I am building a pool house and want to run my framing calulations past someone else. The basics are a 10x20 (wide) pool house with a 10 foot overhang (front) supported by 4 columns (making the total "attic" area 20x20). Each side of the overhang will have two columns (side by side) about 1 foot in from the outside edge (i.e. total max span of about 14 feet side-to-side and 10 foot from front wall). I will be using a 8:12 or 10:12 gable roof as as the attic area will be made into a club house for my kids making the 10x10 overhang area a "live load" area. My calculations lead me to the following materials (pleaase give you your opinions and feedback). I want to error on the side of overbuilt, but within reason.
Floor: concrete slab Exterior Walls: 2x6x8' on 16"c joists: 2x8x10 on 16"c (the joints will be over the front wall) Columns: 12"d x 8' (load bearing cap og 18,000# each) Beam between columns: 6x8x20 (3- 2x8 combined) Rafters: 2x8 Ridge beam: 4x10x20' (2 2x10 combined)
Posts: 1 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 14, 2008
This is quite a project and as you have received few responses many here feel unqualified to respond, as do I.
However, I'll give you my thoughts. Since I'm not sure where you live, the foundation on which you are building is just a concrete slab with no mention of depth, footings, reinforcement, etc. If you live in any area where winters are cold and the ground subject to frost, just a slab may be inadequate, as it supports the whole structure which is substantial and proper footings may be in order.
Another concern is the spacing of the columns and the anchoring of them to both to the concrete slab and the beam. As to the placement of the columns, I believe it is best that they be under the beam you plan to make and spaced out evenly to carry the live load that will exist on the beam.
The making of the beam needs to be treated carefully because of its total length of 20'. Making it from 2x8's in which you sandwich 3 side by side may not be appropriate. Doing this may cause the butt ends to fall between the supporting columns and thus force the load onto the other solid members that span the supported distance. I recommend that you fabricate the beam using lengths which allow all butt ends of the beam to fall above the middle of a column in this way all members than carry the live load. Increasing the distance between the columns may be all right if you fabricate the beam as stated above and also stay below the maximum space recommended for that sized lumber as stated in the Building Codes. This will need to be confirmed by a qualified engineer, architect or contractor.
As to the attic, from your post it is not clear whether you plan to frame 8' walls around the entire structure forming a second floor 20x20 or just an attic space that will form the space for the play area. I suspect it is the latter option based on the information.
Since you plan to use this structure for many years, I recommend that you draw up plans, listing all materials, and have them checked by a qualified engineer or architect. If you plan to build it yourself, this step will give you the peace of mind that your family's use of that structure is no in danger no matter what the elements.
Good Luck!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Simply Me,
