post sizing

Hello,

This is my first post on the forum but I have been lurking for a while. Thanks to the contributors for sharing.

I have a question about post sizing in a timber frame barn project. On a 20' post with one major intersection of framing members, how much wood should be left at any one location? With an 8x8 in this theoretical post, after making way for the other members, at one point there is only 20 square inches of wood.

Will the other members in that joint provide sufficient stability to the post or should this post be a 10x10?

Thanks,
Kevin

Hello KyKevin,

First, welcome to the TFG forums...

I would have to let others speak to your query, as there really isn't nearly enough information (for me at least...being visual and kinesthetic in understanding) to track the possible dynamics that this post may be subjected to.

I can share that it can depend on the species of tree, types of joinery, possible load vectors the post is subjected to, post location within a frame and even the type of roof system, among other things besides size alone. Vernacular systems to have a part in this.

A sketch and other information would be helpful on what this frame may look like...

Regards,

j