How To Build A Pole Barn

Many people enquire how to build a pole barn because of the many functions and uses to to which you can put a pole barn.
They are ideal for keeping your tractor, firewood, other agricultural machinery, dogs etc. out of the elements. But the options for building your pole barn are limitless and limited only by your imagination and budget as you can build a pole barn for any purpose from as small as keeping your fire wood dry for the winter to storing your recreational vehicle.

A word of warning though-check the building regulations with your local planning authority as you may need a permit depending on the size and the uses to which you intend putting your barn. If your pole barn is for agricultural purposes rather than residential you will have less trouble obtaining a permit.

Building A Pole Barn

Firstly, make sure to choose a good, level and dry part of your property and mark out where you are going to place the poles. Place your poles around 8 feet apart as building your pole barn in 8 foot sections makes it an easier job and dig your holes at least 4 foot deep.

When you place your pole in the hole make sure it is vertical by checking with a plumb line or spirit level and brace the pole with 2 x 4s. Once you have done this you need to prepare some concrete and pore it into the hole to secure your pole-it will take a few days for the concrete to dry fully but you can get quick drying concrete which is a little more expensive.

Your next step is to fix 2 x 8 or 2 x 6 stringers across the top of your poles and then you need to fix your pre prepared trusses across the stringers. Any lumber yard will have a good range of pre built roof trusses from which to choose depending on your budget.

Make sure to secure your trusses well as well as your stringers which will bear most of the load of the trusses and roof. Using purlins which are 2 x 4 pieces of lumber onto the outer edge of the trusses for better support and stability. Then you put your roofing in place by fixing to the trusses and don’t forget to install a roof cap to provide good ventilation.
Depending on the uses to which you want to put it you may also fix siding on all sides or only some and you can then pour your floor if you need a concrete floor. If you do need siding then you should use some lumber like 2 x 4s as bracing. But you may be happy with just some fine stone which is smoothed with a whacker or other construction tool to ensure that it is nice and level. You may also wish to ensure that you don’t suffer from rising damp and if this is the case you should have put in some damp proof membrane or polythene prior to pouring your floor.

Hopefully this will give you a broad outline of how to build a pole barn-for more detailed instructions and for various pole barn plans you should check out this link.

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