How to Lay Out a Pole Barn

Last Updated: December 23, 2022

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

1
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]
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2
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]
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3
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.
4
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.
5
Dig holes at least 3 feet (91.44 cm) deep for each post with a shovel, posthole digger or backhoe.^{[3]
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6
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.
7
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]
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8
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.^{[5]
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Research source} 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.
9
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.
10
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.
11
Put the roofing materials next to the laid-out walls. After you have finished setting up a pole barn, you can begin construction.