How to Build a Wooden Barn From Scratch

As a farmer, you are used to doing almost everything yourself. Thus, when it comes time to build a new wooden barn, you know you are up to the challenge. Rather than pay someone else thousands of dollars, you can get the supplies you need and avoid those expensive labor costs. If you’re ready to get started building your new wooden barn from scratch, here are some tips you should keep in mind.

Pick the Right Spot

First and foremost, pick the best possible spot for your barn. If you want it to have plumbing and electricity, try locating it as close as you can to existing power and water lines. Also try to find a place that is flat and contains very little debris, since this will save you the trouble of having to clear rocks, limbs, and other things from the spot. Finally, make sure you know your locality’s building codes, since you don’t want to build a new barn, only to find out you’ll have to tear it down and start over.

Consider Using a Kit

Unless you have something very unique in mind for your new barn, consider using a timber frame kit. An excellent way to make building your barn easier while also keeping down your costs, timber frame kits for barns are available in many designs, styles, and sizes, meaning it shouldn’t be hard to find one you like.

Get a Good Deal on Your Wood

While your barn’s wood will already be cut to size and shape with a kit, this won’t be the case if you’re making this a true DIY project. Therefore, you’ll need to work with a lumber dealer who will give you a good deal on the wood for your building project. When buying your lumber, make sure you have all the details needed regarding your barn’s dimensions. Otherwise, you may come up short on the amount of wood you’ll need.

Lay the Foundation

Your barn can have a concrete foundation, wood joists, or simply a dirt floor as its base. Whichever you choose, begin by framing out the area, which will be especially important if you will be pouring concrete. Should your barn’s spot have different elevations, remember to rent a skid steer so you can quickly and easily remove any excess dirt from the building site.

Though it sounds hard initially, you’re likely to find building a wooden barn from scratch is much easier than you anticipated. Before you know it, you’ll have a new barn that you’re showing off to family and friends.