Guide to Construction

This guide is not intended to cover advanced construction. For a list of advanced machinery and their parts, see the Guide to Advanced Construction.

Guide to Construction

In order to fill many roles (such as Station Engineer), or to just snazz up your sweet maintenance bar, you're going to need to know how to build things!

This guide will cover all the basic tools and their uses (as well as special things they can do) along with a list of basic structures and how to build/deconstruct them.

First and foremost it's important to become familiar with all the tools involved in construction! Please consult the list below.

Construction Tools

A quick rundown of basic tools and their more advanced counterparts.

Basic Tool	Advanced Tool	Usage	Notes
Crowbar	Jaws of Life	Prying things in/out of place	Can pry open unpowered airlocks/lift floor tiles Jaws of Life can pry open powered airlocks Can be used to remove damaged electronics Jaws of Life performs actions faster
Wirecutters	Jaws of Life	Snipping wires/grilles	Can snip fingertips off gloves Jaws of Life performs actions faster
Welding Tool	Experimental Welding Tool	Welding/slicing metal	Can seal airlocks/vents while on harm intent Can repair structures while on help intent Can repair robotic limbs (brute) Experimental welder regenerates fuel
Cable Coil	Cable Layer	Wiring systems together	Can repair robotic limbs (burn) Cable Layer rapidly spools and lays cable
Screwdriver	Power Drill	Securing/opening panels	Can open airlock panels for Hacking Can open vents to slide paper into them Power Drill performs actions faster
Wrench	Power Drill	Ratcheting/unsecuring objects	Used to deconstruct most things Can secure/unsecure most machinery Power Drill performs actions faster
Multitool	N/A	Modifying/specifying special parameters	Used to connect systems together Can toggle certain machinery on/off
Rapid Construction Device	Combat RCD	Rapid construction/deconstruction	Combat RCD issued to ERT engineers. Has improved magazine (500 material) Can select from a variety of different structures Can deconstructed most basic structures (walls, windows, floors)
Pipe Dispenser	Rapid Piping Device	Dispensing disposal/air pipes.	Dispenses unfastened pipes Dispenser must be anchored to dispense pipes. No magazine/material limit on RPD or dispenser. Bluespace RPD upgrade can dispense pipes at range.

Wiring

An engineer doing some wiring. Note the insulated gloves and his position to the tile he's wiring.

A demonstration of wire placement based on character position.

An example of proper or 'smooth' wiring.

An example of a node. The round circle is a place to connect machinery like emitters.

An example of improper wiring. These wires aren't actually appropriately connected and may not transfer power as a result.

An example of 'spaghetti' wiring. This image demonstrates how directional wiring can be manipulated.

An example of standard station wiring.

Now that we've gone over the list of tools, it's important to understand how wiring in SS13 functions.

Outside of its use in repairing robotic limbs, mechs, and other things, cable coil is primarily used to route power to APCs and SMES arrays around the station.

• APCs are the power terminals located in each room that provide electricity to the Lighting, Equipment, and Environment systems for a designated area.
• APCs utilize a charging system and contain a single cell (a battery) that charges from the power grid that it's connected to.
• APCs which are not connected to the grid by wiring or APCs which receive insufficient levels of power will lose battery life.
• Wiring is used to connect APCs to the SMES arrays which gain charge from power sources (such as the engine) and distribute electricity.

As we can see making sure we're properly wiring things is integral to the function of equipment and the station in general. If things are wired inappropriately, the APC may not receive power and the area you're either creating or repairing will be left in the dark.

There are however a few important caveats before you start any wiring project.

• Wires connected to an active electrical grid will shock you and cause burn damage.
• Budget insulated gloves will either reduce or multiply damage from shocks.
• Insulated gloves will protect from electrical shocks entirely.

Basic Wiring

(Note: Regular tiles on the station will have floor tiles on top of them. You will need to use a crowbar to remove these tiles in order to place any wires down).

Wiring is fairly straightforward, though there's a few things to keep in mind when you're doing it.

• Wires can only ever be placed on plating or catwalk tiles.
• Wire placement is directional and will always orient toward your character.
• If you're placing a wire on a tile you're standing on, it will place according to the direction you're facing.

In order to place wires you will need to be facing a catwalk or exposed plating with some cable coil in your hand.

Once you're ready with cable coil in hand, simply click on an adjacent tile with the wire in your hand to place down the wiring.

Here's a quick table explaining the different results you'll get based on your character's position.

• Tile Direction refers to which direction the tile is from the player's current position (the wire always points toward the player).
• Tile Directions such as Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest indicate the tile is diagonal to the player.

Tile Direction	Wiring Result	Tile Direction	Wiring Result
West		East
North		South
Northeast		Northwest
Southeast		Southwest

Now that we understand how directional placement of wires functions, we can start wiring things together.

Before we do however there's two important features of wiring that need to be discussed!

In any wiring project there are "nodes" and "wires" which both serve special functions.

Wires are what actually transfer power while nodes allow special machinery (like SMES arrays, emitters, and shield generators) to hook up to the power grid.

Wiring Type	Explanation
Smooth Wiring
	Smooth wiring allows power to flow from point A to point B. This is the basic, efficient, and accepted wiring configuration.

In order to produce smooth wiring, move to the opposite side of the tile and click on the little circle (or wiring node) on the ground.

IE: If the tile was to the West of you initially, move two tiles West so that it's now facing East from you (the wire should be pointing away from your character).

If you don't smoothly wire your cables (and leave those little ball-shaped nodes everywhere), you're unlikely to create connections between pieces of wiring.

If you don't smoothly wire your cables, your wiring system likely won't be transferring any electricity.

Wiring Type	Explanation
Node Wiring
	Node wiring is used for special equipment and electrifying grilles. Exposed nodes can cause electric shocks when touched.

In order to produce a wire node, click on a tile already occupied by a smooth cable.

You should always do your standard smooth wiring before creating any nodes to make sure your cables are properly connected.

If you're trying to make a node in the middle of a section of wire, it must be smoothly wired first.

Station Piping

For station piping, see: Guide to Atmospherics

Base Materials

A list of base materials used in construction.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Metal Sheet	N/A	Ore Redemption Machine (Iron)	N/A
Glass Sheet	N/A	Ore Redemption Machine (Sand)	N/A
Wood Plank	N/A	Apply hatchet to tower-cap logs	N/A
Metal Rods (2)	1 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "metal rods"	Apply active welding tool 1 metal returned per 2 rods
Reinforced Glass	1 Glass 1 Rod	Hold rod(s) in hand Apply rods to glass sheet(s)	N/A
Plasma Glass	N/A	Ore Redemption Machine (Plasma + Sand)	N/A
Reinforced Plasma Glass	1 Plasma Glass 1 Rod	Hold rod(s) in hand Apply rods to plasma glass sheet(s)	N/A
Plasteel	N/A	Ore Redemption Machine (Plasma + Iron)	N/A
Plastitanium	N/A	Ore Redemption Machine (Plasma + Titanium)	N/A
Plastitanium Glass	N/A	Ore Redemption Machine (Sand + Plasma + Titanium)	N/A
Titanium Glass	N/A	Ore Redemption Machine (Sand + Titanium)	N/A
Plastic	N/A	Plastic Polymer Reaction	N/A

Metal Constructions

A list of constructions that only involve the use of metal sheets.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Lattice	2 Metal Rods	Hold rods in-hand Apply to space tile	Apply welder (1 rod returned)
Catwalk	2 Metal Rods	Hold rods in-hand Apply metal rods to lattice	Apply screwdriver (1 rod returned) Apply welder (1 rod returned)
Plating	1 Floor Tile	Hold floor tile in-hand Apply floor tile to lattice	N/A
Reinforced Floor	2 Metal Rods	Hold rods in-hand Apply to plating tile	Apply wrench (2 rods returned)
Grille	2 Metal Rods	Use rods in-hand Select "grille"	Apply wirecutters (2 rods returned)
Wall	4 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "wall girders" Apply metal to girder	Apply welder (1 metal returned) Apply wrench (1 metal returned)
False Wall	4 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "wall girders" Apply crowbar to girder Apply metal to girder	Apply welder (1 metal returned) Apply wrench Apply wrench (1 metal returned)
Floor Tiles (4)	1 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "floor tiles" Apply floor tiles to plating	Apply crowbar to lift floor tiles
Stool/Chair	1 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "stool" or "chair"	Apply wrench (1 metal returned)
Sofa	1 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "sofa (direction)"	Apply wrench (1 metal returned)
Wheelchair	15 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "Wheelchair"	Apply wrench (1 metal returned)
Bed	2 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "bed"	Apply wrench (2 metal returned)
Psychiatrist's Bed	5 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "chair"	Apply wrench (5 metal returned)
Office Chair	5 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "office chairs" Select desired sub-type	Apply wrench (5 metal returned)
Comfy Chair	2 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "comfy chairs" Select desired sub-type	Apply wrench (2 metal returned)
Barber's Chair	3 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "barber chair"	Apply wrench (3 metal returned)
Rack	1 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "rack parts" Use "rack parts" object in-hand	Apply wrench (returns rack parts) Apply wrench again (1 metal returned)
Closet	2 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "closet"	Toggle locker to open state Apply active welding tool (2 metal returned)
Canister	10 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "canister"	Break canister with a welding tool Apply active welding tool (3 metal returned)
Light Switch	1 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "light switch frame" Apply light switch to adjacent wall	Apply wrench Apply wrench (1 metal returned)
Mass Driver Button	1 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "mass driver button frame" Apply mass driver button to adjacent wall Use multitool to link button to driver	Apply wrench Apply wrench (1 metal returned)

Mixed Constructions

A list of constructions that involve the use of metal sheets as a starting component.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Light Tile	1 Metal 1 Glass 5 Cable Coil	Apply cable coil to glass sheet Apply metal to wired glass Apply light-tile to plating Apply multitool to change colour	Apply crowbar to lift light-tiles
Table	1 Metal 2 Rods	Use rods in-hand Select "table frame" Apply metal to frame	Apply wrench (1 metal, 2 rods returned)
Reinforced Table	1 Plasteel 2 Rods	Use rods in-hand Select "table frame" Apply plasteel to frame	Apply welder Apply wrench (1 plasteel, 2 rods returned)
Fancy/Glass Table	2 Rods 1 Carpet/Glass	Use rods in-hand Select "table frame" Apply carpet/glass to frame	Apply wrench (1 material, 2 rods returned)
Computer Console	5 Metal 2 Reinforced Glass 5 Cable Coil 1 Circuitboard	Use metal in-hand Select "computer frame" Apply wrench, circuitboard Apply screwdriver, cablecoil Apply reinforced glass, screwdriver	Apply screwdriver, crowbar (2 reinforced glass returned) Apply wirecutters, screwdriver (5 cable returned) Apply crowbar, wrench Apply active welder (5 metal returned)
Modular Console	10 Metal Components/Circuitboards	Use metal in-hand Select "modular frame" Apply circuitboard(s) Apply screwdriver	Apply screwdriver Apply crowbar (until all modules removed) Apply wrench (10 metal returned)
Machine	5 Metal 10 Cable Coil Circuitboard Select Components	Use metal in-hand Select "machine frame" Apply cable coil, circuitboard Apply required components Apply screwdriver	Apply screwdriver, crowbar (components/board returned) Apply wirecutters (cable returned) Apply wrench (5 metal returned)
Display Case	5 Metal 5 Glass Airlock Electronics Proximity Sensor (optional)	Use metal in-hand Select "machine frame" Apply glass Apply airlock electronics Apply proximity sensor (optional) Apply screwdriver	Unlock with ID Apply crowbar, crowbar, crowbar (5 glass returned) Apply wrench (5 metal returned)
Automated Turret	7 Metal Proximity Sensor Energy Gun	Use metal in-hand Select "turret frame" Apply wrench, metal, wrench Apply energy gun, proximity sensor Apply screwdriver, metal Apply active welder	Hit with object on harm intent while turret is active Apply crowbar (energy gun returned) Apply active welder (5 metal returned)
Firelock	3 Metal 5 Cable Coil Firelock Electronics	Use metal in-hand Select "firelock frame" Apply firelock electronics Apply cable coil, crowbar Apply screwdriver	Apply crowbar, weld shut with active welder Apply screwdriver, wrench, crowbar Apply wirecutters, crowbar (cable, firelock electronics returned) Apply active welder (3 metal returned)
Airlock	4 Metal 1 Reinforced Glass (optional) 5 Cable Coil Airlock Electronics	Use metal in-hand Select "airlock assemblies" Select desired sub-type Apply wrench, cable coil Apply reinforced glass (optional) Apply airlock electronics Apply pen to optionally rename Apply screwdriver	Apply screwdriver Apply wirecutters, cut all non-bolt wires Apply active welding tool on harm intent Apply crowbar (airlock electronics returned) Apply wirecutters (cable returned) Apply wrench, active welder (4 metal returned)
Meatspike	5 Metal 4 Rods	Use metal in-hand Select "meatspike frame" Apply rods	Apply crowbar (rods returned) Apply wrench to move (non-destructible frame)
Light Fixture	1-2 Metal 1 Cable Coil	Use metal in-hand Select "(small) light fixture frame" Apply frame to adjacent wall Apply cable coil Apply screwdriver	Remove lightbulb Apply screwdriver, wirecutters (cable returned) Apply wrench, wrench (1-2 metal returned)
APC	2 Metal 10 Cable Coil Power Control Module Power Cell	Use metal in-hand Select "apc frame" Apply apc frame to wall Apply cable coil, power control module Apply screwdriver, power cell Apply crowbar	Unlock with ID, disengage lock cover Apply crowbar, empty hand (power cell returned) Apply screwdriver Apply crowbar to floor tile adjacent to APC Apply wirecutters, crowbar (cable, power control module returned) Apply active welder, wrench (2 metal returned)
Air Alarm	2 Metal 5 Cable Coil Air Alarm Electronics	Use metal in-hand Select "air alarm frame" Apply air alarm frame to wall Apply air alarm electronics Apply cable coil, screwdriver	Apply screwdriver Apply wirecutters, cut all wires Apply wirecutters (cable returned) Apply crowbar (air alarm electronics returned) Apply wrench (2 metal returned)
Fire Alarm	2 Metal 5 Cable Coil Fire Alarm Electronics	Use metal in-hand Select "fire alarm frame" Apply fire alarm frame to wall Apply fire alarm electronics Apply cable coil, screwdriver	Apply screwdriver Apply wirecutters (cable returned) Apply crowbar (fire alarm electronics returned) Apply wrench (2 metal returned)
Intercom	2 Metal 5 Cable Coil Intercom Electronics	Use metal in-hand Select "intercom frame" Apply intercom frame to wall Apply intercom electronics Apply cable coil, screwdriver	Apply screwdriver Apply wirecutters (cable returned) Apply crowbar (intercom electronics returned) Apply wrench (2 metal returned)
Extinguisher Cabinet	2 Metal	Use metal in-hand Select "extinguisher cabinet frame" Apply extinguisher cabinet frame to wall	N/A
Grenade	1 Metal 5 Cable Coil 1 Beaker	Use metal in-hand Select "grenade casing" Apply cable coil, beaker Apply screwdriver	N/A

Glass Constructions

A list of constructions that only involve the use of glass or reinforced glass sheets.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Fishbowl	1 Glass	Use glass in-hand Select "fishbowl"	Apply wrench (1 glass returned)
Fish Tank	3 Glass	Use glass in-hand Select "fish tank"	Apply wrench (3 glass returned)
Wall Aquarium	4 Glass	Use glass in-hand Select "wall aquarium"	Apply wrench (4 glass returned)
Directional Window	1 Glass OR 1 Plasma Glass	Use glass in-hand Select "directional window" Fasten with screwdriver OR Hold glass in-hand Click on constructed grille Fasten with screwdriver	Unsecure with screwdriver Apply wrench (1 material returned)
Fulltile Window	2 Glass OR 2 Plasma Glass	Use glass in-hand Select "fulltile window" Fasten with screwdriver	Unsecure with screwdriver Apply wrench (2 material returned)
Directional Window (Reinforced)	1 Reinforced Glass OR 1 Reinforced Plasma Glass	Use reinforced glass in-hand Select "directional window" Apply screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver OR Hold reinforced glass in-hand Click on constructed grille Apply screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver	Unsecure with screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver Apply wrench (1 material returned)
Fulltile Window (Reinforced)	2 Reinforced Glass OR 2 Reinforced Plasma Glass	Use reinforced glass in-hand Select "fulltile window" Apply screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver	Unsecure with screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver Apply wrench (2 material returned)

Mixed Constructions

A list of constructions that involve the use of glass or reinforced glass sheets as a starting component.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Windoor	5 Reinforced Glass 2 Plasteel (optional) 10 Cable Coil Airlock Electronics	Use reinforced glass in-hand Select "windoor" Apply wrench, plasteel (optional) Apply cable, airlock electronics Apply screwdriver	Apply crowbar to open windoor Apply screwdriver, crowbar (airlock electronics returned) Apply wirecutters, wrench (cable returned) Apply active welder (5 reinforced glass returned)

Plasteel/Other Constructions

A list of constructions that only involve the use of special materials such as plasteel.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Surgery Table	5 Plasteel	Hold plasteel in-hand Select "surgery table"	Apply wrench (5 plasteel returned)
Metal Crate	10 Plasteel	Hold plasteel in-hand Select "metal crate"	N/A
Titanium Window	2 Titanium Glass	Use titanium glass in-hand Select "shuttle window" Apply screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver	Unsecure with screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver Apply wrench (2 titanium glass returned)
Plastitanium Window	2 Plastitanium Glass	Use plastitanium glass in-hand Select "plastitanium window" Apply screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver	Unsecure with screwdriver, crowbar, then screwdriver Apply wrench (2 plastitanium glass returned)
Plastitanium Wall	2 Metal 2 Plastitanium	Use metal in-hand Select "wall girders" Apply plastitanium to girder	Apply welder (1 plastitanium returned) Apply wrench (1 metal returned)
Plastitanium Tiles (4)	1 Plastitanium	Use metal in-hand Select "plastitanium tiles" Apply floor tiles to plating	Apply crowbar to lift floor tiles

Mixed Constructions

A list of constructions that involve the use of special materials as a starting component.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Heat-Proof Wall	1 Plasteel	Hold plasteel in-hand Apply plasteel to reinforced wall	See reinforced wall
AI Core	4 Plasteel 1 Reinforced Glass 5 Cable Coil AI Circuitboard Brain	Use plasteel in hand Select "AI core" Apply wrench, circuitboard to core Apply screwdriver, cable coil to core Apply brain, reinforced glass to core Apply screwdriver to core	N/A
Bomb Assembly	10 Plasteel	Use plasteel in hand Select "bomb assembly" Apply bomb to assembly (optional)	N/A
Mass Driver	3 Plasteel 2 Rods 5 Cable Coil	Use plasteel in hand Select "mass driver frame" Apply wrench to frame Apply active welder to frame Apply rods to frame	Apply screwdriver, crowbar, wirecutters (2 rods, 5 cable returned) Apply active welder Apply wrench Apply active welder (3 plasteel returned)
Reinforced Airlock	6-8 Plasteel	See airlock	See airlock

Wood Constructions

A list of constructions that involve the use of wood planks as a starting component.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Wood Floor Tiles (4)	1 Wood Plank	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "wood floor tiles" Apply floor tiles to plating	Apply screwdriver to lift floor tiles
Wood/Poker Table	3 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "wood table frame" Apply wood plank to frame OR Apply carpet tile to frame	Apply wrench (3 wood returned) OR Apply wrench (2 wood, 1 carpet returned)
Wooden Chair	3 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "wooden chair"	Apply wrench (3 wood returned)
Wooden Barricade	5 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "wooden barricade"	Apply crowbar (5 wood returned)
Bookcase	5 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "bookcase"	Apply wrench (5 wood returned)
Dresser	30 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "dresser"	Apply wrench Apply crowbar (30 wood returned)
Drying Rack	10 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "drying rack"	Apply wrench Apply crowbar (10 wood returned)
Dog Bed	10 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "dog bed"	Apply wrench (10 wood returned)
Wooden Door	10 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "wooden door"	Hit with object on harm intent (5 wood returned)
Coffin	5 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "coffin"	N/A
Apiary	40 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "apiary"	N/A
Honey Frame	5 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "honey frame"	N/A
Fermenting Barrel	30 Wood Planks	Use wooden plank in-hand Select "fermenting with barrel"	Hit with object on harm intent (no wood returned)

Plastic/Misc. Constructions

A list of constructions that involve the use of plastic and other materials as a starting component.

Object	Materials	Construction	Deconstruction
Plastic Flaps	5 Plastic	Use plastic in-hand Select "plastic flaps"	N/A
Wet Floor Sign	2 Plastic	Use plastic in-hand Select "wet floor sign"	N/A
Plastic Crate	10 Plastic	Use plastic in-hand Select "plastic crate"	N/A
Plastic Ashtray	2 Plastic	Use plastic in-hand Select "plastic ashtray"	N/A
Plastic Utensils	1 Plastic	Use plastic in-hand Select utensil of choice	N/A
Water Bottle	1-2 Plastic	Use plastic in-hand Select "water bottle" or "large water bottle"	N/A
Cardboard Cutout	5 Cardboard	Use cardboard in-hand Select "cardboard cutout" Apply crayon to cutout Select preferred design	Apply active welding tool (no cardboard returned)
Cardboard Box	4 Cardboard	Use cardboard in-hand Select "cardboard box"	N/A