Help me build my pole barn 30x40x16

[mfairbank]

Im planning on building a 30x40x16' pole barn within the next week or so. Im trying to get all my ducks in a row before i start.

How am i supposed to level my area before i start building with out using any fancy tools that i don't have. and does it have to be perfectly level to before i pay a guy to come in a lay a 4" concrete pad.

what is the best way to level the skirt board since thats what im basing my entire building off of. The skirt board has to be level in order for me to get my girts and my double 2x10 header perfectly level. I don't have a laser level either.

My 6x6 pole spacing is going to be 10' OC and my trusses are gonna be 5' on center. With my header on each side of the 6x6 post. It just seams like thats alot of weight to be resting on the header. Im putting 2 garage doors on the eve side so my trusses wont line up next to the posts even like the back side so im just worried about braceing the header properly to carry the weight of the trusses, purlins and the metal roof

 

[Wolfy]

If you need to, upgrade to a 2x12 header. A dozer would level very fast, maybe a box blade or heavy grader blade on a tractor. For a big investment like a barn, a laser level or laser transit is a small price to pay for a straight building. A 6' level is also very handy.

 

[mfairbank]

Thanks for the info, I am getting a 5 or 6' level for this project. and i guess your right a couple hundred dollars for a laser level is probably my best bet. Do you know of any good rotating laser levels, that are good quality but wont cost me alot of money.

I would think going up to a 2x12 header would just be around the same but with a 2x12 its alot more heavier and there for putting more weight on the carriage bolt that is going to be put throu the header throu the post and throu the next header. does that make sence or am i just over thinking the entire project?

 

[Wolfy]

1/2" carriage bolts would be standard either way. I would tell you the brand of my transit, if I could remember. I found it at a masonry block supplier.

 

[mfairbank]

how many should i use in each post. I was thinking about using 4 carriage bolts in the header and where the header is joined with another piece on the same post i was gonna use 6 bolts and on every post i am gonna use 2x6's below the header just for additional support and that i would just lag bolt it in with some 4" lag bolts probably 1/2" also.

 

[manwith2jd]

When I've needed to level obstructed or large spans I've just made myself a water level using garden hose(s) and a couple pieces of clear poly flow tubing attached to a male and female 3/4" NPT adapters. Then you can see the water level in the clear tubes easily. Have used when didn't have access or spend the time trying to round up a laser. Shadetree way but accurate and cheap! Takes 2 people to operate is only issue to me.

 

[fowllife]

First off you have a rather tall, narrow building, and in a windy or open area 6x6's would be considered really pushing it and most would go to a 6x8, or 8x8 column (most people use laminated columns around here now)

Personally, I never use lag, or through bolts when I build pole barns. I always just nail with 16d's, 4" pole barn spikes, and squish blocks under. Although your 30' span isn't that big, I would either use yellow pine 2x10's, or SPF 2x12's. In my opinion regular spf 2x10's lack the strength for 10' pole spacing. But we also have snow loading to worry about here also.

And yes either buy, or rent a laser to shoot in your skirt boards. If you buy a cheaper one make sure that you look at what the accuracy is. It should be within 1/8" or less at 50' at a bare minimum.

 

[mfairbank]

First off you have a rather tall, narrow building, and in a windy or open area 6x6's would be considered really pushing it and most would go to a 6x8, or 8x8 column (most people use laminated columns around here now)

Personally, I never use lag, or through bolts when I build pole barns. I always just nail with 16d's, 4" pole barn spikes, and squish blocks under. Although your 30' span isn't that big, I would either use yellow pine 2x10's, or SPF 2x12's. In my opinion regular spf 2x10's lack the strength for 10' pole spacing. But we also have snow loading to worry about here also.

And yes either buy, or rent a laser to shoot in your skirt boards. If you buy a cheaper one make sure that you look at what the accuracy is. It should be within 1/8" or less at 50' at a bare minimum.

Not much snow where i live, about a foot sometimes but it usually melts really quick within a day to a week then were always down to really wet and muddy ground. So i think i can get away with double 2x10's here.

Since how everybody i talk to uses a rotating laser level i think im gonna invest some extra money and just buy one but thanks on the minimun requirments on that level i should be lookin for. I will try to look up and get the best level within a 1/8".
What is your reasoning for not using carriage bolts or lag bolt?? they seem like they will be alot stronger than just using nails/pole barn spikes

Thanks again,
Matt

 

[fowllife]

In terms of shear strength through bolts are better, but when your doing it for a living every dollar and minute counts. Pole barn spikes are cheaper and take a lot less time to install. The key really though is the blocking under. If you cut blocking (squish blocks) to fit between all of your purlins/header/skirt board then you are also using all of them to distribute the load of the roof into the column.

As I said though, thats just the way that I do it. I use 2 16d nails and 2 pole barn spikes at every purlin (3 each for 2x6) I also use either 2 2x8 skirt boards, or 3 2x6's typically.

I read your other post about the lasers. If you can find one in your price range then go for it, but be aware that some of the low end one can get knocked out of tollerance fairly easy. Personally I would either rent one for a day, or try to find a name brand used one in good condition (but I also shy away from the big box store tools)

I would also like to thank you for your service. God speed

 

[bearcreek paul]

Water level is cheap and easy to use,and you can see it in bright sun.If you go with a laser level go higher end so you can see it.Half inch bolts or threaded rod is good,I think they are rated at 8,000 lbs. Almost forgot good old string level will work for what you need.