Another pole barn question and pictures

[opalko]

Have made some progress with 16x30 pole shed. - Drawing of what I'm trying to build.

and picture of work so far:

- posts with notches and beams attached.

My question is, the drawing shows a double header beam - 2 2x12's carriage bolted to post. What I have been told is that notched posts for the beam to sit on are stronger than simply attaching the headers to the posts with carriage bolts without notches.

I was going to notch both sides BUT the single slope roof would mean the 2nd half of each double beam would be just a bit higher or lower than the beam on the other side of the post. Too high and the rafter wont sit on the back beam (rear posts), too low and it won't sit on the other one! How do you determine where to put the 2nd notch!? OR can I just go with notching the front half like I have already done, set the rafters up there, and THEN snug the 2nd 2x12 beam underneath the rafters and then bolt everything together? It wouldn't be as strong as a double notch but it would be better than a single beam.., ?

Thanks
Dukester

 

[GLyford]

Can you clamp a long 2x4 under the two headers to get the angle, and use a scrap block to figure out where to mark the notch? Once you get one, you should be able to use that height offset all the way down that row of posts, assuming that the space between headers stays consistent (perhaps use another scrap to set that distance too). Once you get the offset, you may even be able to use the "thickness" block with a nail in it up from the bottom that distance. Hold it againt the post and existing header, mark the bottom of the notch even with the scrap and the thickness up the side. Should go quick?

Someone else may have a better way of doing it, or explaining it..

 

[GLyford]

Oh, and since the offset on the back goes the other way, on the back post, use the nail on the top?

For that matter, you could use a tight string instead of the 2x if that would be easier.

 

[BeezFun]

My question is, the drawing shows a double header beam - 2 2x12's carriage bolted to post. What I have been told is that notched posts for the beam to sit on are stronger than simply attaching the headers to the posts with carriage bolts without notches.

If you don't want to notch put a 12-18" piece of 2x6 below the beam and nail to post with pole barn nails. That, together with a bolt is more than enough. Bolts can be problematic with siding, make sure you have enough room behind the siding for the bolt head or nut. I use threaded rod for bolts and cut them to length when I'm done so they don't stick out.

I was going to notch both sides BUT the single slope roof would mean the 2nd half of each double beam would be just a bit higher or lower than the beam on the other side of the post. Too high and the rafter wont sit on the back beam (rear posts), too low and it won't sit on the other one!

I would use stub posts at each location of a rafter, if you look at page 11 of this set of instructions you'll see a diagram of a stub post. Leave it stick up high, face nail each rafter to the stub post, then cut off flush with chain saw or sawzall. Attach beams to each stud post with a few pole barn nails, that allows both beams to act together to carry the load and prevents them from rolling. Also make sure you either notch your rafters or use some kind of tie that prevents them from pushing the two walls apart.