When making decisions about your next pole barn, one of the things to consider is what type of pole barn floor you will need. Many options are available for pole barn flooring because pole barn construction doesn’t depend on the floor as the building’s foundation. This opens the door to several different choices for flooring with quite a range in pricing. Your pole barn floor will depend on the intended use of your pole barn and the budget you have available. We’ll look at the most popular options of pole barn flooring and how you can decide what the best option is for you.
The Most Popular Options for Pole Barn Flooring
Dirt
The easiest pole barn flooring option is dirt. Since a pole barn’s only foundation requirements are in the footers for the poles, the central dirt inside can be left alone. For several types of barns this is the ideal solution when it comes to pole barn floors.
Dirt floors are the ideal option when it comes to livestock barns. When you have animals housed in a barn, dirt floors will provide softer ground to stand or rest on than other types of flooring such as concrete. Agricultural equipment can also be stored safely in a dirt-floored barn. While ventilation is always important, moisture naturally occurs with dirt floors; so make sure adequate ventilation is in your plans.
When you start with dirt floors, it can be a good way to see if it works for you or if you really want to invest a bit more to add a solid floor to your pole barn. There is an added benefit to dirt floors, you can always upgrade!
Gravel
If you know that you don’t want dirt for your pole barn floor, but you want to keep your upgrade costs low, gravel is a great option. Gravel is fine for storage barns like agricultural equipment or excess items you can’t fit elsewhere. Be sure the ground is graded properly to encourage drainage prior to adding the gravel so that water won’t collect in any low points inside. Occasionally you may need to fill in more gravel or rake it to keep the gravel adequately spread out and level, but over the years, a gravel floor won’t require much maintenance.
Concrete
One of the most popular pole barn flooring options is concrete. Concrete flooring can eliminate or reduce nearly all of the annoyances of dirt or gravel such as excess moisture, dirt and dust, and difficulty keeping the area clean. These factors explain why concrete is the main choice for hobby barns, pole barn garages, and workshops.
Concrete is less expensive than you might have heard; and it’s often worth the investment. One thing to keep in mind is that concrete won’t be ideal in barns used for animals. If you use concrete and plan to house animals, you’ll need to find other supplemental ways to keep the animals comfortable.
Stone
Stone is another option for pole barn floors and comes in different styles. One option, crushed limestone, is similar to gravel flooring. It is often a go-to depending on gravel supplies in your area.
Some pole barn owners go with fancier, larger stones for their pole barn floors. This unique flooring look may be an option to consider if you are looking for something charming, yet rustic, for a pole barn that will be used as an event barn. No matter what size you choose, stone is a reliable pole barn flooring option, and makes a nice long-term solution for storage barns.
Asphalt
Some owners opt for asphalt for their pole barn floor. If you are considering concrete but your budget is a concern, you’ll be glad to know that asphalt is less expensive per square foot to install than concrete.
However, keep in mind that asphalt does come with some unique challenges. It requires more maintenance in ideal conditions. Due to its softness, asphalt can wear down and allow gaps for weeds to grow. Additionally, asphalt has a noticeable smell, especially when it’s freshly finished or heated.
Asphalt can be a viable option if you want to save some money. You just need to remember that long-term maintenance may make it more expensive in the long run than an initial investment into concrete for your pole barn floor.
Wood
If you want a rustic or traditional look, a wood floor is a great addition to a concrete foundation. This combination can help tie the look of your pole barn together. It is especially nice if your pole barn will be used for business or events.
When you are unsure but think that you’ll want to add wood to your pole barn floor, consider investing in a concrete foundation early on to see how you like it. If you still think you need the decorative touch of wood, you’ll then be able to focus on simply adding it rather than starting the whole process from square one.
Choose Pole Barn Flooring That Fits Your Purpose
No matter what type of pole barn flooring you’re thinking of, make sure to consider how you’ll be using the pole barn. Will it primarily be for storing equipment? Is it going to house your collection of classic cars? Maybe it’s going to be a horse barn. Are you planning to rent it out as an event barn? The primary purpose of your pole barn is often the deciding factor behind what type of floor will be adequate for your needs.
You can start with one type of pole barn floor and upgrade; however it’s always easier to change your plans than to remodel the pole barn – so the earlier you think about it, the better. Do you research and find out which pole barn floor will work best for you!
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