Pole picnic shelter?

Badfish740 · May 19, 2014

I've been pondering a new multi-use structure and happened to run into one of these the other day while running my dog at the local lake:

The difference between this one and the one I saw is that the one in the park was much older, had poles spaced at 8', and had no ceiling or gable end sheathing, just open trusses spaced 24" OC and roof sheathing. What keeps a structure like this from racking since there are no girts (maybe no walls means no wind loading on the sides?), or lifting out of the ground? Of course, I guess you could say the same thing about a run-in or loafing shed. I'm thinking about building one to shelter some equipment and serve as a place out of the sun to picnic, etc...

dave1949 · May 19, 2014

Welcome!

The enclosed ceiling would be nice, keeps the birds and wasps out.

Don't know about the wracking. It looks sort of naked. There are some things that could be added to make it prettier, more functional, and add structural strength at the same time.

An outdoor fireplace and grilling area across one end would be a nice addition. Some trellis plantings like clematis on the other corners, and maybe midway along the length, could hide some bracing and add some greenery. Built-in benches with backs between two side poles would add bracing.

beeforty · May 20, 2014

No post brackets showing, so my guess is the posts going into the ground enough to be pretty rigid, either in concrete or gavel pit since it looks raised up from the surrounding ground. If you notch the posts for your rafters or ceiling joists that also helps make it stiffer. Not sure what they placed on the inside is but that also helps make things rigid. I have to figure how to add pictures and start a thread on my project, built an "L" shaped outdoor "Pavilion" as some friends call it.

cockeyedMFer · May 27, 2014

There's a couple similarly designed shelters nearby that I've been eyeing lately. Would make a nice alternative to the metal carports for parking equipment under. They have no girts either, and open rafters. All the 6x6 posts have 45 degree braces where they tie into the top plates. That's the only visible bracing.

They're also bolted to steel brackets that are set into the concrete floor. Surprisingly simple