New pole barn,long post

[cattoon]

I visit here often, have read all the pole barn posts, plus most of all the other posts. I am in the planning,groundwork stage of a new 40x60 pole barn, getting the site leveled then going to have about 60 tons of crushed shale and clay hauled for base, gonna compact with a vibrating plate compactor in shallow lifts, planning to use 4x6 post on 12 ft centers with steel trusses,roughcut 2x6's set in cups on trusses,metal roof,then going to use hat rail to connect the posts to skin the outside, oops gonna pour the slab after the posts are set, 4" slab. just wanted to tell everyone thanks for all the good information and tips previously posted and I'll post pics as I go. So far got the site cleared and working on leveling so nothing to take pics of yet.

 

[Junkman]

As long as your name isn't Morton, you should have a fine looking building in the end...... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cattoon]

Nope last name not morton, and when I get finished, if it isn't square and plumb and not built like I want it, it is my fault, and the added advantage of my labor being much cheaper than anyone else, just going to take time. I read the morton post and was amazed, if I hire it done then it gets done to my satisfaction, and I guess my standards are too high. I tend to overbuild things, but I don't have to rebuild.

 

[Gatorboy]

When I opened this thread I was expecting a LONG post -- shame on you for teasing me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Junkman]

Would a "tall post" be more accurate????? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[AndyM]

<font color="blue"> When I opened this thread I was expecting a LONG post -- shame on you for teasing me. </font>

He did says the posts were 12 feet long! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Poncho]

cattoon.... good luck on your project. Just a quick note on the use of 4x6's.... make sure you have the trusses put in almost immediately after you sink the 4x6 posts. 4x6 posts have more of a tendency to twist and warp than a 6x6 (which is what I would use if I was to do it again). I didn't and wound up with posts that warped and twisted that has created a lot of new challenges as I continue to build out the rest of the internal structure. I didn't pull them out as they were set in about 6 80 lb. bags of sacrete and pretty much square on the bottom... it was the tops I had problems with. Nothing that the MF135 and tow strap couldn't straighten out. Not the best way to go but the best you can do when limited on funds and manpower.

 

[cattoon]

Thanks for the replys, Gatorboy this will probably turn into a very long post before it's all finished, we are building this polebarn/shop like Johnny Cash got his cadillac, one piece at a time /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif,,, wife wants to finance and build immediately, bless her . I keep thinking LESS debt, not more and just can't bring myself to do it. Poncho thanks for the feedback on the 4x6 posts, thought about that and would really rather use 6x6 but thought maybe better treating on the 4x6 with less cross section, last thing I want to do in 10 or 15 years is have to worry about replacing posts.Any and all suggestions welcome, I'm a pretty fair Amateur carpenter but willing to learn from other folks experience.

 

[SPIKER]

catoon:

I agree with poncho: 6x6: but that is more depending on the HEIGHT of the barn! if you are keeping short sides 8' or less then the 4x6 probably OK, but I would drop the span back from the 12' to 10' or even better 8'... make note of how you intend to attach all framing too. with the NEW treated posts you have to have/use doubble dipped hot galv nails/screws or stainless steel... as the new stuff eats metal very fast.

best thougn I guess is to go to 6x6 for the peak ends, and then run them all the way tot he top, using the 4x6 on the sides of 8' or so is fine, but for the $ the 6x6 may be better way to to go.

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rambler]

Have you considered laminating 2x6 treated wood to make your 6x6 posts? Sometimes cheaper, and far less likely to warp, with the poor wood of today can be stronger too. If you are building tall, the spliced portions above ground do not need to be treated, making the columns cheaper.....

There are pluses & minues to everything, but something to look into.

--->Paul