Pole Barn Type Shed Timber

[Beetle]

Hope title didn't throw everyone off? I live out in the country and want to build an equipment shed for my tractor and implements and other odds and ends. Hopefully this will open up space in my shop. I'm planning on a open sided type structure with 6x6 along the perimeter. Then truss's and metal siding to match my other out building. My friend had a storage building built a few years back and the company that did the construction work used 3 2x6's mated together instead of 6x6s. My friend questioned this and was told that in the process of pressure treating a 6x6 the center doesn't get a good treating, the thickness of the 6x6 doesn't allow penetration. The 2x6 are more thoroughly treated and thus longer service life. I don't know if there was any discussion of structural integrity between the two.
I have checked the price and you can in my area save about 10.00 per 6x6. Then you have to figure any hardware used to mate the 2x6's. Time is not the big problem as I'm retired. If one or the other comes on sale then the savings will be either more or less depending on which one? What are the thoughts? Any feeling on comparing the two structurally?

 

[stingry]

The 3 mated 2x6's is standard procedure around here. Generally they will only use pressure treated on the bottom and standard grade lumber above that. two other good reasons also come to mind: finding straight 6x6's of any long length is very hard and by mating the 2x6's, you can make a nice notch at the top to set the truss into, makes a very neat and structurally sound installation.


Cheers
Steve

 

[kbs2244]

The 3 times 2x6 won't warp.

If you are on a budjet and have the time think about useing old power poles.
They are more work since they are round and you have to do a lot of notching.
But if it is just a shed without any interior walls it may be worth it.

 

[Beetle]

The 3 mated 2x6's is standard procedure around here. Generally they will only use pressure treated on the bottom and standard grade lumber above that. two other good reasons also come to mind: finding straight 6x6's of any long length is very hard and by mating the 2x6's, you can make a nice notch at the top to set the truss into, makes a very neat and structurally sound installation.


Cheers
Steve

You're saying use pressure treated 2x6 on the below ground portion of the constructed pole and then make the switch after I'm above ground level. I realize I need to stagger my joints for the structure integrity.
What are they using to fasten the 2x6 together. Ringed shanked nails or some fabricated type bracket?

 

[Beetle]

The 3 times 2x6 won't warp.

If you are on a budjet and have the time think about useing old power poles.
They are more work since they are round and you have to do a lot of notching.
But if it is just a shed without any interior walls it may be worth it.

I actually do have access to poles and have some already gathered. I also have a 3 point hitch post hole digger with a 12" auger. I just didn't know if I can keep everything square and plum. I realize it's just an farm equipment shed but..........? Hmmmm I just might rethink those poles!

 

[paullie]

You're saying use pressure treated 2x6 on the below ground portion of the constructed pole and then make the switch after I'm above ground level. I realize I need to stagger my joints for the structure integrity.
What are they using to fasten the 2x6 together. Ringed shanked nails or some fabricated type bracket?

glued and screwed or glued and nailed, but that doesn't rhyme

 

[stingry]

You're saying use pressure treated 2x6 on the below ground portion of the constructed pole and then make the switch after I'm above ground level. I realize I need to stagger my joints for the structure integrity.
What are they using to fasten the 2x6 together. Ringed shanked nails or some fabricated type bracket?[/QUOTE]

Honestly I've never noticed what they are using, but large ring shanks should be more than adequate. Typically what they do around here is to put the short pressure treated assemblies in the holes, square them up and then add the rest of the mated 2x6's later.

 

[stingry]

found a flyer from this company www.gruen-wald.com while at Home Depot today. They offer premade laminated posts that are glued and finger jointed together.

Cheers
Steve