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Simplify the Installation of Roofing Felt Behind Your Plaster
I wanted to share a few great tips to simplify the installation of the roofing felt needed on wood that lies behind your plaster. As you know (or may be learning...right now...) you have to cover all wood that will end up behind plaster with roofing felt or an equivalent product.
Wire Ties or Poly Twine Bales?
I'm often asked if using bales that are tied with wire is a bad or good idea. The reality is that there are advantages and disadvantages on both sides of the question. I do have a preference though, and that is for poly twine over wire.
Creating Straight Bale Walls On a Crooked Frame
It was immediately obvious while working on the exposed timber frame that the natural cut timbers would not line up with the plane of the bale wall once complete. What we did worked out really well and created a beautiful and STRAIGHT wall.
Strengthen Your Walls
For me, the extra work of compressing your straw bale walls is more than worth it and the quality of the overall job you will get as a result of this step is measurably better than working with soft or loose walls.
Step By Step Guide To Creating Niches
One of the most artistic expressions of a straw bale wall are the niches that are carved into it. I have laid out a step-by-step process for the most common niche I see in straw bale homes: the arch top.
Testing Moisture Levels in Your Straw Bale House
People often ask about testing the moisture content of the bales in their walls after their straw bale house is complete. The best way to accomplish this is to utilize the space behind the electrical boxes throughout the home.
Timber Frame and Straw Bale Homes
There may be no more beautiful look than a timber frame house wrapped with straw bales and plaster. It’s as if the two were made for each other. Creating that look can be a bit troublesome if you don’t approach the project from the right angles. Here’s how…
Bales Over Wood Floors vs Concrete Slabs for Straw Bale Construction
Building with bales over wood floors is an option that's often overlooked in straw bale construction.
Speed Up Your Post and Beam Framing - StrawBale.com
Proper framing techniques will speed and simplify your process. Follow these straightforward steps to get your frame erected quickly and much more easily than standard post and beam framing practices.
Firmly Attach Mesh to Protect Your Plaster
When working with straw bale buildings, some people wonder whether mesh is necessary or not. I personally think it offers so many advantages..[read more]
Could Rice Straw be the Answer to Building with Bales in Humid Climates?
Are you willing to do the unbiased research to see how rice straw holds up under humid conditions?