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Jared
Member
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# Posted: 19 Nov 2011 10:10pm
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We're about to close on 20 acres and I'm trying to find the most feasible way to build a cabin. At the bottom of our hill, there is a sharp 180 degree switchback. So draggin a trailer up to our property is out of the question for now. Until we decide to do some work on the road, we'll be taking material up the hill in the back of my 3/4 ton. I'd really like a loft and I don't want a concrete foundation. I'd much rather just set some posts in the ground with no concrete. Anybody have any comments or suggestions? If you need more info, I'll try to make my brain work a little and come up with answers.
Jared
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Martian
Member
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# Posted: 20 Nov 2011 06:36am
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Jared, my suggestion is to go to the "Member's Projects" section of this site and start looking at the projects. Lots of us build cabins on treated 6X6 foundations, some have lofts, and many have to haul the materials in using small vehicles. There are many good ideas there.
Here's the thread on my build: http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_933_0.html I didn't put a loft on this one, but it would be easy enough to add one.
Tom
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smitty
Member
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# Posted: 20 Nov 2011 09:22am
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I've seen a lot of guys that set their posts in the ground like a pole barn, and built off that.
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Jared
Member
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# Posted: 20 Nov 2011 04:10pm
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I just wonder, would 4x4's be strong enough for a 16x20 cabin? I guess I need to find out how far a 2x8 or 10 can span before it needs some support. If 4x's would work I'd rather use them.
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neb
Member
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# Posted: 20 Nov 2011 07:40pm - Edited by: neb
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Quoting: Jared I just wonder, would 4x4's be strong enough for a 16x20 cabin? I guess I need to find out how far a 2x8 or 10 can span before it needs some support. If 4x's would work I'd rather use them.
Like someone else posted there is a lot of cabins built with posts as a foundation. I built a small shack and that is what I did. I used poles that power company's use for overhead power lines. I buried mine about 4 ft deep and started from there. I direct buried mine and the poles are preasure treated. I also did some treat of my own for some insurance. It will work and you shoulsn't have any problems. If for some reason they would rot it wouldn't be that hard to replace a post.
As far as getting material to the site that is hard to get to you may have to pack in. There are a few on here that had to do that. I also had to pack all material in which was up hill and twists and turns before I got to the site I wanted the shack.
There is some great advise on here and keep asking they will help in any way they can. I know a guy that built one like I did with posts over 25 years ago and the power poles are still just fine. I figure mine will last as long as I'm around.
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Martian
Member
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# Posted: 21 Nov 2011 08:04am
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4X4's will easily carry the load; depending an height above grade and proper bracing, they will support well over 10,000#.
Google is your friend when it comes to designing your own cabin. There are numerous load charts available online to use when figuring lumber size for particular applications; rafters, joist, etc.
Tom
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CabinBuilder
Admin
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# Posted: 21 Nov 2011 10:01am
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Quoting: Jared I need to find out how far a 2x8 or 10 can span before it needs some support
This Rafter and Joist Calculator post may help.
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Jared
Member
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# Posted: 21 Nov 2011 05:52pm
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Thanks, CabinBuilder and everyone else. I've thought about power poles as piers, but I don't know where to get them. Then, I considered 4x4's or 6x6's as poles, instead of cutting them off and making them only piers. I've got time to get a design I like. Plenty of time.
Jared
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neb
Member
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# Posted: 21 Nov 2011 09:16pm
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Jared
I would contact your local power supplier about used power poles. Most power comp. will give them away or are very low cost to purchase them. These poles are 12 to 14 inch and make a very good foundation. If you have a Rural Electric power provider in your area is where I would start looking.
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Borrego
Member
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# Posted: 21 Nov 2011 09:48pm
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What everyone else said! here's mine:
http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_645_0.html
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Jared
Member
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# Posted: 22 Nov 2011 10:00pm
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Thanks Borrego! Pictures are better for me sometimes and those pics are just what I needed. My wife and I are wanting the exact same roof, so it was nice to see how that would be done with a pole barn type construction. I appreciate it.
Jared
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Borrego
Member
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# Posted: 22 Nov 2011 10:25pm
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Glad to help! Lemme know if you have any questions!
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daverd4
Member
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2011 11:14am
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We turned a pole barn snow roof in to a cabin it worked pretty well and was a lot cheaper. If your in snow country make sure you put a footing under the posts or they will sink from the weight
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