Questions about tractor garage

[raykos]

Thanks to all for the responses, some good info & advise.

Yes, the idea of trusses is appealing; but unfortunately, here in central Pa. the price range is not $30-$40. Example, I called 84 Lumber and ask about prices of a standard truss for a 24x24 garage...they start at $65, and if I wanted 'storage' or 'attic' type, prices go way up. A 2x8x14 at Lowes is $9.68 & a 2x10x14 is $10.52; couldn't find any prices on 24' lengths. If I went with the 2x10's, 4 of them would be $42.00 vs. $65.00, or more.


'LD1'
I used Google SketchUp to make the drawing. I omitted all the roof rafters, because I wanted to show the 'W' type of truss I was wondering about. My house was built in 1968 & I don't know if that type of ceiling/roof construction was the method at the time, or if that was the way my contractor did it. Whatever the case, it's been fine for 41 yr's.

And, since it seems that wiring & insulation are no big deal for a metal building, I'm now looking into those, along with kits & prefabs.

Again, thanks for the info & advice, do appreciate it.

Ray

 

[powergod]

making your own trusses maybe a little cheaper but how much time does it take and what is your time worth. plus pre build trusses puts the math and load bearing ability on someone else

 

[tommu56]

There is 2 truss manufactures one near lockhaven one in cogan station nw of williamsport

check check the box stores too

There is some on line truss designs or stick frame it cealing rafters and roof joists sized right could span that with out a center support.

what about a steel girder running front to back with support at each end only


tom

 

[Builder]

Thanks to all for the responses, some good info & advise.

Yes, the idea of trusses is appealing; but unfortunately, here in central Pa. the price range is not $30-$40. Example, I called 84 Lumber and ask about prices of a standard truss for a 24x24 garage...they start at $65, and if I wanted 'storage' or 'attic' type, prices go way up. A 2x8x14 at Lowes is $9.68 & a 2x10x14 is $10.52; couldn't find any prices on 24' lengths. If I went with the 2x10's, 4 of them would be $42.00 vs. $65.00, or more.


'LD1'
I used Google SketchUp to make the drawing. I omitted all the roof rafters, because I wanted to show the 'W' type of truss I was wondering about. My house was built in 1968 & I don't know if that type of ceiling/roof construction was the method at the time, or if that was the way my contractor did it. Whatever the case, it's been fine for 41 yr's.

And, since it seems that wiring & insulation are no big deal for a metal building, I'm now looking into those, along with kits & prefabs.

Again, thanks for the info & advice, do appreciate it.

Ray

I build garages, additions and homes for a living. Just one question: When you say "W Truss" are you referring to the ridge pole being supported by the W-shaped ridge pole props?

I would suggest a pole barn if "looks" are not as important and a stick built garage if things like siding, brick, stucco are needed on the exterior. More expensive, but my higher income customers need their detached garages to match their higher end homes.



Me? I'd put a nice pole barn on a million dollar property in a heartbeat. I think they make a property look "agricultural" instead of snotty.

 

[raykos]

'Builder',

Yes, the 'W' truss I'm referring to is supporting the ridge board. I've included another view showing those supports and also another view of the 'L' shaped beam the supports and ceiling joists are nailed to. Again, I've omitted the roof rafters in order to see the 'W' support & 'L' beam.

'powergod',

I'm retired, so time isn't as critical as it used to be....but money sure is!

 

[MikeInEburg]

making your own trusses maybe a little cheaper but how much time does it take and what is your time worth. plus pre build trusses puts the math and load bearing ability on someone else

I second this. Not only do you need the raw wood, but the straps/connectors, nails and a great big space to put it together. And they all need to match.

If you don't want to use a truss, consider steel I-beams - one down the middle and one at each end (forming a giant sideways H). Trusses are still less expensive.

Mike

 

[Builder]

'Builder',

Yes, the 'W' truss I'm referring to is supporting the ridge board. I've included another view showing those supports and also another view of the 'L' shaped beam the supports and ceiling joists are nailed to. Again, I've omitted the roof rafters in order to see the 'W' support & 'L' beam.

That's nothing unique. The problem is, a lot of framing carpenters omit this type of angle brace in favor of a few simple vertical ridge pole prop.

Your "W" configuration ridge pole prop is nicely done and will keep the ridge pole straighter and stronger than vertical ridge pole props.

 

[tommu56]

Look at the parallel cord truss in the link earlier that is what you want use or to mimic
You could build one or check a truss mfg for that cost.

The biggest part is engineering it to carry the load

tom

 

[Duffster]

I don't understand why your trusses would be that much more money than they are here.

I just got two 40' trusses for 8' centers, with a custom tray and tail design, for unders $200 a peice delivered.

 

[bota7800]

Me? I'd put a nice pole barn on a million dollar property in a heartbeat. I think they make a property look "agricultural" instead of snotty.

That is the look I prefer as well.

There was a barn builder near where I lived when I was in CO that specialized in wood sided high end barns. I have seen his barns on multimillion dollar properties down in high priced Boulder, Colorado. They looked really nice because they were definitely barns, not more of the house, but did not look like a metal sided outbuilding either.