Pole Barn Post Spacing and Size Tables

**dominicrager** · 11-21-2008, 09:56 AM

I am planning on building a 40' x 48' Monitor Style Pole, 16' x 48' (10' high) aisle, with (4) 12' x 12' stalls on each side with a 16' x 48' loft above the aisle.

Does anyone know where I can find information on what size post and spacing I would need to support the loft/aisle area? I wanted to use 8" x 8" x 16' PT post burried 4' deep space every 12' on center. When I priced these post they run between $95 - $120 a piece. Then I looked at using 6"x6" posts. They are about $35 a piece. Could I use 6"x6" posts instead of 8"x8"?

Thanks,

**StressMan79** · 11-21-2008, 10:11 AM

posts take two types of loads, compression and bending, the ratio of the compression strength is the ratio of the areas. Assuming rough cuts (6x6 is actually 6 inches square), the 6" posts only can take 56% of the load. the bending allowable goes as the dimention cubed. Thus the bending is only 42% These are significant knockdowns, and I would be leary of using them (especially if I did not do the engineering). They may be safe, but they also may not be.

You can get a 12" diameter log for ~$2/ft. these will be stronger than either post. You might consider that.

-Peter

**dominicrager** · 11-21-2008, 10:17 AM

Where can you find 12" diameter logs for that price?

**Bronco** · 11-21-2008, 02:35 PM

what about the P.T. part to make the man happy?

**StressMan79** · 11-21-2008, 02:48 PM

look around. I have a logger providing my houselogs. You'll have to pay for shipping too. Then you'll have to peel. it might be worth it.

**StressMan79** · 11-21-2008, 02:52 PM

I don't know about pole buildings or requirements, but I think you could put the poles on PT pads, similar to the way we put PT on cement piers. Oh, I forgot, you can just mill off the bark to be a single cant post.

-Peter

**Timber** · 03-15-2009, 02:27 PM

Well I might go this route. I am getting a qote to have a builder put up a 40 x 60 pole barn - then I will add a apartment. Cheap and fast method of building. I might be in Wyoming sooner than later <img border="0" src="/sites/all/modules/tinymce/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-cool.gif" alt="Cool" title="Cool" />