How to Build Horse Pole Barns

Pole barns are a functional, attractive addition to any landowners property. They are economical to build, and if done properly, can last for a lifetime. The materials needed for a pole barn are not as expensive or as difficult to come by as for standard barns. Constructing a pole barn can be a real bonus to livestock or land owners.

Things You'll Need

  • Poles
  • 2-by-4's
  • 4-by-4's
  • Concrete
  • Post hole digger or auger
  • Nails
  • Wire
  • Screws
  • Metal siding
  • Roofing nails
  • Hammer
  • Wire cutters
  • Saw
  • Measuring tape
  • Spray paint
  • Level
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your pole barn and mark the corners with the spray paint. You will also need to mark each brace point with spray paint as well. You will need a brace post every 12 feet for support.

    • 2

      Using your post hole digger or auger, dig your holes to a depth of 24 inches minimum and place your 4 by 4 posts into them. The 4 by 4 posts will need to be at least ten feet in height to make a comfortable room for your horse to stand in.

    • 3

      Mix your concrete and pour it into the holes with the posts in them. Use a level to make sure your posts are straight and allow them to set for 72 hours.

    • 4

      Create a frame for your building using the 2 by 4's. Use a bottom board, a middle board, and a top board from each corner post to corner post, or to brace posts if they are in between. Nail these frame boards in very securely.

    • 5

      Apply your poles to the outside of your frame. Stand the poles upright, and nail and wire them onto your frame. You want them close together, touching; like siding. You want to secure them at the bottom, middle, and top. Make sure they are all the same length at the top.

    • 6

      Create a frame for your roof using the 2 by 4 pieces of lumber. You want a board at the front, a middle board, and a board at the rear at the bare minimum. Boards between will add structural soundness.

    • 7

      Roof your pole barn using the metal siding pieces. Overlap them slightly to increase waterproofing and use the roofing nails to secure the siding pieces to each other. Use nails and screws to secure the siding to the framework.