Pole barn build now or wait?

[Dwellonroof]

While I'm waiting for delivery I have too much time to think since we ordered 2x6 gerts maybe I could bookshelf them for that "just in case" scenario.
So instead of blocking between them I could notch each one into the 6x6 posts ???

 

[EddieWalker]

The genius of a pole barn is in how much strength you get in such a simple design. When you change the engineering of that simple design, you create other issues. The basics are poles in the ground and purlins attached to the side of the posts for the full length of the building. This ties everything together in a very strong design. If you change this, you have to compensate for the loss of strength. Notching posts to run purlins on the flat in between each post will create a building with less strength. It's doable, but it will cost more and take longer to build.

 

[ponytug]

I'm with @EddieWalker. If you want bookshelves, I would add, and not subtract, from the strength of the building. E.g. put in a foundation support and build up a book shelf from there. I wouldn't use the burning or main beams- they already have a job.

Personally, I would use metal for barn shelves. I like the restaurant shelving that moves up and down poles. It carries a great deal of weight (3-400lbs) per shelf, dust falls through, and it is easy to clean. I have some larger shelving for heavier items, but I regret not getting warehouse (orange/green style) racking.

All the best,

Peter

 

[deezler]

While I'm waiting for delivery I have too much time to think since we ordered 2x6 gerts maybe I could bookshelf them for that "just in case" scenario.
So instead of blocking between them I could notch each one into the 6x6 posts ???
View attachment 714135

No way! No notching of the main support posts is allowed (except at the very top for carrying the roof trusses, if you like to do it that way). The posts hold up your walls and roof, you don't want to weaken them.

 

[deezler]

Is your barn heated full time? If not I would think the floor would crack from the freeze-thaw cycle.

Nope. I have PEX in the slab for future hydronic radiant heat, but I haven't bought a boiler and plumbed it in yet, so my tubing is still empty. No heat in my building so far, through 3 winters. Sub-freezing temperatures doesn't crack concrete - the water in the slab has all fully evaporated once it's fully cured. The ground underneath my slab doesn't freeze, either. In fact, even with multiple sub-zero nights in a row, my slab will stay close to freezing (even when its single digits inside the building). It does just barely freeze up at the peak of winter (car/road slush solidifies) but usually it stays thawed.

 

[Dwellonroof]

Your answers do make sense glad I asked.

 

[Macinnis]

While I'm waiting for delivery I have too much time to think since we ordered 2x6 gerts maybe I could bookshelf them for that "just in case" scenario.
So instead of blocking between them I could notch each one into the 6x6 posts ???
View attachment 714135

Yes, these are bookshelf girls and no, they are not notched, these are fine as they are just attached to the 6x6.

you would not even need to add those vertical 2x6, just toe nail the 2x6’s horizontally to the 6x6.

the end result is the metal can be screwed to the 2x6 on the outside and the drywall can be attached to the same 2x6 on the inside.

the insulation will lay on top of the horizontal girt.

this is exactly What I am doing in my 60x60 pole barn. The posts carry the load, no need to build a “secondary” wall within the wall as it’s not carrying any load. It’s just used to run wire, keep the insulation in place and screw the drywall to.

if you are gonna go down this route, look at some articles on advanced framing.

 

[Macinnis]

I should note, my girts are just 2x4’s and they run across the outside of the pole all the way down. So I have an extra 1.5” from the metal to the post.

I have added the 2x6’s between each post as the bookshelf, for insulation and drywall.

like eddie said, you can create the structure in a bookshelf fashion, but it may be more labor intensive.

 

[Macinnis]

Here is a picture of what I am doing…maybe this will help.

 

[Torvy]

With prices where they are for now, I am thinking about changing plans from a metal shed to wood. I don't need it to last forever, just 30 years or so. What other options do I have? Any advice is welcome. 30x40 is the plan.

 

[Dwellonroof]

Here is a picture of what I am doing…maybe this will help.

I see you still have the girts at the outside.

 

[Frankenkubota]

Never heard the term so I did a search..

“A rat wall is a barrier meant to prevent burrowing animals from getting beneath your deck or patio. ... Concrete rat walls are essentially extensions of the foundation slab. It's width is generally between 1 foot and 18 inches, often at a depth of 18 inches.”

sounds like a mono slab?

 

[ponytug]

With prices where they are for now, I am thinking about changing plans from a metal shed to wood. I don't need it to last forever, just 30 years or so. What other options do I have? Any advice is welcome. 30x40 is the plan.

I would still do metal. Painting, repairs, etc. will add up for wood. If you pick a white metal roof, it will help keep the place cooler. If you tear it out in 30 years, you can recycle most of it.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Macinnis]

I see you still have the girts at the outside.

Yes. but Once the building was up, I learned that you could have had it constructed in a complete bookshelf manner.

point is, you definitely do not need to build a wall inside of the posts, you will just be wasting lumber.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I have access to a Sheetmetal shop down the street maybe fab some 5"x1.5"x1.5" 20 gauge L brackets even C type brackets.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I have access to a Sheetmetal shop down the street maybe fab some 5"x1.5"x1.5" 20 gauge L brackets even C type brackets.

If you didn't want to use full verticals, you could also simply take the worse of the boards and cut them into ~2" x whatever cleats for the horizontals to sit on. Simplest way to go.

 

[Dwellonroof]

If you didn't want to use full verticals, you could also simply take the worse of the boards and cut them into ~2" x whatever cleats for the horizontals to sit on. Simplest way to go.

That's a thought

 

[Midniteoyl]

I mean, you could use a Rail Bracket (horizontal) or an Angle Bracket, but seems like a waste of money on metal.

 

[Macinnis]

I have access to a Sheetmetal shop down the street maybe fab some 5"x1.5"x1.5" 20 gauge L brackets even C type brackets.

This is really not necessary. I used a nail gun and toe nailed a nail towards the outside (2 nails) and one underneath the middle. I weigh 200 lbs and can stand on these.

the only purpose this serves is a nailer for drywall and to hold insulation in.

I think you may be overthinking this.

 

[Frankenkubota]

Quonset Hut For Sale.....not mine! I was not sure where to post this.

Every time i try something like this it comes back to haunt me but.........maybe it will help someone.

I ran an ad on craigslist trying to sell excess metal roofing and mentioned i might trade for a tractor shed or something.

Yesterday a man contacted me with a quonset hut he wanted to trade.

i just finished my house and garage, 2 buildings, modern look....i don't think a quonset hut would fit in.

It sounds like a good deal so i told him about tbn and that there were folks trying to decide between wood and metal, costs, lead times etc etc.

Here's what he has....

40 ft wide x 30 ft deep.

metal

never been erected.

here's the story......

his neighbor bought it new 10 years ago, got sick, couldn't use it, sold it to the current owner. current owner found out the city won't allow it, zoning.

current owner seems like a good guy and assured me the hut has been properly stored at all times and is as new.

$8500.00. OBO. (said retail was $15K)

Now....the disclaimers.

I have no interest in the deal at all! I don't want anything from anybody, buyer, seller, nobody!

I don't know the guy and i have never seen the hut!

I don't care if you buy it or if he sells it. If it helps someone out, that's all i want.

I will not recontact the seller nor will i go look at the hut, it's an hour away in Fayetteville NC. ( fayettenam)

If you have any interest, PM me and I will send you his land line phone number...he can't receive texts.

As i said, he seems like a normal nice guy. He said it's going on craigslist soon.