How to Select a Pole Barn
Pole barns are an economical choice to provide storage on your property. Pole barns available in many sizes – ranging from 24’ x 24’ to 70’ x 120’ – and with many different options for a variety of features. Here are some tips to help you decide what features you do or don’t need:
Cost
It goes without saying that cost is a huge factor in any purchase. Prices range from company to company, so make sure you compare the same size pole barn and the features you want to find the best price. Don’t forget to consider the value each company brings; such as trustworthiness, experience, and quality of material.
Pole Barn Kit Materials
Many companies offer pole barn kits for DIY’ers, with all the materials needed to construct your own building. When ordering a pole barn kit, you should expect premium grade lumber, code-compliant wood trusses, and a warranted metal roofing and siding in a variety of colors. Your pole building package should also include color-matched trim and fasteners, entry and overhead doors, and windows. You should also get a blueprint and construction outline to make the process easy. When you buy a pole barn from DIY, all that’s left for you to supply are tools.
Pole Barn Installers
If you plan to have your pole barn built by a professional construction company, look for a builder with all licenses and insurance that is known for quality and craftsmanship, with an experienced building crew and foremen. At DIY, we recommend using a builder in our Preferred Builder Network.
Cement, Gravel, or Dirt Floor
Concrete floors will last a long time, are easy to work on and maintenance free, but are more expensive than gravel or dirt floors, which will require hands-on management and touch ups every year.
Color Options
While red is a historically iconic color to choose for a pole barn, there are plenty of different color options. If you want your pole barn to blend in with the natural surroundings, colors like Burnished Slate and Clay are great choices. DIY Pole Barns has 18 color choices for pole barn roofs, siding, wainscoting, trim, and sliding doors.
Get the Right Pole Barn for Your Location
Depending on your location, you pole barn might have to be designed for heavy snow, wind, or seismic load. Be certain that your building is designed to meet or exceed your local building codes.
Premium Options
Pole barns are more than walls and roofs; they come with a variety of options. You can reduce condensation and avoid mustiness in your building by adding a cupola – which is both an aesthetically pleasing addition, as well as functional – as it adds ventilation.
Consider the number of windows and/or skylight wall panels you want on your pole barn. Natural light can greatly increase your long-term happiness with your pole barn.
We often recommend that pole barns are built with extra doors or doors larger than you need today. Our customers’ needs often grow with time and a larger door will accommodate those needs.
Upgrade your pole barn with wainscoting if you’re looking to increase curb appeal, as well as protection from debris. If damaged, you only have to replace a small wainscoting panel instead of an entire sidewall.
Zoning regulations
Before selecting your pole barn, check with local building authorities for zoning and permit information. It’s important to make sure you have all of the proper documentation to avoid any fines.
The purchase of a pole barn doesn’t have to be complicated. Hopefully these tips will help you plan ahead and think about cost versus convenience.
If you’re ready to build your pole barn today, lock in a quote with DIY Pole Barns with our Instant Quote tool! Have questions? Call our knowledgeable staff at (937) 547-9100.