by KCStudly » Thu Aug 20, 2015 9:23 am
I guess it depends on your needs, too. I wanted insulation, so that would add to the cost even if sticking with solid walls.
A hybrid foamie could be skinned in aluminum, just build it like a stick built and leave the outer ply skin out of the equation. You do need to worry about heat build up, tho, as the foam might start to melt if exposed to high heat/sun (painting foamies a dark color in desert sun should probably be avoided, but the aluminum may reflect a lot more than it absorbs(?) so maybe not as big of an issue at higher latitudes... at least that has been suggested if not actually experienced).
I think covering with PMF (poor man's fiber glass... glue, fabric and paint) has to be faster and less expensive than aluminum with trim. Even cheaper and quicker would be just primer and paint, but I don't like the lack of longevity that seems to always be an issue with non-reinforced paint (wood fibers splitting and allowing moisture to creep in).
I think a lot of it also boils down to the overall design philosophy. Do you want a lot of detail and finely finished joinery, or just a camping shelter? The details and the quality of materials seem to be what makes the difference in time and money (and finished quality), not so much the construction method.
KC
My Build:
The Poet Creek Express Hybrid Foamie
Poet Creek Or Bust
Engineering the TLAR way - "That Looks About Right"
TnTTT ORIGINAL 200A LANTERN CLUB = "The 200A Gang"Green Lantern Corpsmen