Hidden Ranch: New buildings

[Blade]

With the cost of material being higher than ever (30% increase in 2 years) and after seeing the picture of other field buildings, I was wondering what you guys thought about the material use to build the structures?

I always used Plywoods going from 11/32 to 19/32 thick. Would OSB be good enough for the field and the kind of weather (rain, snow, wind) kind of environment Springfield goes thru every year?

Is there anything else out there better than plywood or OSB for a relative same price? Making the building with 2x6 and 2x8 is in the way but I definitely know it will be more for appearance than cost saving.

thoughts? suggestions? photos or links?

[WhiteRook]

OSB would work well. However, neither OSB nor plywood will last long without some type of treatment to protect it from the weather (paint, primer, etc).

The only other item I could think of that would be useful and somewhat weather resistant would be corrugated metal or plastic sheets.

[Blade]

corrugated metal and plastic would give a very unique look and resistance but we are talking about $25+ per sheet...

Now let me ask you this: Assuming both Plywood and OSB sheets are painted, which one would hold better? From previous discussions, I had the impression that OSB get soaked much easier than plywood and then become very "brittle", which is kinda very bad when you know 250lbs+ guys rush to the walls all the time. Last thing I would need is blowing up walls left and right. Now keep in mind, I have 2x4s every 16inches so perhaps that could be strong enough so the OSB sheets doesn't fall apart.

[UrbanMarine]

If the OSB or Ply is marked EXTERIOR or EXPOSURE 1 you should be fine with weather (To a point). To help even more, paint it with an exterior paint which has sealant in it.

As for the 2x4s, you should use them for the main frame and then use 2x2 for basic support. You should be able to save $2-$4per board depending on where you shop.

If you hate certain parts of the field you built or wanna change, recycle the old structures. I'd also consider going to rehab store (habitat for humanity) or discount stores. ie. H for H has gallons and gallons of commercial exterior paint for cheap.

[TommyTuba]

I would agree with the others...as long as it is treated, they both should do fine. HOWEVER....just remember, in both cases we are talking about wood that has been GLUED and pressed together. It will eventually break down and will need constant maintenance. BUT...I love the direction you are taking it to Franc!!!

JOB WELL DONE!!!

[WhiteRook]

Let me know if you'd like help painting ... But, if plywood & osb is getting as expensive as you say ... Wood + paint might be less than corrugated products.

[Blade]

Whiterook, thanks for the painting offer. I acquired an automatic sprayer last year and that thing eat and spit gallons of paint in record time

At this time of the year, a basic 8x8 structure comes up at about $250.00 with a rooftop. It was never really cheap to build but still. When you take the numbers into account, the field is become an asset to declare when you do your taxes LOL.

Urban marine, While I like the idea of using recycled wood and paint, I am still limited by the kind of material I can find back and how available it gets on the long run. I need consistency more than anything else, which is why I never used skids. On the same subject, while skids are cheaply acquired, having to prep them for the field takes a lot of time...which is something I try to save as well

So yeh, I am trying to work around cheaper prices, less time consuming materials and building technics... this is the only way I can be effective at the field.

So to go back to the basic thread idea, it looks like Plywood is still my best choice...

[Texx]

Have you considered renting a large Industrial saw and using railroad cross ties? You can occasionally get cross ties for free, you just need to haul them off.

You might also contact your Electric Utility company and ask about damaged poles - also occasionally free if you haul them off site.

If you know of any areas the landowner may want some logging done, you may be able to clear a small area and use the logs from that site.

I know I spoke to you previously about cargo containers. The little 40' guys I've seen go for around $600 a piece. You would just need them delivered to the site.

You might consider building adobe structures. You might be able to get brick from a demolition site

On the field I play at, the owner bought storm doors from a Home Improvement store. These were factory seconds and damaged or dented. They got them for $2-$3 a door. There's also a local door company here that occasionally sells factory seconds for less than $1 each.

[Blade]

the doors are a good idea for that kind of price. As far as tie down and poles, yes, very cheap but not easily transported and handled unfortunately. Although I must admit, getting the tie downs for my next firebase could give a unique look and I might not have to cut them that much. Good ideas.

[Fox]

There is a place near me that has an auction every week, they auction off building supplies. From left over 2x4's, plywood, etc from a project, to nails, sheet metal, etc. This would be an idea to see if there is a place near you that does the same, if you have the time to go to an auction.

I do have a question for you: How long do you want these buildings to last? While Steel might be $20+ a sheet, it lasts forever. So in 5 years down the road, you won't have to replace it. As well, it's a lot less... uh, breakable.

[Blade]

Good idea for the auction. I will check.
As far as duration. Well, if it was my field and my business, I would not mind investing $50k right there and call it done. Unfortunately, I depends on the owner and the player support. If one of the two fails me, I then lose everything. So I basically go with the flow. I could always build stronger and more expensive and only get 1 building done in the time of 6 buildings but I do believe players these days are looking for quick changes more than strength. It doesn't take long before players get bored of the same layout so I am just trying to keep up with the demand

[Colombian]

Hmm, just a suggestion here, while it may not look perfect look wise, if you have yourself access to a welder and someone that knows how to handle it, Look into Junkyards. Most of the old trucks have lots of flat steel as the bottom of the bed... f not, the railroad ties it an excellent idea. My metals teacher at school brings in TONS of them and the saw we use to cut the is only like 180$.

[Blade]

Not about to turn the field into a junkyard, sorry
The great thing with wood is the day I am done with the field, I can just pile up everything and fire it up....easily done and gone ...

[Peli]

like everyone has said if you keep it painted it will last longer

I don't know how the recycling centers are in springfield but the ones in my town they take paint and have a room where you can take as much of the good used paint for free

if your not to concerned about colour or get enough to mix them all together then it is a good way to cut back on costs

there are lumber wholesalers through out Indiana that sell 7/16 plywood for 4$ a sheet there are most likely some in Ohio as well

[eviljoe]

It also depends on white TYPE of plastic you get. A thicker ABS would work but Styrene or HIPS would begin to become brittle after awhile due to the weather changes.

[Myth]

I think the railroad ties or Amish rough cut wood (planks) would be great for a firebase in the woods. As for the airfield I think OSB with a coat of paint would be great. Also for the supporting structure you could use Amish rough cut 2x4's and they are actually cut 2x4 and not 1 3/4 x 3 3/4 lol.

As far as the OSB goes, thats what we use to make our dog houses with and there has never been an issue with it as long as we kept it sealed and noone has picked at it. Also something to look into a almost like plywood but its thinner and has groves in it, its commonly used on sheds and the such.

[OverLord]

Not exactly a building idea but more of a location idea. It seems that battles are always centered around the airfield. Perhaps adding your fire base on the opposite side of the field..(across from the refinery) it would add new missions such as head on attacks where the 2 teams start in opposite bases and have to capture a box/flag from the other factions base...Just a suggestion but it would be very intresting to have head on attacks where units covering each other becomes a neccessity rather than people just running in and out of buildings. where are you intending on putting the new firebase blade?

[Blade]

Overlord, wrong thread.

My main thing to look at right now is the lumber wholesaler. Unfortunately, I heard they are probably more expensive than lowes or Homedepot. Yes, their wood is higher quality but as I said, I am not necessarily looking at higher quality. The great thing with wood is the fact that I can take everything down very quickly. With concrete, steel and other none-wood material, the owner might not like the fact that I would either have to bury everything afterward or get dozen of trucks to take everything off the field if ever needed.

[OverLord]

Is there any type of buy in bulk deal with the wholesaler? If not i would try and see if lowes or homedepot has a bulk deal. When my dad finished our basement at our old house he saved ALOT of money by builing wood and drywall in bulk.

[Blade]

Homedepot usually offer 10% on orders above $2500.00
I did not check this year yet.

[Dougrich]

You could always use large equipment tires.

[Arcane]

What about earthworks? Would the owner be opposed to that? Not really any cost to those except renting/borrowing a bobcat and using scrap wood or skids to shore up some spots.

[Blade]

I already have access to that Triarius

[WhiteRook]

I'd go with OSB & a cheap latex paint as a primer ... OSB is only about $8 a 4'x8' sheet.

Nothing else is under that ... even the corrogated plastic sheets are around $19 ...

[eviljoe]

Maybe make more bunkers out of sand bags instead of wood? Easy to get rid of and easy to fill.