Can I use 2x6s for a lean-to type of roof with my 4x6x18' poles and how far apart do I need to put my 4x6 poles.

[paulsharvey]

Lumber was cheap back then but not today.

Many years ago, I built my step dad a work bench, just a simple 3ft x 4ft wood bench; using 4x4 legs, 2x6 at 18" up, with a 2x8 platform, and then the top, 2x6 'rim joists, 2x6 down center, and 2x8 surface. Anyways, I was in 'Construction Materials' class at the time; and did a load analysis on the bench; it was good for something in the range of 12,000 lbs; not 1200; 12,000.

 

[paulsharvey]

It's been 20+ years ago; but with posts/piers, reduction the unsupported height is key. So, a 2 ft section of 4x4, a
fixed firm at top and bottom, can take an insane load of down pressure. However; when we take that same 4x4, and have it 12 ft high, no cross bracing or mid span support; it probably has dropped by 75%. That's why I brought up the open/skinned question for this lean-to. No, purlions at 24-36" OC aren't 100% creating a fixed point, but they are greatly reducing bending/twisting of the post, which is where we get failure.

 

[paulsharvey]

Anyways, for our OP, I would go to the Southern Pine Council or whatever material you want to use; and explore their many free post and joist load sheets. Your local county should have info on snow load, dead load, uplift, windload, and then play with the tables; and also play with prices; maybe double 2x6 is cheaper than a single 2x10; but may offer equal or better (also easier) solution than the 2x10.

Edit; looks like the SPC is no longer around, or has changed to Southern Forwst Products Association; but the point is the same; there are many tables that can help you find the "right" answer.

 

[yooperdave]

Can I use 2x6s for a lean-to type of roof with my 4x6x18' poles and how far apart do I put my 4x6 poles??

Call your County Building Dept. and find out your loading requirements.

If your property is formally designated as Agricultural, then you will most likely be exempt from building codes. However, you should build a structurally adequate structure regardless.

Where specifically are you located? Michigan loads vary greatly - especially in the U.P.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

 

[ArlyA]

Call your County Building Dept. and find out your loading requirements.

If your property is formally designated as Agricultural, then you will most likely be exempt from building codes. However, you should build a structurally adequate structure regardless.

Where specifically are you located? Michigan loads vary greatly - especially in the U.P.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

I believe its 140 psf here in Houghton.

 

[BlueKnife]

Call your County Building Dept. and find out your loading requirements.

If your property is formally designated as Agricultural, then you will most likely be exempt from building codes. However, you should build a structurally adequate structure regardless.

Where specifically are you located? Michigan loads vary greatly - especially in the U.P.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

Again, the guy hasn't been back since he asked the question 10 months ago.

 

[ArlyA]

Again, the guy hasn't been back since he asked the question 10 months ago.

Ya, we should give it up.

 

[yooperdave]

I believe its 140 psf here in Houghton.

I love Houghton! MTU 1986 BSCE Civil/Structural.

Yooper Dave