Monitor Barn with this product?

[Megado]

As noted in previous posting, I’m in the process of kicking around different ideas for a barn project. Came across this link and really liked the possibilities. Has anyone used this product, and if so, can you provide some feedback? In theory…seems like a pretty easy system.

socket systems - products

 

[Farwell]

As noted in previous posting, I’m in the process of kicking around different ideas for a barn project. Came across this link and really liked the possibilities. Has anyone used this product, and if so, can you provide some feedback? In theory…seems like a pretty easy system.

socket systems - products

The system looks great but the individual items seem very expensive. The overall cost of the building using the metal parts may actually be lower if the cost of labor and other materials savings are factored in. I would like to see one built using this system. The drawings sure make it look simple.
David B

 

[EddieWalker]

I have my doubts as to the savings you would see using them. Simpson makes just about everything you need already and at a much lower price. There big selling point is how they allow you to build your own truss. I have questions of the savings there because of the price of there brackets and the size of the lumber you have to use. A conventional truss isn't all that expensive and is a proven method of building.

Eddie

 

[kwTN]

I built a socketsystem barn. this is about as far as I have gotten with it. siding, an additional right side shed and a loft are in the future plans.

The reason why I chose them was it did not require a crew to build it. My father and I did all the work by ourselves. The barn is 24'x24' with a 12'x24' shed

 

[Mike120]

I agree with Eddie. Poles and Trusses are a lot faster and probably cheaper as well.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Simpson makes just about everything you need already and at a much lower price.
Eddie

Eddie, do you have a link to Simpson?

 

[EddieWalker]

Hi Bob,

How about this?

Simpson Strong-Tie: Helping to Build Stronger, Safer Structures

Hope your staying warm,
Eddie

 

[tallyho8]

That Monitor Barn looks extremely similar to a horse barn I built a few years ago except I left some space for windows. I did not use any metal components except for Simpson hurricane ties and I built it completely by myself, though it would have been easier with some help. My barn was very sturdy with the posts set in the ground 4 feet and I am sure it was way cheaper to build than that one. Their video shows 4 people setting up that barn.

 

[Megado]

That Monitor Barn looks extremely similar to a horse barn I built a few years ago except I left some space for windows. I did not use any metal components except for Simpson hurricane ties and I built it completely by myself, though it would have been easier with some help. My barn was very sturdy with the posts set in the ground 4 feet and I am sure it was way cheaper to build than that one. Their video shows 4 people setting up that barn.

Tallyho8,

Care to share some pics of your barn? Would love to see it.

Jim

 

[mudcat]

I agree with Eddie. Poles and Trusses are a lot faster and probably cheaper as well.

Poles and trusses cheaper? Maybe. Poles and trusses faster?I doubt it. It looks like a sound system.

 

[tallyho8]

Tallyho8,
Care to share some pics of your barn? Would love to see it.
Jim

Jim, I only have a couple of photos of my Monitor barn I built several years ago and when I moved a few years ago I tore it down. I have since built a new barn at home but it is not a Monitor barn. My Monitor barn was built the same way, just with longer posts next to the aisle. The first 2 photos are photos of my Monitor barn.

The next photos are of my present barn. I build the barn in sections as I have time. In the first photos it is only 24 feet long. Then I added on to 48 feet long. It is presently 60 feet long but I don't have photos of it now.
It is a pretty sturdy barn. It was not damaged in hurricane Katrina and we had major damge all around us. The last 3 photos are looking out the front door of the barn and looking out the back door of the barn after Katrina and the size of the trees I had down in my yard.

Yes, I built these barns entirely by myself and I realize everyone may not be able to do this, but I am only 61 years old and in pretty good health. From the start of the barn to the front half finished took me 4 weeks in my spare time.

 

[praha]

Tally,
what kind of side panels did you use? It looks metal.
Thanks,

Joe

 

[tallyho8]

Tally,
what kind of side panels did you use? It looks metal.
Thanks,

Joe

Yes it is steel panels on the roof and sides. The humidity and termites in our area make wood a poor choice. All wood used is treated except for the boards enclosing the stalls which are rough cut oak.

 

[Megado]

The next photos are of my present barn. I build the barn in sections as I have time. In the first photos it is only 24 feet long. Then I added on to 48 feet long. It is presently 60 feet long but I don't have photos of it now.
It is a pretty sturdy barn. It was not damaged in hurricane Katrina and we had major damge all around us. The last 3 photos are looking out the front door of the barn and looking out the back door of the barn after Katrina and the size of the trees I had down in my yard.


Tallyho8,

Appreciate the pics. Beautiful horses too! I think the fact that your barn withstood the onslaught of Katrina is a testimony to your workmanship and job well done! We do plan on getting a horse (or two) on our property once we move there permanently so I’m also considering future stalls into my design of whichever type barn I go with. Currently have cattle but no horses as of yet. With my current research, I’m beginning to lean towards a Monitor style barn with doors on both ends for pass-thru and a loft located in the center section for misc storage capacity. For the time being the barn would mainly be used for equipment storage. Still studying options so I certainly appreciated your pics and comments.

Jim

 

[rox]

Talleyho8,
Not to hijack the thread, but a quck side question. The picture of you and the tree, the last pic. What kind of tree was that? And how to you saw it up? Must need a two man saw, a hand saw to cut that thing up. It's huge.

 

[tallyho8]

Talleyho8,
Not to hijack the thread, but a quck side question. The picture of you and the tree, the last pic. What kind of tree was that? And how to you saw it up? Must need a two man saw, a hand saw to cut that thing up. It's huge.

That was an old Pecan tree. I had no hand saws and had to make a 200 mile round trip after Katrina on back roads to avoid debris and police barricades to get a large chain saw. I cut most of it with an 18" chain saw till I got to the main trunk. Then I used a 24" chain saw and went all the way around it which left about an 8" core. Then I rammed it with my box blade on my old IH364 in reverse till it broke the rest of the way. Not the recommended way, but I had to do what I had to do. My area is full of Pecan trees and many went down in Katrina. I USED to like pecan trees.
The only good part is that pecan wood is the best to smoke with. Now I have a 500 year supply.

 

[coolhl7]

tallyho8,
hurricaines:
been through Opal,Ivan,Dennis,Katrina and others.
its getting old.
However, it does hone your chainsawing skills.

 

[TwinWillows]

Here's a photo of our stick build Monitor style barn. 40x48 w/lofts over the stalls & above the middle. Stalls are nominally 12x12 w/16ft wide hallway. Now that it's finished (well mostly ) the only thing I'd design differently would be to make it 24ft longer.. The construction is in projects under WKY Horse barn

 

[catvet]

We built a 26 x 36 barn last fall with the socket system. Went well for the most part. Built it to house my portable sawmill and milled all the lumber ourselves. Below is a link to my blog on the project. You can look back on the progress by viewing the archives which are located on the right side of the page.
North Vermont Ramblings

Obviously still have a ways to go. Sorry about the "extras" on the blog but it is mostly directed towards putting the building up.