On 13 Apr 2004 08:39:57 -0700, (Don) wrote
(with possible editing):

I am wanting to build an extra garage because mine is full. I am
thinking of building a pole barn type with 2 garage doors. Probably
30x30.

I have been fighting with the idea of building it myself. I have a
tractor with a bucket available to me as well as an auger for the
tractor.

Any advice? How far are posts, trusses spaced? How do I ensure the
building is square?

I'm not an expert, but I've built two of them. Let me see if I can
answer your questions.

I've never gone beyond 12 foot post spacing, but if your connecting
beams are strong enough, and you're not overly loading the upstairs,
you might get away with 15. If it were me, I'd limit the spans to 10'
the long way and make it 24' wide which would limit the side span to
12.

Making it square is actually easy. Simply measure the diagonals - it
doesn't matter how long they are, but they must be equal.

I used old telephone poles. I was fortunate in that I have a few
friends working for a utility and they set the poles for me. They are
heavily creosoted and set 6 feet into the ground. I cut them off at
about 9' above grade and ran heavy timbers the long way as a platform.
(I believe the timbers are rough cut 4 x 12's) I fastened the timbers
to the poles by cutting a slight indent into the poles and used heavy
1" galvanized bolts and washers to fasten the beams to the poles, so
they sat on the indent and were also supported by the bolts. I framed
out the second floor using rough cut 2 x 12's over the beams (spaced
16" o.c.). I did the floor with 1 x 6, also rough (beams and flooring
were made from trees harvested on my property).

I did a gambrel roof (regular barn roof) over the whole thing.
Initially, I kept horses in it so I didn't finish the floor, but
several years ago, I tore out the stalls, and poured a 6" concrete
floor (I used a concrete guy and his crew) and added garage doors. I
keep my tractor and truck in there now.

Using pole beam construction, the walls become curtain walls; i.e.,
they are hung from the poles and add no structural strength other than
a bit of bracing. I also braced the poles by adding diagonal bracing
from the beams to the poles. Corner poles are braced in two
directions, but the center poles are braced in only one. The walls
consist of three horizontal rough cut 2 x 10 beams about 1 foot above
the floor, 1 in the middle, and 1 about 1 foot below the beams. These
are bolted to the poles with vertical t&g 1 x 6 nailed to them. After
a few years, they shrunk even though they were originally dried, so I
nailed tex 111 over it.

I have short overhangs, using plywood for the soffits and 1 x 6 for
the fascia.

I tore the first building down when I expanded my home, but the second
one has been standing for about 15 years. No sagging anywhere.

If I can answer any questions, just ask. I could probably send you
pictures if you need them.
--

Larry
Email to rapp at lmr dot com