Building a pole barn uses one of the oldest and simplest types of construction.
This is referred to as post and beam construction.
It is also very strong in its simplicity.
Construction begins with using string lines to establish the perimeter of the barn.
Once the string lines are in place, measure along the lines to determine the location of the posts.
You will then need to dig a hole at each of the post locations.
A power auger makes this difficult job a bit easier.
If you live in an area where the ground freezes in winter, the holes must be deeper than the local frost line.
After completing the holes, stand a post in each hole using the string lines to place them accurately and brace solid.
You will now need to fill each hole with concrete.
You can either purchase bags of concrete mix that you blend with water or order redi-mix concrete that will be delivered in a truck to speed up this process.
The next step is to begin placing the horizontal members, called purlins, on the posts.
The purlins are attached to the outer face of the posts and spaced evenly to the top.
At this point you can frame in any window and door openings you need.
After all the purlins are in place, you can begin setting the roof trusses.
Depending on the size of your barn and the height of the roof, a crane may be necessary to complete this part of the construction.
The roof should now be completed by applying the sheathing and shingles.
The final step in the construction of your pole barn is to install the windows and doors and attach the siding to the exterior of the purlins.
The main reason this type of construction is used for barns, is that by simply increasing the sizes of all the posts and beams, you can increase the overall size of the barn.
Strength in simplicity.