How to Build a Barn for Cows

To build a pole barn, you need basic skills, lumber and tools. Pole barns do not need a foundation, and floors and walls are your choice to add on.

Things You'll Need

  • Barn kit
  • 8 pieces lumber
  • Plywood sheets
  • Posts, at least 8 feet long
  • Shovel
  • Sledgehammer
  • Straight nails
  • Roofing nails
  • Level
  • Saw
  • Electric drill
  • Concrete
  • Gravel
  • Sliding doors
  • Stakes
  • 2 x 4 braces
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a flat area on your property to build on. The area must allow the water to run outside the barn.

    • 2

      Find your space for the postholes and mark them with stakes. Pole barns are typically built with 8-foot sections ranging in size from 8 to 16 feet by 24 to 40 feet.

    • 3

      Dig the holes where you are going to place the posts. Holes should be dug about 18 inches deep. There should be about 2 to 10 inches between each hole.

    • 4

      Place the posts in the four corners securely. Pour the concrete in the holes one by one and let it dry thoroughly overnight. Pour gravel in each hole about 6 inches more for drainage. Check that each is level.

    • 5

      Lay the posts for the walls using 2 x 4 braces. Use the same process for the corner posts. Check the level of all posts.

    • 6

      Put the roof truss in place and mount the roof. Trussing is important for support at each level. Use roofing nails with a hammer. Lay the materials on top of each other for a horizontal hold.