6×8 Ice Shanty Plans

If you want to learn more about 6×8 ice shanty plans you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. I have designed these plans for a medium sized ice fishing house, so you can have all the comfort of a small tiny house. This is built like a shed with 2x4s studs and plates, so it will be rock solid. The disadvantage is that it will be a little heavy so have that in mind when starting the project. This ice shanty also features a large window on one side for a lot of light inside.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional garden project. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather.

6×8 Ice Shanty Plans

Building a 6×8 ice shanty

Materials

• 1 – 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96″ long SKIDS
• 2 – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 96″ long, 7 pieces – 69″ long FLOOR FRAME
• 3 – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x72″ long FLOOR
• 4 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 1 piece – 89″ long, 7 pieces – 81″ long BACK WALL
• 5 – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 1 piece – 89″ long, 1 piece – 60 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 3 1/2″ long, 7 pieces – 81″ long, 2 pieces – 77 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 33 1/2″ long FRONT WALL
• 6 – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long, 2 pieces – 65″ long, 4 pieces – 81″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long, 3 pieces – 34″ long, 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 39″ long SIDE WALL
• 7 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 65″ long, 1 piece – 72″ long, 4 pieces – 81″ long SIDE WALL
• 8 – 5 pieces of T1-11 siding – 48″x84″ long, 1 piece – 24″x84″ long, 1 piece – 36″x84″ long, 1 piece – 36 3/4″x84″ long, 4 pieces – 21 3/4″x48″ long SIDING
• 9 – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long, 4 pieces – 8 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 16 1/2″ long RAFTERS
• 10 – 2 pieces – 48″x76 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 10 3/4″x76 1/4″ long ROOF
• 11 – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long, 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 61 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 76 1/4″ long TRIMS
• 12 – 80 sq ft of tar paper, 80 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
• 13 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 79″ long, 1 piece – 39″ long JAMBS
• 14 – 1 piece of T1-11 siding – 32″x79″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long, 2 pieces – 32″ long, 1 piece – 25″ long DOOR

• 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
• 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
• 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
• 39 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 9 pieces of T-11 siding – 4”x8′
• 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
• 6 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
• 80 sq ft of tar paper, 80 sq ft of asphalt shingles
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 3 1/2″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint
• rafter ties
• door hardware kit
• heater

Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One weekend

STEP 1: Building the ice shanty floor

Floor frame

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the ice shanry. As you can see in the diagram, you need to cut the joists from 2×6 lumber. Lay the components on a level surface and align the edges flush. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to assemble the frame. Make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the skids

Next, lay the 4×4 skids under the floor frame and lock them together with rafter ties. The skids will lift the floor frame from the ground to protect the components from moisture. You can use 6×6 skids if you want to lift the floor frame more inches. Use pressure treated lumber for the floor frame, as the boards will be exposed to moisture.

Floor sheets

Fit the 3/4″ tongue and groove pressure treated plywood sheets to the floor frame and align the edges flush. Leave no gaps between the sheets and secure them into place, every 8″ along the joists, using 1 5/8 screws.

STEP 2: Building the shanty frame

Side wall frame

The next step of the project is to build the plain side wall frame. Cut the components at the right dimensions and drill pilot holes through the plates. Insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the plates to the studs. Make sure the corners are square. Place the studs every 16″ on center. This will add extra strength to the frame of the ice fishing shelter.

Side wall with window frame

Use 2×4 lumber for the other side wall. Frame a 3’x3′ window so you can have enough light inside the shanty. You should notice the double headers that are made from 2×6 boards and 1/2″ plywood sandwiched between. You can easily adjust the size of the opening to suit your needs.

Front wall frame

Frame a door opening to the front wall. Adjust the size of the door to suit your needs. Use 2×4 lumber and 1/2″ plywood for the double header.

Back wall frame

Build the back wall for the shed, using the same techniques described above.

Assembling the shed frame

Fit the wall frames to the floor and plumb them with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor. Lock the adjacent walls together with 3 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square.

STEP 3: Attaching the siding to the shelter

Front wall siding sheets

Attach the 5/8″ T1-11 siding sheets to the front of the storage shed. Cut the sheets as shown in the plans and then secure them to the frame with 6d nails, every 8″ along the framing. Leave no gaps between the sheets and align them flush with the framing.

Back wall siding sheets

Attach the T1-11 siding sheets to the back of the shed frame. Align the edges flush and insert 6d nails to secure the sheets, every 8″ along the framing. Leave no gaps between the sheets for a professional result.

Plain side wall siding sheets

Fit the siding sheets to the plain wall frame. Align the edges flush before inserting the 6d nails.

Side siding panels

Attach the T1-11 siding sheets to the opposite side wall. Make a few cuts so you can attach the panels around the door. Use 6d nails to secure the panels into place.

STEP 4: Building the gable roof

Building the rafters

Continue the large storage shed project by assembling the trusses. Cut the rafters from 2×4 lumber using a miter saw (see my tool recommendations HERE). Lay the rafters on a level surface and align the edges with attention.

Gussets

Use 1/2″ plywood for the gussets. Mark the cut lines on the plywood sheet and then get the job done with a circular saw. Attach the gussets over the joints and then insert 1 5/8″ screws to reinforce the joints.

Fitting the rafters

After you built the trusses, you need to lift and lay them to the top of the 12×16 gable shed. Align the trusses and place them every 16″ on center. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level and then lock them into place with rafter ties. Once you attach the plywood sheets to the roof, the whole structure will be a lot more rigid.

Gable end supports

Attach the 2×4 supports to the gable ends. Use a miter saw to make the angle cuts and then secure them to the frame with 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pocket holes.

Gable end panels

Use T1-11 siding sheets for the gable ends. Mark the cut lines on the sheets and then cut the panels with a circular saw. Attach the panels to the front and back of the garden shed. Align the edges, leave no gaps between the panels and then insert 6d nails to lock them into place tightly.

Fitting the overhangs

Continue the shed project by assembling the front and back overhangs. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the blockings. You can easily adjust the size of the overhangs to suit your needs.

Fitting the roof sheets

Attach the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the roof of the shed. Start laying the sheets from the bottom up. Leave no gaps between the sheets and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the rafters.

Fit the 1×6 trims to the sides of the shed. Align the edges with attention and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Roof trims

Fit the 1×6 trims to the front and back roof of the shanty. Use 3 1/2″ screws to secure the trims into place.

Fitting the roofing

In order to waterproof the shed, you have to cover the roofing sheets with felt. Make sure the strips of roofing felt overlap at least 2-3″ and staple them to the plywood sheets every 8″. Continue the project by installing the asphalt shingles. Place the starting course at the bottom of the roof, before fitting the rest of the shingles.

PRO TIP: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions, before installing the shingles. They provide essential information about the installation of the shingles.

STEP 5: Building the front door

Fitting the jambs

Fit the 2×4 jambs around the side door opening. Align the edges with attention and insert 3 1/2″ screws to secure them into place tightly.

Building the door

Next, you need to build the door for the ice shanty. Use 2×4 lumber for the frame and T1-11 siding sheets for the panels. After you cut the panels you need to lay them on a level surface. Lay the trims over the panels and then insert a few 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place. Turn the door upside down and insert more 1 5/8″ screws through the panels into the trims.

Fitting the door

Fit the door to the opening and then lock them to the jambs with hinges. Install a latch to keep the door closed and your possessions safe.

Window trims

Fit the 3’x3′ window to the opening and lock it into place following the manufacturer’s instructions. Attach 1×4 trims around the window to enhance the look of the shed.

Ice Shanty Plans – back view

You can add insulation boards between the studs and then attach 1/2″ plywood to the interior of the shanty, if you want to protect yourself from the cold. Moreover, you can insulate the door to suit your needs.

Ice Shanty Plans

You can add decorative trims to the ice fishing shelter to make it pop. In addition, a few coats of paint over the exterior of the shanty will get you far in terms of looks. Remember that you need to fit blockings between the rafters to seal the shed. In addition, drill the holes through the plywood floor. See more outdoor storage plans and ideas HERE.

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