Pole barns have been around for nearly a century, but the facts about them are not always common knowledge. There are some frequently asked questions that cover the main points such as location, size, and customization that can offer insight into the pole barn basics of construction. Let’s look at some of these FAQs to help increase your knowledge of pole barns and determine the best fit for your needs.
Why Are They Called Pole Barns?
If you’re wondering why they are called pole barns you’re not alone! That’s actually one of the most common questions and the foundation of pole barn basics. It is also one of the easiest questions to answer!
A pole barn’s support system is primarily a series of poles. Originally, this support system was composed of repurposed telephone poles. They were reused for building and grew popular in the early 1930s when finances and materials were scarce. It was a time when nothing went to waste and those still-sturdy poles made great supports for barns, and the name “pole barn” was born.
Interestingly enough, telephone poles are still available to purchase for construction. It may be tempting to build a “retro” pole barn with actual telephone poles, although it’s important to note that it’s not as safe or reliable an option for construction as properly treated wood.
What Are the Best Purposes for Pole Barns
Another thing to consider when thinking about pole barn basics is how they can be used, to which the answer is: nearly anything! The big open spaces in a pole barn are great for many uses and drywall can easily be hung if you need to create rooms. You can see why it’s hard to narrow down the best purpose for pole barns, however, the five most common uses are:
1. Pole barn garages. The fact that they can be built wide for storing multiple cars or designed tall if you have large vehicles to store makes pole barns the perfect choice for a garage.
2. Agricultural pole barns. Getting back to pole barn basics is the original motivation for building pole barns – the need to store farm equipment. Obviously, you can also store all your other farming-related items such as feed and tools as well. One of the great things about pole barns is that they can be built quickly. No matter what size you need built to streamline the process of running your farm, pole barns fit the bill.
3. Pole barn workshops. Whether you need a wood shop, a place for metal working, automotive or boat restorations or other types of craftsmanship, pole barns can be designed in all shapes and sizes. This makes them ideal for all types of workshops.
4. Horse pole barns. This is certainly one of the best uses for pole barns, or at least one of the favorites! Pole barns allow the freedom to create your own personal horse barn space. Your horse barn can be as simple or detailed as you need and sized accordingly. Add stalls, tack rooms, Dutch or bale doors or even an event or riding arena, the options are all possible with pole barns.
5. Pole barn getaways. Your “stay-cation” can happen year round with a pole barn “man cave” or “she shed.” Build your own place to tinker or craft, or simply just a quiet place to get away. Pole barns make a great escape – within walking distance!
How Big Can Pole Barns Be?
Another common question about pole barns is their size; people wonder how big they can be. One thing to remember is that no one ever built a pole barn and thought, “I wish I’d built a smaller one.” However, deciding on the appropriate size for your pole barn is important. You want to make sure it’s big enough for your needs, but small enough that it fits on your property.
With that being said, another factor in pole barn basics is that, due to their support system, pole barns can be surprisingly large! It is quite typical for horse arenas or commercial buildings to be quite massive. DIY Pole Barns can be as large as 70’ x 120’ and up to 20’ tall! So, if you need a very large space and have the land to do it, you can build an enormous pole barn.
This is not to say that if you just need a simple garage or hobby shop, pole barns aren’t for you. Much to the contrary, you can start with plans for a 24’ x 24’ sized barn and adjust from there.
Can I Build a Pole Barn Anywhere?
While it’s true that there is much more flexibility in placement of pole barns than with other types construction there are some limitations. But, generally speaking, pole barns can be built anywhere that the ground is relatively level. Notice that word “relatively” and let it sink in how much more flexibility that gives you with placement of your pole barn over conventional construction.
That’s because the exact type of ground and how level it is are less important for pole barns than other building types. While on the subject of ground, a pole barn basics tip that is really helpful in many situations – including your budget – is that pole barns can be left with a dirt floor, because they don’t need a concrete slab for support, just concrete in the footers.
Worried about the weather in your neck of the woods? Don’t be! DIY Pole Barns adjusts each base pole barn plans for your zip code to account for the snow load your barn will need to handle. So have “snow” fear, your pole barn will be designed to handle your the weather!
The flexibility of building a pole barn on almost any homestead is one reason they’re so popular! Whether you’re adding an outbuilding or planning to use your pole barn structure for your main living quarters, the flexibility of options available make pole barn construction a smart choice for nearly any situation.
Are Pole Barns Customizable?
Some who are unfamiliar with pole barns may have a cookie-cutter image of what a pole barn is. This is far from accurate! All of our pole barns are 100% customizable. You may start with the pole barn basics, but can personalize your pole barn with a plethora of options. The style, flooring, number and type(s) of doors and windows, type of insulation, and even the pitch of your roof or whether you add a lean-to is a choice you can make.
If you’re considering a pole barn and looking for the just the right design, our Instant Quote tool is the perfect place to start building your dream pole barn right now!
Who Builds a DIY Pole Barn?
Since DIY Pole Barns come with everything you need to get started on your own – including detailed plans – the answer to the question of who builds your pole barn is entirely up to you. Are you a homeowner with experience in home improvement? If you have some construction knowledge it’s possible to build a pole barn yourself, hence the term, DIY. However, if you question your skills and are unsure if you’d be comfortable with even the pole barn basics, we work with a network of preferred builders and can assist you in finding reputable builders near you to ensure your pole barn is built quickly and safely.
So what are you waiting for? The perfect pole barn is just waiting for you do design and build it!
Build Your Pole Barn – Get an Instant Quote Online!
If you’re ready to build your pole barn, lock in a quote with DIY Pole Barns using our Instant Quote tool! Have questions? Call our knowledgeable staff at (937) 547-9100.
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