Barn Construction Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with some common barn construction terms

When building a barn, either by yourself or through a contractor, it's essential to know some common terms. You want to get more bang for your buck without anyone taking advantage of your business. If you go with a custom design, then you should familiarize yourself with elements of a barn that might be appealing, such as exposed beams or a large tack room. Plus, you should know the difference between a pole barn and one that comes preconstructed.

Pole barns

Pole barns follow a basic stick frame and are one of the main types of barns that you can have constructed. Used as housing for numerous animal species, such as pigs, cows, horses and poultry, pole barns can be an economical option.

Steel barns

Steel barns are another common type of barn construction. Typically built more quickly, these barns can be an environmentally-friendly option because many of the pieces of material come from recycled metal scraps.

Pre-engineered barn kits

If you want to have all items for your barn in one complete package, then you might want to look into pre-engineered barn kits. Oftentimes these kits come pre-assembled, with blueprints and many of the items needed to build the barn. If you want a basic building, then this might be a viable option.

Beams

Beams are structural elements of a barn used to withhold immense pressure. They are placed near the roofline and hold the entire structure together. They are also categorized by their shape, length and material. Two of the more common types of beams are support beams and I-beams, which are so named because they have an I or H shape when viewed end-to-end.

Joinery

When constructing a barn, there are numerous ways to connect, or join, all the pieces. Post joinery is the most common and basic joint used in timber framing. But kneebrace joinery can provide extra support. These are just two of the types of joinery used; there are eight others that you should become familiar with to find the best fit for your barn.

Tack rooms

A tack room is a place where horse-related gear and equipment can be stored. Adding tack rooms to your barn is a must-have if you plan on using your barn for horses. Determine the size you need before you begin construction; some people require more size than others.

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