NEW POLE BARN/WORKSHOP

[ALHILLDIRT]

Would like to build a pole barn type building for a new workshop. I am planning on a 24' x 24' x 9' eve building with a concrete floor, and metal siding/roof. Planning on using 6"x6" PT poles on 8' centers around the perimeter and pre-fab trusses. I saw a builiding that had pre-fab trusses on 8' centers which put the load directly over the poles. They hung 2x4 purlins on edge between the trusses with metal hangers. When I contacted our local truss supplier, they told me they could design such a truss, but claimed it would be cheaper overall to put trusses on 4' centers and nail 2x4's flat over the trusses. Any thoughts out there as to which would be the most economical method? If I go with 4' centers what size beam would I need to carry the load?

 

[EddieWalker]

I like to put my truss's on 4 ft centers and use flat 2x4 for pulins. For you top beam, you might get away with smaller, but I just use 2x12's. It keeps it simple and easy that way. Besides, it's not that much more if you could go smaller.

Eddie

 

[schmism]

24x24 is fairly small.

id suggest at least 30x30 to make it worth your while

 

[ovrszd]

24x24 is fairly small.

id suggest at least 30x30 to make it worth your while

I agree, my house/garage is 24x24. If you have two vehicles in it, there's no room to work on anything. I'd go for all your budget will stand. I have a 30x50 and it's full.

As for the rafter discussion. How can it possibly be cheaper to put rafters at 4' intervals and add 2x12 sill beam??? I built on 8' centers and put my 2x4 roof purlins on edge. Didn't use hangers, cut them to fit between the rafters and toenailed them in. I've had snow load so heavy that it ripped my eave troughs off, but my roof didn't sag. I can't see how doubling the number of rafters, even though they might be lighter built, could possibly save money??

 

[goaliedad]

I have a 24 x 24x 8 pole barn. 4' centers on trusses. 4x6 posts, 2x4 purlins on the flats. I bought the package in a neighboring county with 2x10 rim joists. My county told me I needed to go to 2x12. I agree that 24x24 is small- If you can go with a larger one, I would strongly suggest it- 24 x 32?
"Junk expands to take all available space"- old workshop proverb.

 

[ALHILLDIRT]

Is a single 2x12 sufficient to hold the load from the roof? Or, should it be doubled?

 

[ALHILLDIRT]

Land space is also an issue at this point, but have thought about increasing to a 24'x30'

 

[goaliedad]

I had to use two 2x12's- one on each side of the posts. If land size is an issue, I will repeat my advice from my earlier post- you will not regret building it bigger.

 

[EddieWalker]

Is a single 2x12 sufficient to hold the load from the roof? Or, should it be doubled?

You don't get any snow, or if you do, it's very minimal. A single 2x12 is pretty standard. The poles will be holding the majority of the weight, the single truss in the middle will be reducing the load from the ones on the poles.

I agree that you probably wont be saving any money by adding truss's, but they with more of them, you can use smaller lumber. If your building it yourself, this can make a big difference.

My shop is 24 x 30 and is a real nice size. I have an outside lean-to for storage, a 10 foot wide rollup door and a man door. I don't park any vehicles in there and try real hard to keep things put away. I have lots of room.

Eddie

 

[ALHILLDIRT]

What's the best way to attach the 2x12 to the top of the post? Notch the 6x6 post, or attach to the outside with lag screws and a 2x6 block under for support?