This large 30′ X 30′ structure rests entirely on a dozen primary concrete piers. All of the lumber is rough-sawn from a local mill out of beetle killed wood. Most of the heavier timbers are Ponderosa pine, 6 X 6 posts and 6 X 10 beams, with 2 X 8 rafters. The beams are pinned into place with half inch rebar and then held firmly there with metal strapping. The posts are connected to the concrete piers with two pieces of angle iron embedded in the concrete and then screwed securely. I managed to hoist the 6 X 10 beams into place by myself using two ratcheted “come-alongs”.
All of the horizontal 2 X 6 and 2 X 8 side beams are let into the posts so they are flush on the outside. These will support the vertical siding boards, as well as shelving, eventually. The roofing is both recycled and new metal that was laid over plastic sheeting to help keep condensation from forming on the underside. Each of the bays will have large clear skylights with the same rib pattern as the metal roofing. Stay tuned for the next phase of this project.
Did you erect the poles, and then attach the beams, or did you build the bents and stand them up as units?
Also, is it legally allowed to post photos on the internet of a timberframe project getting built without posting photos of the timbers being raised? Isn’t it some kind of law or rule or something that photos of the “barn raising” are mandatory?
Where’s the obligatory photo of all the people that helped assemble the frame sitting atop the structure with tools in hand, and the tree branch nailed to the highest peak?
I’m reporting this blog post to the internet police.
Now, if I only knew how and where to file such a report.
I first erected the poles using a tripod of logs and a come-along, then braced them into place before hoisting up the beams. With the base of each pole firmly connected to the concrete pier with brackets of angle iron, they didn’t want to topple anyway.
These are quicky posts that don’t cover all of the details, just enough to get people thinking. I do have lots of photos of the entire process, and I expect to assemble an article sometime that would cover the whole process in more detail. When I do this, I’ll give notice on this blog.
I have built this entire structure all by myself (and I’m nearly 70), so I’m sorry to say that the barn raising team was minimal.
Impressive work, Kelly.
Don’t let your age slow you down. My grandfather was still building well into his ’90’s. He was strong, agile, and still had a sharp mind right up till he passed.
Of course, he had me there to do all the hard manual labor.
So, I guess the secret is to recruit some young apprentice to overwork…uh… I mean teach the tricks of the trade to.
“The beams are pinned into place with half inch rebar and then held firmly there with metal strapping.” Do you mean you’re using rebar for pins, instead of wood (like a dowel)? Can you include a picture of that? Sound interesting. Thank you.
Yes, I cut lengths of about 10 inches of rebar, drilled slightly larger holes in the wood where I wanted them to be, and then set the upper beam down on the pin that already inserted into the post. I don’t have any photos of it.
Gee…with all the new wood I think I’d keep building….as in a new house WITH a garage.
We like our old house!