How to Design a Cart Barn

Designing a barn from scratch is daunting, but with research and some free downloadable tools, a quality product is achievable. Adapting an existing plan is the easiest route. Many blueprints are available online. If you can reduce the complexity of the task because a more experienced person has already drawn up similar plans, then take advantage of it. Take time to consult other barn builders and to think through your requirements. Play around with rough sketches before creating your final design using computer-aided design software. (See References 2, 3, 4 and Resources)

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pen/pencils
  • Ruler
  • CAD architectural or engineering drawing software (optional)
Show More

Instructions

  1. Considerations

    • 1

      List your requirements. Decide whether you will be housing one cart or several, whether you require a second storey or a double-pitched roof with a ridge, or a single sloped roof. (See References 1, 2, 3)

    • 2

      Check local building codes. Verify what permits are needed. (See References 2,3)

    • 3

      Consider the size and nature of the available site, prevailing wind direction and wind strength (these may affect door placement) and choice of materials. Align the barn along a north-south axis if possible, with the north end free of apertures. (See References 1, 2, 3, 4)

    • 4

      Establish a budget. Take into account that pitched roofs are more complex and require more parts than simple sloping roofs. Free-standing barns with doors are more expensive than three-sided, open-fronted barns. Designing a lean-to against an existing building will simplify the task and reduce the budget. (See Reference 3)

    • 5

      Ascertain the height, length and width of the cart(s) to be housed. Determine from these measurements the clearance height of any internal floors and the minimum door size. (See Reference 1)

    • 6

      Select your preferred building materials The most common choices are either a timber or steel frame covered in corrugated metal sheeting or wood siding. Consult builders and farmers for design and construction recommendations. Choose roofing materials to suit your requirements and budget. Clear corrugated PVC or polycarbonate will admit light, asphalt roofing felt is inexpensive and quick, and shingles are time-consuming and expensive but aesthetically pleasing. (See References 2, 3, 6)

    Design

    • 7

      Study pictures and plans of similar barns. The 'free barn plan directory' at http://www.barnplan.com/ gives a range of free, downloadable plans. Use the pages at BGS Plan Company (http://www.bgsplanco.com/ag_barns.cfm). Submit your requirements, and the application will suggest designs. Study the range of barn drawings and pick out the features you like. (See References 2, 4, 5)

    • 8

      Mark out on site the proposed outline of the barn. Drive in stakes at each of the corners and connect with strings, giving a rectangular 'footprint'. Use this visualization to help make decisions about the placement of access doors and drainage. Run another string down the middle of the proposed outline. Support for the roof will be needed at this point in most designs. Check whether this leaves sufficient access for the cart(s). Retain more open space by using a central steel post with girders in place of a load-bearing dividing wall. (See Reference 2)

    • 9

      Once you have finalized your design, use CAD software to transform your sketches into accurate architectural drawings. Alternatively, use the ready-made Autocad-designed blueprints for basic barn shells provided at http://www.barnplans.com/. Customize the basic shell provided with an interior to fit your purpose. (See Reference 5)