Angela Forget

A lot of times it comes down to labor. Are you willing to do it yourself? That seems to be the make or break. Additionally, look at where you live? What’s readily available? Wood prices are up 180% so it’s going to be more expensive no matter what you build unfortunately.

That’s exceptionally helpful, thank you Roy! Yes we can get about 300+ inches of snow in a season here. Steep pitch and metal roofs are a must lol. We were definitely going with 24 inch overhangs as we are using strawbale for infill and need to be able to protect the walls.  The 2x10 spaces at 3 feet sounds close to what my husband was thinking, though I may look at the larger timber as well.  Thank you for giving me a good visual, believe it or not I can see that in my head better than all those damn formulas (though I know I will have to suck it up and dig in to my memory of algebra). Thank you!

So I read that appendix.... now I remember why I hated algebra 😭 I even looked up some plug and go tables.  I have a newfound respect for engineers lol.  I don’t mind overbuilding, but I don’t want the roof to be top heavy if that makes sense. I’ll keep plugging away and will post when I have something to show lol

Thank you! Why didn’t I think to look there *sigh*... My timbers are coming from the Amish (whose buildings have definitely stood up to the worst winters) but I’m not sure I’ll know a grade... I’ll have to see what my math comes up with. Thank you for taking the time to correct my terminology and directing me where to look. This could have been why I was so confused to start.

I have searched the forums and perhaps my terminology is incorrect so I’m hoping someone can weigh in. My husband and I are building a 24x30 strawbale building (non-load bearing). We are looking to use 6x6 to frame it out (rough cut, possibly 8x8 as we can get this at a reasonable price - pine/hemlock). My question is roof spans. I hope I’m using this correctly. I see very large timber being used in timber framing for roofs but cannot for the life of me understand the distance between rafters. The only weight issue we have is snow loads... like 100psf. No seismic or wind issues here where I am in upstate NY. Does anyone have a good resource or chart that I can understand? Or know the answer? I’ve been reading “timber framing for the rest of us” but I must be missing something. I’m a long time lurker here and you bunch are the most knowledgeable people I know!

Thanks for... well anything lol

Look at Ithaca for ideas on how this is done. There are quite a few communities there that could give you a number of ideas.  As for land with little oversight I’d say come to the area we are in. Oswego and surrounding counties (especially East and north), has a TON of land, lots with water available and forest. We’ve found in certain areas as long as you speak with the code guys and are polite and informed, they will work with you. Of course if you decide to go into the woods a bit they won’t bother you at all lol. BUT, this is definitely not the city. Learn to love the snow and remember NY has a shorter growing season so learning to start seed early and possibly utilizing a green house is a must.  Let’s just say that about 10 min from me is Redfield.... set a record for most snow at over 300 inches in a winter.  What you want to do is very possible and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition 😊