Hello All:

Was wondering if there is a given rule for brace length. I know that the most common is a 3' run brace. However if you wanted to design with a shorter post say 8' from ground to bottom of plate, would a 2'run brace work. Would this be enough bracing? It seems that the taller your post is the longer your brace would have to be. I guess distance between posts would factor in as well. Here is a picture that brought up the question for me. 8' tall posts. The bay on the left would have bracing as well.

Also what about relish for the outside bracing? There is 4" between bearing of brace and the start of that profile. Don't think that is enough. Any advice on this as well?

Thanks, Mo

Mo, I don't recall where I heard or read this but 1/3rd the length of the post. 8' post and a 30" brace would just do it. 24" is on the short side. I like my braces as long as possible, Windows tend to get in the way. Head room is a consideration of course if they are not on a wall. "They" also say with a short brace it can have a prying effect, another reason to stay away from shorter braces.

4" could work, it isn't like the whole wall is bracing on just that one brace there are others and sheathing to help with the racking. Just my first thoughts. Tim

i don't like to use a brace shorter than a 30". I perfer to use 36 or longer whenever possible. But as tim mentioned headroom and windows is always a issue. I try to build the timberframe part first than figure out windows. If you look at old barns often braces are multiple different sizes, however you don;t typically see braces under 24". good luck with your project
matt