feet tall.  It has a ladder leading into a four by eight foot housing area.  The housing area is four feet from the ground and the roof is four to six feet from the deck.

Find on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Tier-Fort-Guidebook-Book-ebook/dp/B00R8U35H0

Find at Barnes N Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/two-tier-fort-ronald-rex/1120949632?ean=2940150025912

Pirate Ship Fort, a solitary 3x20x7 fort.  Other parts were added, such as an optional mast that could reach eight feet or higher.  

http://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Ship-Fort-Guidebook-Ronald-ebook/dp/B00IDU6K44/

Review: Lots of possibilities and very happy with this backyard fort.

Showing 1-1 of 1 reviews(Verified Purchases).

5.0 out of 5 stars

Lots of possibilities and very happy with this backyard fort.

By Domino on March 7, 2017

https://www.amazon.com/Simplest-Fort-Ronald-Rex/dp/1484089405

There were a couple of places where the directions weren’t just exact but nothing that kept it from turning out great. Here’s a photo of it under construction and one as a finished project. Just over $300 in materials, not bad at all and plenty of room to expand, add a deck, store toys underneath or put in a sandbox, etc. Plus its portable if you want it to be and can be moved if you think the grass needs a rest in a certain area. It is not in the pictures but we did put poles in the ground and secured the fort to them, the wind gets pretty ridiculous sometimes. Later we are thinking about attaching it to a tree with environmentally friendly bolts so that when the kids a re a little older they can go up in to a tree house from the fort. Lots of possibilities.

L-Shaped Doghouse

Nice big and unique house for your dog our dogs.  Carpentry instructions to build an L-shaped doghouse with two doorways entering from ninety degrees.  Its dimensions are 6x6x5, sitting on a deck that is six inches off the ground.  The doorways are 1’6” x 2’0”.  It is built with siding and trim along the corners.

This doghouse is estimated to cost around $400 dollars depending on the lumber purchased.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUX4GPF

Print ($9.99): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542999057

Simple Playhouse

Build a 8x8 playhouse with an optional porch area and flower boxes.  The deck is 6” off the ground and the roof is roughly 10 feet tall.  This is a guidebook to construct this fort with diagrams and instructions.

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was created with standard pine so the general cost would be around $600, which would include hardware.

Time:  I am not going to waste your time to estimate how long it will take you to assemble this fort.  Every person has a different speed and it depends on your tools and expertise, obviously.  As well as how much free time that is available to you.
Theoretically, it could be completed in one day.  Also theoretically, it could take you a week.  If you hire some of the contractors that I’ve heard complained about, it could take them a whole year.

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1Q2A0S/

Paperback: ($9.99):  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1541009142/

The Basic Fort

Build a basic and cheap fort for your backyard.

These instructions are a guide to build a 6x6 fort that is roughly ten feet tall.  It has a ladder leading into the Deck area.  The Deck is four feet from the ground and the roof is four feet from the deck.

It has an option for a sandbox at the bottom.

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was created with standard pine so the general cost would be around $200, which would include hardware.

Time:  I am not going to waste your time to estimate how long it will take you to assemble this fort.  Every person has a different speed and it depends on your tools and expertise, obviously.  As well as how much free time that is available to you.  
Theoretically, it could be completed in one day.  Also theoretically, it could take you a week.  If you hire some of the contractors that I’ve heard complained about, it could take them a whole year.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Fort-Guidebook-Book-14-ebook/dp/B01J4MGSI2

Barnes N Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-basic-fort-ronald-rex/1124197983

Find more books like this here:  http://www.amazon.com/Ronald-Rex/e/B00J7HYKD0/

Sandbox Fort

These instructions are a guide to build a 8x8 fort that is roughly ten feet tall.  4 foot open area is centered around a square walkway to enter the sandbox on the ground level.  Ladders lead into the housing area and sandbox.  The housing area is four feet from the ground and the roof starts four feet from the deck

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was created with standard pine so the general cost would be around $400, which would include hardware.

Time:  I am not going to waste your time to estimate how long it will take you to assemble this fort.  Every person has a different speed and it depends on your tools and expertise, obviously.  As well as how much free time that is available to you. 
    Theoretically, it could be completed in one day.  Also theoretically, it could take you a week.  If you hire some of the contractors that I’ve heard complained about, it could take them a whole year.

For Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Sandbox-Fort-Guidebook-Book-13-ebook/dp/B01I115PCM

Barnes n Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sandbox-fort-ronald-rex/1124068619

In Print ($9.99):https://www.amazon.com/Sandbox-Fort-Guidebook-13/dp/1535135018/

Odds and Ends: furniture projects for the home

This is an instructional guide that contains multiple carpentry projects for around the home.

They are in this order:

Toy Box-  1’6” x 1’6” x 3’0”
Outside Bench- 11” x 3’6” x 1’6”
Mail Box- 1’0” x 4’0”
Garden Box- 1’6” x 1’6”
Trellis- 4 x 8
Workbench- 30” x 34” x 6’0”
Birdhouse- 1’4” x 1’6”
Two Step Unit 1’4” x 1’4”

Cost: Generally, each project will cost around 40-150 dollars each, depending on material used.

Time:  Most of these projects will take you about a standard 8 hour day, not including drying time for stain, varnish and water sealant.

Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/Odds-Ends-Carpentry-projects-around-ebook/dp/B01EGBA08A/

Barnes n Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/odds-and-ends-ronald-rex/1123672069

For Print ($7.99): http://www.amazon.com/Odds-Ends-Carpentry-projects-around/dp/1532820402/

Family Pack: Household Carpentry Projects for around your home

Ronald is an accomplished master carpenter and designer.  All of these projects have been constructed, designed and illustrated.

This instructional guide is for the family moving into a new home.  Or an old home that needs some additions.  Or maybe you have a growing family and need a few additions but want to do it yourself.  The makings of all the things you will need for a growing family and a beautiful home.  All in one package!  It includes the instructions for a fort, doghouse, birdhouse, trellis and workbench.

They are in this order:

1: The Simplest Fort

2: Dog House
3: Trellis

4: Workbench
5: Birdhouse

This pack includes the instructions for a 6x6x10 fort, 4x8 trellis, 4x4x5 doghouse, 1’6” birdhouse and 32”x6’0” workbench.  Easy to follow instructions and drawings.

On Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Pack-Household-Carpentry-ebook/dp/B00EZCQTT0/

On Nook:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/family-pack-ronald-rex/1118408288

On paperback ($15.99):
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Pack-Household-Carpentry-Projects/dp/1494256169

by Ronald REX, all rights reserved to these designs.

Two Tier Fort: great for kids

This fort was specifically designed in a certain manner.  The picture on the front cover is the actual fort that was designed for this plan.  Some modifications were made to simplify this plan for the novice.

These instructions are a guide to build a 4x4:4x6 two tier fort that is roughly ten feet tall.  It has a ladder leading into a four by eight foot housing area.  The housing area is four feet from the ground and the roof is four to six feet from the deck.

I would like to point out that the instructional drawings (illustrations) are not to scale.  They are renditions to help visually explain certain details, not to be taken as scale models.  They are approximate shapes and patterns.

I would recommend reading the entire instructions before proceeding, thoroughly.  There are options, choices and special notes that may be of interest to you.

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was created with standard pine so the general cost would be around $500, which would include hardware.

Find on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Tier-Fort-Guidebook-Book-ebook/dp/B00R8U35H0

Find at Barnes N Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/two-tier-fort-ronald-rex/1120949632



Buy on Paperback $9.99: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Tier-Fort-Guidebook/dp/1508835780

Dog Pack: Carpentry for the Dogs

Dog Pack: Carpentry projects for the dogs

Got lots of dogs?  A big dog?  Just love dogs… well this is the package of carpentry projects for you.

A package of diy instructions on building a 4x4 doghouse, whelping box, dog stairs and dog food bowl bench.

Ronald is an accomplished master carpenter and designer.  All of these projects have been constructed, designed and illustrated.

Amazon: Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Pack-Carpentry-Projects-Guidebook-ebook/dp/B00GU1JM3Y

Barnes n Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dog-pack-ronald-rex/1119074562


Buy on paperback ($9.99): http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Pack-Carpentry-Projects-Guidebook/dp/1505658330

The Simplest Fort instruction book

A step by step instruction on building your very own fort for your backyard.

Build your own fort:

Some of us are not as creative or skilled enough to design our own forts.  This instructional document is to help the novice or semi-experienced carpenter to create their own fort for their children or even pets.

This fort was specifically designed in a certain manner.  The picture on the front cover is the actual fort that was built for this plan.  Some modifications were made to simplify this plan for the novice.

These instructions are a guide to build a six foot square fort that is roughly ten feet tall.  It has a ladder leading into a two foot porch area and a four by six foot housing area.  The housing area is four feet from the ground and the roof is four feet from the deck.  The underground area is four feet from ground.

Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-simplest-fort-ronald-rex/1115085454

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/The-Simplest-Fort-ebook/dp/B00BEOA2R2



Buy on paperback for $9.99
http://www.amazon.com/Simplest-Fort-Ronald-Rex/dp/1484089405

DIY Chicken Coop

Build your own chicken coop:

This chicken coop was specifically built in a certain manner.  The picture on the front cover was the chicken coop built for this plan.

These instructions are a guide to build a 4x6 chicken coop that is roughly three and a half feet tall.  The housing area is two feet from the ground.

I would like to point out that the instructional drawings are not to scale.  They are renditions to help visually explain certain details, not to be taken as scale models.  They are approximate shapes and patterns but very easy to follow.

I would recommend that you thoroughly read the entire instructions before proceeding with construction.  There are options, choices and special notes that may be of interest to you.

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was built with standard pine so the general cost would be around $200, that would include hardware.

Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chicken-coop-ronald-rex/1117261985

Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Coop-Fort-Guidebook-Ronald-ebook/dp/B00GA8HGXU


Buy on paperback ($7.99)
http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Coop-Fort-Guidebook-Volume/dp/1493790412/

Aargh! DIY carpentry instructions for a Pirate Ship Fort

It is called a Pirate Ship because it resembles a ship.  It is not intended to function as an actual ship at sea or lake.  The picture on the front cover is the fort that was designed for this plan.

Some modifications were made to simplify this plan for the novice.  The original was designed to be a solitary 3x20x7 fort.  Other parts were added, such as an optional mast that could reach eight feet or higher.  This is obviously optional.  It will be easy to add these portions later if you want, rather than build the entire thing at once.

These instructions are a guide to build a three foot wide and 17 feet plus long fort that is roughly seven feet tall to the top of the railings.  It has a step unit leading onto the port side.  The deck is four feet from the ground and the Aft deck is five feet from the ground.  The underground area is four feet from ground.

Cost:  The price for the materials to build this project would be dependent upon what material that you purchase.  Some lumber is more expensive than others.  However, the original structure was designed with standard pine so the general cost would be around $1500, that would include hardware.

For Nook
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pirate-ship-ronald-rex/1121009068

For Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Ship-Fort-Guidebook-Ronald-ebook/dp/B00IDU6K44/



Buy on paperback $9.99: http://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Ship-Fort-Guidebook-8/dp/1506132375