My son and I need some information to get this project going in the right direction. My son's scoutmaster suggested my son build a cover for a large bell at the church where the troop meets. The bell is on a concrete pad on an elevated wall area (about 3'). The ground gradually slopes upward from there.
We're looking at building a trailhead-type structure, gable roof and two support posts. The structure will be approx. 8-9 feet high. A two post structure might be easier to construct than 4 posts because the ground around the pad is not the same height (slope).
What methods are there to ensure a two-post support will last for many years? 4x4 or 6x6? Pressure-treated wood or doug fir or ?? It should color-coordinate with the church building; so I suppose some sort of gray stain eventually. Does pressure-treated take a stain well? Redwood for the rest of the structure?
Post attachment: Should we sink the poles into a deep hole with asphalt coating, then backfill with concrete or should we pour concrete footings with a Simpson tie for the post end to sit on? A friend suggested we sink a length of 2" pipe in the concrete and bore a corresponding hole in the bottom of the post to provide reinforcement. If so, how long should this pipe be?
I know some of you are experienced carpenters and builders. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks,
Sherwood