Re: Want to build a polebarn, where to start?

Posted by old bones on March 19, 2005 at 19:40:52 from (207.177.105.21):

In Reply to: Want to build a polebarn, where to start? posted by Mike from cny on March 19, 2005 at 17:23:00:

i spent 25 years in the lumber business in the midwest, building and selling all types of ag buildings- from simple calf lean-to's, to pole buildings, to large scale hog confinements (not really proud to have been associated with those, but kids needed to be fed). i would suggest you go to a smaller, locally owned lumberyard. the big box stores (home depot, menards, lowes, etc) don't seem to have the right people to help you with a specialty project. yes, as simple as a pole building is, it's still a specialty in today's marketplace. their package pole buildings are, to be kind, "lacking".
the smaller lumberyards will figure your building and sell you the materials you need- that's their business. their reputation rides on satisfied customers, and they want you to come back. they mostlikely will draw a set of plans, as well (if you buy it from them). you probably don't need engineered prints for your shed, unless it's for commercial use, and then it's questionable.
one major suggestion- buy your trusses, don't try to build them yourself. i'm not sure where you're from, but everywhere i've been in the past 15 years has codes that require specific live, dead, and in some cases ceiling load requirements. there was a rumor in iowa that ag buildings were exempt from codes, but it turned out (in a lawsuit) that there is no enforcement of the codes for livestock buildings, but liability is still there if anything happens. insurance companies have their own quirks about losses and liabilities, as well. from experience, unless you're building a 10 or 12' chicken house roof, you can't build a large truss for what you can buy one for (yeah, i know you can buy rough lumber cheap, and use o.s.b. for gussets, but that would be kinda like driving a truck across the mississippi river on a bridge made out of tree branches lashed together with used bale twine).
don't be cheap with the structure.
my two cents.

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]