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If you need to provide shelter for animals or space to store outdoor equipment, you may consider building a pole barn. Pole barns cost less than other structures and don't take long to build. Laying out a pole barn is an important step in the construction process, and if done properly, will ensure a sturdy building.
Steps
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Decide on the size of your building.
- Consider what you plan to use the building for and how much room you require. Select the height, width and length of the project before laying out a pole barn.
- Make blueprints of the barn or purchase a pre-measured pole barn kit. Every 12 feet (3.66 m) of length needs to have a 4 inch (10.16 cm) by 4 inch (10.16 cm) post as a brace when setting up a pole barn. [1] X Research source
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Select a location for the construction. You need to find a dry, level spot to set up a pole building. If the area is not level, you will need to smooth it out. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Measure out the area according to the blueprint with a measuring tape, or follow instructions from pre-measured kit. Use string to mark out the basic diagram of the building.
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Lay out the 4 inch (10.16 cm) by 4 inch (10.16 cm) posts 12 feet (3.66 m) apart. To set up a pole building, you want your foundation posts measured correctly.
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Dig holes at least 3 feet (91.44 cm) deep for each post with a shovel, posthole digger or backhoe. [3] X Research source
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Set each post into a hole and then fill them with concrete. If you plan to set up a pole building bigger than 24 feet (73.15 m) by 24 feet (73.15 m), you may want to hire a cement truck and have them pour the concrete.
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Level the posts by holding a level alongside the post. When laying out a pole barn, you want the posts to stand perpendicular, or at a 90 degree angle from the ground. [4] X Research source
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Square the posts with a guide wire to ensure the posts line up properly. After you set up your first pole, use it as a key post in the rest of the framing. When you are laying out a pole barn, you need to adjust the posts before the concrete dries. Let the concrete set for 24 hours.
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Haul in sand to the site and spread it inside the barn area up to 18 inches (45.72 cm) deep. This will keep the barn floor warm and dry.
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Set the wall poles next to the construction site. When setting up a pole building, you want the material close to where it will be installed, so lay out the walls on the ground before you hang them.
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Put the roofing materials next to the laid-out walls. After you have finished setting up a pole barn, you can begin construction.
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Tips
- Some areas require that you get a building permit before you construct a barn. Check with your local building agency before you set up a pole building.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Blueprints or pre-measured barn kit
- Measuring tape
- String
- 4 inch (10.16 cm) by 4 inch (10.16 cm) posts
- Shovel, posthole digger or backhoe
- Cement
- Level
- Guide wire
- Sand
- Wall posts
- Roofing material
References
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