Looking to create the perfect parking spot? Build your own with the help of Poles Galore

The summer months are upon us and things are heating up – including your precious old-school convertible that has been left outside to withstand the elements because of your limited garage space.

For those of you who are brave enough to venture into the world of DIY, we may have a solution for you.

Why not build your own carport?

Poles Galore based at Galloping Winds just outside of Ballito has everything you need to kick-start your carport project.

Supplying treated poles, survey pegs, thatching laths and pine slats, you can guarantee you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Most of the timber is sourced from FSC accredited plantations, ensuring that the timber is grown and harvested in an environmentally sustainable manner using internationally accepted forestry practices.

All their poles are treated with Creosote and CCA to protect the wood from pests and the elements, so you can rest assured your carport will stay standing for a very long time.

CCA stands for chromium, copper and arsenic and is SABS approved for usage in the treated wood pole industry.

Poles Galore also supplies Creosote and CCA treated laths, which are also needed for the carport structure.

According to the South African Wood Preservers Association, for this particular parking spot, you will need:

1. CCA OR Creosote timber poles:

• 8/3m x 100 – 125 diameter poles (upright)
• 2 / 5,4m x 150 – 175 diameter poles (girders)
• 32 / 1,2m x 50 diameter poles (laths)
• 80 / 3,3 x 75 diameter poles (laths)

2. 25kg / 125mm wire nails

3. 1m³ / concrete mix

Setting it out

• Find a suitable site, approximately 6 x 3m, without any obstructions.
• Mark out column positions as shown on the plan. The dimensions shown on the plan indicate the centre lines of the poles.
• Ensure squareness of pole positions, using the 3-4-5 (Pythagoras) set out method.
• Measure out foundation holes of 500 x 500 mm and 60mm deep, around the centre of your set out lines.
• Compact the base of the foundation holes.

Placing the uprights

1. Secure 1/3m x 100-125 diameter pole in the foundation, get it plumb and brace it temporarily.
2. Repeat step 1 with the other 7 poles.
3. Cast the concrete mix around the poles, up to 100mm from ground level.
4. Only remove the braces after the concrete has set firmly.

Placing the girders

1. Secure log clogs in the centre of the top of poles.
2. Place 1/5,4m x 150-175 diameter pole (girder) on the log clogs. Ensure that the ends are equally overlapping. Secure the girder firmly.
3. Repeat step 2 with the other girder.

Placing the laths on top

1. Place 1/3,3m x 75 diameter pole (laths) on top of the girders. Make sure that the ends overlap equally. Nail fix these to the girders with one nail per joint.
2. Leave 50m openings equally spaced, and repeat step 1.

Placing the laths at the side

1. Secure 1/1,2 x 50 diameter pole (laths) equal to the top of the uprights. Nail fix.
2. Place the second lath 300mm from the first one, ensuring that it is level. Nail fix.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the three other bays.

Now that you know exactly how to build your carport, head on down to Poles Galore at Galloping winds to stock up on everything you need.

For more, visit their website www.polesgalore.co.za or give them a call on 032 815 2917.