Coming to the realization that pole barn build is the probably going to be what I build for myself(30x40) I don't like the idea of wood contacting the ground so is there any other option people use for skirt boards? Composite wood? Aluminum bench boards? Poles in the ground doesn't brother me as much as the possibility of the skirt board might be exposed. Don't want terminates in the building!
Option for skirt board
- Thread starter free07110
- Start date
nehog
Well-known member
Yep, that might come to a bad ending! (Sorry, can't resist a New Year's pun!)
I used some very heavy PVC material (stuff they build 'air frame' buildings from) for my deck, and that has worked well for me. I'm not sure it would work for you but it might.
Why not just paint to match or complement?
harleyvet02
Active member
I don't know what area you are in, but Menard's carries a composite grade board. It is a little more than wood but it looks nice. I haven't used it so I can't say how it will last though.
NHBandit
Well-known member
ooops.... When I saw the title "skirt board" I thought you were wanting opinions on starting up a special section on here for those guys who keep posting stuff like "do you starch your jeans". "What shoes to wear", "Favorite crock pot recipes", etc... Sorry to **** in. Carry on... LOL & Happy New Year guys. 
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
If you use treated, you shouldn't have to worry about termites. If anything, after the concrete is set, take the skirt board off and raise it off of the ground.
rburke65
Well-known member
I have had treated lumber for 35 years on my skirt board and no problems. They are not actually "in" the soil, but still good. And, as always, it might help us to know where on planet Earth you reside.
Novicaine
Well-known member
I built a pole barn on top of dirt, then had to dig the door footings by hand after the barn was built, then poured concrete, and now have that unsightly wood border touching the ground.
The guy building the building said: You should have poured the slab first. I said "I didn't think that was an option." He said, oh, yes, it's easier for us also.
So, in retrospect, I wish I had poured or blocked a proper foundation and poured the slab before hand. No unsightly wood around the perimeter. No wood poles in the ground. I could have dug the door (and wall) footings with a backhoe.
I think I was seduced by the simplicity and low startup cost of a bare-bones poles building built on dirt, but when you figure in the the desired end result, maybe that isn't the best option.
Food for thought. I know I'll do my next building different.
jkwilson
Well-known member
Will it work holding in concrete or fill?
Hornman
Well-known member
I used PVC trim on my garage and it keeps shrinking lengthwise. In two years a ten foot piece has shrunk 3/8". It does get hot here in north Texas, so YMMV.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I would use PVC trim also. It will last forever, but it is expensive !!
Big Bad Dad
Well-known member
I used PVC fencing as the skirts on mine. It came as a hollow tube with the same nominal dimesions as a 2x6 and in 16 foot lengths. It was about 12 years ago, but I think I got it either at Lowes or Home Depot.
kj_mustang
Well-known member
My treated 2 x 6 skirt board is off the ground but I wanted water and rodent protection so I ran galvanized steel flashing on the exterior.
