Our barn build

[RancherGuy]

Fiber does not replace rebar. It could be considered an added bonus, but overall, it doesn't really accomplish much. Rebar holds the slab together and increases the overall strength of the slab. The bigger the slab, the more important rebar set on chairs is.

Yes, rebar, rebar, rebar. The only alternative worth considering would be wire slab mesh - looks like steel cattle/hog panels. Concrete is great for compressive forces, but weak on tension. The steel compensates for the tension part. Every time I see a slab that has cracked because someone saved a few bucks by skipping the steel, I feel a desire to interview the person who made the decision to ask how much they regret their decision.

 

[rbstern]

I procured a new insecticide for carpenter bees this week as they found time to bore three holes in my massive cedar pergola.

Man… that stuff kills. Anything landing on those timbers really regrets it.

Good luck with the barn. Hoping to get mine started soon.

Can you share what the insecticide is?

 

[mike0000]

Can you share what the insecticide is?

I’d like to know also. I’m trying permethrin this year, I sprayed down my pavilion and I do think it has helped.

Mike

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

BioAdvanced Carpenter Ant and Termite Plus…

It definitely kills more than just those… and carpenter bees are also listed. Haven’t seen a bee near the pergola since, but have seen other various insect victims daily under the pergola… I can only presume from contact with the treated wood. The concentrate goes a LONG way… it will last me years.

 

[rbstern]

BioAdvanced Carpenter Ant and Termite Plus…

It definitely kills more than just those… and carpenter bees are also listed. Haven’t seen a bee near the pergola since, but have seen other various insect victims daily under the pergola… I can only presume from contact with the treated wood. The concentrate goes a LONG way… it will last me years.

Appreciate you sharing that!

 

[rbstern]

Side shed purlins finally done.

Starting to work on the loft joists and framing the opening for a stairwell.

 

[rbstern]

Loft joists and blocking complete. Joist blocking is one of those slow, repetitive, nearly invisible tasks. But it sure stiffens a floor.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

If I may ask, what is your projected cost going to be? .... basically for the framing and roofing. I understand you will be cutting your own siding.

Looks great! Making good progress too!

 

[rbstern]

If I may ask, what is your projected cost going to be? .... basically for the framing and roofing. I understand you will be cutting your own siding.

Looks great! Making good progress too!

I should be at about $16K to $18K when done, including grading, concrete pad, and roofing. Some variability based on cost of concrete and roofing when I place those orders. And some variability for windows, as well. May be able to get those second hand, as we have a great local retailer who sells builder returns pretty cheap. Also, as of right now, I've got a branch 20A circuit nearby for lighting, but I may go whole hog on electricity and have the power company put a meter in, since it's only about 75 feet away from the pad transformer in our yard. Haven't priced that yet, either.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Thanks. That's actually not too bad of a price. I have been thinking about a barn / multi purpose building about that size. Way off in the future, maybe a year. You're making great progress for sure!