How to Build a Permanent Ice House

There is nothing quite like a glass of sweet iced tea in the summertime. But what we take for granted – instantly available ice – wasn’t always instantly available. In the old days folks stored up ice in the winter in specially designed ice houses to be used for refrigeration purposes during the hot summer months. With the rising cost of energy and the growing desire of many consumers to go green, the ice house is making a comeback. While there is nothing particularly complex about the science behind the ice house, building one will take some time and dedication.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Hammer
• Nails
• 2 x 4's
• roofing materials
• insulation
• sawdust
• doors
• door hardware
• trap drain

How to Build a Permanent Ice House

1. Determine how much ice you will need to store. The average family of 4 will use 600 cubic feet of ice per year requiring and interior storage area of 12’ x 12’ x 8’. The outer dimension will require an additional 2’ on each side.
2. Choose the location for your ice house. Good locations include the north side of a hill under a shady spot, preferably close to your home.
3. Pour footing 6-12” thick. Install a plank floor at a slight slant toward one corner. Install a trap drain in the corner to remove water and keep the warmer outside air out.
4. Build the outside walls using standard 2x4 construction methods. Frame out a door. Cover the outside walls with siding.
5. Install a simple shed-type roof insuring it slants toward the north, leaving plenty of room for adequate ventilation.
6. Build the interior walls 1 to 2 feet inside the outer walls using 2 x 4’s. Board up the walls and ceiling. Frame an interior door to match the one on the outside.
7. Pack the space between the interior and exterior walls with insulation. Pack insulation between the ceiling and the outer roof, but be sure to leave room for air to circulate.
8. Install an interior door and an exterior door. Layer one to two feet of sawdust on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• You may wish to install shelves to hold food in cold storage.