Pole barns have been used by farmers for centuries for storing grain and protecting livestock. Since barns bear the brunt of various environmental hazards, solid construction is crucial. One reason pole barns have enjoyed a lot of popularity with farmers is their relative cost effectiveness; you will find a variety of wooden as well as metal pole barns in common existence.
Required Materials
- lumber wood
- plywood or steel sheets
Required Tools
- poles
- shovel
- sledge hammer
Instructions on How to Build a Pole Barn
- Planning – Have the poles placed every 2-10’, and be sure to indicate this in your plan. The type of material you will use will also affect the length of the pole barn. If you use metal poles, you need to place them closer apart, but if you are using wood poles, they needn’t be so close together. While the entire length of the barn is limited only by practicality, the distance between consecutive poles needs to be a maximum of 10’.
- Excavation – Dig holes in the soil in which to place the poles. Ideally, the depth of each hole needs to be around 18”. In the case of wet soil, the holes must be deeper to ensure stability in the poles. Once you have dug the holes correctly, place individual poles into each one and then secure them with concrete.
- Piling the Material – Place the materials over one another and ensure you truss them at each level. By layering the materials on top of each other, you ensure a stable horizontal hold. Make sure to include a door in this structure as well.
- Trussing – If you use metal sheets when constructing your horizontal support, be sure to truss them at each level. Trussing is a vital step when building a pole barn because, if not done well, it can create a loose overall structure.
- Laying the Roof – You can use a metal roof over the pole barn; ensure the roof isn’t too high else it can become worn quickly.
Tips and Warnings
- Pole barns should be constructed on relatively dry land for greater stability.
- Avoid digging a basement when constructing a pole barn. By digging a basement, you risk losing the foundation soil that is essential for stability.
- Old metal poles can be used instead of new ones for reducing the overall cost.
- You can use an all-weather insulator to ensure added protection in the barn.
- Lumber wood and tools should be used with care; wear work gloves if necessary.
Further Reading on How to Build a Pole Barn
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