Pole barn girts

[Polish Hammer1]

Maybe not the right spot but I am wanting to build a pole barn posts in the ground no Building  restrictions I can saw and build whatever so I was wondering I have a ton of popple/aspen I can cut would this be suitable for girts or purlins for pole barn? I've been sawing lots of red pine for 2x6x16 but harder for me to get and popple is in the yard literally on side of the building half will be heated and concreted the other side gravel and cold

[azmtnman]

I thought your post was called "Pole Barn GRITS!!!" :D :D :D :D
Anyway, I see you're new to FF. Welcome!

[Don P]

Can't think of any reason not to use them.

[Jeff]

I'd use em.

[Haleiwa]

Aspen isn't real strong,  about half as strong as good fir or hemlock.  Consider using heavier pieces,  maybe 2x8 instead of 2x6.  If you are using screws to hold the siding you might need a larger diameter screw to keep it tight. 

[47sawdust]

After installing the horizontal girts over the face of your posts you might consider placing a 2x6 or larger on top. Oriented horizontally.It will really stiffen up the building as well as create a shelf.

[Resonator]

In my limited experience some Poplar dried crooked, what you have may behave better. It also dries fairly hard, and you may have to pre drill before you can screw or nail it.

[Jeff]

Aspen has different traits depending on the growing site and species. Don't discount it because guys that never see the good stuff have no idea.  I'd use it in a heart beat at the same size you would make your purlins out of pine.    Id be willing to wager you, I've sawn and handled and observed more aspen logs and lumber than any other soul on this forum. It has its faults, but kept dry and out of the weather and sawn out of good timber, it's an exceptionally useful and versatile choice.

Aspen is not poplar, and bigtooth would be the preferred species and as mentioned, it also gets really hard when dried.

[Polish Hammer1]

Thanks guys so I've decided to pretty much cut and saw what I can for 2x6s this project is being pushed till fall or ealry 2022 with 2 other friends building shops this year and also gives me more time to collect and cut lumber.. sucks I'm going this week to by the treated 2x6x16s just because I don't know where the price will be when I build I figure might as well get them now 25$ a piece  :-\ :-\ .. any other things anyone would recommend buying ahead of time for a pole barn