barn building

BrettW · Mar 22, 2005

Hi all,
I need a barn and I need to know how hard it is to build it yourself. I'm thinking 24x36, either crawl space or pad, site is not too flat. I'd love to be able to keep my tractor in there. Maybe 1/2 pad, other half wood? thanks, brett w

johan3400 · Mar 22, 2005

If you think 24x36 would do, make it at least 30x45. Without knowing your experience it would be hard to advise you to build one. I think you could do it, but remember to make it as large as you can.

BrettW · Mar 23, 2005

Thank, I've built a smaller shed before. 12x18. but I don't know about handling the many sheets of materials. I'd have to get someone to pour a pad. Cant do that. bw

ronbo3 · Mar 23, 2005

I started a 30X40 pole barn in July, and am just now getting finished. It is built with 4"x6" "poles" sunk 3ft into the ground. All the labor was done by myself and one helper, so I know it is possible for you to do yourself, but you will need help every time you can get it!! My father-in-law had built barns before, and he was able to give me "how to" advice. Since I'd never built anything before, his knowledge was invaluable.
There are a couple of books I would recommend. "Practical Pole Building Construction", by Leigh Seddon, and "How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings" by Monte Burch. I bought both from Amazon, and those books helped me plan my building.
Good luck, and be sure to post some pics when you start!!

BrettW · Mar 23, 2005

thanks, is a pole building cheaper/ easier than one with trusses? bw

ronbo3 · Mar 24, 2005

Pole buildings can be built either way, but it is much easier to just hang joists, and then put rafters on them. I guess the answer to your question will depend on how good your carpentry skills are, and how quickly you want the barn built. I took the easier route, and working a few days each month, it still took me 9 months to get the roof and walls up.

EddieWalker · Mar 24, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( thanks, is a pole building cheaper/ easier than one with trusses? bw )</font>

How would you build the roof without a truss? You can build your own truss depending on the span, but make sure the design is correct. Or you can have them pre-made by a company with an engineer to ensure they will hold up your span.