3 sided shed

[JMER817]

I' m planning on building a 3 sided shed or run-in shed that some might call it. Will be using rafters sloping the roof from 8' in front to 6.5' in the rear. Span will be 12' with 16" on center. Debating on size of rafter. Live in Michigan with snow in winter. Thinking 2 x 8 will suffice?

 

[chinton]

There's a neat app on iPhone from the American Wood Council call Span Calculator that can give you that information. Depends upon the lumber selection you've got available and the snow load you need to design for. Also some of our cities around here publish a specific span chart to be used in their jurisdiction. Even if you aren't covered by their regulations, it's a good reference.

 

[EddieWalker]

In the grand scheme of things, going up to 2x12's will only add a hundred bucks to the entire building. Why not use the strongest material readily available?

 

[Billrog]

2x8's will be plenty strong enough for rafters.

 

[Creamer]

2x8's will be plenty strong enough for rafters.

Agreed! I don't live far from you and expect you have a 30 pound snow load.

 

[newbury]

I' m planning on building a 3 sided shed or run-in shed that some might call it. Will be using rafters sloping the roof from 8' in front to 6.5' in the rear. Span will be 12' with 16" on center. Debating on size of rafter. Live in Michigan with snow in winter. Thinking 2 x 8 will suffice?

Distance from front to back determines slope with a 1.5' drop. Will it be steep enough to shed snow?

Grass Lake looks like it calls for a 30 lb psf snow load. Parts of northern Michigan show a 60 lb psf snow load.

Also take into account how strong the winds can get. Like Eddie wrote a little overbuilding wouldn't hurt much.

 

[JMER817]

In the grand scheme of things, going up to 2x12's will only add a hundred bucks to the entire building. Why not use the strongest material readily available?

I usually get a laugh out of my friends because I over-build things. This is going to be on the edge of the woods mostly hidden from the house down in a small gully. Just going to cover my wood splitter, brush hog, and other garden tools.

 

[Budweiser John]

I usually get a laugh out of my friends because I over-build things. This is going to be on the edge of the woods mostly hidden from the house down in a small gully. Just going to cover my wood splitter, brush hog, and other garden tools.

I would seriously consider adding the fourth side with doors.
My south facing open sided shed is about worthless for weather protection in a driving rain or blowing snow.
No issues with 2x8 16 centers. Might want to add some X bracing mid span for some added oomph but consider
Some closure on the open side,
B/4 this winter, I'm putting doors on my open shed.

 

[efam3300]

12' is the max span on 2x8 joists on a sub-floor, thats not taking in account the snow load

 

[Midniteoyl]

According to Span Options Calculator for Wood Joists & Rafters , the minimum for a 12' span, 16" center, with a 40lb/sf snow load (this is Michigan, after all) using No.2 SPF wood (Spruce-Pine-Fur, typical wood) is 2"x8". I believe your area requires at least a 30lb/sf snow load rating, so you should be good to go using the 2x8's. If you used 2x10's, you could get the same rating @ 24" spacing.

 

[newbury]

I usually get a laugh out of my friends because I over-build things. This is going to be on the edge of the woods mostly hidden from the house down in a small gully. Just going to cover my wood splitter, brush hog, and other garden tools.

Well it reads like you are not building a run-in shed but rather a roll-in and park small equipment shed that won't be subject to much wind.

And since you are not concerned about the roof collapsing on some valuable and loved horses it lessens the need to overbuild.

I agree with others that you should plan on some sort of "front" side, even if it's just a heavy tarp you drop down.

And we need pictures

 

[EddieWalker]

Much more important then the rafter size is what you will use for a header.

 

[RobertBrown]

Your getting a lot of help here.
I suggest you submit your package to our forum for preliminary review, before you go any further.
We will need plans and manufacturers data sheets on all materials considered, don't forget foundation/column details and structural calculations.
This will not only save you time but possibly a bunch of money too.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Your getting a lot of help here.
I suggest you submit your package to our forum for preliminary review, before you go any further.
We will need plans and manufacturers data sheets on all materials considered, don't forget foundation/column details and structural calculations.
This will not only save you time but possibly a bunch of money too.

:stirthepot:

 

[JMER817]

The opening will be facing north and there is a large group of trees in that direction that blocks the wind and hopefully most of the rain and snow. I plan on building a pole barn in a couple years and just need something to get me by without putting too much money and time into it. Plan to use 2x12 headers posts spaced 8 ft on the weight bearing front and back and spaced the full 12 ft on the side.

 

[Zerk]

What to use for snow load is where I get mixed up. I suppose I could call county.

I am UP on lake superior. There will be 3-5 feet on the ground.

On my pole barn went with 95 psf.

 

[Zerk]

Around here, I think we call what you are doing as lean toos. Built off existing building.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Around here, I think we call what you are doing as lean toos. Built off existing building.

He's basically building a loafing shed, since its not built 'leaning into' an existing building

 

[Zerk]

Looks like a wood shed. I have thought thus would nice items that are unlikely to get stole, shovels, and such. I'd probably park mowet. Good for keeping 4 wheeler dry, but quick to go.


I have 6 deep 8 wide for wood, 9 foot in front. Like to extend or b another. One for green wood. Logging by me lots of wood.

 

[Zerk]

I'd like something like that for tractor attachments. Just back in and hook up. Though I realize lots leave them out. Lots of farmers don't let their tractors stay indoors.