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javadog javadog is online now
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: outta here
Posts: 54,937
I'm going to stick my nose in and offer some unsolicted advice, since I do this sort of stuff for a living. In no particular order:

Get an architect or engineer to design this. You should limit yourself to building it.
Lose the middle posts. You'll hate them.
Spanning the distances involved is no big deal.
You can build beams or trusses. Neither is hard. Wood or steel. I built my first trusses when I was 13. If I can do it, so can you.
The 4" posts are too small, unless you use steel.
Sink the posts into the ground, even if you put them on your side of the proerty line. a proper foundation is important and standing them on top of the existing driveway isn't going to get it done.
I'd lose the plastic roof idea.

Have fun,
JR
Old 06-21-2009, 08:26 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #23 (permalink)