What is a Pole Shed and How Do I Build One?

!±8± What is a Pole Shed and How Do I Build One?

Pole barn design differs markedly from normal shed design in that it does not have traditional foundations. Instead it has a very simple and quick method of putting foundations in place.

The area to be covered by the pole barn is measured out and marked out on the ground. Careful measurement is important to ensure that the pole shed is the correct configuration - for a square or rectangular shaped pole barn each corner should line up at 90 degrees to the other two posts it is aligned to.

It is a very good idea to purchase some professional pole barn plans to ensure that you get everything right. Most plans also come with a very details 'how to' guide, which gives you step by step instructions on how to build your barn or shed. Expect to pay under for these. Professional plans will also ensure that you are able to calculate accurately exactly how much timber, Post Crete, nails, etc you will need in advance. You can also buy a pole barn kit, but these tend to be expensive and if you have just a modicum of woodworking skill you can definately make your own and save yourself plenty of money.

Holes are dug deep enough to avoid frost penetration in the winter - this obviously varies in different parts of the world. Once the holes are dug to the correct depth the posts are put in place and supported so as to be perfectly vertical from all angles and this attitude is maintained by means of temporary props attached to the main posts. Normally concrete is poured into the holes to hold the post securely in place and this can hold up the rest of the project as depending on prevailing weather conditions the concrete can take up to 24 hours to go off.

However modern technology provides a quick setting solution with products such as Post Crete that is poured in its powdered form directly into the post holes. Water is added until the Post Crete is completely. A chemical reaction takes place as the water mixes with the Post Crete which means that the mix goes off in just 10 to 20 minutes meaning the build can continue virtually uninterrupted.

The body of the pole shed is now erected around the securely grounded posts. For larger pole sheds posts are added down the four sides of the pole shed to ensure that there is enough rigidity and strength in the framework to support the walls and roof.

Pole Shed Floor

Because the pole shed is not build on traditional foundations there is no need to put in a floor and the dirt base can be left with provision for a gravel, wood or tiled floor to be added if desired when funds are available.

Pole Shed Roof

Any type of roof can be used for a pole shed. The quickest and cheapest option is to use is the pent roof design. This is a single slope roof which normally slopes from front to back. If you construct this type of roof ensure that you leave a decent overhang at the lower end (back) of the roof so that rain water does not run down the inside of pole shed.

A gable roof can also be used on a pole shed. A gamble roof is the traditional house roof sloping down two sides from the apex which runs down the centre of the structure.

Other roof types used on pole sheds are hip roof, gambrel roof and salt box roof.

A huge benefit of constructing a pole shed is that areas inside can be left totally open whilst other areas can be fully enclosed. This allows the owner to have different projects working in different areas of the pole shed, with one area secured to enable tools and equipment to be safely stored.

Another great advantage of building a pole shed is the great saving in the cost of building. Rough cut timber can be used for the poles and roof assembly. Further savings can be achieved by building the pole shed yourself. This is easily within the grasp of the averagely skilled do-it-yourself enthusiast because of the simple design of the pole shed.

You do not need to limit yourself to purely wood or tin clad pole sheds either. How about visiting you local conservatory dealer to see if he has any old carcasses from conservatories that they have replaced with new structures. One can very easily fashion a pole shed 'greenhouse' from one of these redundant structures. Don't forget to negotiate for the parts you need - in fact depending upon where you live in world you may well get them free of charge as the conservatory company will have to pay the local authority to dispose of them.