Building Wood Shed - Need Help Calculating Beam Size That Holds Roof Up

EddieWalker · Oct 21, 2019

Nice looking chicken coop!!!

atsah · Oct 21, 2019

Looks like new..

BoylermanCT · Oct 21, 2019

Ordered the lumber for the wood shed today. Local lumber yard has 2x10's up to 28' long, so I ordered 2 at 24' for the main beam and 1 for the header that attaches to the garage. That simplifies the construction of the main beam. Thank you Eddie for the suggestion! I'm used to Home Depot and Lowes where the max length is 16'. I'm taking Thursday and Friday off of work, and hope to have the shed complete by the weekend.

nyone · Oct 22, 2019

radioman said:
With building experience in central nys with similar snow loads, since you have 6x6 posts, nothing wrong with overbuilding. I would just use 2x12s and put them up one by one. I have done it this way. However since you have 10ft spacing of posts and 18 inch overhang you really don't want a slice in the middle completely. I would find a lumber yard that carries 20 footers 2x12. Use 12ft on the outside and one 20 ft inside. Use scrap of 12ft to fill in the 18 inch spacing overhang. Be sure to add metal splice plates in the middle and brackets to hold beam to posts. Follow the beam load carrying screw pattern and spacing. Should be in your local permit office. Can use the decking guidelines. These are the things a local building inspectors look for regardless if you have a permit or not.

I would do it this way too...if i didnt own a sawmill.

I have basicly the same structure 24ft long and 3 4x6 posts. My beam is two rough cut 2x14, i think the splice is in the middle but i may have used a 6ft long skab to cover the splice.

BoylermanCT · Oct 25, 2019

Started the woodshed yesterday and finished it today. Built it with my father-in-law and my dad's help. The main beam of two 2x10 by 24' was heavier than I expected! Was able to use the tractor to lift it close to the posts and then move it into final position standing on ladders and using brute force. The only things left to do is paint the side roof trim green and add 45 degree supports where the posts meet the beam. More decorative than structural. Looking forward to having dry firewood each winter!

atsah · Oct 25, 2019

Looks good.. You have been busy with you're projects that's for sure..

EddieWalker · Oct 25, 2019

Looks fantastic. Thanks for the update!!!

nyone · Oct 25, 2019

Fits the building its on like a glove. I love a good brown siding with a green roof! Are you going to stain the fromt/back rafter, beam and vertical posts?

BoylermanCT · Oct 25, 2019

nyone said:
Fits the building its on like a glove. I love a good brown siding with a green roof! Are you going to stain the fromt/back rafter, beam and vertical posts?

Yes, will stain the posts once they dry out a bit. They were soaked with preservative. Probably in the Spring. Will also add some inside lighting and may run a horizontal beam across the front opening and fill in the resulting triangle with log siding or board and batten siding for some contrast.