Farms and properties have many options for outbuildings, and the pole barn is one of the most popular. So we gathered the common pole barn questions answered in one place. First, a pole barn is a farm building with no foundation.
Its sides consist of corrugated steel or aluminum panels. Poles set in the ground support these panels, often at eight foot intervals.
Pole barns also have a number of advantages. They are affordable, sturdy and long lasting. In addition, you can easily customize them to the needs of your farm or property.
Still, you may have questions about what a pole barn is. You may also wonder if it will meet your needs.
Pole Barn Questions Answered
Why Is It Called a “Pole Barn”?
The name goes back to the 1930s, during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Farmers lacked capital at the time. So they built outbuildings with the most cost efficient materials they could find, including recycled telephone poles.
People first called them “telephone pole barns.” Then the name got shortened to simply “pole barns.”
Why Can Pole Barns Be Built Faster?
The main reason is that the building has no foundation. Crews can quickly level and clear unlevel ground, gravel or dirt for pole barn construction. Of course, the site needs a slope no greater than six inches from corner to corner.
Deep set poles support the building. Because of this, builders do not need to prepare a level bed of concrete to start. The only concrete required goes into the footers as the crew sets the poles.
As a result, farms can add buildings in places where other building methods might not be possible or practical.
Why Are Pole Barns More Affordable?
Pole barns have a simple design and no foundation. So a pole building is easier to construct and takes less time than other buildings. This means you pay less for labor than you would for a building with a foundation.
Can You Insulate It?
Absolutely. You may keep livestock or other temperature sensitive things in your pole barn. In that case, you will want it insulated against both heat and cold.
In fact, the wide spacing between posts in a pole barn frame allows for better insulation than other buildings. That is because there are fewer thermal breaks.
Can You Customize Pole Barns and Add Features?
You can configure pole barns in many different ways and sizes, depending on your needs and wishes. For example, they can have one room or many rooms. They can also include stalls for a stable and storage areas.
In addition, electricians can wire them and fit them with electric doors. You can see a variety of customized pole barn projects here.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Pole Barn?
In most cases, the answer is “yes,” because a pole barn is a permanent structure. So check your local, county and state rules and regulations for specific permit information. That way, you have your pole barn questions answered before you build.