Concrete is usually the best material to use for footings because of the size of the footings that will be required to support the weight of the building and other loads. Some people are concerned that setting pole barn posts in concrete can cause them to rot.
Full Answer
How much concrete do you put under pole barns?
If you use properly treated posts backfilled with pre-mix concrete in a monolithic pour with six to eight inches of concrete below the posts and eight or more inches up the posts, you should not have a problem with rotting poles. When you are ready contact CHA Pole Barns to talk about your pole barn project.
Do you need footings for a pole barn?
Soil is not usually able to resist applied vertical loads through a post alone. Pole barn posts should therefore be set on footings to provide additional support. Footings must be large enough in area to prevent the pole barn from settling under the weight of the building, snow, and minimum live load requirements.
How do you set up a pole barn?
How to Set Pole Barn Posts 1 Measure and Outline Dimensions for the Pole Barn. If you have a blueprint or instructions from a pole barn kit, measure out the basic dimensions of the pole barn. 2 Map and Mark Spots for Poles. ... 3 Dig Hole for Poles. ... 4 Set Poles with Concrete. ... 5 Finalize and Solidify Pole Position. ...
Why bond pole barn posts in concrete?
The bonding of any pole barn post in concrete will provide the uplift resistance needed to keep your building…where you intended it to be.
Why do I need to backfill concrete?
How to keep a pole building from being sucked out of the ground?
How to achieve 2000 PSF?
How many inches of concrete is needed for a 4x6 pole barn?
What are the downsides of concrete backfill?
How deep is a 4x6 column?
Can you backfill a hole with clay?
See 2 more
Do you concrete pole barn posts?
1:083:36Pole Barn Foundation Options - UPDATED - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhile the amount of concrete provides good stability. We don't recommend this method as the post canMoreWhile the amount of concrete provides good stability. We don't recommend this method as the post can shrink and expand.
How do you set a post for a pole barn?
0:333:58Pole Barn Construction (Part 1: Setting Posts) | Useful KnowledgeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour six by six you're going to need to put a nail in there so that you can put a strap around thisMoreYour six by six you're going to need to put a nail in there so that you can put a strap around this to lift it. So I like to do about three or four feet down from the top.
How far in the ground should a pole barn post be?
The standard distance between pole barn posts is either 8 or 12 feet.
Do pole barn posts rot?
Pole barn posts are set in the ground. This simple fact means they are at risk for rot. Rot is enemy No. 1 of pole barn posts.
What is the best foundation for a pole barn?
Pole Barn Foundation Options6×6 set with concrete cookie pad. This foundation system is the most affordable option and is commonly used by many builders and home owners to keep costs down while still offering good stability to the building. ... 6×6 post set in poured concrete. ... Wet-set bracket. ... Perma-column.
Can you use 4x4 posts for a pole barn?
Pole Buildings use round poles whereas Post Frame Buildings use square or rectangular post, commonly 4x4, 4x6, 5x5, 6x6 or larger treated lumber or laminated columns. Post Frame buildings may often be built where “Pole Barns” are not permitted or zoned for.
How far apart are 6x6 posts on pole barn?
between 6-12 feet apartTypically, they are built between 6-12 feet apart. Closer spacing is usually done if the barn is a bit smaller or if the ground isn't as stable. Those extra numbers of columns can help to make the barn stand up more effectively and decrease the pressure placed on each column.
How long will pole barn posts last?
40-60 yearsMany builders and experts cite 40-60 years to be on the safe side, but if the owner of a pole barn keeps up with all of the necessary structural upkeep, the building will likely outlast the 40-60 year pole barn lifespan.
How much concrete do I need for a pole barn post?
Usually the total depth of the concrete required is 18 inches. Determine concrete volume required: Multiply ½ hole diameter (in feet) squared, x 3.14 x concrete collar depth (in feet) times hole number, divided by 27.
How long will a 6x6 post last in concrete?
A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone. I suggest you embed the post in concrete, trowel a peak around the post so water runs off, and don't let the PT post come in contact with the ground.
How long will pressure-treated posts last in the ground?
A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil.
Does concrete rot pressure-treated wood?
Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow.
How much concrete do I need for a pole barn post?
Usually the total depth of the concrete required is 18 inches. Determine concrete volume required: Multiply ½ hole diameter (in feet) squared, x 3.14 x concrete collar depth (in feet) times hole number, divided by 27.
How do I level my post for a pole barn?
5:5815:31Setting Post for the Pole Barn Ep.4 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you know mark your hole position as you can see that this pole is set in the perfectMoreAnd then you know mark your hole position as you can see that this pole is set in the perfect position for the building and it's almost right in the middle the hole.
How do you set up a 6x6 post?
0:371:36QuickCrete Post Setting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce. You have dug your post hole at about six inches of quikrete all-purpose. Gravel into theMoreOnce. You have dug your post hole at about six inches of quikrete all-purpose. Gravel into the bottom of the hole then compact. And level the gravel using a post or 2x4. Set the post into the hole.
Can you pour concrete before building pole barn?
Concrete should not be poured before you build a pole barn. A 4 inch thick slab is enough for the site if it is well drained and has good fill. The poles need to be set so that they do not warp or twist.
How do you pour a concrete slab for a pole barn?
The four inch thick concrete slab is only going to be 3 to 1/2” deep in reality. 92.57 square feet of area can be covered by a yard of concrete with a 3 to 1/2” nominal thickness floor.
How to prevent rot in pole barn?
While preparing the site for your pole barn, take care in grading the soil away from your barn to discourage water from pooling around your pole barn posts.
What are the posts of a pole barn?
The posts of your pole barn are the foundation of the structure. They support the building rather than a concrete slab. Without solid posts, the integrity of your pole barn is in jeopardy. A building is only as sturdy as its foundation, so it is critical to the life of your pole barn to have quality posts and keep them in good condition.
Why are pole barns important?
Protecting the pole barn posts is very important. Just like broken or brittle bones weaken the structure of the whole body, cracked or rotting posts weaken the structure of your entire pole barn.
How far apart should Pole Barn Posts be?
They are usually between 6 and 12 feet apart. If the ground is not stable, closer spacing is usually done. The extra number of columns can help the barn stand up more effectively.
Should pole barn posts be set in concrete?
Setting posts in concrete won’t stop rot. The wood won’t be in contact with the ground, but the concrete pulls up the wood with it. It will happen over time.
How do you square post for a building?
To make sure that the two lines are 90 to each other, measure down one line from the corner and mark it. Take a measurement down the other line and mark it. Take the diagonal distance between the two marks and divide it by 5. The lines are square if that’s what it is.
Why Choose a Pole Barn?
A pole barn belongs to a family of structures called post-frame constructions, which are considered quicker and easier to build than other structures.
What happens if the pole barn posts aren't square?
If the posts aren’t square with each other, the alignment of the whole pole barn will be off.
How far apart should pole barn posts be?
Pole barn posts should be set up either 8 or 12 feet apart, depending on the barn size and design. This width allows for even weight distribution and overall strength of the pole barn. You’ll want to make sure the posts you use are at least four inches by four inches, so they are sturdy enough to support the weight of the barn.
Why do you need to space pole barn posts?
The posts will provide your pole barn’s only foundation, so spacing them properly is essential to avoiding headaches later on in the building process and increasing the durability of your pole barn.
What to do if you don't have a blueprint for a pole barn?
If you have a blueprint or instructions from a pole barn kit, measure out the basic dimensions of the pole barn. If you don’t have a blueprint, you should at least have the necessary figures and dimensions written out for reference.
What is the best pole for a barn?
Power poles provide sturdy, long-lasting support, making them an excellent choice for your pole barn if you know where to find them.
Why do people use pole barns?
Pole barns are often used on farms and homesteads for storing farm equipment or animal feed. Some people even use them in place of traditional barns to house their farm animals or a stable for horses.
Why do I need to backfill concrete?
Having the concrete backfill stop nearly 2′ below grade protects the concrete from rapid drying and shrinkage. I’ve written a future posting about the concrete shrinkage issues.
How to keep a pole building from being sucked out of the ground?
Keeping your new pole building from being sucked out of the ground can be as simple as using the physics behind bonding a pole barn post in concrete.
How to achieve 2000 PSF?
To achieve a 2000 psf compaction, at each lift, using a hand operated 4″x4″x8′ pole. Raise pole 4′ or more above compacting surface and drop four or more times on each four inch square. Proof of compaction is when the but end of a 2×4 shall not penetrate compacted material over 1/8″ under 170 pounds of weight.
How many inches of concrete is needed for a 4x6 pole barn?
The distance around the 4×6 is 18 inches. With 10 inches of concrete in contact with the sides of the column, the total surface area of the column, in contact with the surrounding concrete, is 180 square inches. Applying the 30 psi wood-to-concrete bond strength from Hoyle and Woeste, the union of the two materials results in the ability to resist 5400 pounds of force! Obviously bonding of a pole barn post in concrete is nothing to discount.
What are the downsides of concrete backfill?
Robert ~ The downside of using concrete for backfill would just be the expense.
How deep is a 4x6 column?
This poured concrete is known as a bottom collar. The distance around the 4×6 is 18 inches.
Can you backfill a hole with clay?
Ultimately the engineer who sealed your building plans should be advising you on backfilling your holes. Ideally you do not want any clays as backfill – you may need to invest in some 5/8 or 3/4″ minus gravel to be able to adequately compact.
