It is hard to find a good plan for how to build an outdoor nativity stable on the internet. Therefore, we have decided to make this information available for you free of charge. Without wasting time, here are the steps you need to follow when building an outdoor nativity stable.
The Materials Needed
Thankfully, all the materials needed to build the structure are readily available at home. We are going to build a stable measuring 42” x 72”. Here are the things you will need to complete the construction:
- Chop saw
- Utility knife for splitting
- Small rapid square
- Variable speed drill
- Philips-head screwdriver
The Construction Process
You should commence by assembling the frame. It is possible to do this by laying out the 2”x4” and ensuring that they are connected using the 6-inch straps. All the three holes located at each end of the straps must be used.
From there, the four-inch anchors must be attached to every 4×4 corner post with the help of two #8 x ¾” screws on every anchor. Accurately position the anchors on the adjacent sides. Two anchors should be placed on either end of the posts; do this on two sides at each end.
Place the base on an even surface, preferably on the ground where you need the stable to be positioned, and attach each corner post. Every end of the end pieces must have a corner post.
From there, you want to ensure that the posts are accurately secured to the base frame using the ideal screws. Each anchor should have two screws to achieve stability.
After you are certain that all corner posts are robustly attached to the base pieces, you can begin attaching the top frame pieces. Next, you want to install the sheathing boards to each side as well as the on rear of the frame.
You can do this using the #8 x 1-1/4” screws. Fetch a scrap measuring 2” x 4” and put it carefully across the base frame. This will provide adequate support to the sheathing board. By doing this, you will have enough space for electrical cords in case you will use any.
Once you are done with the first phase of constructing the nativity stable, you will be left with a frame box. If you notice that your frame sags at the right corner, you can fix that by putting a piece of 1” x 6” right below the front right corner.
Framing The Roof
Now we enter into the right phase of construction, which is framing the roof. You will commence by crafting a ridge pole support unit. Make sure that your ridge pole is not more than 42″ long.
The same length should be used for the end pieces. However, for the supports, make sure they are not more than 8″ long, and the three pieces used should be made of 1-inch by 4-inch boards.
Since you are working on a flat surface, be sure to lay all the pieces together, and the ridge pole should be positioned at the top. One support must be lined up under every end of your ridge pole.
You want to join the support pieces to the ridge pole using a 3-inch x 5-inch tie plate. To fasten the plates, you need to use #8 x ¾” screws.
The Final Touches
You want to attach each anchor to each side of the bottom of the ridge support. If you like, you can attach your first anchor on the same flat surface that the ridge and support were placed. However, the anchors placed on opposite sides of the structure must be connected to the end of the supports that are hanging the edge.
From there, put the support assembly over the top frame, and one end should rest on the front of your top frame while the other end rests on the back piece of the top frame. You want to arrange the assembly in a way that each support has one of their faces 45 inches from the left section of the stable. Now the assembly should be clamped into position while securing both ends to the top-most frame with #8 x ¾” screws.
The Fun Part
Note that the rafters are always in pairs; one is long while the other one is short. You can cut one of the pairs from an 8-inch long board. You need to get the right angle for the longer rafter. To do that, ask someone to help you hold the 8-inch long board so that it is eight inches past one end of the stable. Now you want to align the top section of the board with your ridge pole’s top interior corner and accurately draw a line along the board around the section where it combines with the ridge pole.
Remember, this angle is an odd one, which is why it is impossible to just flip the remaining piece of the board and utilize it for the smaller rafter. You can repeat the same steps for the lengthier rafter. Once you are done cutting the rafters, make sure they are secured to the top frame.
The last pieces of the construction are the roof retaining anchors. These are similar anchors that you had used to attach the rafters, the ridge pole, and the top frame. There are many roof anchors in the roof section, and each rafter will need two or there, based on the size of the roof you are dealing with.
Conclusion
You must always remember that anchors must be accurately fastened to the rafters with #8 x ¾” screws. In case you are unable to get the steps right, we recommend talking to an expert, and they will assist you with the entire process. If you have any questions, feel free to let us know.
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