Construction Help

[enggass]

Going to start framing my run... I need to set some 4x4s in concrete piers and want them level/plumb.
I know that one way is to get them level/plumb and then use braces to hold in place. My question is, what is the best technique for attaching the braces - I would think that nailing them would possible cause the post to become 'un'plumb in the process - but then it is nailed and too late. I have never done this, I guess I am asking what is the best approach to this process.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[Bammy]

My husband uses screws to hold the braces and when the concrete sets removes them. We just did 9 supports for our coop and it worked fine. Good luck!

 

[Papadavid]

Attach 2 braces to the 4x4 with one screw @90 degee angle. Have 2 stakes already driven in the ground, have some one plumb the side you want to secure first and screw it into the stake. These 2 braces should hold until your concrete dries.

 

[enggass]

Quote:
thanks, but not sure I follow...

 

[Papadavid]

The braces attach to the top of the 4x4. The stakes are driven on the same side of the 4x4 as the brace. Visualize looking at the 4x4 with a brace on your right side with a stake away from the 4x4, close enough for the bottom end of the brace to reach. Plumb the 4x4 from left to right and attach the brace to the stake. Then do the same thing toward or away from you. Trying to figure out how to explain it clearer, maybe some one can help me out.

 

[enggass]

I think I follow. What was confusing me was where you mentioned attaching the braces at a 90deg angle "with 1 screw..." I understand the concept of one brace securing left & right motion, the other toward and away. I guess using screws answers my question as opposed to nails to secure so as not to whack out of plumb when securing. Also, seems to me that this is definitely a 2 person job for the best results.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[bfrancis]

I agree with "Papadavid" for sqare, plumb, & level.

Now the question is, after you brace it and pour concrete what is your plan? What works for me, after I dig the hole for the 4x4, also dig lateral lines 6" deep x 24" long parallel with where the fence force is excerted. IE, for corner post the lateral lines would be placed at the 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock posistion to keep the post from moving while you pull it tight. Just an idea.

Where I live it is loose sanding/loam soil so it is hard to get corner posts to "stay put" unlike someone who lives where it is full of clay....

 

[enggass]

Maybe I'm going at this all wrong... I will not be cementing or burying my posts. I am going to sit them on top of embedded (in 1" stone) pre-cast concrete piers. The ones that are designed to hold 4x4s. I am then planning to build framed walls of 2x4s (all pressure treated) between each corner. After all is framed, I am then going to be burying the corner piers and base of the walls under more stone and 1"minus gravel/stone dust. Will it even be necessary to plumb my corner posts? or will the framed walls define their position?
I will of course be making sure all walls are level before connecting to the 4x4s... Also, I am going to attach 2x6s all the way around the perimeter of the base exterior.
Thoughts?
Thanks for advice so far,
Steve

 

[trunkman]

I would use my imagination and hope for the best. I'm telling you this from experience, I build skyscrapers for a living and come across all kinds of challenges for making things come out level and plumb and within tollerance. This is something you think you will enjoy and should not worry so much at how perfect it will be, do your best and be proud of whatever you have done. I built my run and it is off level but looks great, nobody will care and the chickens certainly won't...Just enjoy!!

 

[enggass]

Quote:
Excellent suggestion! I know I am over thinking this. My brother in-law said pretty much the same thing-that I'd figure it out as I go. I'm the type that needs to have it all figured out before I start... I have to learn to let go a little. And, like you said, the chickens will love whatever I come up with!
Steve