How to Build a Quonset Hut

The half-tubular arch of the Quonset hut is immediately recognizable for its elegant simplicity and as a monument to America’s quick thinking in times of crisis. Originally designed for the military during World War II, the Quonset is a very useful design. If you need a quick, inexpensive building that will stand up to extremes of weather and the environment, here’s how you can build a Quonset hut:

1. • Buy or fabricate metal arches the desired height and width of your proposed building. Since these arches are semicircular, the height will always be one half of the width of the arch.
   • Put down a foundation of wood or concrete if your building needs call for it. A barn or storage shed may not require any kind of floor.

1. • Erect your arches per the manufactures directions. Generally the arches will be spaced from 3 to 5 feet apart depending upon the expected use of the building.
   • Place roofing panels horizontally across your arches, self-tapping roofing screws with rubber washers help to keep the weather out of your structure.
   • Seal the panels where they overlap with a high quality silicone sealant for further weather-proofing.

Prime and paint the exterior of your new Quonset to ensure years of maintenance free use from your affordable all weather building.

Tips and Warnings

• Fabrication of metal arches requires extensive knowledge of metallurgy.
• Heavy gauge galvanized steel panels offer a high level durability and protection from the elements in Quonset hut design.
• Buildings that may need to deal with the weight of large amounts of snow would require the arches to be placed closer together during assembly.

How to Design a Quonset Hut

Quonset huts were originally designed as inexpensive mass-produced structures for use on military bases. Today they’re used as farm buildings, for RV storage, small businesses and even homes. A classic Quonset is built from a metal skin attached to metal arches. The interior can be customized for a multitude of uses. Design options like skylights and windows have expanded the function of modern huts, and Quonset hut kits come with everything you need to erect you

Instructions

1. 1. Decide what type of Quonset hut you want to build and whether it will be placed on a concrete slab. Buildings for farm use—for tractor storage or hay bales—don’t need slabs.
   2. Calculate the size of the building. Smaller huts make good garages. Some huts are large enough to accommodate a second floor. Size is determined by use.
   3. Determine the number of doors and windows you need and what size they should be. Walls at the non-curved ends of a Quonset are large enough for roll-up bay doors, but if you don’t need bay doors, plan to install at least two regular-sized doorways. Leave one or both ends of the building open for farm use.
   4. Plan to install skylights to save on electrical costs if your hut will be wired.
   5. Insulate the building with spray-on foam if the contents need to be protected from extremes in temperature or if you plan to use the hut as a home or workshop.
   6. Hang interior fans from the ceiling and install rheostats or use a remote control to operate them. They’ll help keep the air moving and cut down on odors. Fans can also be installed in the eaves at each end of the building to improve ventilation.
   7. Build a loft or a second story in a large Quonset. Consider whether the space will simply be used for storage or if it needs to be tall enough to allow a person to stand.

So How Will You Use Your Quonset Building?

The options are endless.

Living Space– Find that perfect parcel of land, lay down a concrete slab and erect your new Quonset home in a matter of days. Add dividers, a loft, balconies, windows, skylights – in a few weeks you’re living in the home of your dreams at a price that will honestly amaze you.

A Backyard Get-Away

– Maybe you need a separate office for your home-based business. No problem with the technology that goes into today’s pre-engineered metal Quonset buildings.

Or maybe you need a retreat – a place to enjoy your hobby, from woodworking to ping-pong. A small Quonset building is your space to enjoy any way you see fit.

Home Storage

– Is your garage bursting at the seams? The attic stacked to the rafters? The basement a maze of boxes? Eliminate the clutter and get organized with a Quonset building to store your house overflow neatly and safely.

Yard and Garden Storage

– Ideal for weekend warriors who take pride in their lawns and gardens. A small storage Quonset kit building keeps your mower and gardening gear out of the elements. You can even add a potting shed to get a head start on the growing season each year.

Typical Building Applications

Institutional Space

– Crowded classrooms cut down on learning and traditional building methods add to the community tax burden. Add classroom space, new office space or other utility areas at one-third the cost of traditional stick-built space…and look good doing it.

Warehouse Space

– Quonset buildings are the ideal solution for growing businesses on a budget or a tight schedule. Double and even triple warehouse space at a price that makes your accountant smile. Your materials are close by, they’re secure and you still have operating capital to expand your customer base without expanding a limited budget. High vertical wall clearance provides more room for more goods and raw materials so you keep the business running smoothly and inventory safe and dry in any weather conditions.

Vehicle Storage

– Quonset storage buildings can handle anything: harvesters, cars, boats, huge RVs, trailers, heavy equipment and even airplanes and jets. Door sizes are adapted to fit your parking needs, making access to your vehicles as easy as walking out the back door.

Barns and Lofts

– Keep your livestock dry and your crops safe from harm any time of year. Agri-business discovered pre-manufactured metal building systems years ago and, today, farm owners use them to store everything from cows to combines.

The original design of the Quonset hut was based on the Nissen Hut developed by the British during WW1 (learn more about the history of the quonset hut). They are now common worldwide as inexpensive, sturdy solutions for all sorts of uses. Quonset hut manufacturers now provide three separate options depending on the needs of the consumer as well as structural strength requirements and space considerations.

• The “Q” Model. This is the traditional Quonset hut metal building design – the price is the most economical, construction is sound and it presents the most cubic footage of storage space. Favored by the military as well as farmers seeking to store hay, grain or even house small livestock, the half dome “Q” model is an excellent choice for cases when side clearance is not an issue. Available Widths: 20 feet – 100 feet.
• The “S” Model. This version features the domed roof, but the front and back present a straight wall face. This model is ideal for vehicle and equipment storage or for use as a barn or workshop. It is not quite as strong structurally as the “Q” model, but still withstands snow loads and intense winds well. Available Widths: 16 feet – 60 feet.
• The “P” Model. P Quonset buildings deviate from the traditional dome shape, having straight walls and a pitched roof instead. These are commonly used as standard type garages, workshops or even small warehouse/office buildings. Available Widths: 16 feet – 30 feet.