Pole Barn size?

savageayape · Oct 7, 2011

I would like some input to help me decide what size pole barn to build. I'm seriously considering purchasing through DIY Pole Barns. Currently I'm torn between the following: 40x72x14, 40x72x16, 40x64x14 and 40x64x16. I have several implements, a JD3520 with front end loader, a 20x8 enclosed trailer and a 22' deck over trailer all of which I'd like to store in the barn. I would also like to purchase a larger tractor and more implements in the future. Part of the barn will be used as a shop area for my various projects. What else should I consider to determine the height and length of the barn. Is 14' tall enough? What reasons may there be to want one taller? I don't want to waste money building something taller or longer than I need, but perhaps I'm not considering something.

CompactTractorFan · Oct 7, 2011

With any of the sizes listed, it is going to be a bigggg barn...Good luck! :thumbsup:

whitedogone · Oct 7, 2011

14' is tall enough IF you don't need to put a combine or simular in it. I'd go as big as you can afford and go 14' to save some $. Plan on door layout so you don't have to jocky trailers all the time. You will fill up a 40x72 in no time. DAMHIKT

savageayape · Oct 7, 2011

I won't be putting a combine nor anything else that tall in it as far as I can imagine. As far as door layout, I was thinking having double sliding 16' doors on each 40' end of the barn. and a couple entry doors. Would you suggest anything different? Is 16' not necessary? Should I go with 14' double sliding doors or would you place them on the 72' sides of the barn?

In order to save some money right now, I thought I'd forgo insulating the sides and not install a ceiling until sometime later, but I do plan to insulate the entire building eventually and I do plan to put on roof decking, tar paper and a vapor barrier on the roof so that part is taken care of already.

I also intend to have a full ridge vent and 12" vented overhang all around.

KennyG · Oct 7, 2011

Given your info, I don't know why you would even go 14 feet. Mine is 12 feet and I can't imagine why I would need more unless I was really farming. I have a 12 x 12 overhead door and my 2320, 16 foot trailer, etc all look tiny in comparison.

If you intend to insulate and heat it, that additional 2 or 4 feet in height will just be a waste.

milkman636 · Oct 7, 2011

Height is something that is hard to add later. Do you think you ever might back the deckover in with a tall load on it? or buy a fifth wheel trailer with a roof mounted air conditioner? or want to add some overhead storage over a shop area in part of the barn? etc.....

Soundguy · Oct 7, 2011

i did a metal building last year.. went 32 x 53 and had them go as high as they could without using a crane. figure it's a 20' to cross beam at least.

get 2x as much as you think you need.. really...

soundguy

USNative · Oct 7, 2011

I agree with others who say 14' is good however if you ever want to stack hay in it using a stacker or store any huge machinery then 16' or even more would be a lot better. The overall size of the barn sounds adequate for your stated intentions. Good Luck to you. :thumbsup:

babypp2 · Oct 7, 2011

Height is something that is hard to add later.

LD1 · Oct 8, 2011

I also would go as big as you can afford, but I take issue with the proposed height.

I know height is something hard to ad later, but jumping from a 12' wall to a 14' wall ads a LOT of cost and potential wasted space.

For starters, you will no longer be able to use a standard 16' posts. And 18' posts jump up big time in price. Not to mention the extra 2 or 4 foot of metal ALL THE WAY AROUND. Just an extra 2' is a total of about 400 extra feet of siding plust trim. So close to an extra grand JUST IN siding:confused2:

A couple of options though, first you could use laminated posts (like morton buildings) to save on the cost of the posts.

Another option if you do need the height, go with 12' walls, scissor trusses, and doors on the gable ends. Should give you pleanty of height if you need it.

And do you ever plan on heating the building??? Taller buildings have a LOT more volume and are harder to heat.

So I guess what I am getting at is: If you dont actually "need" 14 or 16' walls, take that money and use it for more square feet:thumbsup: