Pole barns are one of the best ways to appropriately care for your equipment or animals, though it can be expensive to hire a contractor to build a pole barn from the ground up. For this reason, many individuals are relying on do-it-yourself pole barns by selecting their own pole barn plans and building the barn themselves. This helps save a lot of money, and gives individuals more freedom when it comes to building their pole barn. It's important to know how to select the right DIY pole barn plans for your specific needs.
Pole Barn Needs
Before selecting a set of plans, you'll need to think about the eventual uses of your pole barn. Will you use it to store your boat and vehicles to keep them looking shiny and new? Will you use it to give your animals a safe place to live? Or, do you have other uses for it, such as extra space for parties or something similar? No matter what you plan on using your pole barn for, it's important that you find a style to suit those needs. There are many different models and types, so pay close attention to pole barn plans before choosing any one specific design or style. Creating a list of the qualities you want in your pole barn can be a great way to decide which is best for you.
Aesthetics
One of the most important things that should be considered when purchasing pole barn plans is your home and property. You'll most likely want to have a pole barn that will match your home, or one that will look aesthetically pleasing when placed beside your home and any other buildings that are on your property. In order to find a pole barn that matches your home, consider the type of siding you have as well as the style of your home. If possible, match the roof style and siding so your pole barn looks great on your property. You can even match the color so the buildings on your property are uniform and pleasing to the eye.
Durability
As with any other type of building, your pole barn should be built to last. When considering the durability, you must consider the finish of your pole barn. The base sheet used to create the pole barn should be at least a 29 gauge thickness in order to ensure the best possible durability. The psi strength of the metal used to build the pole barn should also be considered. Most pole barns offer a psi strength of 40,000 to 80,000 and the higher this number is, the stronger the pole barn will be. Rust-resistant materials are also preferable, as rust can weaken and deteriorate a pole barn, causing it to become brittle more easily and cutting the length of the pole barn's life.
Pole Barn Posts
You'll want to consider the pole barn posts before using your DIY pole barn plans. The type of post used will determine how strong the pole barn is. For instance, a solid sawn post will not be as strong as a Glu-Lam post, a type of post that is engineered to be stronger and to withstand more force and weight. Most pole barn plans will benefit from Glu-Lam posts, proven stronger and more durable than simple sawn logs.
The Finish
While you're considering the materials and durability of those, you'll also want to think about the finish on the pole barn. Whether it's a wooden or metal finish, you want something that's going to last for many, many years. When considering DIY pole barn plans, think about the type of finish offered with each pole barn. Many finishes will begin to crack, wear, and fade after a decade in the sun and weather, but there are finishes that are guaranteed to last longer. If possible, use a finish that is guaranteed for more than a decade; preferably 30 years, which is probably about the biggest guarantee you're going to find. Make sure it's guaranteed not to rust, fade, chip or crack.
Choosing a Pole Barn Roof
You'll also need to choose a great pole barn roof design based on your needs. There are four classic designs, including the gamble roof, hip roof, shed roof, and the gable roof. The gamble roof is best when you want a lot of head space and higher storage capabilities. This is the one you'll want to choose if you plan on having a loft in your barn. The hip roof is a very simple design that is best for one story pole barns. It's a classic look that saves both time and money. The shed roof is possibly the simplest design; a single sloping roof that is best for smaller pole barns. The gable roof is the most popular, with two pitched sides. This one is very easy as well and can save time and money. It's also very versatile.
Budget
Another thing you'll want to consider when looking over DIY pole barn plans is your budget. Doing it yourself will most definitely be cheaper but it's still very important to create a budget and stick to it. There are many different price ranges when it comes to pole barn plans, so researching and comparing prices before buying anything is a wise decision. Because of the wide range of designs and styles, it's typically easy for individuals to find a pole barn that fits within their budget. Sometimes, adjustments are needed here and there (a change to one aspect of the barn or an addition or removal of a certain aspect) in order to make the pole barn fit into your budget but if researched carefully, it can be done.
A pole barn is one of the most versatile buildings available and it's a very beneficial building to have on your property, even if you don't have animals. By considering the different aspects of pole barn plans, individuals can ensure that they're choosing the right ones.