Pole shed?

newtattoobob · Mar 31, 2005

In the near future I am going to be building a 30x40 pole building. The spot where I am going to be putting it is wooded now I am in the process of clearing it out. I plan on putting a gravel floor in, my question is how deep do I need to dig before I put the base down? Also how deep should the footer be, and how far in the ground do the poles need to be? Any input would be appreciated! Thanks Bob

beenthere · Mar 31, 2005

Depth of footings are a function of location and soil.

Fill out your bio and that should help with answers from forum members.

welcome
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

EddieWalker · Mar 31, 2005

( my question is how deep do I need to dig before I put the base down? Also how deep should the footer be, and how far in the ground do the poles need to be? )

For a pole barn that isn't going to have a concrete pad, but just gravel, the depth of material isn't very important. The reason you remove the topsoil is it will compact and move. If you pour concrete on topsoil, it will crack and settle. If you put gravel on it, not much will happen.

Pole depth depends on where you are, your frost line and how deep can you dig. Here, four feet is best, but most people just go three feet since that's what our post hole diggers will do. We don't freeze here and the clay will hold onto a post three feet deep with no problems.

Why 30 by 40?

Most demensions are based on four foot increments for siding and three foot widths for metal roofing. The four foot rule applies for 8 and 12 foot spacings also. I just like four foot to keep it simple.

newtattoobob · Mar 31, 2005

I am really not set on 30x40 but I was thinking atleast this big to fit my equipment in. If I was using the four foot rule what kind of dimension could I have that would be close to 30x40? Thanks Bob

NIXON · Mar 31, 2005

28x36 or32x40 might be a good dimension ,depending on your needs for space. Also how much Heigth do you want ? John

AndyM · Mar 31, 2005

I've always thought it peculiar that Carter Lumber advertises their pole barn packages in 24, 30, and 40 foot widths.
Why does a large company use 30 feet? It isn't divisible by four or eight. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

EddieWalker · Apr 1, 2005

I know this guy who's always doing things that make me scratch my head and wonder what he's thinking.

He has a couple acres and decided to build a shed. He wanted a barn style gambrel roof.

When I went by to look at what he had done, which he was extremely proud of, I couldn't help but notice all the scrap material he had lying around. Then I looked closer and realized he had all sorts of little pieces of plywood on the corners.

He said his measurements were a little over 9 feet by 13 feet. The sections of the gambrel roof were also odd and had to be custom cut with a load of scrap.

You can make any dimensions you want, but proper planning wil save you money on material and time fitting those odd sizes.

A good lenghth is 48 feet. You can use 4 foot sheets of siding, your post spacing can be 12 feet OC or 8 feet. It's plenty long for just about anything, but a good size to build yourself.

Width isn't affected by the 3 foot widths of metal roofing, so anything in a multple of 4 works. I'd say 24 feet would be a good start. Depending on how your going to span the roof will dictate your width. If you're going to buy pre made engineered trusses, the length of the span will dictate you price.

If you are making your own truss's, then price isn't so bad, but you need to know what your doing. Especially if you go past 30 feet.

Of course this is all related to wood construction. If you're going the metal route, then buy the kit and it's all cut to size and ready to put together. No waste or concerns about saving on material by avoiding waste.

Eddie

newtattoobob · Apr 1, 2005

I was thinking of probably ten foot height so I will not have to duck when I pull my tractors in and out. I am planning on using wood for the frame and covering the sides and roof with metal and maybe leaving one side open or maybe a sliding door on one end. As for the roof I am not sure if I should go with a peaked roof or a roof just slanted to one side. Basically I am just looking for something to keep the rain and snow off of my equipment.

EddieWalker · Apr 1, 2005

Do a search on google under Loafing Sheds. They are three sided ones for animals mostly, but just might be what your looking for.

If you do build four walls, you might want to reconsider the slider door. Do a search on this site about them. Lots of folks have em, not many like em.