Our old friend Andy Jenkins is back to reprise his November 2002 "Barn Showcase" feature where we all watched him and his family and friends build his 24x36 two story Gambrel Garage/Shop. Well, he's at it again. This time he's building one of our 8x12 Gambrel Mini-Barn Storage Sheds, or should I say, his kids are!! Andy decided to build his "Mini" with 8' side walls, so it has a little taller stance than the standard 6'-6" walls that the plans call for. All in all, another great job, this ol boy's getting good at this barn building thing!!!

We'll let Andy run you through the project.

In the summer of 2001 I built a 24x36 Barnplans, Inc. barn to be used as an RV storage and woodshop with a study in the loft. The problem was that no sooner had I completed the barn loft, than the kids took it over! Dad's quiet retreat was full of screaming kids. The answer was clear: build them a Mini-Barn of their own.

It took us about 3 weeks to build. I involved the kids, particularly my 11-year-old boy, Danny, in every aspect of the building process. He learned a great deal about basic carpentry along the way. The entire project cost about $1,500 in all. It will serve them as a playhouse for years to come and afterward my wife will use it as a garden shed.

Problem: The kids took over my barn loft.

Maddie demands, "Daddy, build me my own Mini-Barn!"

The kids looking over the plans.

Danny lays out the sole and top plates.

Danny nails up a truss. I cut the parts but the kids put them together.

The first wall goes up.

The first truss goes up! This is always a momentous occasion as the barn begins to take shape.

The first few trusses are up. Now we are cutting and fitting the purlins that will support the fascia out front.

To support the 2x6 floor joists we used the same double 2x4 technique used in the big barn. A trimmer stud is nailed underneath the floor joist thus eliminating the need for a rim joist and joist hangars.

The roof decking is almost complete.

I set the kids to work in a "painting party."

Close up of the front door details.

The kids have their first sleepover in the barn loft.

Both Barnplans barns from the rear.

Dad sizes up the Mini-Barn for his motorcycle.