help calculating time

[sirjj]

im stuck at the moment trying to work out how long it should take to build a garden structure for my aunt would one of you with more experience in these things be able to tell me aproximetly how long it will take to make.

heres some pics in sketchup.

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/4641/thing31.png

http://img135.imageshack.us/f/thing32.png/

http://img585.imageshack.us/f/thing33.png/

heres how we plan on building it (me and friend)

first step is to dig 14 holes for the posts through a thin layer of concreate then set the 14 4x4 posts using quick setting cement or post cement (which is better?)(what depth should they be set)

then all the posts will be joined together at the tops with lengths of 2x4 (will diagonal pices be needed or will the posts be enough to stop it racking?)

then we will move on to the roof the pictures show how we are going to build it but theres will be a cross beam on every two frames

then the trellis will be screwed in between the posts and the arches will be put in at the same time with any other details the arches will be bought as we dont have the tools to easily make them

thank you

jason

 

[mailee]

Well Jason, it is difficult to say how long the job will take but I would allow around three days for two people to do this but it does depend on what kit you have and how you both worl of course. I would sink the posts at least 18" into the ground and use either hardwood or well treated softwood. I would also coat the lower part of the posts in a butumen coating where it will be buried. I would also use postcrete for them. (Dont forget to use some hardcore for the bottom of the post holes too) I would also add some diagonals to be on the safe side. You do not say if the roof will be covered or left open but either way your rafters are the wrong way around (If I interperet yur drawing correctly) they seem to be laid on their side and they have no purchase on the wall plates? I would turn them on edge and cut angles on them to suit the ridge beam and have this sandwiched in between each rafter. At the bottom end of these I would cut birds mouth joints to sit on the wall plates and then use cross bracing on every other one. I hope this is of some help to you. :wink:

 

[sirjj]

thank you, about the roof i think im going to convince her a flat roof will be better (its not going to be covered).