How to build your own pole barn or post and beam barn or home. Want to learn how to build something your neighbor does not have? Something unique that reflects your style, not a cookie cutter barn, but a real eye pleasing timber frame or post and beam barn.
Let's get into the nuts and bolts of building your own post and beam barn.
Here is how it works, step by step.
You will see just how easy it is to build your own timber frame barn. These steps assume that you already have your foundation done and are ready to start building. These steps are designed to show you just how easy it is to construct your barn.
Step One
Assemble your bents (the frame of your barn). This is simple to do. First look at your plans and determine which timbers need to be placed where. The plans will show where they go in the framework of your barn. Using a fork lift place all your timbers in there proper locations according to the plans. Lay them out on a level surface and bolt them together with bolts and steel plates.
Step Two
Raise your bents. Using a heavy telescoping forklift raise your bents and place them on the foundation. Nail 2×6 braces to your posts and anchor them to the ground or foundation. Then bolt them in place using brackets and foundation bolts.
Step Three
As your bents are raised tie each of them together with 2×6 girts and 3×6 purlins. Nail them in place with at least 16 penny nails or 3 to 4 inch deck screws. This will secure the framework of your barn while you continue raising the bents.
Step Four
Nail your roof sheathing and board and batten siding in place. Use at least 8 penny ring shank nails or 2 to 3 inch deck screws. An air powered framing nail gun works great for nailing these boards in place. The air gun will make short work of an otherwise tedious job.
Step Five
Install your roofing. It is important to get your barn weather proof as soon as possible. Install shingles or steel roofing just like you would on any other building. Fiberized asphalt panels also work great on this style of barn. They are made with recycled asphalt so they make a great eco-friendly solution for roofing. The corrugations add to the traditional look of your barn.
Step Six
Hang your doors and install your windows. Hanging your doors is easy. You simply bolt your track and hardware in place. Then simply slide your doors rollers into the track. Install the end blocks and your done. Windows are easy to. All you need to do is cut the rough opening, frame with 2×6's and install your window in the frame. Then trim the windows with some 1×3 battens. The great thing about a post and beam barn is that you can put windows almost anywhere. No need to add headers, a timber frame is self supporting. It does not rely on the walls for support.
Step Seven
Build your loft and stairs. Nail your loft joists 16 inches on center. Then cover them with 1×8 loft decking and nail it in place. Now build your stairs. Cut notches in your 2×10 stringers and nail 2×10 treads in place.
Step Eight
Enjoy your barn and celebrate. Invite friends and family over for a good old fashioned barn rising party. Take lots of pictures and share them with your friends. Upload your pictures and share your story with the world on the web.