pole barn garage - 4x4 vs 6x6 posts

[JackReese]

I looking to build a 20 x 16 x 10 ceiling garage with a gravel floor to start with. Structural wise would it be better to use 4x4 PT every 4 feet or 6x6 PT every 8 feet?

Thanks.

 

[lakeroadster]

Where are you located? It matters in regard to wind loading, etc. Maybe put your location in your profile.. that would help us to help you.

My initial response would be 6 x 6. I would recommend building them up by using (3) 2 x 6's nailed / screwed / glued together. You can read more on that here: http://www.strongtie.com/ftp/letters/generic/L-F-SDWBLTUP15.pdf

 

[cj7jeep81]

Mine is built with laminated 6x6's (3 2x6's) every 8', but mine is also 16' tall. My dad's is 10' high like yours, and they used 6x6's in the corners, and 4x6's on 8' centers on the sides.
I'd either user all 6x6's, or a mix of 4x6 and 6x6. I'd skip on the 4x4's.

Edit:You might also look into going 24' instead of 20'. Same number of posts (on 8' centers instead of a little under 7'), and trusses will be pretty much the same cost (assuming they are going that direction). Very little extra cost, for some extra space.

 

[mmb617]

I used all 6x6 for mine. One part is 24x36 with 8 ft ceiling, the other part is 24x16 with 12 ft ceiling. I also studded out between the posts with 2x6's but some would say that's overkill.

 

[JackReese]

Where are you located?

Northern California, there is not much wind where I live.

My initial response would be 6 x 6. I would recommend building them up by using (3) 2 x 6's nailed / screwed / glued together.

Is that something I would do myself? I just started reading about glue laminated posts, seems like the way to go. But if I did it myself how could I get the posts straight enough?

 

[Ironhorse74]

Before you start anything, you need to figure out what the codes are. My bet is you need it engineered.