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BBefore you organize a group of volunteers to do the straw bale walls make sure youcomplete the preparation of all plates around the perimeter of the structure, top andbottom. For both our home and shed we used 2x4s to frame the based, with 2blue Styrofoam insulation cut to size between the 2x4s. This creates a perfectplatform on which to stack the bales and tack the chicken wire to each side of thewall. The top plate can be cut from plywood to size and tacked securely to the upperbeams supporting the roof or between the posts. This top plate needs to be secureas the forces to be placed on it by the wall and adjustments with a wooden malletwill be significant. As well, the long-term viability of the wall may be compromisedif it is not well secured.ConstructionOnce you have your materials, you need to complete all of the foundation, framing,posts and beams. In most cases it is best to also complete the roof so that you havea covered area to store the bales and so that the bales will be covered once the wallsare completed. Keeping bales dry is important to ensuring their long -term viability.If they get wet without drying properly they will eventually begin to rot. Straw balesshould have less than 20% humidity. Devices are available to measure levels ofhumidity within the bales. In general, as long as you and the farmer have kept thebales from getting soaked by rain the bale should be sufficiently dry for use in yourproject.Each door and window should be framedwith 2x6 or 2x8 lumber bucks forplacement within the bale wall at the rightlevels. The doorframe can be securedbefore bale stacking begins. Once all of theframework, posts, beams and frames areready, and all materials for construction ofthe bale walls ready, the construction ofthe walls can begin.It may be easier to staple the chicken wirefencing (usual supplied in rolls) to the outside plates before starting the bale stacking(see photo right). Cut the chicken wire with wire cutters so that it can be attached tothe top, then bottom plate. Staple the top and thenthe bottom of the chicken wire strips. Leaveopenings in the chicken wire for doors andTopPlate144