Pole Building Posts

[biker]

Hi guys,

Can I lamante treated 2 x 6's together to make a pole post for my shop? I have seen this done before. The way I see this is that the post would have more treatment in the post this way. I would need to make the post 20 foot long so an 8' and a 12' together would make 20'. I can nail the treated wood together and set them come back later with the plane 2x6's and finish the length. Can I use the treated wood from Lowes or not. I sure hope somebody will let me know something.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

My fathers barn was done that exact way. They put three treated 2x6's in the ground spaced the ends I think 2' apart (could be less) and then built the remaining legth above ground with standard dimensional lumber.

I see it done as the norm now by Wicks, Morton and other builders in my area.(Ohio / Michigan that is)

Good luck, they claim that the laminated boards are stronger and treated 100% unlike a true dimensional 6x6.

 

[biker]

NWOhioChevyGuy,

That is the same way I see these post. The thing I'm not sure about is the treated wood that says (above ground only). I can't find ground contact treated wood. I would like to use 3 boards to make a post and I will use post on 8' centers for a 30 x 60' building. Like one 2x6x8 then a 2x6x12 and then another 2x6x8. plant this in the ground 5' deep then add to make a 12' cealing.

Would the treated lumber at lowes be good for the in ground part of the post?

 

[rocketman]

An engineer would have to step in here but it would truly depend on the load and any shear forces. Something like West Systems Epoxy would make a 6X6 post strong so that the wood would splinter and break before the bond. However, you should research how you'd be splicing shorter lengths together to make a longer one. I'd think you could alternate 8" and 12" lengths so you'd have a 4' overlap at the splice. Use good weights when using epoxy and most likely the splice would be stronger than the lumber as well. I'd create the individual splices with v's cut into one end and the other end a point.

Did I lose anyone, or everyone??

Is a 20' steel pole that cost prohibitive?

 

[biker]

Rocketman,

You are right I would have an 4' overlap in my post. I am planing nailing my 2x6's together with some kind of coated nails. What you guys think??

 

[chaingang]

I see it done as the norm now by Wicks, Morton and other builders in my area.(Ohio / Michigan that is)

This is how Morton builds in the South also(GA). At the top of the post leave a center pocket so that the truss can set down in it. Then you can bolt through all 3 pieces. Makes for a super strong attachment of the truss. When I was considering Morton buildings this was one thing that really impressed me was the posts and trusses. They claim to be the only pole building to pass Florida's tough hurricane codes. Of course they are very proud of their buildings.

 

[rlk]

Biker, go to a real lumber store, not Home Depot or Lowes for your treated lumber. They should be able to supply you with ground contact treated lumber.

Bob

 

[BLUBAYOU]

rlk is right on the "real" store.

I was out at a local farm in upstate NY yesterday (christmas tree hunting) and their building was a Morton, but this same way. Trusses were set into the posts as mentioned. Looked really well put together.

 

[kbs2244]

I have seen "real" 6x6 posts with a notch cut into one side for the truss to sit on.
There are a whole lot of "mortis and tennon" joined, 200 year old, barns still standing around the country.

 

[hidollartoys]

Biker, The answer to your question is yes you can. You should alternate all three joints of the splice not just two. No joints of the the splice should line up. Use three staggered boards of different lengths. You can also have multiple splices along the length to make up your height. Keep joints staggered as much as is possible. Most builders just through nail these joints but there are structural screws that could be used in concert with the nails.

As for the lumber, there is 20 year and 30 year ground contact treatments. these are expensive when compared to non-contact treatments. Also make sure that you only use fasteners compatable with treated lumber or they will deteriorate, quickly I might add.

 

[Kevin54]

Would the treated lumber at lowes be good for the in ground part of the post?

Go to a regular lumber company. They normally carry better lumber. With Lowes "Top Choice" treated lumber, as soon as it starts to dry out, it will twist to the point that it is either almost, or totally un-useable. I have gotten 4x4's that have literally twisted almost 90 degrees and bowed so bad that if you stood on one end the other would be 6" off of the ground.
As far as the three 2x6's, almost all of the commercial / residential contractors go this way now. One reason it the penetration of what they treat it with, and secondly they say that there is less warpage with the three boards put together, and thirdly, it gives a place for the truss to set between on the top. I have seen Cleary do it that way along with Morton, and Walters. Here is a PDF from Cleary showing and explaining their pole design http://www.clearybuilding.com/feature_PDFs/THE_CLEARY_COLUMN.pdf Ran across this from Cleary also...a rendering of their pole barns. It may help someone out along the way http://www.clearybuilding.com/materials/ClearyBuildingRendering.pdf

 

[Sundowner]

laminated 2x6's is stronger than a solid 6x6, as per the NDS wood specifications.

whether you go to a lumber yard or home depot, pick and choose your lumber stock.
I've seen **** wood come from both sources.