How to Mount a Box Truss to a Pole

Generally framed with wood or aluminum, a box truss is shaped like a box. It varies in length, but it generally is longer than 12 feet. However, mounting a box truss to a poll may be challenging for some. Because this truss has four sides, you choose which kind of box truss to mount to the pole. There is, however, a tried and true method to mounting a box truss to a pole.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-6 lumber
• 1/2-inch galvanized bolts 10 inches long
• 1/2-inch washers
• 1/2-inch nuts
• Adjustable wrench
• Drill
• 8-inch drill bit
• 3-inch wood screws
• Circular saw
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Cut two 2-by-6s that correspond to the width of the box truss plus 2 inches. For example, if your box truss is 24 inches wide, cut the 2-by-6s 26 inches long.

2. Measure and mark the center of each 26-inch stick of lumber, which will be at 13 inches. Place a mark on the flat side of the lumber at 13 inches from one end. Place an additional mark at 2 3/4 inch, measuring from one side at the 13-inch mark. You will now have a cross that represents the center of the wood.

3. Determine the height on the pole to which the bottom of the truss will sit and place a mark on the pole. Locate the direction of the hole on the pole by pulling a nylon string and connecting the two poles to which the truss will be mounted. This step must be visual since there is no mathematical way to determine the hole location.

4. Drill a hole through the pole with a 1/2-inch drill bit that is 10 inches long. Drill completely through the pole. Drill holes through the center of the 2-by-6 lumber.

5. Attach the 2-by-6 lumber to the pole with a 1/2-inch bolt. Place a washer on the bolt and slide through the pole. Attach a washer, lock washer and nut on the back side and tighten down snug. Repeat the process on the opposite pole to which the other end of the box truss will be mounted.

6. Set the truss onto the 2-by-6 premounted lumber ,and attach it to the lumber with 3-inch wood screws. Drive the screws through the bottom of the truss and into the 2-by-6 boards. Place a level on the top of the truss and level the truss.

7. Drive 3-inch wood screws through the side of the truss and into the side of the pole to keep the truss level and hold it in place.

References

• "Miller's guide to framing & roofing"; Mark R. Miller; 2005
• "Practical pole building construction"; Leigh W. Seddon; 1985
• "Building a Shed"; Joseph Truini ; 2009