Another 32x40 pole barn project

[truckdiagnostics]

One guy can do it! One guy built our 30 x 72, beginning to end. He does it for a living and prefers it that way. It was interesting to watch. Basically he used a bucket truck. My hat is off to you, for doing it "yourself" impressive amount of progress. And if I hadn't seen it I would not have believed one guy could have done it.

 

[brown40]

I built mine myself, including putting up the 30' trusses by myself, and my tractor. it's not always easy, but do able. For long boards you sometimes have to nail up a temporary board, like a saddle, to hold the other end in place. You place one end in the saddle, and then you put up the other end.

View attachment 438720

I probably deserved some Darwin nominations for my solo barn build. Its great when a plan comes together. I think the trusses/boom pole off the forks was the toughest part (I had 32' attic trusses).

 

[LD1]

What is the spacing going to be on the trusses?

When I was pricing polebarn stuff, I found it was going to be cheaper with 8' trusses setting directly on the posts. NO worries about a large header, so that saves a good bit as 2x10's and 2x12's aint cheap. The trusses cost quite a bit more, but you need fewer of them.

 

[LD1]

What is the spacing going to be on the trusses?

When I was pricing polebarn stuff, I found it was going to be cheaper with 8' trusses setting directly on the posts. NO worries about a large header, so that saves a good bit as 2x10's and 2x12's aint cheap. The trusses cost quite a bit more, but you need fewer of them.

 

[rogerius]

What is the spacing going to be on the trusses?

When I was pricing polebarn stuff, I found it was going to be cheaper with 8' trusses setting directly on the posts. NO worries about a large header, so that saves a good bit as 2x10's and 2x12's aint cheap. The trusses cost quite a bit more, but you need fewer of them.

I've got 4' between trusses. In the future I'll install solar panels on the roof so I need a solid roof.

 

[rogerius]

I probably deserved some Darwin nominations for my solo barn build. Its great when a plan comes together. I think the trusses/boom pole off the forks was the toughest part (I had 32' attic trusses).

No nomination, just admiration. Still I try to visual somebody handle a 16ft board alone or installing a truss.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

I think you could do it this way. I know a guy that assembled 2 trusses at a time with perlins on the ground then craned them into place.

 

[LD1]

I've got 4' between trusses. In the future I'll install solar panels on the roof so I need a solid roof.

8' span trusses can be built to whatever spec you want. You can make a roof just as solid as with 4' span.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

8' trusses require purlins on side, more difficult to install, more cost. you pay either way.

 

[LD1]

8' trusses require purlins on side, more difficult to install, more cost. you pay either way.

Yes, there is trade-offs. But not more expensive.

When I was pricing a polebarn I priced 4 different ways.

2' trusses and purlins laid flat.....this was the most expensive
4' trusses and purlins laid flat.....cheaper
8' trusses and 2x4's on edge, dropped in double saddle hangers...cheaper than 4' trusses overall. Trusses were a bit more expensive, $180 ea vs the $120 for the 4' trusses. But fewer were needed so it was cheaper overall. No need for the larger header, and purlin cost would be the same since it was still 2x4's. So alot of stuff make it cheaper, and the only added cost was the saddle hangers, but the savings was more than the added cost.

I also priced 12' trusses, and using 2x6's on edge in saddle hangers as well. For the total roof system this was about the same cost as the 8' trusses, but the savings would have been fewer posts and concrete footings and post holes. Cause with this style I would have spaced posts 12' instead 8'.

As far as difficulty to install purlins on 8' trusses, with the saddle hangers I dont see it being difficult at all. Only harder thing would be hitting a 1.5" target with roof screws vs 3.5" target.

Again, its all trade offs. Trusses are heavier if you are setting them by hand. But you have fewer of them to set. 4' and even worse on 8' make it difficult walking out the bottom cord when framing the roof. 2' is alot easier.

There is no "wrong" way here. Just different designs and opinions. Some like trusses closer and a larger header. Others like fewer trusses and setting right on a post. Both designs can be built to whatever load spec you want.