[Bearcamp]

First of all,,,I'm not a carpenter but a mechanic and that's why I'm asking.....I want to install 2 horse stalls and starting off framing it out with 6x6 posts. I would think digging a hole with a post hole digger, putting the post in the hole and concrete. But I was told there's an easier way with digging the hole and concrete but set the pole on top of the concrete. Can some one give the details about doing it this way? As in how deep for the hole, how wide, and do I pour the concrete ground level or what. I live in central Pa. and I'm using rough cut 6x6 hemlock material.

 

[DangerMouse]

do you have plans drawn up? sketches? try using google's 'sketchup' to draw what you have in mind and we'd be more able to help with requirements for load weights, etc. not sure if hemlock can go underground, but here i had to use foundation grade 6x6's on 3 foot concrete pads 42" down. but that was for residence. but i know i'd sure want it built correctly and STRONG to protect MY horses if it were mine! so you do well to be asking here first. Po)

DM

 

[Bearcamp]

IThere was one on the property when I bought the place. It's been up for 10 years and still solid. It's 12x24, 10 feet high with a slanted roof. I plan on building one just like it.I'll try the google thing.

 

[Willie T]

A good start to a project like this is to familirarize yourself with timber framing. It is highly satisfying, and probably one of the reasons your former barn lasted so well. Nails, screws and bolts do only so much. Check THIS out. It's a good site to begin with, but there are hundreds of others.

Not a bad post base.... http://store.qualitydist.net/sst-ab66z.html

And HERE's a nice base.

 

[Bearcamp]

Could I use a metal post base set in the concrete? But I bet it isn't very stable til you get it framed out.

 

[Bearcamp]

Any other ideas????????I'd like to start these within a day or so. How about digging a hole about 18" deep and pouring concrete in about half the hole for the post to set on and fill the rest of thye way with dirt? But I don't see it being very sturdy.

 

[Wildie]

The use of hemlock below ground level would be questionable in my mind.
I would pour concrete piers and mount the posts with a suitable Simpson fastener.
Obviously, suitable bracing would be required to stiffen the structure.