Pole Barn: Round Post vs Square

[DennisArrow]

Have built several structures here over the past few years using square 6"x6" posts usually spaced on 8' centers. Specifically a 30'x45' vehicle barn, a 26'x30 "Barn" for working on our goats and a bit of hay and feed storage. Then 2 30'x16' sheds that attach to the barn. NOT concerned at all about the technique at this point and yes, I pretty much use trusses on the hips.

The REAL question is: I grew up in Oklahoma and I remember that usually the technique out there was to use the black creosote posts for pole barn type structures. Here in the S.E. and on this forum I usually see square posts. Am wondering is this just an availability thing? One cannot get round posts that last for years and years? Or what??????????

Thanks for the thoughts..........God bless.........Dennis

 

[JimRB]

I find it easier to nail to flat surfaces. The few times I have seen round poles used is when someone was getting a deal from the local EMC.

 

[jaotguy]

I find it easier to nail to flat surfaces. The few times I have seen round poles used is when someone was getting a deal from the local EMC.

or they got the posts from their wood lot ... up here we found a square post, (with chain saw), hiding in every round one :laughing:

 

[Notforhire]

As far as I know the black creosote posts no longer exist (new). EPA reasons. I think the current ones used by utilities are treated with the same stuff as PT square posts. I would say it's advantage square post.

Bill

 

[powerpace]

Tall round treated posts are harder to come by. The tall poles are graded for treated use. Round poles are more difficult to attach hardware than square. Creosote is becoming a bad idea for many uses. Contamination of food stuffs and human occupancy uses are limited. It can cause severe contact dermatitis and respiratory problems. It affects my eyes and irritates my nose like a allergy. The square posts are graded for use but limited in structural strength. All in all I prefer square for ease in building.

 

[QRTRHRS]

As far as I know the black creosote posts no longer exist (new). EPA reasons. I think the current ones used by utilities are treated with the same stuff as PT square posts. I would say it's advantage square post.

Bill

I think you are correct on the creosote. Maybe not on the utility posts? It has been a few years so I may be wrong but when I last bought posts directly from a treatment facility, agricultural and utilities were still allowed to use copper arsenic, not the ACQ now common on structure material.

 

[ualjack]

I would say to never put a piece of wood in the ground. it starts decaying the day you put it there then try swapping them out down the road when the are rotten. I poured concrete posts and used "H" brackets which you set in the concrete and then attach your wood to them a much better way to go and the wont rot.