| Here is a simple and cost effective solution if you do | | | | then a concrete floor is best. Wooden floors are also |
| not have a garage or extra storage space. It is | | | | used sometimes. Your plans will guide you in the |
| building yourself an old style pole barn with the help | | | | selection of the best floor. |
| of plans. You may use this to house your vehicles, | | | | You have to take care of a few points while making |
| small tractor, garden equipments and tools. | | | | an old style building with the help of plans. If you use |
| The origins of the old style pole barns are in the | | | | metal sheets in your construction, it is very important |
| Great Depression of the 1930s. In those difficult | | | | that you truss or fasten them at each stage. If you |
| times, farmers used items such as telephone poles | | | | do not truss them properly, it will lead to a loose |
| and corrugated steel to build inexpensive and durable | | | | overall structure. |
| structures for their farms. Many of these structures | | | | As far as the roof is concerned metal is very popular. |
| were created out of utility poles, and thus the name | | | | It is not only cheaper than wood, but also lasts |
| 'pole barn' came to be used. They are in use even | | | | longer. While building the roof, you have to ensure |
| today due to their versatile nature. You, too, can | | | | that you do not build it too high, or else it will wear |
| make your own old style barn with the help of plans | | | | out quickly. Good plans will provide more information |
| prepared by experts. | | | | regarding this. |
| Old style pole barns are economical alternatives to | | | | The building exteriors are usually made of galvanized |
| more expensive constructions. If due care is taken in | | | | metal which is weather resistant. Electricity is |
| their construction with the help of plans, they are not | | | | common in most of these buildings. Running water |
| only inexpensive, but also fulfill all of the basic needs | | | | and heat, on the other hand, are options. Concrete |
| of more expensive buildings. They are usually made | | | | floors are mostly used nowadays. The main entrance |
| of wood and sheet metal, and function as an | | | | is usually made of a large sliding door, for the |
| effective place for storage and as a shelter for | | | | convenience of farm equipment and large vehicles. A |
| livestock. | | | | side entry door is also common. |
| Let us see now how this old style building is | | | | While choosing a location for your old style pole barn, |
| constructed. These are the basic steps involved, and | | | | it is best to select a high ground area. This will ensure |
| you can get more detailed instructions from good | | | | that water does not collect inside, and the building |
| plans. The poles used in the construction are the | | | | and the equipments kept inside are safe and dry. |
| same as the ones used for telephones. They are | | | | In the olden days, neighbors also used to join in the |
| tapered at one end and are treated to prevent rot. | | | | old style barn construction process, sharing the meals |
| The holes for the building are dug at the appropriate | | | | and having fun in the process. You may try to |
| distances, and the poles are placed directly in the | | | | recreate this by inviting your family, friends and |
| ground. Horizontal nailers are fastened to them, and | | | | neighbors to join you in the construction work, |
| sheet metal or any other suitable material is nailed to | | | | carefully following plans. This will also make the work |
| the sides. The roof is then constructed. Good plans | | | | fun and easier. |
| will give you step by step instructions regarding the | | | | Old style pole barns are relatively easier to build than |
| construction, with the list of materials required as well | | | | other barns and buildings. They are also less |
| as illustrations. | | | | expensive compared to other barns, and you can |
| Dirt floor is common for old style constructions, | | | | save much more by building them yourself with the |
| especially if used for housing livestock. However, if it | | | | help of plans. |
| is to be used as a garage or for storage purposes, | | | | |