The 15 Dollar Concrete Pier

In today’s video, we’ll be pouring more concrete piers for the footings of the lean-tos in our Timber Frame Barn project.

So, let’s dive into making our own sonotubes using a plastic barrel. A 15-gallon barrel will yield about a 14-inch sonotube. Measure 12 inches for the top of the pier, make a mark, and cut with a saw. It doesn’t need to be precise.

Now, a farmer’s hack for saving concrete when pouring post holes is to drop some rocks picked up from the field into the hole. This reduces the amount of concrete needed. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as too many rocks can weaken the mix.

As we continue pouring the concrete, we explain our cost-saving method of using Portland cement, gravel, and water instead of pre-mixed concrete bags. This allows us to make our own piers at a fraction of the cost.

Remember, the key is Portland cement, gravel, and water, and that’s how you can create your own piers for $12 to $15 each

Read More about Post and Beam Barn Kits below.