Alabama 20x30 1-1/2 Story

[MountainDon]

Footings are usually 16 x 16 and deep enough to be below local frost depth. * inch thick with either a  X  or  #  rebar arrangement set in the concrete.

If the 14 footers are a dollar less than the 12 footers, I'd buy them (grade, etc. being equal) and cut them to 12 feet.

[alcowboy]

Much to learn! Much to learn! (reminiscent of Speedy delivery! Speedy delivery!)

Anyway. I am probably overthinking this but can't find my answer anywhere. Once I have my 6x6 posts in the ground and plumb, in putting the ?sill? beam (6x6 around on the top of the posts), how should this beam be attached to the posts and more specifically how do you marry the corners since the posts and the beams are 6x6?

[Redoverfarm]

Check out "Simpson Strong Tie"  fastners.  They have a variety to accomidate various configurations and sizes.

[MountainDon]

Here's one way to do it... follow the link, and scroll down a picture or two. They're not great detail pictures but should give you the idea. Those are Simpson T-brackets, one on each side in the final configuration. I also trimmed the built up beams after they were assembled on top of the posts, and after being secured to the posts. This is a 4 layer beam (4 - 2x)

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg60954#msg60954

You can also find Simpson post top brackets that have flanges that fit around the post and the beam. I did not use them as they are usually sized for planed finish sized lumber, where 6" becomes only 5 1/2"  example below...



http://www.strongtie.com/products/category_list.html