pole barn questions

[Rainbow Hills]

I like building pole structures but the heavy poles are a pain when you're by yourself. That is one of the reasons I like the idea of built up 2x6's for poles. It would also make it easier to get the treated sections positioned accurately because you could place the lower section first brace them and back fill before you nail on the top untreated section, but I think I would go with 3 2x6's for each pole, and stagger the joints of the three by using a 6', and 8' and either a 4' or better a 10'. I would put the shortest of the three in the middle. Then on the next post on the wall I would change which side I had the longest of the 3 sections to avoid a bias. Like Steve C said, use water proof glue and lots of nails. I recommend a framing nail gun for this and nails intended for treated lumber. Using only 2 2x6's I think would introduce a weak point in the structure at the seams with a lot of leverage with a 12' tall wall.

Thanks for all the info. I was tri]ying to figure out how to get 14 ft. 4x6s home in a Malibu. Now I can haul what I need alittle at a time.

 

[aj1]

so what do yall think of the pics i put on?

 

[2manyrocks]

Looks straight, but do you think it could have used some more posts to cut down on the span?

 

[aj1]

ya im only going 16 foot with my span put im going to stick frame it the same way

 

[Steve C]

ya im only going 16 foot with my span put im going to stick frame it the same way

With only going 16 foot I don't think you will need to run the kickers down to the top of the ceiling joists like the ones in the pictures. Just run your 2 x 6 joists with "crowns up" and let your 2 x 4 rafters try to stretch them. Make sure you have a good fit at the ridge board and all should be well. Use one piece joists and plate the end connections between the joists and rafters with plywood and lots of nails. Not very scientific but it works for me.