Terminology Question

[KennyG]

I think this may be the best place for this question.

Our new place has a 40x48 pole barn. It's caused a conflict between my wife and me (both grew up on farms).

She says it's a "barn" because, after all, it's a pole barn.

I can't help calling it a "shed" because where I grew up, barns had lofts and were filled with livestock. We stored equipment in sheds, even if they were "pole barn" construction.

She says a shed is a falling down structure used to store junk and tools.

Is this a regional thing? (in addition to being a silly thing to argue about)

 

[tcreeley]

I've always gone by the roof. If the roof slants in just one direction- it is a shed roof, making it a shed. If it slants two ways it is not a shed and can be a barn!

 

[Runner]

We've got both a pole barn and a metal building. I call the pole barn a "barn" because it was used by the previous owner for horses and I just store stuff in it.

The metal building is a "shop" because it is my workshop (in addition to being used for storage).

One thing they have in common is that neither is large enough...

 

[sailorman]

Might be advisable to let the wife win this one . Its important to choose the hill for which you are willing to risk death.

 

[2manyrocks]

She says a shed is a falling down structure used to store junk and tools.

Sounds right to me. :laughing:

 

[Deere Dude]

You have to hold your ground on this one. Around where I live they are pole sheds. I googled "Pole shed" and a wood framed structure with metal siding and metal roof came up. But then later on it called it a Pole Barn in a different article. Maybe it's a regional thing like you said. Pole shed is already engrained in your head so anytime you say pole barn it will bug you. At least it does me, but I get bothered easy.:laughing:

 

[sandman2234]

I agree with Sailorman, pick your battles wisely. No matter what you call it, she is still right...
David from jax

 

[studor]

From the Free Dictionary -- a barn is
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) a large farm outbuilding, used chiefly for storing hay, grain, etc., but also for housing livestock
2. (Transport / Railways) US and Canadian a large shed for sheltering railroad cars, trucks, etc.
3. any large building, esp an unattractive one
4. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) (modifier) relating to a system of poultry farming in which birds are allowed to move freely within a barn barn eggs
A shed is
1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a small building or lean-to of light construction, used for storage, shelter, etc.
2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a large roofed structure, esp one with open sides, used for storage, repairing locomotives, sheepshearing, etc.
3. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) (Business / Commerce) a large retail outlet in the style of a warehouse
I would say you have a barn according to the above - JMHO --- and calling it such is way cheaper and easier than divorce (don't ask me how I know)

 

[massey990]

compromise and call it an "outbuilding"
IMO, it all depends on what is on the inside and the size of the doors.

 

[beppington]

I've always gone by the roof. If the roof slants in just one direction- it is a shed roof, making it a shed. If it slants two ways it is not a shed and can be a barn!

I had never pondered this question before, but I agree with this answer :thumbsup:

To add to the confusion, I had a pole barn (roof slants 2 ways , & has gable ends BTW) & then enclosed it by attaching plywood to the poles ... at which time it became just a "barn" ... or, since we're in an urban setting, sometimes a "garage" or "detached garage" :laughing:

 

[beppington]

compromise and call it an "outbuilding"
IMO, it all depends on what is on the inside and the size of the doors.

Well crud, that's true, too! We have some friends that have basically a "barn" (2 roof slants ), but they operate their interior design business out of it ... & call it a "studio"

 

[KennyG]

From the Free Dictionary -- a barn is ...

3. any large building, esp an unattractive one ...

By this definition I guess it is a barn, 'cause it sure is ugly right now (but I intend to fix it). :laughing:

 

[bindian]

I've always gone by the roof. If the roof slants in just one direction- it is a shed roof, making it a shed. If it slants two ways it is not a shed and can be a barn!

Sheds are what a farmer adds to a barn when he or she built the barn too small in the first place.:laughing:
hugs, Brandi

 

[PossumHound]

I have a question: I've seen many posts on this board that show construction of "pole barns" but there ain't a "pole" in them- all dimensional lumber with cladding etc. When I was growing up a pole barn was constructed with "skinned" lumber poles. If it was built with dimensional lumber it was a barn. There are further distinctions I could mention, but essentially I'm seeing a lot of "pole barns" on the board that could easily be "houses".:laughing:

 

[SSdoxie]

You may win the battle but loose the war. Rather than either having to give in, move your tool box in there and call it "the shop".

 

[johnrex62]

You are both right. Did you notice definition #2 said a barn is a large shed?


You just have to mentally adjust and remember there is a difference between a cow barn, a hay barn, and tool barn and a wee bairn. :laughing:

 

[hosspuller]

Only way I would fight this battle is if my ag tax status depended on it being a barn. Otherwise she is correct.

 

[TedLaRue]

The guys on "Car Talk" on public radio have a standard answer when a guy calls in questioning something his wife does with the car.

They ask, "Do you want to be right? or do you want to be happy?"

 

[LD1]

I agree with the compromise.

Can I ask what you use this "building" for???
Does it have electric and concrete floors??
Does it have overhead doors or sliders??

All of this would make a difference to me.

For example, if it has concrete, electric, and overhead doors, I'd call it a garage or shop. Especially of you have a few tools in there and do some tinkering in there.

IF the above doesnt apply, I'd go for the "outbuilding" compromise.

And if you dont want to compromise with her, you could start calling it HOME:laughing:

 

[Chef Pa]

Here's how it was defined when I was young.

Shed: Place you go with Pa when you did something wrong.

Barn: Place you go to work.

I'm sure that's not in Websters but works for me