Size and Design Research Planning

When planning the construction of a pole barn, one of the crucial initial steps is determining the appropriate size and design to meet your needs. This process involves several key considerations:

1. Purpose and Usage:
   • Agricultural Storage: For storing equipment, hay, or livestock, consider the space required for each item or animal and future growth.
   • Workshop: Determine the space needed for machinery, workbenches, and storage of tools and materials.
   • Garage: Plan for the number and size of vehicles, including additional space for maintenance work and storage.
   • Residential or Office Space: Consider the number of rooms, living spaces, and additional facilities like bathrooms or kitchens.
2. Space Requirements – Width, Length, and Height. Calculating Dimensions:

• Width: Determine the necessary width based on the equipment, vehicles, or livestock to be accommodated. For instance, if you plan to store agricultural machinery, measure the widest piece of equipment and add extra space for maneuverability and walkways.
  • Standard Recommendations: For a single-car garage, a width of at least 12 feet is recommended, while a two-car garage might need at least 24 feet. For larger equipment, widths can range from 30 to 60 feet or more.
• Length: The length should account for the number and size of items to be stored end-to-end, as well as any additional work or storage space needed.
  • Standard Recommendations: A single-car garage typically needs a length of about 20-24 feet. For a workshop or storage area, consider the dimensions of each item and add space for walkways and workspaces.
• Height: Height is crucial for accommodating tall equipment, vehicles, or livestock. Ensure there is enough clearance for the tallest item, including considerations for door height.
  • Standard Recommendations: Standard heights range from 12 to 16 feet for general storage, but if you need to house large machinery or RVs, you might require heights of 18 feet or more.

3. Allowances for Walkways and Accessibility:

• Walkways: Provide sufficient space for safe and easy movement around stored items. A typical walkway should be at least 3-4 feet wide.
• Accessibility: Ensure that there is adequate space for loading and unloading equipment or livestock, and consider the turning radius for vehicles.

4. Garage Door Selection Relative to Height

• Choosing Garage Door Size:
• Height Considerations: The height of the garage door must accommodate the tallest vehicle or equipment that will pass through it. Standard garage door heights are typically 7 to 8 feet, but doors for larger vehicles such as RVs or trucks may need to be 10 to 14 feet tall.
  • Standard Heights:
    • Residential garages: 7-8 feet.
    • RV or large vehicle garages: 10-14 feet.
  • Width Considerations: The width of the door should also match the width of the vehicles or equipment. Standard widths range from 8 to 18 feet, with wider doors available for multiple vehicles or large equipment.
    • Standard Widths:
      • Single-car garage: 8-10 feet.
      • Double-car garage: 16-18 feet.

5. Door Type and Operation:

• Roll-up Doors: Ideal for tall openings, roll-up doors coil into a compact roll above the opening, requiring minimal ceiling space.
• Sectional Doors: Comprising several horizontal panels, sectional doors slide up and overhead on tracks, which may require more ceiling space but provide a tight seal.
• Sliding Doors: Suitable for wide openings, sliding doors move sideways on a track and can be used where ceiling height is limited.

6. Ensuring Proper Clearance:

• Ceiling Height: Ensure the ceiling height inside the barn accommodates the full height of the open garage door. This typically requires additional clearance above the door height.
  • Example: For a 12-foot-high door, the ceiling height should be at least 14-15 feet to allow for the door and its opening mechanism.
• Door Tracks and Mechanisms: Consider the space needed for the door tracks and opening mechanisms. High-lift tracks can be used to raise the door tracks closer to the ceiling, maximizing vertical space.

7. Clear Span Needs – Open, Column-Free Space:

• Definition: A clear span refers to an open, column-free space within the structure. This is particularly important for activities requiring unobstructed space, such as workshops, arenas, or large storage areas.
• Benefits: Clear spans provide flexibility in the layout and use of the interior space, allowing for easier movement and rearrangement of stored items or equipment.
• Structural Considerations: Achieving a clear span often requires specific construction techniques, such as using trusses or engineered steel frames. The choice of materials and design will impact the maximum feasible clear span.
  • Typical Clear Span Ranges: Wood pole barns can often achieve clear spans of up to 80 feet, while steel pole barns can span even wider, sometimes over 100 feet, depending on the design.

8. Future Expansion – Planning for Expansion:

• Modular Designs: Consider a modular design that allows for easy addition of new sections or bays. This involves designing the initial structure with future expansion in mind, such as placing doors and windows in locations that will not impede future growth.
  • Example: If you build an initial structure of 40×60 feet, design it so you can easily add another 20 feet to the length when needed.
• Additional Bays: Plan for the addition of extra bays alongside the original structure. This is especially useful for barns used as garages or storage units.
  • Example: Constructing a barn with a design that allows for the easy addition of extra bays can enable the structure to grow from a two-bay garage to a four-bay garage as the need arises.

9. Considerations for Future Expansion:

• Foundation and Structural Integrity: Ensure the initial foundation and structural design can support future expansions. This might involve reinforcing certain areas or leaving provisions for future connections.
• Zoning and Permits: Be aware of local zoning laws and permits required for expansions. Plan the initial build with these regulations in mind to avoid complications later.
• Utility Connections: Plan utility connections (electricity, water, etc.) with future expansion in mind. This might include installing additional capacity or strategically placing connections for easy extension.

By carefully considering these space requirements and future expansion possibilities, you can design a pole barn that not only meets your immediate needs but also provides the flexibility to grow and adapt over time. This forward-thinking approach will help ensure your investment remains functional and valuable for many years.