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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / simplest structure for 55gallon drum compost toilet outhouse... ?
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optimistic
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# Posted: 15 Oct 2013 21:55 - Edited by: optimistic
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I need to build an outhouse soon for myself... (my wife won't use it ;) )

I will use a 55 gallon drum as my compost chamber and I will install a toilet seat over it. Using Mr. Omick's method: http://www.omick.net/composting_toilets/barrel_toilet.htm

Beside the fact it won't be barried... I will swap it out when it gets filled with another 55 drum.

Now, for the easiest structure... I was thinking to use metal studs, cut in an angle, forming an A frame structure. To this i will attach metal roof panels and ridge cap. Seems very easy and should last forever... Thoughts?

I will try to do it in 3d first but something that already comes to mind - how to connect the metal A frames on top after cutting their angle..? With wood it's easy but how do I do that with metal studs.

Gregjman
Member
# Posted: 15 Oct 2013 22:55
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What's your reason for metal studs? Why not just use wood framing and cover with metal roofing?

optimistic
Member
# Posted: 16 Oct 2013 05:30
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It will last forever basically. Wood can be eaten by bugs and what not.. Wood will make it easier to build though

creeky
Member
# Posted: 16 Oct 2013 08:45
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why an A frame? lots of angles to cut. narrow overhead.

if you want simple, a basic box with a shed roof is pretty hard to beat. and you get a bit more shoulder room. save money on siding. build it 4x4x8 and there's less cutting.

still. an a frame would look pretty cool.
at the top: couldn't you just screw on wooden plates same as with wood construction?

nice barrel toilet site. the design is thorough and rather well detailed. somebody likes labels.

btw: how are you swapping out your barrels? a 50 gallon barrel full could weigh upwards of 500 lbs.

wakeslayer
Member
# Posted: 16 Oct 2013 10:46
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Why not just get it pumped out once a year ? At least here in MN, it is $25-50.

optimistic
Member
# Posted: 17 Oct 2013 14:43
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Why A frame: seems less work... I just need to cut the studs on an angle - and we are talking about maybe 6-8 studs all together. The studs come in 10ft sections so won't be hard to play with angle to achieve good overhead and space but only after I will make the 3d model I can figure it out and decide on whether an A frame is really good or not...

Ridge- I agree that I can just to this with a 2x4 on the top like you mention. But I want to try and make this from metal so it will never rot/get bugs eat it.


I will make another door on the back side of the outhouse. Once it gets full (I won't let it get really full but only 3/4 or 4/5 full) I will then slowly edge it out a few feet - close the top with mesh against bugs and put some kind of small rain/snow protection over it. Then it should sit for a year/year and a half before I can dump it out.

wakeslayer - I rather not use someone to pump it.. I don't want to share this place with many people who may want to come back later and see if they can take something from me or stir trouble with inspectors and what not... Rather be safe than sorry.

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