auger size
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Peter 315
Super Member
It depends on building codes in your state Posts depend on roof weight snow load and wind etc . I have seen some around here built with telephone poles, But 6x6 I think is to small look at this Foundation | Morton Buildings
Redlands Okie
Veteran Member
Hole size being double the post size works well. Allows for a tiny bit of wiggle room if needed also.
Hole depth should be at least 6 inches below frost line. Some place drainage material such as small gravel or similar material in the bottom 6 inches or so of the hole.
In warm areas and soft soils 24 inch deep would seem to be the least you would want to do. Deeper the better. What if you over do it ? A bit more money spent and no worries or problems later. Cut corners and its a expensive fix later on.
Not a engineer, just some experience and making a living fixing peoples mistakes.
Hole depth should be at least 6 inches below frost line. Some place drainage material such as small gravel or similar material in the bottom 6 inches or so of the hole.
In warm areas and soft soils 24 inch deep would seem to be the least you would want to do. Deeper the better. What if you over do it ? A bit more money spent and no worries or problems later. Cut corners and its a expensive fix later on.
Not a engineer, just some experience and making a living fixing peoples mistakes.
GSVette
Gold Member
You might find it useful to see if your local building department has ‘tip sheets’ on building pole barns up to a certain size w/o the need for engineered plans-Spokane County (WA) where I recently built a 40x60x14 pole building has such covering buildings up to 30x30 iirc. They have them on line and you can use the sketches and details therein to obtain your building permit-details include pole size, footing diameter and depth, truss details, pole spacing, girt and purlin spacing and size etc.
Good source of info on pole buildings meeting WA and Spokane County residential building code-could be a reasonable starting point if your local authority does not provide something similar-if you can’t locate it send me a pm and I will send you a copy.
Good source of info on pole buildings meeting WA and Spokane County residential building code-could be a reasonable starting point if your local authority does not provide something similar-if you can’t locate it send me a pm and I will send you a copy.
ch47dpilot
Gold Member
I'm also in LA(lower Alabama). I think the diameter really depends more on weight the pole hold and weather you'll be putting sides on it. Wind creates side loads and up-lifting. I've looked into what they offer by me and all the pole barns with 14' sides or shorter go with 6x6. I'm looking at a 40x48 monitor style barn with 20' center height. They recommend 8x8 for this height with a 24" dia x 4' deep hole. Not sure how close you are but DixieLandMetals has the best prices near me. They use 6x6 for almost all their buildings. Hansen Buildings has a lot of info on size depth and design of holes
Rustyiron
Super Member
You guy's don't use laminated post's?
Even 3 or 4 2x6's screwed together on site (with the proper direct burial rating below grade) beat a 6x6 for strength and won't give you the wild twisting & curling that a single timber will, also the "treatment chemicals" will be 100% through a laminated post vs. only the first few inches of a timber.
I'd drill no less than a 16" hole, 24" would be better. You will have alignment issues/adjustments to make and a good space for draining backfill around the post will help it also. FWIW I read an article in a post frame trade mag I get and a simple 2x6x20" securely nailed across the post (below grade) will provide all the up lift resistance you'll need.
Even 3 or 4 2x6's screwed together on site (with the proper direct burial rating below grade) beat a 6x6 for strength and won't give you the wild twisting & curling that a single timber will, also the "treatment chemicals" will be 100% through a laminated post vs. only the first few inches of a timber.
I'd drill no less than a 16" hole, 24" would be better. You will have alignment issues/adjustments to make and a good space for draining backfill around the post will help it also. FWIW I read an article in a post frame trade mag I get and a simple 2x6x20" securely nailed across the post (below grade) will provide all the up lift resistance you'll need.
ch47dpilot
Gold Member
Pole Barn Foundation | PRO-footer(R) looks like a great way to fix uplifting, also lifts post off ground so a single monolithic pour can be acomplished
audsp98
Silver Member
If you're cementing the posts, 6x6 posts will need a 12" auger because the posts are about 8" on the diagonal.
As far as what size posts, how much load will be on the posts will determine what size they need to be. If you're going to be adding a 2nd floor or loft, 8x8 will likely be needed. All of this would be in your local building codes
As far as what size posts, how much load will be on the posts will determine what size they need to be. If you're going to be adding a 2nd floor or loft, 8x8 will likely be needed. All of this would be in your local building codes
