A pole barn is a versatile structure that can be used as a shelter for horses and livestock, a place to store animal feed and agricultural equipment, and even as a house or store. The way you plan to use a pole barn will dictate many of your decisions on its design and structure. Here are some important points to consider.

Size

How you intend to utilize the pole barn will influence its size. If you plan to use it as a horse barn, you will need enough stalls for the number of horses you have now. You should also include additional space in case you wind up with more animals in the future, plus an area for tack, and possibly a separate space for feed and hay.

If you want to use your pole barn as a house or store, your specific needs will influence its structure. You may prefer a one-story building, or a two-story structure may work better.

Ventilation

Any building requires ventilation, but the amount and type your pole barn will need will depend on its intended use. A barn that houses animals will need plenty of ventilation to combat the smells of waste. If you will use or store chemicals in the pole barn, you will have to make sure that the building has enough ventilation to protect people and animals from potential harm. If your pole barn will serve as a home or business, you will have to comply with minimum ventilation requirements laid out in local building codes. 

Insulation

If you intend to use a pole barn as a house or business in an area that has cold winters, insulation will be important to keep people comfortable and to keep your utility bills down. If you plan to use the pole barn to shelter horses, insulation may be less of a priority since horses generate plenty of heat on their own. The type of insulation you choose and its thickness will depend on your pole barn’s purpose.

Doors and Windows

How you plan to use your pole barn will influence your decisions regarding doors and windows. If you will use the barn to shelter animals or to store farming equipment, you will want wide doors that are easy to open and close. For a home or business, smaller doors will be more appropriate. 

If the building will require a lot of ventilation, you may prefer large windows and vents. Keep in mind that large windows may lead to drafts if you don’t pair them with adequate insulation.   

Get Help Choosing a Pole Barn Design

CHA Pole Barns has designed and built pole barns for customers in a wide range of circumstances. We can work with you to create a structure that suits your current needs and that will give you flexibility in case your needs change in the future. We can also make sure that your pole barn complies with local building codes. Contact us today to learn more.