Well, after a delay in putting up my shop I finally got the go ahead from the fianance dept. (wife). I need to keep the cost as minimal as possible.
I have decided on the post and beam construction method. The size I've settled on is a 28x28 with 10ft side walls. It will have T1-11 plywood siding and a metal roof.
A few questions need to be asked first.
I live in Florida, soil condition is sandy, not in a flood zone and well away from the gulf coast. I have the area where the shop will be built cleared.
I'm not sure what size of posts to use, the 4x6 are $21US and the 6x6 are $32US. I would like to space the posts 8 foot on center, with the exception of the one post being 4 foot on center, (28 div 8), makes sense?
Any suggestion as to whch size post to use?
I will need to pour concrete piers using sonotubes with footers, I was thinking 24" deep piers and use the Strong-Ties metal brackets to attach the posts. I've read a few things reguarding premade footer forms made from plastic(?), not sure of the cost? There will be a total of 14 posts.
Could I form these up from wood forms? How would I attach the sonotubes to these forms? I need to pour the footer and the tubes at the same time to prevent cold joints. Rebar will be added as well as J-hooks for the strong-Ties brackets.
What size of tubes should I use? 4x6 post, 8" tube? 6x6 post, 12" tube" Footer size? thickness of footers? Should I add crushed rock to each hole, below the footer since I have sandy soil?
I will be renting a powered hole auger to dig the holes and will trailer in the ready-mix concrete mix myself. Already premixed and ready to pour.
Thanks.