Replies

1. 
   ahneedhelp | Jul 21, 2002 02:43am | #1

   Get yourself a copy of "Low-Cost Pole Building Construction, the complete how-to book" by Ralph Wolfe, with Doug Merrilees and Evelyn Loveday.

   Copyrighted in 1980, I've had my copy since 1984.

   Good chance your local library will have a copy.

   Or try Amazon.

   I think I saw a copy in Barnes & Noble.

1. 
   dugpugsknuck | Jul 22, 2002 03:56am | #2

   thank you. your reply is welcomed!

   Commentary....

   not so very long ago I could ask this question and be overrun with answers...

   used to be...

   used to be...

   hell my magazine is late too...

   where did everyone go?

   big sigh.....

   so long fairwell- hate to say goodbye...

1. 
   Stray | Jul 22, 2002 04:23pm | #3

   Thanks for the book recomendation. I'm in the middle of designing a pole barn for a woodshop, and this book sounds great. Just bought it used off Amazon.

   FYI for anyone else, Amazon had several used copies for sale @ $8.50 each (like $11 something with shipping).

   DUGPUGSKNUCK...Yopu might have more luck with responses if you ask more specific questions. Yopu're leaving it rather broad. Not a lot of people are looking to write you a how-to book on pole construction. But if you pose a ? about purlin spacing, sheathing options, rim beam attachment, etc... you might get more feedback. Just a suggestion.

1. 
   ahneedhelp | Jul 24, 2002 03:07pm | #4

   Stray -

   I have a friend who built his woodworking shop as a pole structure.

   But it looks like a regular framed up job.

   Basically he used the pole structure theory but all the framing members are squared up lumber.

   He did, however, bury the support posts.

   They are held in with concrete collars.

   Another friend has put up major detached garage/living quarters.

   He chose steel posts as the poles, so the application of this idea doesn't necessarily limit it to wooden members.

   Have fun with your project !

   Alan

1. 
   dugpugsknuck | Jul 25, 2002 04:40am | #5

   so-

   we are finished and all is well- were not so hard after all...

   thanks

2. 
   Cambiumreno | Aug 05, 2002 05:11pm | #6

   What type of floor did your friend use for his woodworking shop using pole framing? Concrete pour or wood floor?

   Thanks

3. 
   ahneedhelp | Aug 05, 2002 06:23pm | #7

   Concrete slab after the posts were set into the ground.

   The posts are embedded into the ground as they should be in a pole structure.

   The bottom of the holes do have concrete.

   If I recall correctly, the slab was poured around the posts.

   There are several variations to this, I'm sure, and as many opinions on the correct method for a particular region.

   We are in Zone 6/7 in southwest Virginia.

   I can get better details if you wish.

4. 
   Cambiumreno | Aug 05, 2002 10:53pm | #8

   Thanks.

   I live in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario Canada. I know that I need to put the footing for the post at least 48 inches. I assume that I would need some type of separation between the post and the slab to allow for movement

   If you can more details it would be great?

5. 
   ahneedhelp | Aug 06, 2002 06:03am | #9

   Here is what my friend did with his workshop -

   Dig holes for the posts. (3' for our area)

   Set concrete in bottom of holes with post brackets.

   Set the posts in holes and secure to brackets.

   Brace posts for plumb.

   After this, the roof can be built and then the slab poured.

   He filled the holes with gravel and prepared the floor for the pour at the same time.

   The walls came last.

   The inspector came to look at the depth of the holes and anchoring of the posts in the holes.