Greenhouses, Sheds and Sun Rooms - railroad trestles for skid foundation

Hi - I want to build a shed using a skid type foundation sitting on top of compacted rock. The idea is to have 2 rails, one on each side and then put rim joists around the whole thing, etc.

I think that using railroad trestles for the skid portion would work.

Can anyone tell me why that might not be a good idea? :-)

thx for any sugestions that you can offer

I guess you mean cross ties when you speak of railroad trestles. Cross ties are thicker than 4x4's. This would mean the shed floor would be a little higher above ground than if you use 4x4's for the skids. Be careful that the cross ties are straight. Will cross ties be long enough?

Thx for the reply - yes, I did mean cross ties.

I need 12 foot long, so maybe they won't work, but I think I have seen something else that looks the same. Garden timbers?

Yes, straight is important. Maybe I would be better off ganging together some 2x12's in terms of resisting twist. I thought that ties would be more rot resistant.

My question would be, do you plan on moving this after it is built. If not, a slab has a lot of advantages and might be less expensive.

Give us the dimensions you would like, as most of us have probably built our share of sheds over the years and can help you plan.

Bud

Hi Bud - 12' by 7'

No, I have no intention of ever moving this. I just thought the skid idea is easy and hardly any digging.

I didn't do any calulations. In fact, I haven't priced joists so it would be interesting to hear your take on this.

thx

ya digging is easy when all I have to do is start the backhoe:). Go with the skids or concrete blocks. Pitched roof or single slope with doors on the long side? Seven foot walls? Do you have any building codes or permits to deal with. May be just a shed, but the CEO may want a say. Like: if on skids some want the shed chained to the ground on 4 corners. or 2x6 framing 16" on center (what a jerk he was). In most cases they will never see what you build, but call from a pay phone and ask.

Download Google Sketch Up, the free version and see what you can draw up.

Bud

You may be able to use the cross ties since one dimension is only 7'. I believe the cross ties are 9' long, not sure. Run one on each 7' direction on the ends and one in the middle, then fill in the spaces across the front and back with more pieces. Cut them with a chain saw chain you don't plan on using ever again as the creosote attracts sand and it will eat it up and make it un-sharpenable. Tie the cross ties together with mending plates (large) then predrill and insert 6" timberlock screws to keep it all together.

You may be able to use the cross ties since one dimension is only 7'. I believe the cross ties are 9' long, not sure. Run one on each 7' direction on the ends and one in the middle, then fill in the spaces across the front and back with more pieces. Cut them with a chain saw chain you don't plan on using ever again as the creosote attracts sand and it will eat it up and make it un-sharpenable. Tie the cross ties together with mending plates (large) then predrill and insert 6" timberlock screws to keep it all together.

Most crosties you will find are about 8 feet long. The switch ties(the ones where two or more tracks come together) can be as long as 22/24 feet. If you can find a crew replacing some, you may be able to get some longer ones.
Chandler is right on the creosote. It will cause havoc with the chainsaw teeth and your skin! Wear a breathing apparatus!!! YOU DON'T WANT TO BREATHE IN THE CREOSOTE DUST!!!!! Don't get the creosote on your skin if you can help it. It too can cause problems!(a retired railroader)

Lots of good ideas!

- no permit required if 120 sq ft or less

- like the idea of calling from a pay phone :-)

- only one story, but I want full 8' walls for more storage, plus studs are 8' anyway

- thought about the single slope roof, since it's easier and it would help keep water away from my house, but the gable roof really looks nicer and I can put a gutter on it to direct water away

- I thought I had seen longer ties somewhere, so that explains it, that they do exist in longer lengths

- I kinda like the idea of 3 7' lengths going the other direction. I don't have to find or deal with longer ties; A little more effort getting them all level probably

- I could put tie downs on, but there isn't anyplace too interesting to move to when things start bouncing around here, which they will! I didn't see any requirement for it.

- I heard about sketchUp just yesterday; looking forward to trying it out