There are a number of factors that you should consider before beginning your pole barn/post-frame project. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Do you have adequate space on your property for the type of building that you are considering?
2. Is the location of the barn going to be easily accessible? Will it be effected by standing water?
3. What will the building be used for? This will help determine the proper interior structure of the building.
4. What style of barn do you require? Storage, Agricultural, Equestrian, etc.
5. Would you prefer a certain look? Standard Gable, Monitor Barn, Gambrel Roof, etc.

How Big Should It Be?

Like any other construction project you need to know what size of a building you are looking to build before you can proceed with options, etc. You can narrow down the options by first determining what the pole barn will be used for. Wil it be used for:

• Agricultural
• Equestrian Arenas
• Equestrian Stables
• Storage or Shop Space
• Open Air Pavilion

Agricultural

Take into consideration what is being stored and what the space is being used for. For heavy equipment you need to make sure that you plan appropriately for tall, wide doors. Plan on at least your minimum height and width requirements to accomodate your current or upcoming machinery, but don't forget to plan for future machinery which may require additional building height and doorway opening space.

If you plan on storing chemicals, such as fertilizers, plan on including interior walls on your building in a couple of areas to separate the chemicals from the steel and/or insulation.

Equestrian Arenas

A wide open, clear span is the best choice for arenas. Common arenas start at between 40' and 60' wide and 100' deep with a ceiling height of at least 14'. If you only have enough room for one building on your property, consider adding stables to the side or end of your arena. This will afford you the most benefit from your design and space, as well as save you the expense of an additional structure.

Some arenas include a tack room or an area for sitting and watching the riders. Take these options into careful consideration before you begin your building.

Equestrian Stables

One of the most common sizes of Equestrian Stable barn is a 36' x 48' design. This size affords ample space for a center aisle, tack room, wash station and anywhere from 1 to 4 12' x 12' stables.

Center aisle design allows for additional space to clean or saddle a horse without taking them outdoors. It also provides enough space to separate the cleaning station, tack room and hay storage from the boarding stables.

Storage or Shop Space

Storage barns and shops vary greatly in size based on actual need. If you are planning on storing a lot of items and allowing yourself work space in the same building, you may consider setting aside over 60% of the building for storage.

If your primary goal is to have a lot of shop space, what type of shop will you be operating? Is it for personal crafts, motor vehicle repair or other machinery maintenance? Take all of these options into consideration as you lay out your new shop.

Open Air Pavilions

Whether you are planning to use your pavilion as an open air or recreational shelter, or you are planning to use it for storage for hay or other items that you need to shelter from the harsher elements take size into consideration. Just because the size you originally have in mind may seem large enough now. Is it big enough to compensate for future needs or growth?