Implement shed Q about using cedar posts

[rubycreekted]

I am in the planning stages this winter for building a implement shed next year. I plan it to be about 12x24 with a lean to roof maybe 12-14 ft back and 8 ft front. Walls only on the back and sides with an open front facing south for snow to slide off a metal roof when the sun shines. I have access to both cedar and hemlock trees and am considering cutting these instead of buying 6x6 treated posts. I will de-bark them and treat them with a good chemical that I can purchase locally I assume. I would likely stand them in a barrel one or two at a time for whatever the prescribed time is. I want the structure to be as open inside as possible with maybe just 1 posts one in the front center supporting the roof.
What diameter cedar or hemlock posts would you think to me adequate? I would prefer cutting cedar to hemlock as I have many more 'Michigan' cedar.

 

[jimmyj]

I'm no engineer but I would think you would want a post that is larger than a 6x6 that you would buy. How about one with a minimum 8" top?

 

[wildwillie]

Check out sites on pole buildings. Round is hard to work with, you need to flaten any spot that a truss or support will make a connection. The polls will need to be strait and dry before treated.

 

[NSBound]

I am in the planning stages this winter for building a implement shed next year. I plan it to be about 12x24 with a lean to roof maybe 12-14 ft back and 8 ft front. Walls only on the back and sides with an open front facing south for snow to slide off a metal roof when the sun shines.

I can't comment on the posts but your plan sounds like the one I am planning, except I want mine to be 18' wide X 20' deep.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I'll probably get flamed for this but down here in VA, we used to (still do) build pole sheds (implement/tractor sheds) out of cedar that just go in the ground with the bark on...as a matter of fact cedar fence posts that have been in the ground for 50 years still won't break when you pull them over with a tractor and chain. If you're not needing that shed more than say 50-60 years and you're only going to have to have a pole thats no more than 12 feet long (8 + 4ft) you won't be missing anything by doing that. Regarding the "size", 9" straight cedar poles won't vary much over 12ft if you have a good stand of them on your place. Bolt your headers with galvanized bolts (I use 2 headers...one on either side fo the post. ) Good luck...again your results may vary. BobG in VA

 

[ben2go]

I'll probably get flamed for this but down here in VA, we used to (still do) build pole sheds (implement/tractor sheds) out of cedar that just go in the ground with the bark on...as a matter of fact cedar fence posts that have been in the ground for 50 years still won't break when you pull them over with a tractor and chain. If you're not needing that shed more than say 50-60 years and you're only going to have to have a pole thats no more than 12 feet long (8 + 4ft) you won't be missing anything by doing that. Regarding the "size", 9" straight cedar poles won't vary much over 12ft if you have a good stand of them on your place. Bolt your headers with galvanized bolts (I use 2 headers...one on either side fo the post. ) Good luck...again your results may vary. BobG in VA

Same here.

The poles are notch for 2x? for attaching the siding.The top runners for the truss/rafter system needs to be sized for the snow loads in your area.You could probably get trusses premade cheaper than making them yourself,unless you have the lumber milled by yourself or a friend.I have found my local builders supply to be cheaper on lumber related stuff and better quality.You probably already know this but others reading may not.