Best Barns the Elm R Safety guide

This manual is copyrighted. Under the copyright laws, this manual
may not be copied, in whole or in part, without consent from Reynolds
Building Systems, Inc. © Copyright 2016
the Elm R
revised November 4, 2020
10' x 16'
Best Barns
Assembly Book
Manufactured by Reynolds Building Systems, Inc.
205 Arlington Drive - Greenville, PA 16125

Tongue Edge
LAP Edge
Tool List
Hammer & Phillips Screwdriver
Framing Square & Level
Hand Saw
Power Drill/Screwdriver
Measuring Tape
2-6' Step Ladders
measure from here When measurements are given for a board
length, it is from the longest side.
Always wear safety glasses when cutting or nailing!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Read This First
The siding is made in 4x8 sheets with grooves
cut into the face, the long edge is beveled so
that the siding overlays where they butt.
To identify which edge we want you to use, we
will refer to the edge as either the 'LAP' Edge
or the Tongue Edge. Nail siding with 8d galv.
nails, spaced 12" apart.
Thank you for your purchase. I want you to be completely satisfied with your building. The
2x4s are imported from Europe because they grade lumber four sides. If you are dissatisfied
with lumber you receive we will replace it.
Read the instructions before starting the assembly of the building. If you have any questions
about assembling the kit, call 800-245-1577. Business hours (8:00-5:00 ET) Monday thru
Friday.After business hours call 724-866-HELP (4357).
The material that is included in our kit is listed on the back page. The optional floor package,
if purchased, will be supplied by a local lumber supplier. This will be a separate delivery.
Our kit does not include shingles, the quantity needed is listed on the back page. The siding
is primed. You will need to apply a finish coat using latex acrylic paint.
Some of the framing lumber was used in the shipping pallet. Unpack the material from the
pallets, then unscrew the top 2x4s. The bit for the screws is packed in the hardware bag. The
2x4s will be used for wall bracing and tie plates.
Most buildings are installed on a wood floor and the siding was designed to extend over the
wood flooring. If the foundation is a concrete floor cut the siding flush with the bottom of
the wall plate to prevent the concrete from contacting the siding.
Before building, obtain a building permit and check all pertinent building code regulations.

!Leveling Blocks
It is important that the floor be level and square.
Before nailing the flooring, measure the floor
diagonally (corner to corner). Then measure
the opposite corners.These measurements will
be the same if the floor is square (226-1/2").
2. Cut the 2x4-10' floor joist to 9'-9". Treated lumber may be thicker than 1-1/2". Take this into
account when cutting the length of floor joists. Shorten joist measurements if necessary to
obtain 10'-0" building width.
1. Treated lumber is not cut to exact length. Cut (2) two 2x4-16' boards to 16'-0".
Layout for 16" on center joist spacing. 'X' marks where floor joist will be placed.
Construction Details for Optional Floor System
Check local building codes, the construction may have to change. For a concrete slab, install sill
sealer as a moisture barrier between the concrete and the wall plates. Foam sill sealer can be
purchased at home centers in rolls 3-1/2" or wider. DO NOT make floor larger than shown below!
Material Description 10' x 16' Floor
2x4 Treated Headers 2 pcs. 16'
2x4 Treated Floor Joist 13 pcs. 10'
Flooring 5/8" 4x8 5 pcs. 4x8
8d Screw Floor Nails 2 lb. 8d
16d Galv. Box Nails 2 lb. 16d
If necessary use bricks, patio stones or similar material to level or provide additional support
to the floor. If your ground has low areas consider adding gravel and or 4x4 treated timbers
to rest the floor on. If you use 4x4 timbers you will need (3) three pieces 16' long.
3. Install the floor joist, over the 'X' marks, between the 16' long joist headers. Use 16d galv.
deck nails.
!
Joist 9' - 9" Long
2x4-16' Joist Header
16' - 0" Floor Length
10' - 0" Floor Width
4' x 8'
4' x 4'
4' x 8'
2' x 8'
4' x 8'
XX
XX
X
X
16"15-1/4"
Joist Header X
X
16"

XX
XX
X
X
A
AB
B
X
X
X
X
Step 1 Assemble Back Wall
1. Position (4) four 60" boards together and indicate with 'X' marks, where the wall studs
will be located. Mark the ends that will butt together with the letters 'A' and 'B'.
2. Install 72" wall studs between the top and bottom plates. Assemble wall frames with
10d sinkers. Use (2) two nails at end of each wall stud.
24"
23-1/4"
60" Wall Plate
X
X
60" Wall Plate
24"
11-1/4"
X
X
X
X
Siding Extends 3/4" Below Plate
LAP Edge
60" Wall Plate
Tongue Edge
Cut Edge
AB
3. Nail both wall frames together
using 10d sinkers.
4. Square wall frame, measure diagonally (corner to corner). The measurement should
be 141-1/2".
5. Repeat steps 1-4 to assemble next end wall frame.
6. Select a 36-3/4" wide siding panel with a 'tongue' edge. Install this panel with the 'Cut'
edge flush with the end of the wall frame. Install siding flush with the 2x4 top plate.
Use 6d galv. nails spaced 12" on center.
7. Install a full width x 75-3/4" long siding panel next.
8. Install a 36" x 75-3/4" siding panel last. If
necessary trim panel flush with 2x4.

B
BXX
XX
A
A
X
X
X
XX
XC
C
C
Step 2A Assemble Side Walls
4. Square wall frame. The measurement should be 138-1/2". Install (2) two full width siding panels.
Install the first siding panel with the 'LAP' edge extending 3-1/2" past the end of the wall frame.
Install a full width panel next. The siding should extend 3/4" below the bottom plate and flush
with the top plate.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 to make another wall panel.
1. Position (2) two 68-1/2" and (2) two 48" long 2x4s together and indicate with 'X' marks, where
the wall studs will be located. Mark plates with the letters 'A', 'B' and 'C' so frames are correctly
orented.
2. Install 72" wall studs between the top and bottom plates.
Assemble wall frames with 10d sinkers.
3. Nail both wall frames together. Use (6) six 10d sinkers.
48" Wall Plate
23-1/4"
68-1/2" Wall Plate
24"
19-3/4"
X
X
X
X
72" Wall Studs AB
68-1/2" Wall Plate 48" Wall Plate
LAP Edge
LAP Edge
Siding Extends 3/4" Below Plate
Siding Extends 3-1/2"
Beyond Frame
LAP Edge

D
DXX
XX
X
X
Step 2B Assemble Side Walls Continued
8. Select one 116-1/2” wall frame. Nail, with 10d sinkers, the 68-1/2" frame assembled above
to the end of the wall panel.
9. Install a full width siding panel. The last siding panel will be installed after the walls are
erected on the floor.
LAP Edge
9. Repeat steps 6-9 to assemble the other side wall panel.
C
B
A
7. Install 72" wall studs between the
top and bottom plates.
6. Position (2) two 68-1/2" long 2x4s
together and indicate with 'X' marks,
where the wall studs will be located.
Mark the left ends with the letter 'D'. 24"
23-1/4"
68-1/2" Wall Plate
X
X
D
68-1/2" Wall Plate

Step 4 Assemble Roof Trusses
Step 3 Assemble Front Wall Frames
4. Select (7) seven trusses and apply wood gussets to the opposite side.
X
X
X
XX
X
X
11-1/4"
60" Wall Plate
13-1/2"
27-3/4" Wall Plate
1. Cut (2) two 27-3/4" long boards from (1) one 60" long 2x4 board.
2. Cut (2) two 72" 2x4s to a length of 69-1/2" used for header supports.
3. Position one 27-3/4” board cut above and a 60" long 2x4 together
and mark where wall studs will be located. See detail above.
4. Assemble front wall using (3) three 72" long 2x4s and a 69-1/2"
long header support. Place 2x4s over the 'X' marks and nail using
10d sinkers.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 to assemble another front wall frame.
27-3/4” Wall Plate
69-1/2” Header Support
1. Place (2) two 62" long 2x4 boards with angled ends together as shown below. If possible,
hold in place with 2x4 blocks as shown. Make sure the trusses measure 10'-0" wide when
assembled to fit properly when installed.
2. Secure the tops together with a wood gusset. Nail the gusset to the 2x4s with (14) fourteen
6d common nails. Angle nail slightly so nails do not protrude through the 2x4 boards.
3. Repeat above steps to assemble (8) eight more trusses.
Wood Gusset
2x4-62" Boards
2x4 Block
2x4 Blocks
Tip: If possible, temporarily screw 2x4 blocks to the floor. Short 2x4s, that may have an angle on
one end, supplied in the kit for this purpose. This will secure the truss boards in position so all the
trusses will be assembled the same. Use the 2-1/2" deck screws packed in the kit.

4. Install a 67-1/2" door header between the
front wall panels. Secure with 10d sinkers.
Nail through the top 2x4 plate and the
wall stud.
2. Disassemble the shipping pallet and remove the (4) four 2x4s from each pallet. The bit for the
screws is in the hardware bag. Use (2) two to brace the door walls to hold them straight. Save
the other 2x4s, they will be used in a later step.
2. Remove 2x4 blocks. Save blocks, some
will be used when installing gables. The
remaining (2) two trusses with one gusset
will be used in a later step.
Step 6 Set Walls
1. Erect wall panels. IMPORTANT: Make sure walls are plum and square. Secure wall panels
together at the corners. Use (4) four 10d sinkers per corner. Nail wall panels to the floor. Nail
through the bottom plate. Space 10d sinkers 24" apart.
Step 5 Install Collar Ties
1. Select (5) five trusses that have gussets installed on
both sides and install a 1x4-72" long primed board as
shown. Use (4) four 6d common nails on each end.
1x4 Collar Tie
Board is Primed
3. Install the remaining (2)
two full width siding
panels on the side walls.
2x4 Wall Brace
Full Width Siding
Full Width
Siding
67-1/2" Door
Header

4. Repeat to install tie
plates on the opposite
side wall.
3. Finish by installing
a 36" long 2x4.
Step 7 Install Tie Plates on Side Walls
1. Cut a 2x4-72" board in half to make (2) two 36" long board and install one of the boards over
the side wall. Install the 2x4 flush with the 2x4 wall plate on the back wall. Use 10d sinkers
spaced 12" apart.
2. Install a 72" long 2x4 and then a 48" long 2x4.
Flush with Top Plate
36" Tie Plate
Step 8 Install Tie Plates on Front and Back Walls
1. Cut (2) two 26-1/2" long 2x4s from a 2x4-60" board.
2. Install a 26-1/2" long 2x4 over the front wall.
3. Install a 60" long 2x4 next and finish with another 26-1/4" long 2x4.
4. Repeat to install tie plates on the back wall.
26-1/2" Tie Plate
60" Tie Plate
26-1/2" Tie Plate
36" Tie Plate

3. Install a 2x4 block on the opposite side wall and secure the truss.
Step 10 Install Roof Gable
Install 2x4 Block
Step 9 Install Siding on Front Wall
3. Install the 16-1/2" panel
with the 'cut' edge flush
with the door opening.
4. Install last siding panel.
Cut Edge
Cut Edge
Cut Edge
12-1/2" Siding with 'Tongue' edge 15-3/4" Siding with 'LAP' edge
1. Select a 12-1/2" siding panel with a 'Tongue' edge and install at the front left corner. Cut edge
will be flush with side wall siding. Install a 15-3/4" siding panel with a 'LAP' edge next. Cut
edge should be flush with door opening.
2. Install (2) two 4-3/4" x 32-1/4" siding panels over the door opening. Bottom of siding should
be flush with door opening. Trim will cover where the siding panels butt together in the center.
1. Select a truss with a gusset installed on one side. Position this truss with
the gusset facing towards the inside of the building and flush with 2x4s
on back wall.
2. Install a 10" to 12" long 2x4 block on a side wall using 10d sinkers.
Secure the truss to the 2x4 block with (2) two 10 sinkers.

2. Repeat Steps 10 thru 12 to install
the gable on the front wall.
2. Remove 2x4 braces from front wall.
Install (1) one next to the 2x4
installed above.
3. Gather a 2x4 removed from the
pallet. Cut to fit and install next.
4. Repeat to install 2x4s on the opposite
side wall.
Step 12 Install Rear Gable Siding
1. Install gable siding on the back gable using 6d
galv. nails. The gable siding should extend no
more than 1/2" above the 2x4 frame and 1-1/2"
past gable ends.
Step 11 Install 'Z' Flashing
Step 13 Install 2x4 Truss Headers
1. Place a 72" long 2x4 on top of the siding on the sidewall. It will butt against the siding on the
rear gable. Nail this 2x4 to the 2x4 tie plate with 10d sinkers.
2x4-72" Board
Side Wall Siding
60" Long 'Z' Flashing
Roof Gable
Back Wall Siding
Install (2) two 60” pieces of 'Z' flashing
across the top of the siding on the end
wall siding. Secure in place using 6d galv.
nails spaced 12” apart. The ends will be
covered by corner trim.
1-1/2" Past End
of Gable

The first and last truss will not have a collar tie attachd.
Using a 2-1/2" screw, secure all trusses to
2x4 Truss Header installed in Step 11. Toe
nail truss into 2x4 tie plate using 10d sinkers.
Step 14 Install Trusses
Detail 'A'
2x4" Truss Header
1. Starting from back wall install the first truss (without a collar tie) measuring 21-3/4" from the
face of the 2x4 on back gable and the left side of 2x4 truss. Secure the trusses using 2-1/2"
screws and 10d sinkers, See Detail 'A' below.
2. Install the remaining trusses measuring 24” from left side to left side of each truss. Last truss
will not have a collar tie.
24"
21-3/4" 24"
2x4 Truss Header
Truss with
Collar Tie
Left Side
Left Side
Side Wall
Back Wall

Air
Space
Truss
Shingles
Step 15 Install 1x4 Fascia
1. Install 72" long 1x4 fascia trim over the
2x4 Truss Headers. Install 1x4 trim boards
flush with the bottom of the 2x4 and flush
with face of siding on the front gable.
2. Install a 48" long 1x4 next.
3. Cut a 74" long 1x4 to length and install
flush with the face of siding on the back
gable.
4. Repeat to install 1x4 fascia on the opposite
side wall.
Step 16A Install Roof Sheathing
Detail 'B'
4' x 6'
Install roof sheathing with 7d sinkers, space nails
12" apart. When installing sheathing across the top,
insert a plyclip into the roof sheathing between each
truss. The top row of sheathing will be about 1"
below the ridge to allow for optional ridge venting.
1x4 Fascia Trim
1. Install the first 4x6 roof sheathing panel against the
back of the siding. Note: Using a straight edge install
the top edge of the roof sheathing flush with the face
of the 1x4 fascia. See Detail 'B'.
2. Install a 15" x 48" sheathing panel at the top.
3. Continue to install sheathing per layout on next page.
4. Repeat on opposite side.
Siding
Roof Sheathing
2x4 Truss
Header
Straight Edge
1x4 Fascia
See supplier of shingles to
purchase ridge venting.
Plyclip
15" x 48"

Step 16B Install Roof Sheathing Continued
Step 17 Install Trim
Install roof sheathing on each side of the building as per pattern below
48"x 72" 48"x 72"
15"x 48" 15"x 48" 15"x 48"
Roof Ridge
48"x 48"
15"x 48"
1. Install 64-3/8" long 1x4 gable trim flush with the top of the roof
sheathing on the front and back. Use 8d galv. nails
2. Install 75-3/4" long 1x3 corner trim, on the side-
walls, flush with the face of the siding on the
front and. Repeat for back wall.
3. Install 77-1/4" long 1x4 corner trim on front
wall, flush with the face of the sidewall trim.
Repeat for back wall.
4. Install (2) two 72" long 1x3 trim boards, flush with the bottom of the siding, along each side
of the door opening. Use 8d galv. nails. Tack these boards with a couple nails; you may want
to move the trim later when you install the doors.
5. Install a 72" long 1x3 trim board across the top of the vertical trim.
Siding Will Extend
Below Trim
75-3/4" Long 1x3 Corner Trim
77-1/2" Long 1x4 Corner Trim
72" Long 1x3 Door Trim

If your door opening is out of square,
the space around the doors will not be
even. You can remove and reposition
the side trim to make allowances for
this. The side trim does not have to be
flushwiththeframeofthe door opening.
You can move the trim in or out to make
the door spacing equal. Secure hinges
to door trim with 2" screws.
2x4 Door Stop
Barrel Bolt on the
back of left door
2. Install a sliding door latch on the left
door with 1" black screws provided.
Install the receiver on right side door.
Step 18 Install Doors & Hardware
1. Before you fasten the hinges to the door trim, temporarily prop the doors in the opening.
Leave a space at the top of the doors and between the doors and the side trim to allow room
for the doors to expand when they absorb moisture.
Left Door
3. Install a barrel bolt on the lower back of
the door to secure this door in place when
closed. You will need to drill a hole for
the round shaft to drop into.
4. Install another barrel bolt at the top of the
door.
2x4 Door Stop
Install metal roof edging perimeter of the roof area. Install shingles according to the instructions
on the wrapper. If you need more detailed instructions on installing shingles, there are good
publications at book stores, newsstands or youtube.com.
Install Sliding Door Latch

7 bdl. Roof Shingles 7 pcs. Roof 'drip' edge
Material Purchased By Owner
Elm R Packing List for 10' x 16'