Barn Construction Techniques - Take Your Pick

There are many different ways and techniques inAnother popular technique is the pole barn. This is
which barn construction can be done. Thesea building with poles fixed in the ground for
depend on the availability of materials, the use tosupporting the walls, roof and floor framing.
which the building is put, the spending capacity ofUsually, these types of buildings have a gravel or
the builder, ethnicity of the builder, and the localdirt floor, but a concrete floor can be added
geographical conditions. Some of the main typeseither before or after the construction of the
of construction techniques include the post andmain building.
beam, the pole, the western barn garage, theIt is one of the easiest and most inexpensive
monitor and modern barns.building construction techniques in the world. It is
You would have to choose the most appropriatevery popular as an agricultural storage building and
one from these different techniques depending onalso as a mainstream method in many developing
your resources, needs and budget. Let us brieflycountries.
examine some of the major techniques.Combined with modern materials, present day
Post and Beampole barns have been made much tougher and
A post and beam type of construction can beversatile than their predecessors.
said to be the strongest and best of theThe Western Barn Garage
techniques. This construction technique is centuriesThe western barn garage is usually larger than
old. Buildings built over a hundred years ago usingsimilar buildings, and is popular with farmers with
this technique are still existing. This type oflarge livestock herds. This is because they require
construction involves using a framework ofa large storage space for hay and grain, which
vertical timbers called posts and horizontal timbersthese buildings provide. Besides storage space,
called beams. The framework pieces are joinedlivestock can also be kept in them. A typical
by mortise and tenon joints. It is visually appealingfeature of a western garage is the large peak
and has a solid appearance.roof which reaches almost to the ground, creating
This construction allows the use of full pieces ofadequate space.
wood instead of plywood or simple two by fours.The Monitor
This makes the structure much stiffer comparedAmong the other techniques is the monitor barn
to the ones made using basic house buildingwhich comprises of a wooden building with a
techniques. Due to this, it is especially suited toraised ceiling in the middle which is used for
making large buildings like a barn.sheltering horses and other livestock. The raised
Another advantage of a post and beam type ofceiling is used as a hayloft or for storing other
building is that it allows optimum utilization ofequipments.
existing space to create a structure tailor madeModern
to your needs. Your building would not onlyIn many modern barns, steel is usually used as
exceed specifications, but also provides you withmaterial, as against wood.
ample room to shelter your horses, tack andAfter having considered your needs and
supplies without constricting space.resources, you can choose an appropriate method
A post and beam structure is also of thefrom the different construction techniques. By
traditional style and has got an intangible qualityusing plans prepared by experts, you can
which horse lovers look for. This is also probablyconstruct your own barn thus saving a lot on
one of the reasons for its popularity.costs, too.
Pole Barn