Pole Barn - Why not use center post?

[gabeancounter]

LD1,
I have read your barn build thread several times. Lots of great info. The main reason I decided to skip power poles was your thread. Doubt I am that talanted to get the exterior walls lined up with the slope etc.

I am going to search youtube for a video on setting trusses. I think you maybe making it sound a little easier than it is

 

[gabeancounter]

Alchemysa,
That is ectually another option I have been considering. ArmourMetals.com is about an hour from me. They sell these kits using metal trusses. You can purchase the metal trusses for around $230. Options - options..

 

[bearcreek paul]

Trusses are not that hard I built and set them by myself.2x6 trusses 24 ft span 24 in on center.Since you are in Ga you don't have to worry about snow.The trusses went up in one day.I'm getting old the sheeting took two days.My barn was built by myself started 9/11/10 had roof and door on by 10/30/10.Come spring i'll will do the vinyl siding and electric.Great info on this site and some of the nicest people I have never met whom are willing to help.:thumbsup:

 

[timswi]

LD1,
I have read your barn build thread several times. Lots of great info. The main reason I decided to skip power poles was your thread. Doubt I am that talanted to get the exterior walls lined up with the slope etc.

I am going to search youtube for a video on setting trusses. I think you maybe making it sound a little easier than it is

It actually is that easy..3-4 people and some 12-16ft 2x4's to push them up. String lines on the outside to set the overhang and keep them squared up. No big deal. Done it a few times myself.

Had my 30x48x12 framed by a contactor this time. My trusses are 2' on center with plywood decking. Some cross bracing on the inside of the trusses for lateral strength. Very simple.

 

[Ford tractor]

You don't need cranes or FEL's to set rafters. A buddy built a 30x40 shed alone with nothing but a hammer, screw gun and some power saws / generator. He set the rafters by hauling one end up, tying it in place, setting rope to keep it from flopping over, then hauling up the other side. Being strong helps as well as creative in thought process.

 

[LD1]

As mentioned, trusses are indeed easy to set with a few people for help.

And with rafters, you will be needing to set MANY more of them.

With trusses, you are only looking at 13 of them @ 4' on centers. And a standard W truss shouldn't be that expensive either. ~ $30-$40 each.

And I know I built a 30 x 50 as well as many others, but I would reccomend doing a 30 x 48. Because 48 is divisible by both 4, 8, AND 3. So 4' trusses with posts 8' appart work out evenly. As well as using 8' lumber. And since siding comes in 3' lengths, that works out evenly as well.

 

[blueriver]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Blueriver,
That is correct- rafters every 10' with purlins between. If I go 5' then I need an additional post?

I would consider a double top plate ... one on each side of the poles and at the 5' mark use a stub to fasten the rafter to ... thus 5' O.C. and then 2x4 purlins

 

[gabeancounter]

LD1,

I need to leave the spacing on the post @10' because I plan on loading and unloading the barn from the sides. I don't see how everyone uses the whole barn by coming in from the front. Seems like I would always be moving stuff around to get anything out. This was the main reason I seen no issue with the center post design.

I am going to call a local truss manufacturer today and try and get some pricing. Going to price out with 3' on center (Slightly over to reach 50'). Save anything building trusses yourself?

 

[blueriver]

I am planning my barn ... I am using poles from the electric company that I first cut to
16' lengths and then had the sawmill split them in half so I have a smooth side to the outside.

I am planning 10' O.C. with a double top plate 2x12 and the rafters 5' O.C. ... On 5' centers I am planning 2x4x12 roof purlins layed flat 24" O.C.

 

[LD1]

LD1,

Save anything building trusses yourself?

I saved a ton. But mine were a scissor truss to allow greater head room in the loft.

When I did mine, a standard W truss was ~ $40. The scissor trusses were about $100each.:confused2:

I managed to build them and only have ~$32 in each truss. So big savings.

But I wouln't have tried to build them if I just wanted W trusses. $8 savings each would not be worth it.