A Complete Guide for Pole Barns and Buildings – from Spahn & Rose

Few construction projects match the flexibility and reliability of a well-designed pole barn. These simple yet durable structures can be used for practically anything and are highly customizable for various clients’ needs. From small horse barns to large agricultural machine sheds, pole barns are the ultimate choice for utility.

But with so many options, getting started can be a little intimidating. Spahn & Rose wants to help, which is why we’ve compiled this detailed buying guide for pole barns. We’ll start by reviewing everything you should know when designing and constructing your pole building. Next, we’ll help you better identify your needs to ensure you make the most of your new pole barn. After we’ve shared some maintenance tips, we’ll wrap up with some frequently asked questions customers have had about their own pole barn projects.

Part 2: Making the Most of Your Pole Barn

Part 3: Maintaining Your Pole Barn for Long-Term Use

FAQ

Part 1: Understanding the Basics of Designing and Constructing a Pole Barn

Named for their use of utility poles and other reclaimed materials, the original pole barns came about as construction methods improved and farmers’ storage needs increased. In modern terms, a pole barn or pole building refers to any structure made without a basement or foundation and has a high ceiling and often few, if any, dividing walls in the interior. This simplified construction method benefits many of the most common applications of a pole barn, like storing large agricultural machinery.

By the time your pole building is finished, it may not look too different from traditional forms of construction. At the same time, it may also be a highly specialized structure with multiple unique features. To get the most benefit from your pole barn, it’s important to carefully consider the design as well as the ideal construction site.

Pole Barns Can Be Used for All Sorts of Buildings

Because pole buildings are largely utility spaces for storage or work, most are built as simple boxes using a post-frame construction method. This shifts the load bearing responsibility to the outer walls instead of interior, load-bearing walls found in homes. Streamlining the construction doesn’t limit potential applications, which means you can use a pole barn for all sorts of buildings, such as:

• Agricultural: Farmers often use large tractors or other equipment that can’t be stored in an average garage. A pole barn offers enough space for massive vehicles like a combine, giving the farmer a place to store and maintain their equipment.
• Residential: Large families or loud hobbyists can use a pole barn to keep large or expensive tools out of the house. Your building can be insulated and fitted with HVAC and plumbing to turn it into a separate living space perfect for events or a private oasis.
• Commercial: Warehouses and repair shops can benefit from the open space a pole barn provides. Add a separate room for office space in case staff need a quiet place to work.
• Equine: Horse barns and other animal housing need a lot of specialized equipment and design to accommodate living quarters, tack and other supplies.

Make Sure Your Pole Barn Is Built to Last by Preparing for Installation

One of the trade-offs made when constructing a pole barn is that you need to plan the site carefully. Because pole barns don’t have foundations, other preparations need to be made to protect the building itself. It should be level yet help direct water away from the exterior walls. You’ll also need to make sure your planned pole barn satisfies local building codes. For example:

• A pole barn in a residential area will probably need to be constructed a certain distance away from the property line. This is known as a setback requirement.
• Building sites should also avoid underground utilities such as municipal plumbing.
• Adding electrical or HVAC to your pole barn may encourage selecting different building sites to reduce costs associated with hooking up utilities.

Part 2: Making the Most of Your Pole Barn

Because they’re highly configurable, the most useful pole barn is one you’ve carefully planned out. They can be modified to accommodate a wide range of structural and functional features, far beyond stick-frame construction like your typical home. Taking the time to evaluate your needs will ensure you won’t quickly outgrow your pole barn or be limited by its design.

Spahn & Rose excels at custom pole barn design, identifying what features and layout you would benefit most from. However, we also work with a number of high quality pre-made designs if you don’t need anything explicit. We’ll be happy to help you choose between these options.

What Are Your Needs?

Think about what you want to put into your pole barn or what you want to use it for. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

What’s the largest item that needs to fit into the building? Large vehicles like a tractor or semi-trailer can require clearances of 14 feet or more. Keep width, height and even weight in mind so you’re not building storage you won’t even be able to use.

Will things be coming and going often? Long-term storage can be left alone for months or even years, but convenient access is important if you plan on bringing things in or out of the space frequently. Consider multiple entrances so you don’t have to make unwieldy turns every time you want to move a vehicle.

What building materials are typically used? The oldest pole barns were constructed with reclaimed materials like unused telephone poles, but these days, you have access to modern standards of strength and resiliency. Wood and galvanized steel are the two most popular options, with wood favored for its low cost while steel offers greater wind and storm resistance. Galvanized steel is standard, with most pole barns using 29 or 26-gauge steel. The roof is also usually steel to maximize resistance to storm and sun damage. Other common building materials include insulation and your preferred flooring. Fiberglass insulation is popular, but foam and cellulose are other options that may offer higher R-values. As for flooring, concrete is most often used for its durability. That being said, you can also use gravel or even just dirt, as long as everything is level and drainage is in place.

Is anything exposed to the elements? Many pole barns are constructed with insulation and HVAC. This keeps users comfortable and protects anything that needs climate control, like chemicals vulnerable to extreme temperatures. But if you’re just parking junk cars to keep them out of the rain, utilities may not be much of a priority.

Will the intended function of the building influence the aesthetic? While primarily functional structures, the architectural flourishes are important for making your pole building feel like a natural extension of the rest of your property. Attractive design also entices customers and makes the building a comfortable space to work in. The intended use of the building can sometimes influence what features matter most, like including multiple openings for a horse barn to simplify letting the animals out.

Will the local climate increase maintenance or structural needs? Heavy snowfall or hurricane-force winds can place extra strain on your pole building, lowering its total life span. If the climate threatens structural integrity, bolstering support elements or adjusting the site’s location can minimize risk.

No matter how thoroughly you plan your pole barn, some details are likely to be missed. The best way to keep your pole barn project well managed is with the expertise of a professional pole barn contractor. With years of experience, they can identify potential problems and streamline the actual construction process.

What to Look for in Your Pole Barn Contractor

You don’t want to trust just any contractor who claims they can put up a pole barn. The simple designs are supposed to reduce costs, but a shoddy pole building will cost you in the long run with higher maintenance costs or missed opportunities. To find the right contractor for your project, keep the following in mind:

How the company structures the building process: Any reputable contractor should be able to walk you through their general construction process. Does it fit within your timeline? Are they providing adequate time and resources for your priorities? Is any work subcontracted out to a third party?

Collect multiple references for proof of quality work: Ideally, a contractor can provide a portfolio of previous work, including references from other customers and other relevant info. Spahn & Rose can help pair you with an expert local contractor with our Find-A-Contractor directory.

Confirm insurance and other legal requirements: Valid insurance, a comprehensive warranty and understanding local codes will prevent your pole barn from being held up by a legal problem. For example, many communities have height restrictions on buildings including pole barns.

Part 3: How to Maintain Your Pole Building

When constructed with solid materials and professional support, a pole barn could last 40 to 60 years or more, giving your property an investment that lasts generations. When buying and constructing your pole barn, putting more investment into things that simplify maintenance or day-to-day costs will help keep your pole barn in great shape for longer.

Consider a basic feature like windows. You may think scenery is low on the list of priorities for a pole barn, but clients will tell you that natural light (lowering electricity use) and aesthetic value over the lifetime of a pole building are worth more than what you’d save by skimping on windows.

Other features benefit maintenance in more obvious ways. Investing in insulation now helps lower all future HVAC costs. Adding gutters with snow/leaf guards will keep storms from dumping debris on the roof. Higher quality posts will keep periodic flooding or heavy rains from rotting your pole barn’s support. An experienced contractor can help you identify all the ways you can create the most resilient pole barn possible.

Make Your Pole Barn Look Good with Paint and Stain

Paint and stain isn’t just for attractive curb appeal. When it comes to pole buildings, a quality exterior paint or stain can also help reduce sun damage and reflect heat. Make sure you pair your choice with the material you intend to use for the pole barn’s siding. Metal siding is the most common, and polyester paint is ideal for adhering to metal. Some exterior polyester paints are improved with silicone to help the paint expand and contract as the metal siding does. It’s also resistant to fading, moisture and other problems.

Part 4 – Frequently Asked Questions

How big should my pole barn be? The size of your pole barn should be tailored to your specific needs, since more square footage means higher construction costs. Smaller buildings for personal use are often 24’ x 24’, while larger structures like a commercial storefront can reach sizes of 70’ by 120’.

How should I customize my pole barn? Pole barns are highly customizable, from the level of structural support in the posts to the color of the metal siding. Spahn & Rose recommends personalizing a pole barn based on your biggest priorities, like a comfortable space to work or something that can withstand a severe storm.

• Here are some ideas for customizing your pole barn!
• Structural: Extras like laminated posts or sheathing for the roof and walls offers stronger support and durability, helping maximize the lifespan of your pole building.
• Functional: Multiple sliding doors, skylights or cupolas, and added ventilation keeps a busy workspace convenient, comfortable and well-lit.
• Decorative: Add colorful wainscotting or a weathervane to your pole barn for more personality or to visually match the other buildings on your property.

Do I need a permit to build a pole barn? States, counties and even city-governments may have building codes in place that limit how or where you can construct a pole barn. One common requirement is a separate permit for utilities like electrical or plumbing.

What siding options are available? Metal siding is popular for its low cost, weather resistance and customizable color, but you can also use vinyl siding or even wood for a more natural look.

How much does building a pole barn cost? Unfortunately, there isn’t a black and white method of estimating the total cost of your pole barn. The cost of materials, your proposed layout, site complications and many other factors will impact the overall price. Spahn & Rose can estimate material costs to help you fine-tune the expected price tag.

Build the Pole Barn of Your Dreams with Spahn & Rose

The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Spahn & Rose have years of experience and can set you up for project success. If you’d like to design your own pole barn, we can walk you through the customization process to create a truly one-of-a-kind building specific for your needs. Or, if you’re looking for something simple and straightforward, we offer a number of pre-made designs that provide all the space and functionality you could ask for.

We work with top-quality lumber and building materials, including what you need for an amazing pole barn. And if you’re looking for the best local contractors, we may know just who to put you in touch with. Get the support you deserve today by contacting your Spahn & Rose location or filling out our online contact form.