Pole Barn Construction Info

Pole barn construction requirements vary greatly depending on the intended use of the building and many other factors. Here are important things to consider when planning any pole barn construction project.

ZONING & BUILDING CODES
Site selection will impact the material requirements of your project. Building permits and zoning requirements can impact site selection. So, make sure you know where you want the building and local rules.

SITE SELECTION
How level the ground is and the soil type impacts the material requirements and design of your building. Soil quality and slope impacts pole embedment depth for construction of pole buildings.

Gravelly and sandy soils work much better than clay soil. On the up side, sloping land can be used for your barn that would otherwise be useless to preserve your prime real estate.

ORIENTATION
Where do you want the door? Sun, wind, and shading from surrounding trees can all impact your decision making process. Proper orientation can provide natural sunlight and conserve on resources.

FRAMING OPTIONS - POLE BARN DESIGN
Pole framing is cheaper and provides superior structural strength since the poles support and tie together the entire pole building. Wind and any other lateral force is transmitted through the pole and is absorbed into the ground. That said, a big long pole is more difficult to erect and requires equipment or at least more muscle power.

Pole placement for pole barns are generally plumbed on the outside to create the vertical wall. The poles are visible inside the barn.

Platform framing is the more conventional method of framing. It is a bit simpler using individual small studs and joists to frame walls and floors. This method does not provide as much structural stability to lateral forces.

ROOF STYLES - POLE BARN DESIGN
For northern climates a typical gable roof is best since it sheds snow easiest. It is also the simplest pole barn construction type for roofing.

Gambrel roofs provide more head room inside for lofts, are harder to frame, but also add a distinctive touch to finish off the pole barn.

FLOORING
Finally, don't forget to consider the flooring in your pole barn construction project. A floating concrete slab is easier to clean and maintain but adds considerable expense compared to typical dirt or gravel flooring.

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