How to Build a Smokehouse
If you followed the beginning of this project – How to Build a Smoker or Smokehouse Part 1, then you are up to speed on the lower portion of this build. With the cement slab and masonry base in place, it is now time to frame up the rest of the smokehouse.
Smokehouse Framing – Step 1
Base Framing
We began by setting 2 – 4×4 posts, in metal brackets, on the concrete, against the firebox. These posts are specifically for the purpose of supporting the extended end of the roof. Next, we attached a ‘toe-up’ around the top of the blocks with Tapcon screws. That is where the rest of the framing will attach.
Wall Framing
With those elements in place, it was time to begin putting up walls. We built the end walls separately and then attached them to the base. Then we constructed the front and back walls in place. The dimensions that we used were simply based on the size that we felt like we needed and that would fit in our location. In our case, the actual smokehouse is approximately 4 feet by 2.5 feet and 4 feet tall before the roof.
Bracing
The next step was to make certain that all of the walls were completely square and plumb and then add cross bracing to hold it there while we finished the rest of the framing. When we had the walls in place, we added a double top plate to tie everything together with more strength.
Roof Framing
We framed up the roof once the walls were in place. We installed the rafters and bracing that was necessary for the roof to be stable and ready for roofing material. This part didn’t take but a few minutes with the two of us working together.
Step 2 -Smokehouse Wall Exteriors
The Siding
The next step was siding. We used recycled/repurposed 1x tongue and groove lumber on the exterior of the structure. It went up very quickly, adding an additional element of strength to the overall smokehouse. When the siding was complete, we trimmed out all of the corners as well as under the roof framing with the same wood.
Step 3 – The Roof
The Smoke Stack
The smokestack had to be constructed and in place before the roofing was finished so my husband designed one of his own. He’s very clever that way! Not only is it adorable, it is extremely functional. He included a pivoting lid that will adjust the amount of smoke/heat released. There is also a piece of mesh attached on the bottom side to keep critters out of the smokehouse. He then installed the smoke stack on the ridge beam of the roof.
The Roofing
Roofing was next. We used the same tongue and groove wood as we did for the siding and he caulked the seams. This was all him. In fact, while he was up on the roof, installing the roofing material, I decided to build another project – a Solar Dehydrator. But the time he was done, so was I. That led us to the next portion of this build.
Step 4 – Other Elements for the Smokehouse
Additional Details
Kris worked on finishing out the roof with fascia while I added the base for our smoking wood to be placed.
The Doors and Hardware
The doors are a pretty important element. Being outside in the weather, you want to make sure that they are built as sturdy as possible. Kris used 1 inch square tubing to weld up frames for the double doors, then attached siding to the fronts. This keeps the door from sagging over time. He installed the doors with attractive hardware and added locks and handles.
Finishing Touches
A few finishing touches for the main structure really pulled it all together. Kris added a temperature gauge to the front and a long handle to the smoke stack (so that I can reach it!) and I added the pretty red cross to the front.
Finishing off the Firebox
The last step of the firebox was to install some patio stone to the top of the firebox. My husband had installed a piece of 1/4″ steel across the top of the firebox and it needed a barrier. I used the same patio stone that we have right in front of the smoker and mortared it onto the top. Once it was mortared in, I used a bag to fill the ‘grout lines’ between the stones.
Step 5 – Smokehouse Interior
Interior – The Smokehouse Shelves
Next up was the interior framing for the actual smokehouse shelves. We determined where we wanted everything and added braces for our metal to rest upon. Kris cut the sheets of metal to the proper sizes with a grinding blade and just rested them in place. We are also adding a rod to the upper right side for hanging hams and other things for smoking.
This was a terrific project for us! We have been waiting for a while to get this smokehouse going…and done! It wasn’t a very difficult job at all and we were able to complete it with very minimal cost, due to the repurposed supplies that we were able to use, as well as the bartering that we employed! ….now, it’s time to season the smokehouse and get to smokin!
