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bcanuck
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# Posted: 24 Sep 2023 02:39pm
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I am new to this forum, so hopefully I can be clear with some questions. I plan to build a 8x20 cabin on difficult terrain. Everything I do has to be hauled in by hand and carried down a slope. The closest I can get with a vehicle is about 200 yards away, and it would be really difficult to get any power equipment there. I would like to keep my lumber to small manageable pieces, like a max of 12' long. I plan to use 6x6 posts to support the bunkhouse, for a total of 8 posts 6' apart in both directions with the beams and joists overhanging by 1' on the ends. First question is which direction should I rund the beams? I could have four 8' beams with 20' of floor joists running on top, or I could build up 20' beams and have 8' joists running on top.
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Grizzlyman
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# Posted: 24 Sep 2023 10:07pm
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Ideally You’ll want beams the long way. That way your floor joists are perpendicular, and every joist is supported by the beam. All this because then the rafters will rest on the wall that is supported by all the joists and then the beam.
If you can get 14’ boards for beams then you can build your beams with an 8’ and a 14’. You’ll have two extra ft so you can position it perfectly so the joints are above the posts.
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Tim_Ohio
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2023 08:46am
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I'm a hardcore foundation guy. Be sure you build on top of those 6x6 posts. Don't fasten to the sides with the framing of the floor. Or, if you do decide that's the way to go, notch the side of the 6x6 so that the framing sits on a "ledge". Don't ever let only bolts or nails support the weight of the structure.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2023 09:36am
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I would do a interior layout prior to commiting to a 8x20' building. I had a 8x20' back porch (with no beds) and the whole thing felt like a hallway. Beds are typicaly 6.5ft long and need roughly 4ft of width for a twin. That can eat up alot of room real quick.
It's easier to build a little bit bigger or wider and not so long building now vs add on later.
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Aklogcabin
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2023 10:50am
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I believe that grizzly n Tim laid it out pretty well. Good advice.
Yeppers building where you will be a bit of the path adds up but very doable. Sounds like you are going out have to good time building your new dreams. Hey good news ya man
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bcanuck
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2023 09:27pm
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Good advice, thanks folks. Unfortunately, my footprint is based on the steep slope I am building on. any wider than 8' and I will have posts that are 10' off the ground(which obviously means longer heavier lumber). I was hoping to use Footing Pads underneath the 6x6 PT posts and just wrapping and tarring the posts around ground level for extra rot protection. Obviously I would prefer concrete in sonotubes, but hauling 40 bags of concrete plus all the water needed for mixing it seems like a nightmare. Any advice for this, or is burrying my posts a bad ideal all around?
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ICC
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2023 10:14pm
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Quoting: bcanuck ...any wider than 8' and I will have posts that are 10' off the ground...
I would like to see a dimensioned cross sectional diagram of the slope before giving any more opinion other than to say that where you want to build may be more impractical than you believe. Before discussing beams I believe the actual foundation, the degree of slope, soil composition, precipitation and ground water runoff, and frost depth should be known.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2023 11:35pm
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Yeah that....
We fairly regularly have folks join with cabins 'drifting downhill' on far less steep slopes. Thing is, it is the nature of things to move downhill!
To your credit you are asking for guidance Before building rather than after the fact! Smart, Very Smart.
Remember, the quality of the build begins with the groundwork and 'foundational elements'.
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spencerin
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2023 11:53pm - Edited by: spencerin
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That's a very steep slope, something like 45*, right? You sure that's where you want it, or that there's not an easier site to build upon? If so, I'm sure we could figure out something for you where it is right now, but finding a more level location would make it a lot easier. You should upload a picture of the intended build site so we can see what you see.....
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Brettny
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# Posted: 27 Sep 2023 05:51am
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Steep slope and going to build on pads? I wouldnt do that.
Is that the way the whole property is?
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 27 Sep 2023 10:24am
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1977 Paul Simon song 'Slip Slidin' Away' sums it up pretty good
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909
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# Posted: 28 Sep 2023 11:28pm
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Putting in a road is worth every penny . Trying to save sometimes will cost you much more in the long run. Couldn't imagine carrying a single stick of lumber back and forth thousands of times across 600 ft over and over non stop.
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