12'x20' Shed Build

[osumet]

A few facts about my shed build...

Foundation: 6"x6" posts buried 36" deep. Max span between posts is 6' with a total of 12 posts. Posts will sit on 4" of gravel and set in concrete. Top of posts will be notched and bolted to rim joists. Rim Joists are doubled up 2"x10". Metal joist hangers will be used to support floor joists, which are 2"x8" on 16" centers.

Here's my question. Do the rim joists need to be one piece along the short ends of the shed or is it acceptable to use the construction method shown in the picture?

 

[Deezler]

I mean, wouldn't you prefer the end rim-joist to just be one continuous piece? I certainly would. I can't see any advantage to the way you have it modeled there.

Welcome! Wheres your location? Any site pics?

 

[osumet]

I think I’d prefer to construct it the way that I have it modeled just to keep it simple. It seems to be more work to try to make the end/rim joist one piece and I just don’t see any advantage. Not saying that it wouldn’t be better to make it one piece, I just haven’t found a good reason yet.

Thanks! I’m just outside of Oklahoma City. Don’t have any site pics yet.

 

[rsanter]

I would make it one piece, which is easy to do if the support posts are at the corners

 

[osumet]

I would make it one piece, which is easy to do if the support posts are at the corners

Would you make it one piece for structural reasons?

 

[RickP]

Would you make it one piece for structural reasons?

Structurally, if there's any differential settling in the posts, a one-piece rim joist will help keep your wall straight.

If you still want to use two pieces, I'd recommend sistering the joint with a 3 foot section behind it in order to make it act like a one-piece joist structurally. That's actually what I'm planning for a shed I'm building now, just because I have a bunch of leftover 8 foot sticks of lumber from a previous project that I'd like to use up.