Steps for Building a 16x20 Ft. Post & Beam Shed
Floating Slab Foundation Prep Process:
Take off top level of soil — go down five inches
Build Box to frame the slab foundation
Create a Thickened Perimeter by carving out a 12-inch perimeter inside box that is an additional 3-5 inches deep
Use a Plate Compactor to tamp down the base
Lay down Vapor Barrier using 6mil plastic (have a box in garage)
Lay down 1/2 inch steel rebar in a grid - 2 feet apart. Use plastic chairs to hold up (using these [ in garage ] → Hercules 3 inch Rebar Chairs).
NOTE: we need 20 inches of “lap length” when splicing rebar together. The standard guideline, which is typically 40 times the diameter of the rebar. Since we are using 1/2 inch rebar, that means we need 20 inches of lap length when splicing together (Step 6)
Tie Rebar together (Using these [ in garage ] → Hercules Rebar Splicer)
Remember to add Rebar to the Perimeter AND bend around the corners
SEE NOTE ABOVE AND REMEMBER WHEN BENDING REBAR AROUND CORNER WE NEED 20 INCHES ON EACH END TO SPLICE TOGETHER
Concrete needs to be at least 3000 PSI (Carroll Concrete → 5-7 day lead time)
Concrete Finishing Process:
1. Once concrete is poured, use a Power Screed (12 ft blade). The Power Screed vibrates on top of concrete to get air bubbles out.
TIP: Pick your feet UP when backing up so you don’t drag concrete
2. After going over with Power Screed, use a Bull Float to smooth out.
TIP: Turn handle to change angle of blade when changing directions
3. Edge the foundation (?) — source
4. Finish with Power Trowel (36 inch). Wait a couple hours until you do this so as to allow the concrete to set up. This creates the final smoothness. Note: you might go over a few times depending on how quickly it sets up
TIP: You might need to add water to make workable
TIP: Do corners by hand (power trowel can’t get there)
👀 Best source for seeing the steps for the foundation is watching Ken’s Karpentry YouTube Channel
Lumber:
Order → Woodell & Daughters Forest Products (4-5 week lead time)
Order → T-Rex Connectors
Each T-Rex connector’s flange is screwed to a supporting member, and its leg slides into a post or beam with a slot cut to receive it. These joints are held together with aluminum pins. This modern construction method might not impress timberframe purists, but it does provide a quick and strong way to build a beautiful post-and-beam structure.
Remember to add Sill Seal (have in garage) to the Pressure Treated Sill Plate
Equipment Rental Locations: