Brew/Hangout Shed

[Northern_Brewer]

Thinking about the workflow when arranging things is important. Kitchen designers concentrate on minimising the "triangle" of fridge, cooker and sink - I know that it was a real PITA in my old kitchen, where the fridge and cooker were at opposite ends of the room.

 

[Devin]

I currently BIAB, and I don't recirculate during the mash, no external hop torpedos, etc - so my equipment footprint doesn't take up as much as some others. But, I have kicked around the idea of adding things like the recirculation capability. So, I have to keep that in mind as I plan this out.

 

[Toejam792]

Nice job on the shed! I like your use of pallet wood for walls, gives it a cabin-like look. You managed to get a lot of stuff into that 10x18' shed. Smart idea about replacing the 20A branch line with a sub panel. I put a 60A sub in mine when I built it and don't regret it.

Thanks the walls and cathedral ceilings are my favorite part of shed. I would of ran more amps to mine but I bought the cable before I started brewing and wanted to do it cheap as possible. I think after winding up my 50' heavy 30amp extension cord for the third time I cursed my self for being so cheap.

Toejam, that's a really nice shed, but, and maybe it's the pictures, it seems really dark in there.

Thanks I like it a lot. I used my phone camera to look at the recent solar eclipse and it hasn't been the same since. It's actually really bright in there. My girlfriend was mad because its brighter in there than where she does her makeup.

If you are even considering running water just do it, you won't regret it. I wouldn't bother with hot now just a cold line, it's super easy to install a hot water tank or tank less heater, but sucks to cut concrete slab later. Watering plants, lawn or washing cars you can't beat the convenience. If you don't run pluming I would suggest a rv water hose from a hose bib instead of filling buckets for water. Just rinsing sounds crappy if I have to use a pump compared to pressurized water, let alone blasting some stuck on gunk. I don't know your abilities but if you diy it its well under a grand for material and renting a trencher. Idk how deep your electrical has to be but if your digging a trench for that you mine as well go deeper and run them both in the same hole.

I insulated my walls with r-13. We had a cold spell last winter and it was 10deg outside when I turned the 1500w electric space heater on at 8pm at 8am it was 55 in the shed, I was amazed how warm it was in the morning. I also use a 20000btu propane to kick it up to comfortable tee shirt weather but could make it a sauna if I wanted to. so it you plan on heating I recommend insulation.

 

[Devin]

I think I will run at least cold water out there for now. We put in a sprinkler system this summer - so I have a drop from the main water supply in the back yard already. It isn't too far from the shed location. Unfortunately, I won't be able to use the same trench for electrical and water - they are on opposite sides of the yard. But, I am going to have to rent a trencher for the electrical anyway, so I might as well just put in the water as well.

I do plan on insulating the unit. I would like to be able to have it be comfortable during cold spells, as well as offer it up as a place for guests to crash if they would like (I might have to put a lock on the taps in that case. )

 

[MaryB]

R-19 walls, R40 ceiling... lots of itching LOL

 

[Devin]

Is that a Traeger I spy?

 

[MaryB]

Yup! One of the last made in the USA Traegers! Gets heavy use and will reside in the brew shed which is just off my deck. Brew shed will double as an outdoor kitchen and prep space so on hot days I am not running in and out of the house.

Is that a Traeger I spy?

 

[RM-MN]

Start by planning a 40 by 100 foot shed. That will give you room to negotiate and when you and the wife get done with the negotiations you may still have a shed big enough to brew in. If your other half allows you the full 40 by 100, you will have room for other toys too.

 

[Devin]

Dream big, right? I'm sure the wife won't mind a 4000 ft^2 building in our back yard.