Build your own smokehouse: a complete guide [2021]

Are you a fan of smoked meats and fish? Do you enjoy the rich, smoky flavors that come from slow-cooked barbecue? If so, then you might be interested in building your own smokehouse. Not only is it a fun DIY project, but it also allows you to have complete control over the smoking process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of building a simple smokehouse for sale. With a few hundred dollars and some basic woodworking skills, you can have your very own smokehouse in no time.

Step 1: Cut the Sides of the Smokehouse

The first step in building your smokehouse is to cut the sides. We recommend using tongue-in-groove pine for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness. Make sure to remove the tongue on the outside edge of the walls to prevent any contact with the food. Cut the boards to the desired height, with the front measuring 6 feet and the back measuring 5 feet 9 inches. Connect the boards using clamps and a circular saw, creating a mirror image for the other side.

Step 2: Frame the Top and Bottom of the Side Pieces

Next, you will need to frame the top and bottom of the side pieces. Rip 2x8x8 boards using a table saw to create 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 framing pieces. Attach one piece along the inside bottom edge using galvanized deck screws. Cut another piece to fit the sloping top, ensuring that the front and back facing pieces are flush. Repeat this process for the other side.

Step 3: Frame the Back of the Side Pieces

Fasten an additional framing piece along the back edge of each side panel, between the top and bottom framing pieces. This will serve as the attachment point for the back wall. Repeat this step on the other side. Now you should have two identical side pieces that are mirror images of each other.

Step 4: Construct the Back and Fit to Sides

Construct the back wall panel using the same method as the side panels, but with all 5 boards cut to 5 feet 9 inches in length. Attach 21 1/4" framing lumber to the top and bottom of the inside back wall. Stand the sides and back together on a flat surface, ensuring that the back fits within the framing pieces of the side walls.

Step 5: Square it Up

Measure to ensure that the front portion of the smokehouse is square. Fasten 2x4 cross braces to the front of the two side panels, notching the brace ends to accommodate the ends of the top and bottom framing pieces. This will provide additional stability and support to the smokehouse structure.

Step 6: Finish the Front

Rip 1x6 pieces of pine board to be 3 1/8 wide. position these pieces flush with the top and bottom brace edges, leaving about 1/2 of the top and bottom cross braces exposed to serve as a door stop. This will create a finished look for the front of the smokehouse.

Step 7: Install Shelf Supports

Cut 8 shelf supports from a 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 board and fasten them to the inside walls of each side panel at the same heights. Make sure they are level. These supports will hold the shelves inside the smokehouse. You can adjust the height of the supports based on your needs.

Step 8: Build Your Door

Construct the smokehouse door using the remaining pieces of pine. Cut them to fit snugly between the top and bottom pine pieces on the front. Use 1 thick boards in a Z formation to assemble the door, leaving room along the edges for it to close completely. attach the door to the smokehouse using two 4 strap hinges.

Step 9: Add the Roof and Shelves

For the roof, you can use a variety of materials. In this design, a piece of sheet steel is fastened to the top edges with screws, leaving a small gap for venting. Make sure not to use galvanized metal. For the shelves, you can use expanded steel reinforced with angle pieces around the perimeter. Clean the steel pieces before placing food on them to ensure hygiene.

Step 10: Consider the Draft

In order for your smokehouse to work properly, you need to ensure proper airflow. Air must be able to draft in from the bottom and exit from the top. To achieve this, you can place the smokehouse on a small stone foundation or drill 2" diameter holes near the top of each side and just under the roof. You can also install galvanized steel electric junction box covers as dampers to control the draft. Screen ventilation holes inside the smokehouse to keep pests out.

Step 11: Fuel Your Smokehouse

To fuel your smokehouse, you can use a single-burner liquid propane system. This type of heat source allows for easier temperature regulation. Place the propane tank outside the smokehouse and the burner inside. Use an old cast-iron pan filled with hardwood chips and sawdust to produce smoke. Apple, hickory, or alder wood are recommended for their flavors.

Pro Smoking Tips

If you're new to smoking meats and fish, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Start at 120 degrees F. and slowly increase the temperature over several hours. Keep the internal temperature of the smokehouse at or under 180 degrees F.
• If you're smoke-drying meat to create jerky or dried salmon, use a slower, more gradual heating method.
• The door can be opened slightly, if needed, to control the temperature.
• Remember to supervise your smokehouse while in use, as the wooden structure can burn if ignited.
• Marinate meats before cooking or inject them with diluted brine for added flavor.
• Treat cooking surfaces with a vegetable oil spray before placing meat on them.
• Keep an eye on wood chips or sawdust throughout the smoking process and replenish as needed.

With your very own smokehouse, you can enjoy the art of smoking meats and fish from the comfort of your own backyard. Experiment with different flavors and techniques to create delicious smoked delicacies that will impress your family and friends. So why wait? Start building your smokehouse today and elevate your grilling game to the next level.

Learn More

If you would like more information on this smokehouse design, including schematic line drawings of the smokehouse pieces, you can click here .

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