When raising a frame of any size, it's best to have a plan. This plan is usually called a raising script as it tells which "players(timbers)" go up in what order.
If something unplanned happens then the script has to be flexible to accommodate that event.
Have every thing you need on hand.
Test fit every joint, before raising day, to make sure everything will go together without any problems.
One method is to do a full frame fit up, first. That is fit together, laying down - on blocks or sawhorses on the deck, all timbers that make up one wall. Then, dis-assemble and do the other wall. Then dis-assemble, and do each bent, if space allows leave the bents together and ready for raising day. Assemble the last bent to be raised first and then the next to last, on top of it or leaning on this bent. With the first bent to be raised on top of the pile, on the completed deck.
Place some boards or timbers so that the feet of the first bent's posts won't slide off the deck when raised, sometimes called 'kickers'. And use these kickers at each bent to prevent the posts from sliding when being lifted.
Figure the weight of all the timbers in one bent and know the total of what this bent weighs. Then figure each able bodied person can lift 50 lbs easily and figure out how many people you'll need to raise this bent. A good part of this bent's load will not be lifted as the feet are on the deck.
The more the merrier and have a party at the end of the day provide food and drink to all who helped.
If you have large or long timbers to raise, such as 17' long plates you might consider constructing a simple "gin pole" to use to lift this timber up and over the tops of the posts, and lower it down onto their tenons.
This coming Saturday we will be raising a 12' x 16' shed, and we'll be using a 'gin pole' we just created for this and other such events.
If you have more specific question on raising a frame ask them, and we'll all try and help.
Good luck with your project.
Jim Rogers
