A pole barn does not require walls.
A pole barn is a large outdoor structure with no internal walls needed to support the roof structure. The basic framing is composed of large vertical poles, thus giving the structure its name. These buildings are used to house large farm equipment, animals, cars, boats, or as a general-purpose garage since they have an open interior. Additional internal walls can be added as desired.
Instructions
Marking the Pole Barn Dimensions
1. Contact local city offices to determine what building permits may be required. Follow all local laws for posting permits.
2. Choose a flat area that drains well. Determine how large the finished building will be. Use eight-foot lengths as the basis for the final measurement as this length will require the least amount of cutting wood.
3. Drive a stake into the center of the area where the finished pole barn will be constructed. Measure from that stake to each side. For example if the finished barn will be 64 square feet, measure 32 feet in each direction from the center stake. Drive a stake at the end of the 32-foot measurement. This marks each side of the barn. Measure from each stake on the side toward the corner and drive a stake. For a 64-foot barn measure 32 feet to each side of the stake marking the side of the barn. Tie the string to one corner stake. Extend the string to one of the stakes in the center of a wall and wrap around the stake once. Continue the string to the next corner stake. Wrap the string once around the corner stake and continue the process until the barn is outlined. Use the carpenter's corner to verify each corner is a 90-degree angle. Adjust stakes as needed.
4. Lay the 8-foot boards along the string outline of the barn. Mark where two boards meet with a stake and continue marking these seams all the way around the barn outline. This will be where the posts are placed. Dig the post holes to a depth one-third of the height of the finished barn. Verify this will go below the frost level in cold climates. Add six more inches to the bottom of the hole if gravel will be added to improve drainage and prevent the post from rotting.
Building the Pole Barn
5. Cut each pole to the height indicated on the building plans for the barn. Place a pole into each hole previously dug. Verify the pole is standing straight up with a level held along the side of the pole. When the pole is upright pour one bag of ready mix cement into the hole to keep the pole in place. Allow the cement to cure for 2 days.
6. Nail 2-inch x 6-inch boards along the tops of the poles to serve as the base for the roof trusses. Place trusses using a backhoe to lift them into position. Nail trusses into place.
7. Nail 2-inch x 4-inch boards across the top of the trusses to be used to secure the roofing. Space these boards every two feet from the top to the bottom of the roof and all the way across all of the trusses. Cut boards as necessary so they don't extend beyond the trusses.
8. Lay the first layer of steel roofing across the eaves so the channels run up and down. Lay the next layer of roofing so it overlaps this by at least six inches. Overlap by a foot in rainy or windy areas. Place a blob of clear waterproof caulk on top of each screw to seal the roof. Nail the ridgecap onto the center of the roof with the same roofing nails used for the rest of the roof.
9. Nail 2-inch lumber to the poles around the sides of the barn to provide a surface to nail the siding onto. Space these boards evenly, but do not place across any doorways. Nail on the siding. Paint the metal siding to prevent weathering of the metal.
